Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis Premier Cru Cote de Lechet 2022
(Burgundy, France) - [JM 92-94] [BH 91-93] [DM 91]

The Domain:
Fourth generation from a family of vine-growers, Bernard Defaix started with 2 ha in 1959. From this period, a method to protect the vineyard against spring frost was discovered. Thanks to this, the vine-growers could be sure to have a minimum of harvest every year and so they began to develop stable trade markets.

Tasting Note:
A fine brilliant yellow colour. On the aromas, mineral notes are dominant combined with delicate touches of green apple and citrus fruit (lemon and grapefruit). The mouth is fresh and persistent.

About the Vineyard:
We cultivate 8 hectares of this Premier Cru located on the slopes of the village Milly and on the right backs of the river Serein. We are the biggest owners of this cru.

When some of the plots were planted, we found impressive fossils of Exogyra virgula that had been perfectly preserved. The remarkable stony and sunny soil is captured in this powerful and complex wine. It flourishes with age and expresses mineral aromas reminiscent of gunflint. The Côte de Lechet is indeed one of the Premiers Crus of the Chablisian vineyard with the most exceptional ageing potential.

To serve with fish or poultry, with white butter or cream sauces.

Ratings and Reviews:

92-94 Points - Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy:
"The Vieilles Vignes cuvee is treated to one third new wood. The oak shows in the rich, deep purple colour, and the youthful dark fruit intensity. This is a wine with significant structure, which the fruit weight can carry. It just needs a little longer. Drink from 2026-2030." (Mar 2024)

91-93 Points - Allen Meadows' Burghound:
"Moderate wood is present on the vaguely exotic nose of white and yellow peach, iodine and algae nuances. There is impressive density and intensity to the utterly delicious and beautifully textured medium-bodied flavors that also exude a subtle minerality on the tangy, succulent and bone-dry finale that is like sucking on an oyster shell. Good stuff and well-worth considering." (Aug 2023)

91 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Rich and concentrated as expected. Plenty of lees activity going on but there is zesty lemon acidity to keep the palate very fresh. Would expect this to be very good once in bottle. Tank sample." - Andy Howard MS (Oct 2023)