Domaine Bernard Defaix - Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet 2019
Burgundy
White
Sold individually
Drink or Keep
90/100
Decanter
"Fresh and crisp with a nice acidity. It lacks a bit of richness and concentration at the moment, but I think it just needs to age a bit to gain complexity. A mineral, fresh and vibrant wine. Given the quality of Domaine Bernard Defaix, I think it will deserve a better score in a while." (Decanter 2020) A perfect expression of the terroir!
Features
Estate
Domaine Bernard Defaix
Cuvée
1er Cru Côte de Léchet
Vintage
2019
Designation
Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Lechet
Region
Burgundy
Grape varieties
100% Chardonnay
Terroirs
Southeast-facing plots on clay-limestone soils dating from the secondary era (Kimmeridgian).
Viticulture
Certified organic
Harvest
Manual
Winemaking
Gentle, slow pressing, slow alcoholic fermentation at 20°C on fine lees, 20% in non-new oak barrels and 80% in stainless steel tanks.
Breeding
On fine lees for 10 to 12 months, 20% in non-new oak barrels and 80% in stainless steel tanks, with more or less frequent resuspension of the lees depending on the structure of the vintage.
Alcohol content
13%
Organic
Yes
Tasting & pairing
Eye
Bright gold
Nose
Elegant floral bouquet, typical mineral aromas of flint and gunflint
Mouth
A lovely texture and fullness lead to a long, classy, complex, saline finish.
Serve
13°C
Drink before
2029
Guard
5 to 10 years
Food and wine pairing
Goes well with fish in beurre blanc, blanquette, poultry in cream sauce, salmon or scallops.
Bernard Defaix Estate
Chablis
Expert opinion
Bettane & Desseauve
Domaine rated (2020 guide) 1*Star (A serious, recommendable production, in line with what one has the right to expect from its appellation(s))
About the domain :
We welcome the return of Didier and Sylvain Defaix to this guide, who once again presented us with samples this year, and with good reason. Since 2009, the domaine has been converting to organic farming, and the first few years had somewhat altered the balance in the wines, which we didn't like at the time. With time, everything has settled down, and the wines tasted this year are worthy representatives of the appellation.
Decanter
Wine rated (2020 guide) 90/100
Guide Hachette des vins
Domaine noté (guide 2020) Award-winning wines (The wines of this producer are regularly awarded by the guide)
About the domain :
Maison Defaix is a well-established estate in Milly, taken over by Sylvain and Didier Defaix, Bernard's sons. It is also a wine merchant created in parallel, working in the same spirit as the estate.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Domaine noté (guide 2020) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the domain :
Founded in 1959 with just two hectares, Domaine Bernard Defaix today comprises 27 hectares (certified organic since 2009), supplemented by purchased grapes. Much of the production is fermented and matured in stainless steel, although the Chablis Vieilles Vignes and several of the premiers crus, as well as the Grand Cru Bougros and Vaudésir, feature varying percentages of wood, most of which is used. The wines are lively and punchy, with good depth and concentration, and I found much to admire in the estate's fine 2017 collection. They deserve serious consideration.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Domaine noté (guide 2020) Sélectionné (We remind you that this guide is a prize list and as such, all the estates that appear in it, even without a star, represent, in our eyes, the excellence of French production).
About the domain :
Sylvain and Didier Defaix are at the helm of the family domaine de Milly, whose vineyards are located on the left bank of the Serein. Their Premier Crus, a little less well known than those on the right bank, are a real surprise in warm years, particularly on the Côte de Léchet terroir. Thanks to skilful vinification and ageing on lees in vats, the wines gain in body and protect themselves against oxidation. The more common cuvées from the trade (premier cru Fourchaume and grands crus) simply bear the Bernard Defaix label, but are highly recommendable. The entry-level wines offer remarkable value for money, and the grand crus have progressed: the domaine is in good shape.
Customer reviews
Customer rating
4.3/5
out of 3 reviews
Note and review by M. JACQUES R. Published on 05/01/2022
The Chablis I love, mineral, flinty, pure Chardonnay, salivating... a real pleasure.
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Note and review by M. ROGER B. Published on 11/11/2022
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Note and review by M. JEAN MARC T. Published on 13/09/2021
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