Domaine Vincent Dauvissat Chablis Vaillons Premier Cru 2020
(Burgundy, France) - [WA 94] [DM 93] [IB 92-95] [VM 91-93] [BH 91-93]

About the Winery
Domaine Vincent Dauvissat is arguably the finest Domaine in Chablis. Established in the 1970s by Robert Dauvissat, the Domaine has passed down from father to son for three generations. Robert’s son René is to thank for establishing the reputation of the Domaine. Vincent began working with his father, René, in the 1970s and today runs the Domaine. A loyal following among France’s most esteemed restaurateurs sharply limits the availability of Dauvissat wines for export. Despite limited quantities, the wines have attracted the praise and attention of critics worldwide.

Vincent Dauvissat farms nearly 30 acres of meticulously kept vineyards, following sustainable, organic and biodynamic methods. These vines (4.5 acres of Vaillons, 2 of Séchets, and 9.4 of Fôrets among the Premiers Crus; 2.5 of Preuses and 4.5 of Les Clos among the Grands Crus) are splendidly situated on hillsides underlain by Jurassic limestone. Yields are limited to about 50 hectoliters per hectare (3.7 tons per acre), modest by the standards of the region.

Ratings & Reviews

92-95 Points - Inside Burgundy:
"Lemon and lime, touch of perfume for once, without arresting the strict character of Vaillons, offering more volume than Séchet, with the marl adding a touch more character. Very persistent again. For the second year oin a row the Vaillons stands out within the line-up." - Jasper Morris (June 2021)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"As is almost invariably the case, Dauvissat's 2020 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons is sensual and perfumed, wafting from the glass with aromas of orange oil, peach, jasmine and nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, it's vibrant and fleshy, with an ample core of fruit, racy acids and a long, saline finish." - William Kelley (July 2022)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine: 
“From plots in Beugnons and Chatains, the oak is toasty on the nose, with a touch of orange-box evident alongside intriguing spice notes. Weighty on the palate, plush, this has a fair amount of puppy fat which it will shed with ageing in bottle. Plenty of acidity to keep everything in check.” – Andy Howard MW (Oct 2021)

91-93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2020 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru is more floral on the nose compared to the preceding Les Séchets. White flowers, dandelion and touches of orange zest develop in the glass, precise and finessed. The palate is structured with good grip and a slightly waxy texture, building beautifully toward a very persistent finish. Give this 2–3 years in bottle (at least). (Drink between 2025-2040)” - Neal Martin (Oct. 2021)

91-93 Points - Burghound:
"A cool and equally airy nose reflects aromas of spice, tidal pool, white pepper and pear with a citrusy top note. The supple but punchy middle weight flavors also flavors both minerality and salinity on the refined, balanced and focused finale. This is a Vaillons of understated and grace. (Drink starting 2027)" (Drink starting 2030) - Allen Meadows (Oct. 2021)