2018 Vincent Dauvissat, Chablis Grand Cru, Preuses 1x75cl

Domaine Dauvissat: A Chablis Reference Point

Established in 1931 by Robert Dauvissat, Domaine Vincent Dauvissat stands alongside Raveneau as the twin pinnacle of traditional winemaking in the Yonne valley. The estate’s global renown was solidified under René Dauvissat in the post-war era, and has been maintained since 1989 by his son, Vincent Dauvissat. Today, the family lineage continues into its fourth generation, with Vincent’s children, Ghislain and Étiennette, actively managing the operations. The domain spans roughly 12.7 hectares of impeccably positioned slopes. Since 2002, the vineyards have been farmed following strict biodynamic principles without seeking official certification, ensuring that the natural vitality of the vines is preserved to articulate the region’s historic terroir.

Dauvissat’s Balanced Style of Textural Weight and Piercing Acid

The winemaking style of Domaine Vincent Dauvissat is defined by its deep respect for classic regional methods, yielding Chardonnays of intense focus, tactile density, and a distinctly savoury character. Fermentations are carried out with native yeasts, primarily in stainless steel, before the wine is transferred to wood for ageing. Rather than relying on modern stainless steel tanks to emphasise simple fruit freshness, Dauvissat ages his wines in old, neutral oak barrels, including the historic 132-litre Chablis feuillettes. The estate completely avoids new oak, utilising wood solely to allow the wine to breathe and develop texture on its fine lees. The resulting style marries an initial waxen, honeyed richness with the driving, flinty energy characteristic of the region.

Sublime Quality Across Prime Kimmeridgian Soils

The blue-chip quality and strict allocations associated with Domaine Vincent Dauvissat are anchored by an elite portfolio of old-vine parcels rooted in fossil-rich Kimmeridgian limestone. The estate owns choice plots in two of Chablis’ finest Grand Crus: Les Clos and Les Preuses. These are supported by an exceptional tier of premier crus, including Vaillons, Séchet, and the estate’s largest and most famous holding, La Forest. Dauvissat’s La Forest is widely considered by collectors to achieve Grand Cru stature in all but name due to its structural power and complexity. Known for their striking longevity, these scarce white Burgundies require several years of cellaring to shed their tightly coiled youth, eventually developing profound notes of oyster shell, citrus oil, and crushed stone.