2023 William Fevre Chablis Premier Cru Les Lys, Burgundy

Sourced from a north-facing site beneath forest cover with clay-rich soils, a parcel selection in Vaillons, the 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys is among the most quintessentially Chablisien wines in the portfolio and is harvested around a week later than the fruit that enters the Vaillons bottling. It offers aromas of oyster juice, white flowers, lemon oil and Granny Smith apple, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, incisive and pure palate that is elegant yet racy and fresh, concluding with a long, saline finish.

93 points Kristaps Karklins robertparker.com

The 2023 Chablis Les Lys 1er Cru comes from a single hectare of vines. Lime, red apple and touches of orange pith and peach skin develop in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a taut line of acidity, silky smooth, very composed with a lot of f inesse on the finish. This is one of the domaine’s hidden gems and should not be under-estimated.

91-93 points Neal Martin vinous.com

Just three barrels made from one hectare. Pale in colour, with very little nose, a bit of soft white fruit. Seems innocuous at first but then much more concentration of pure white fruit with a little lemony note right at the finish. Drink from 2028-2031. Tasted Jul 2025.

89-91 points Jasper Morris MW insideburgundy.com

Tucked beside the famed Montée de Tonnerre slope, Les Lys is one of the smallest and most elegant Premier Cru sites in Chablis. Its steep hillside of Kimmeridgian limestone produces wines known for finesse, purity and striking mineral tension. Domaine William Fèvre has long been a leading name in Chablis, founded in 1959 and now holding an extraordinary collection of vineyards across the appellation, including some of its most prized Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites. Under the direction of winemaker Didier Séguier the estate focuses on careful vineyard work and restrained cellar practices so the character of each individual cru is clearly expressed.

The wine shows a pale gold colour with shimmering green reflections. Aromas lift delicately with lemon zest, green apple and white peach layered with white blossom, flint and a gentle oyster shell minerality. With time in the glass subtle hints of almond and brioche begin to emerge, adding complexity while maintaining freshness. The palate is vibrant and finely detailed with crisp acidity carrying flavours of citrus, orchard fruit and chalky limestone tension. Les Lys is known for its elegance and precision, finishing long, saline and beautifully balanced.

It will develop additional complexity over the next ten to fifteen years and pairs wonderfully with oysters, scallops, lobster, grilled fish or refined seafood dishes.