William Fèvre : Chablis Grand cru "Bougros Côte Bouguerots" Domaine 2018

Tasting characteristics and advice for the Chablis Grand Cru "Bougros Côte Bouguerots" Domaine 2018 from William Fèvre

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a bright pale gold hue with crystalline highlights, characteristic of Chablis’ great white wines.

Nose

The nose opens with a refined, vibrant expression, revealing aromas of fresh citrus, hazelnut, and stone fruits. With aeration, the bouquet evolves toward notes of white flowers and vine peach, accompanied by a distinctive saline minerality evoking chalk and iodine.

Palate

On the palate, this 2018 Chablis charms with its crystalline freshness and creamy texture. The attack is lively and energetic, driven by a fine mineral acidity that structures the whole. The palate reveals citrus flavors—especially mandarin and lemon—lifted by a signature mineral tension. The finish is long and vibrant, lingering on notes of fresh lemon zest and chalk, leaving a mouthwatering, thirst-quenching sensation.

Food and wine pairings

This 2018 Chablis pairs perfectly with fresh oysters, seafood, and shellfish. It also elegantly accompanies grilled white fish or fish in a light sauce, pan-seared scallops with butter, as well as fresh or semi-aged goat cheeses. Also ideal as an aperitif, served chilled between 10 and 12 °C.

Serving and cellaring

This 2018 Chablis can be enjoyed now but offers cellaring potential of around ten years, during which it will continue to develop aromatic complexity. A short decant of about 15 minutes helps fully release its delicate aromas. Serve at a temperature between 10 and 12 °C to appreciate all its freshness and minerality.

A precise Chablis with a silky mouthfeel

The estate

Founded in 1959, the William Fèvre Estate is today one of the largest properties in Chablis, with 70 hectares spread across more than 90 plots. The largest owner of Grands Crus in the appellation, with 15.2 hectares, the estate has been managed since 1998 by Didier Séguier. Since January 2024, the property has belonged to Domaines Barons de Rothschild (DBR) Lafite. A pioneer in environmental practices, the estate obtained Haute Valeur Environnementale certification in 2015 and completed its full organic conversion in 2023. The estate’s philosophy is based on a pure expression of Kimmeridgian terroir and a non-interventionist approach in the cellar.

The vineyard

This Chablis 2018 comes from 48 hectares of vines averaging 50 years of age, planted mainly near Premier Cru vineyards. The plots rest on the appellation’s characteristic Kimmeridgian terroir, composed of marls and marly limestones dating from the Upper Jurassic. This unique geological substrate, rich in marine fossils, gives the wine its distinctive saline minerality and crystalline freshness. The vines stretch across the steep, stony slopes bordering the Serein River, benefiting from optimal exposure and natural drainage that encourages concentration in the grapes.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage stands out as an exceptional year for Chablis, described as a true gift of nature after two consecutive years marked by climatic challenges. The vine began its growing season early, maintaining this head start throughout the vegetative cycle. Spring frosts—a recurring scourge in Chablis—spared the vines in 2018. After a hot, dry summer, September revealed one of the best vintages in twenty years. The impeccable health of the vines allowed winegrowers to work with peace of mind, choosing which plots to harvest solely according to optimal grape ripeness. The musts proved clean and flawless, with body, fruit, and harmonious fermentations.

Winemaking and aging

The 2018 Chablis harvest was carried out by hand in small crates, with rigorous selective sorting of the grapes. Winemaking is conducted using gravity flow, minimizing mechanical stress on the grapes and musts. This Burgundian estate favors a non-interventionist approach, tailored to each plot and the particular characteristics of the vintage. Aging takes place in seasoned oak barrels averaging six years of age, preserving Chablis’ signature mineral freshness while adding subtle complexity. This method avoids the dominance of new oak and allows the purity of the Kimmeridgian terroir to fully shine through.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay