2023 William Fevre Vaillons Chablis Premier Cru Magnum 1.5L, Burgundy

Sourced from a sunny, precocious site that is typically among the first to be harvested, the 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons delivers aromas of beeswax, orange oil, pear and honeysuckle. Full-bodied, enveloping and charming, it is underpinned by ripe yet vibrant acidity and concludes with a saline finish, reflecting the personality of the warm vintage. The wine is derived from 3.5 hectares, the majority of which lies within Vaillons proper.

92+ points Robert Parker

Overall a yield of 12hl/ha, though with differences: 30 hl/ha in Mélinots, but the other end of the valley was badly hailed. A little more flesh alongside the classical style. The usual chalky stony character through the mouth, with a dancing finish, pure elegance and some persistence. Drink from 2028-2031. Tasted Jul 2025.

90-92 points Jasper Morris MW Inside Burgundy

From a collection of parcels across the renowned Vaillons climat on Chablis’ left bank, William Fèvre Vaillons Premier Cru offers a slightly more generous, open expression of this classic terroir. Domaine William Fèvre, a benchmark in Chablis, is known for its meticulous vineyard work and restrained winemaking, allowing the Kimmeridgian limestone soils to define the wine. Vaillons, with its mix of exposures and soils, often delivers a balance of richness and mineral precision.

A pale lemon hue with bright green flashes shimmers in the glass. Aromas unfold with ripe citrus, white peach and green apple layered with white flowers, oyster shell and a subtle flinty edge. There is a touch more breadth here, yet still beautifully composed.

The palate is dry and finely textured, delivering citrus and orchard fruit flavours framed by vibrant acidity and a firm mineral line. Notes of lemon curd, saline freshness and gentle almond nuance build through the mid palate, leading to a long, balanced finish that feels both expressive and precise. This Premier Cru will age gracefully over eight to twelve years, developing added depth, toast and savoury complexity.

Seared scallops with a squeeze of lemon, tempura zucchini flowers, or a delicate sashimi platter shared slowly. A late evening pairing of Mozart’s piano concertos or something equally bright and fluid, the wine carrying that same sense of elegance, movement and quiet refinement.