2011 Chablis Valourent
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. The Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent 2011 from William Fèvre is much more reserved on the nose with faint touches of almond and hazelnut, perhaps more Montmains in style. The palate is balanced with orange cordial, lime and hints of papaya. The acidity is nicely judged, although it needs more tension and complexity toward the finish. This is probably the one Chablis premier cru that I was expecting a little more from.
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Chablis Vaulorent is fresher and lighter on its feet than the Fourchaume. Hints of Riesling-inflected petrol, exotic white flowers, tropical fruit and lychee all flesh out in an impeccable, gracious Chablis loaded with personality. Easily one of the highlights among the 2011s from Fevre, the Vaulorent impresses for its subtle, understated personality. There is a lot to admire here.
Pale silver-green color. High-pitched aromas of lime, mint and crushed stone. Distinctly mineral and soil-driven; youthfully tight but dense too, showing excellent stony cut. Really mounts and lingers on the back end. Hardly your typical 2011, this one boasts near-grand cru intensity.
50% aged 10-13 months in barrel. Acidity seems higher than on the Montée de Tonnerre, the mid palate less concentrated, a more streamlined shape but still long. Mouthwatering aftertaste. (JH)
About the producer
Established in the late 1950s, William Fèvre was one of the leaders in Chablis’s renaissance. Today he crafts benchmark expressions of fine Chardonnay from some of the top vineyard sites in the region, working with many of the best Premier and Grand Cru vineyards.