2015 Chablis Vaillons
Buying options
Tasting notes
(from a full crop of 58 hectoliters per hectare; "the grapes doubled in size with the heavy rainfall on the night of August 31", noted Fabien Moreau): Bright yellow. Aromas of lemon, baked bread and truffle. Smooth in texture but conveys a captivating impression of ripe acidity and balance, with the oak element perfectly integrated. There's an almost glyceral quality to the wine's lemon drop flavor but this dense, long wine finishes with a firm edge. Should give pleasure early but last well. (Incidentally, I retasted the 2015 village wine, rated 88 last year and again this time, and found good inner-mouth tension and lemony lift for the vintage, plus an incipient petrolly mineral character that I did not notice last year.)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Chablis 1Er Cru Vaillons has a crisp Granny Smith apple and fresh pear scent, very harmonious and with commendable purity. The palate is very cohesive with a slight oyster shell note on the entry. The acidity is well judged with lemon peel and a touch of white peach on the finish. This is a delicious Vaillons that has the edge over the 2014 at the moment.
(tasted from cuve, where it had been blended; the remaining 20% of this wine was aging in barrel): White peach and lemon on the nose. Energetic and taut for the year, showing lovely cut to its citrus, crushed stone and licorice flavors. Finishes tactile and long, with firm acidity providing definition and lift. Jul 2016, www.vinous.com
The 2015 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Cuvee Guy Moreau has a fresh lime flower and citrus peel bouquet with just a faint hint of tropical fruit emanating from the warmth of the growing season. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, lively and chalky with dried pineapple and a hint of brioche on the poised, spicy finish. This is worth tracking down, because it is simply a lovely Chablis. Aug 2016, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2019-2030