2016 Chablis Vaillons
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Chablis Les Vaillons 1er Cru has a typical bouquet from this vineyard, very flattering at this early stage with yellow plum, Mirabelle and some stone fruit scents. The palate is a little fatter and riper than the Les Montmains and Forêt, perhaps not quite as well defined with a hint of honey towards the lemon tart-tinged finish. This is one Cru that I would drink earlier than the others.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons is showing particularly well from bottle, exhibiting aromas of lemon oil, white flowers, green apples and a light framing of reduction. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, glossy and textural, with excellent concentration, chewy structure and a long, intense finish. It's one 2016 that can go head to head with its 2017 counterpart.
Pale bright yellow. Lovely inviting scents of white peach and spices come across as a bit more ripe and powerful than those of the Forêt. Silky, pliant and sweet, offering rather gentle flavors of lemon and minerals. The long, horizontal finish coats the mouth with powdered stone. These vines are planted on rockier, whiter soil than the Forêt and are normally picked earlier, along with the village parcels.