2023 Chablis Vaillons
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru has a backward nose that's old school in style with green apple, undergrowth and crushed stone aromas. There's something uncompromising here, which I like. The palate is well balanced with a keen line of acidity, a pleasant edginess and a brisk, citrus peel-tinged finish that gently fans out. It's not bad, though this needs a little more nervosité . Tasted blind at the BIVB offices in Chablis.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Sourced from 60- to 77-year-old vines in four of this premier cru's climats, including Séchet, Moreau-Naudet’s 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons is vinified 70% in tank, with the remainder in oak (old 228-liter barrels and a few 600-liter foudres). Opening from the glass with an expressive bouquet of tangerine zest, white flowers, pear and oyster shell, it’s followed by a medium to full-bodied palate with ample chalky extract and a saline finish. It’s broader than Beauregard but simultaneously racier than Montmains.
More depth here than on the straight Chablis but not a lot more. Harmonious, fresh but a bit slight for a premier cru. Attractive pure-citrus aftertaste. (JH)