CHABLIS

2016 Grand Cru Les Clos Domaine Vincent Dauvissat

EN PRIMEUR

(from 7 different parcels of 50+ year old vines that total 1.7 ha). A much more floral nose invokes ample citrus, petrol and white peach aromas that are liberally laced with an abundance of classic Chablis elements along with hints of clove and anise. As is almost always the case, the big-bodied flavors are more obviously powerful and punchy than those of the Preuses while culminating in a driving, explosive and mineral-driven finish where the only nit is a hint of warmth. Still, this is most impressive though note that it is also very clearly built-to-age and will need at least some. 2026+ Rating: 93 Allen Meadows, www.Burghound.com (Oct 2018)

* This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.

From bottle, the 2016 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos is more immediately expressive than the Preuses, revealing aromas of honeyed lemons, preserved citrus and quince. On the palate, it's fuller-bodied, deep and ample, even rich, with a layered core, succulent acids and almost chewy levels of extract, concluding with a long finish. It's a very serious Les Clos that could well be the wine of the vintage. Drinking range: 2021 - 2036 Rating: 95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Sept 2018)

(from 7 different parcels of 50+ year old vines that total 1.7 ha). A much more floral nose invokes ample citrus and white orchard fruit aromas that are liberally laced with an abundance of classic Chablis elements along with hints of clove and anise. As is almost always the case, the big-bodied flavors are more obviously powerful and punchy than those of the Preuses while culminating in a driving, explosive and mineral-driven finish where the only nit is a hint of warmth. Still, this is most impressive though note that it is also very clearly built-to-age and will need at least some. Drinking range: 2026 - Rating: 92-95 Allen Meadows, www.Burghound.com (Jan 2018)

The 2016 Chablis Grand Cru les Clos has a correct, strict and intense bouquet with white citrus fruit, apple blossom, flint and just a faint touch of blackcurrant. After aeration it loosens its tie and starts to evolve smoke and hazelnut aromas. The palate is very mineral driven with beguiling tension that demands the full attention of your senses. It comes across quite spicy in the mouth with touches of ginger, curry leaf and Chinese five spice. Texturally, it becomes slightly more honeyed towards the finish—a wonderful crescendo—and the aftertaste lingers for more than a minute. To put in the most banal of terms...wow. That sums it up in three letters. Drinking range: 2026 - 2055 Rating: 96-98 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Dec 2017)

A domaine of 12.7 hectares, comprising a hectare each of the Grands Crus Clos and Preuses, 3.7ha of Premier Cru Forest, 1.3ha of Vaillons, 0.4ha of Séchet, .3ha of Montée de Tonnerre, 3.3ha of Chablis, 1.1ha of Petit Chablis, and .6ha of Irancy (red).

Vincent Dauvissat remains one of the (if not the) leading lights of Chablis, and his wines are always in high demand and limited volume.

Vincent's grandfather Robert was the first to start bottling under the family name in 1931 and Vincent uses the same cellar today - but the family have been growing grapes here since the 18th century. Today his single-minded determination in the vineyard, where he follows biodynamic principles (without certification) followed by very subtle use of old oak barrels as part of a long élevage, produce some of Chablis' most age-worthy and fascinating wines.

Vincent advises drinking the Grands Crus either young, (within the first three years) or after 10 years when they are becoming fully evolved. Serve at 13C, so that the wine will warm up to about 15C before tasting - any colder masks the subtleties. He prefers to serve the wine directly in glasses rather than decanting it, so as not to miss the first nose and its evolution - with an old wine he advises simply smelling this evolution over the first half an hour before tasting.

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Wines bought en primeur are scheduled to arrive in the UK over the course of the next eighteen months. If you do not wish to take home delivery, you may wish to consider where you would like the wines shipped on arrival in the UK. Lea & Sandeman offers duty paid and in bond storage through a dedicated storage company called Elephant Storage. For more details on the terms and fees associated with storage please go to our Storage Homepage or contact our primeurs team for more information.

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BURGUNDY EN PRIMEUR FAQ

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