Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet 375ml 2017

A half-bottle of Domaine Bernard Defaix's Chablis premier cru Côte de Léchet, the steep left-bank slope above Milly that has been the heart of the estate since it was founded.

Côte de Léchet runs along the left bank of the Serein, facing south-east on thin soil over hard Kimmeridgian limestone, and it gives a leaner, chalkier Chablis than the broad right-bank premiers crus opposite. Bernard Defaix started the domaine at Milly in 1959; his sons Sylvain and Didier run it today, with Didier's wife Hélène. Of the estate's holdings, nine hectares sit in this one cru — a single hectare of vines over sixty years old is kept back for the Réserve bottling, while the remaining eight hectares of 35- to 40-year-old vines go into this classic cuvée. The vineyards have been certified organic by Ecocert for around fifteen years. Fermentation runs on natural yeasts, élevage is mostly in tank with a modest share of used oak, and there is no lees stirring, so nothing softens the vineyard's line.

Drinking now and best inside five years; a 375ml bottle moves a little faster than a standard one. Serve at 10–12°C with oysters, sashimi or grilled prawns.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.