William Fèvre : Chablis 1er cru "Vaulorent" Domaine 2023

The Vaulorent from Fèvre is more mineral than its Montée de Tonnerre, if a bit less lush, with aromas of lime peel, mirabelle plum, and passion fruit. The texture is chiselled and concentrated, with layers of tightly wound extract and a dense, chalky finish. The grapes come from 3.6ha in Vaulorent, which is part of Fourchaume but located on the side of the grands crus. Winemaker Didier Séguier selects his favourite blocks for this bottling and crafts a ‘classic’ Fourchaume from the rest. Fermentation is carried out in older casks for 40–50% of the grapes.

Cask/tank sample. Crystalline structure. But it tastes a little soft. (JR)

A bit more vertical than the more complete, rounder Fauchaume. This shows a touch of smoky, flinty stones with slightly crisper acidity. Lots of brightness with a saline, pithy finish. It challenges you a bit more with slightly more austerity perhaps. Drink or hold.