2025 Bernard Defaix Chablis Organic, Burgundy

Domaine Bernard Defaix is one of Chablis' most respected family estates, with the Defaix family cultivating vines in the region for generations. Today Didier and Sylvain Defaix continue that tradition with a strong commitment to organic viticulture, allowing the vineyards and their distinctive Kimmeridgian soils to speak with clarity. This organically farmed Chablis is a superb introduction to the domaine's style, combining purity, energy and unmistakable regional character.

The 2025 vintage brings youthful brightness and freshness, perfectly suited to classic Chablis. Careful vineyard work and restrained winemaking preserve the natural vitality of the fruit, while the region's ancient limestone and fossil-rich marl contribute the stony, saline edge that makes these wines so wonderfully distinctive.

Pale straw with green highlights, the bouquet opens with lemon zest, crisp green apple and white peach alongside white flowers, fresh herbs and crushed oyster shell. The palate is bright and mouthwatering, with citrus and orchard fruit carried by lively acidity and a cool mineral thread. Light on its feet yet beautifully textured, it finishes clean and refreshing with lemon peel, chalk and a delicious saline snap.

This is crying out for freshly shucked oysters, grilled prawns, sashimi, goat's cheese, fish tacos or a bowl of mussels with garlic and herbs. Serve well chilled, preferably somewhere sunny, and don't expect the bottle to hang around for long.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2032.