Chablis Vaillons 2018 Domaine Vincent Dauvissat

Vaillons is one of four Premier Cru wines from Domaine Vincent Dauvissat, and the 2018 vintage Chablis Vaillons is a white Burgundy made from Chardonnay grapes. That year, Chablis was drier than other areas of Burgundy, with rainfall totaling only about 10 mm during the summer and warm temperatures persisting through harvest. The ripening of the grapes proceeded smoothly. Yields were abundant throughout this appellation, leading many growers to take advantage of the VCI system introduced in 2015. This system allows producers to set aside surplus yields as a reserve for years with lower harvests. However, Dauvissat has lower yields than most growers due to strict selection criteria at harvest.

In the glass, this translates to a wine with a richer body and less piercing acidity than a classic Vaillons. The Kimmeridgian clay soil, rich in fossilized seashells, continues to impart a distinct minerality in the mid-palate. Since aging takes place in 6- to 8-year-old oak barrels, there are no new oak aromas, only texture and slow aeration.

The alcohol content of the 2018 vintage is 12.5 %.

The 2018 Premier Cru Chablis is enjoyable even when young, but this wine possesses the structure to age well. It is best enjoyed through 2038.

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