Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis 2019 750ml

Although the estate’s entry level wine, nothing entry level about it. Fruit is harvested from 70 year old vines, and after a little skin contact to build texture it sits in stainless steel tanks for 18 months, with monthly batonnage via less pump overs to build further weight. The wine then sits in bottle a further six months before release.

An interesting release here for sure – not classically Chablis due to a pronounced oxidative character upfront; drinks more like a Jura. Leads with saline and brine, though keeps fresh and tight through the finish with green fruits and white flowers. Thought provoking, unusual, and absolutely hums alongside the right food pairings such as French Onion Soup.