Domaine William Fevre Chablis Premier Cru "Montee de Tonnerre" 2023
(Burgundy, France) - [DM 95] [JM 95] [BH 92]

About the Winemaker:

William Fèvre declared his first vintage in 1959, marking the birth of the domaine and a pivotal moment in the production of quality-focused Chablis. Garnering over 250 years of family experience working the land in this region, Fèvre established himself as a winemaker with a modest seven hectares of vineyards. Slowly and methodically, the domaine acquired new vineyard sites in Chablis over the years, all situated in historic terroirs. At the same time, it became synonymous with technological advancement and led the charge of environmental stewardship, embracing organic viticulture since 2000 (certification commencing from the 2023 vintage), and biodynamic practices initiated in 2010 across 32 hectares.

The vineyards boast an impressive average vine age ranging from 30 to 60 years, with some dating back to the 1940s. Aging of the crus takes place for 13 to 14 months, with 40 to 50% of the harvest spending 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels, without new oak.

Today, Domaine William Fèvre is not only one of the most influential landowners in Chablis — possessing an impressive 70 hectares of vineyards (all vinified separately) — they also indisputably have the greatest holdings, including 15.9 hectares classified as Premiers Crus and 15.2 as Grand Crus. A new chapter began for the estate in 2024, when it was acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild, owned by the esteemed Lafite family.

About this Wine:

The Montée de Tonnèrre wraps around the hillside immediately east of the Côte des Grands Crus. Its geological profile closely resembles the Grands Crus and as such is considered one of the finest Premiers Crus. Fèvre’s holdings are in three lieux-dits on the crest of the hill with exposures ranging from southwest to south to southeast. Both full and rich while holding onto mineral and floral characters, the wine shows intensity and complexity in its youth, and will develop subtlety as it ages.

Vineyard: This cru, prestigious even amongst its Premier brethren, stretches around the hillside directly east of the Côte des Grands Crus. Fèvre farms 2.24 hectares on the crest of the hill split between three lieux-dits: Pied d’Aloue, Chapelot, and Côte de Bréchain.

Tasting Notes:
Complex aromas of flowers, fruits, and minerals play over a youthfully-structured palate. It will become more subtle and elegant, and develop its ripe fruit as it ages.

Food Pairings:
Grilled seafood or chicken in a cream sauce. And, as always, oysters.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
A stunning example, with finesse allied to power. Real tension and energy here. Will be approachable quite young, but really should be aged for over five years for the best result. Fèvre has 2.24ha within Montée de Tonnerre. Plots are located in Pied d'Aloup (facing east) with profound Kimmeridgian soils bringing freshness, Chapelot facing south on deep soil adding richness, and Côte de Brechain facing west on top of the hill with the oldest plots dating back to 1936.

93-95 Points - Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy:

From multiple plots: east facing kimmeridgian marl in Pied d’Aloue (0.50ha), one hectare in Chapelot, (more soil here, fatter wine), then the rest in Bréchain, where vines dating back to 1936, give tension. What a beautiful bouquet. This has the sensual aspect of a delightful sunny summer, yet with an entrancing freshness behind. This is quintessential right bank, yet with balance Drink from 2027-2037. Tasted Jun 2023.

92 Points - Allen Meadows' BurgHound:
An elegant, pure and wonderfully airy nose more freely reflects its aromas of white flowers, prominent mineral reduction and plenty of seashore elements. There is at once more volume but, somewhat surprisingly, even better refinement to the medium weight plus flavors that retain excellent detail while also flashing an almost pungent stoniness on the driving, firm and impeccably well-balanced finale. One to consider. (Drink starting 2030)