2024 Alain et Cyril Gautheron 1er Cru Vaillons Chablis, Burgundy

Mélinots survived, Sécher and Epinottes were badly hailed. 25% wood. Very much a Left Bank style, pure fresh white fruit with all the energy coming from the stones and the oyster shells, slightly more the former in Vaillons. Drink from 2028-2032. Tasted Jun 2025.

90-92 points Jasper Morris MW Inside Burgundy

For generations, the Gautheron family has been rooted in the heart of Chablis, farming some of the region's most prized vineyards. Today, Alain and Cyril Gautheron continue that legacy, producing wines that capture the purity and precision for which Chablis is renowned. Their approach is refreshingly traditional, allowing the character of each vineyard to shine through while preserving the unmistakable influence of Chablis' ancient Kimmeridgian limestone soils.

Vaillons is one of Chablis' most respected Premier Cru sites, situated on the left bank of the Serein River. Its south and southeast facing slopes provide excellent sun exposure while maintaining the cool climate freshness that defines the appellation. The combination of limestone rich soils and careful vineyard management produces Chardonnay with both generosity and minerality, making Vaillons one of the most consistently admired Premier Cru vineyards in the region.

Pale gold with brilliant green highlights, the wine opens with aromas of lemon zest, white peach and green apple layered with white flowers, oyster shell and crushed stone. There is an immediate sense of freshness and energy. The palate is beautifully concentrated yet finely balanced, revealing flavours of citrus, nectarine and ripe pear woven through a core of chalky minerality. A subtle saline character adds complexity, while vibrant acidity provides drive and tension. The finish is long, focused and exceptionally pure, lingering with notes of lemon, wet stone and sea spray.

This is classic Chablis at the table, pairing beautifully with freshly shucked oysters, grilled king prawns, seared scallops, steamed blue swimmer crab or a delicate goat's cheese tart. The wine already offers immense pleasure but has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next eight to twelve years, developing greater complexity while retaining its hallmark freshness.