William Fevre Vaulorent 1er Cru 2018 (750ML)

95 DE /  94 WA / 93-95 VM / 92-94 BH

Sold at a higher price than the domaine's straight Fourchaume because it's 'more profound', according to Didier Séguier, this comes from a Premier Cru that often makes wines of Grand Cru quality. Subtly wooded, with mouthwatering salinity, this shows the dry extract and concentration that are features of the vintage complemented by creamy, pillowy lees.—Tim Atkin MW, Decanter

As usual, the 2018 Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent is one of the finest premiers crus in the cellar, delivering an incipiently complex bouquet of fresh peach, crisp green orchard fruit, dried white flowers, smoke and oyster shell. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and complete, it's layered and multidimensional, with fine depth at the core, racy acids and a long, penetrating finish.—William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

Note: from a huge 3.63 ha parcel out of only 17 ha and most of it is hard by Les Preuses. Séguier calls this their "baby grand cru" as specific barrels are selected for vine age, concentration and power

Tasting note: A much less expressive nose, indeed it is all but mute, requires aggressive swirling to eventually coax aromas of white orchard fruit, citrus blossom and seawater. The richer and slightly more powerful flavors also possess a sophisticated mouthfeel along with excellent depth and persistence on the balanced finale where a touch of youthful austerity slowly emerges. In a word, terrific. Sweet Spot. Outstanding. –Allen Meadows, Burghound