2018 Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis, Burgundy

Defaix’s Petit Chablis is drawn from a parcel of Kimmeridgian-based soil, unlike most Petit that generally comes from the lower-lying sites on Portlandian limestone. It’s not necessarily the type of limestone but more the location that makes the difference. Defaix’s small parcel is very well situated, high on the slopes of Milly. With juicy apple and stone fruit aromas and flavours, a pulpy texture and a vibrant, cool close, this is a wine ‘on the fruit’, as the French would say. It reflects both the depth of the vintage and the cool soils of the region. Outstanding value.

Smoky notes of mineral reduction, citrus rind and sea breeze introduce rich and relatively full-bodied flavors that possess excellent punch that also characterizes the clean, dry and citrusy finale. This too is very good for its level.