Wine Advisor
Gerard Duplessis, Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2017
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2017 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru is richer and more exotic in style than its peers, perhaps more Vaillons in a way, though it does not quite deliver the same precision. The palate is likewise quite exotic, with perhaps some botrytized fruit, offering orange peel and tangerine and a touch of bitterness on the finish. I am a little underwhelmed by this given my tasting from barrel. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting in Savigny-lès-Beaune.
About the Producer
Chablis is a famous vineyard located a dozen kilometers east of Auxerre in Yonne. DOMAINE DUPLESSIS is a winery drawn from the experience of five generations of winegrowers, since its transformation in 2010 and its certification in 2013, it has been producing organic wines that respect the appellation and its growing soil. Chablis, whose reputation dates back to the 9th century, is based on a single grape variety, Chardonnay, and is divided into four appellations: Petit-Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru Premiers Crus and Grands Crus. The limestone plateaus are deeply incised by valleys (especially the Sellin Valley), marls and thick alluvial deposits on the planes of the rivers. The Premiers Crus and Grands Crus occupy the most exposed lands in the south and west, and have developed their characteristic minerality on these slopes, with good potential for conservation. Today, the winery is headed by Lilian Duplessis. Concerned about the health of his soil and the climate, he now produces exclusively organically, eager to address the various ailments that threaten the vines with precision and respect. These practices not only do not compromise the quality of the wine, but also meet the growing demand of Chablis wine lovers. Depending on the vintage (e.g. 2018), sulfur may not be added at all during the brewing process. DOMAINE DUPLESSIS covers 10 hectares, divided into about 20 plots, each with its own character, some vineyards have been installed for 75 years and require constant attention, organic viticulture requires.
