Domaine William Fevre Chablis Grand Cru "Les Clos" 2022
(Burgundy, France) - [JM 95-98] [DM 95] [BH 93] [VM 91-93]

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:

Les Clos is the largest and most prestigious Grand Cru in Chablis, so it comes as no surprise that Domaine William Fèvre stakes its claim as the most influential landowner here. They oversee eight plots spanning 4.11 hectares (more than any other domaine), with many of the older plots planted by William’s father as far back as 1947 and 1948.

The domaine’s parcels are all situated on dense, deep clay soil resting on a bed of limestone 30 inches below the surface in the slightly cooler microclimate at the top of the slope. This shining example of Les Clos is remarkably complex; a powerful wine with tremendous aging potential.

Vineyard: 

Les Clos covers a total of 26.04 hectares, with Fèvre owning 4.11 hectares across eight biodynamically farmed plots, 3 of which are all at the top of the slope.

The domaine’s parcels are all situated on dense, deep clay soil resting on a bed of limestone 30 inches below the surface in the slightly cooler microclimate at the top of the hill. The south-facing slope of Les Clos gives the vines full sunlight exposure throughout the day, ensuring rich flavors and even ripening.

Tasting Notes:

Remarkable aromatic complexity blends fruit, floral, and spice notes with a distinctive mineral aspect. Its structured palate will open up with age and grow into a generous, powerful wine.

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

Ratings & Reviews

95-98 Points - Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy:
“Mostly from old vines, a good half planted between 1948 and 1952. Translucent lemon and lime colour. The bouquet is not ready to unfurl yet there is a sense of sublime purity about the nose. A wine in perfect harmony on its wide bench of white fruit. Just a little touch of spice behind, good acidity. Sign up for this! Drink from 2032-2045” (June 2023)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
“Small yield, very concentrated, with masses of density on the palate. Plenty of drive and energy but has finesse to balance out the power. White peach fruit characters, vibrant acidity and a pronounced mineral, salty finish. Very long future ahead. Fèvre owns 4.1ha of the 25ha total within Les Clos. Its plots situated on the top of the hill, with 50% of the vines planted by William Fèvre's father in the 1940s and 1950s.” – Andy Howard MW (Oct 2023)

93 Points - Allen Meadows' BurgHound:
“This is aromatically quite similar to the Côte Bouguerots but with more floral influence. The rich, big-bodied and tautly muscular flavors are also seemingly chiseled from Kimmeridgian, all wrapped in a wonderfully persistent, very dry, balanced and stony finale. This is also extremely impressive and equally built to repay extended cellaring. I would add that while I have a small preference for the Côte Bouguerots, this is still damn good.” (Oct 2024)

91-93 Points - Vinous Media:
“The 2022 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru has a surprisingly primal bouquet with gooseberry, melon, fruits de mer and citrus peel, with more oyster shell scents developing as it opens, though never quite achieving the flair of the Valmur. The palate is well-balanced, steely and strict, with fine intensity and a saline finish. But it doesn't quite have the precision of Fevre's best cuvées at the moment.” – Neal Martin (Sep 2023)