2023 William Fevre Bougros Cote de Bouguerots Chablis Grand Cru, Burgundy

Sourced from a site closer to the river, defined by a steep 40% gradient and cooler nights, the 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Côte Bouguerots is entirely different from the fleshy, muscular Bougros bottling. It offers aromas of lemon oil, oyster shell and white flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, it is taut and structured, with bright acidity, ample dry extract and a long finish. Stylistically, it recalls Les Preuses more than the usual Bougros archetype. Of the 2.2 hectares, 1.8 were planted in 1979, with the remainder in 2018.

95 points robertparker.com

The usual lime tint to the pale colour. Wonderfully chiselled, not seeing the sunshine here, just the vineyard. A burst of concentrated fruit through the middle, a pure kimmeridgian streak of energy, breadth and depth together, powerful all the way through. Drink from 2030-2040. Tasted Jun 2024.

93-95 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

At the very base of the Grand Cru hillside where the slope meets the Serein River lies Bougros Côte de Bouguerots, one of the most distinctive parcels within the Bougros Grand Cru. The steep site sits on deep layers of Kimmeridgian limestone and fossil rich marl that give the wines remarkable density and mineral intensity. Domaine William Fèvre is one of the great custodians of Chablis, founded in 1959 and today holding an extraordinary collection of Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. Winemaker Didier Séguier approaches this exceptional site with a light touch in the cellar, allowing the concentration of the fruit and the voice of the limestone soils to define the wine.

The colour is pale gold with brilliant reflections. Aromas unfold slowly with lemon zest, ripe pear and white peach layered with flint, oyster shell and delicate white flowers. As the wine breathes further notes of hazelnut, almond and subtle brioche begin to appear, adding complexity while preserving the wine’s precise character. The palate is powerful yet incredibly refined with vibrant acidity carrying flavours of citrus and orchard fruit across a dense mineral core. There is a remarkable sense of depth and tension that builds toward a long saline finish, a hallmark of this exceptional Grand Cru site.

Built for longevity, it will continue to develop beautifully for twenty years or more. It pairs superbly with lobster, scallops, turbot, oysters or refined seafood dishes.