About the Wine

Nestled on the steep, rocky slopes along the banks of the river Serein, William Fèvre is a testament to a history spanning over one hundred and fifty million years. This terroir, characterized by clay-limestone soil, derived from the illustrious Kimmeridgian, a unique soil type found only in Chablis, Champagne, and southern England. This ancient soil, (180 million-year-old to be exact) is made up of clay and limestone that contains fossilized oyster shells. These vinous traits are the envy of winemakers worldwide yet remain unparalleled in their purity.

Since 1959, William Fèvre has been synonymous with excellence in Chablis. Taking over his family estate, William Fèvre infused new life and ambition into the vineyards, expanding the estate's holdings across Chablis' most historic terroirs. Today, Domaine William Fèvre boasts 70 hectares of prestigious vineyards, including 15.2 hectares of Grand Crus.

The vineyards are meticulously managed, with a focus on limiting yields and organic cultivation methods. Harvesting is performed by hand, ensuring only the finest grapes are selected. This rigorous attention to detail continues through every stage of winemaking, resulting in wines that truly express the essence of Chablis.

Under the guidance of Didier Séguier, awarded “White Winemaker of the Year 2018,” Domaine William Fèvre continues to push the boundaries of excellence. Séguier's commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity, alongside his impeccable winemaking skills, ensure the estate remains at the forefront of Chablis production. The estate's goal of organic certification by 2024, coupled with biodynamic practices, further underscores their dedication to preserving the terroir.

Located on the Côte des Vaillons, this appellation features 8 distinct lieux-dits. With a predominantly limestone soil base on hard Portlandian limestone, it encapsulates the diversity of Chablis terroir in one appellation.

Aging: 13 to 14 months (5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels).

Tasting Notes: 100% Chardonnay. Pronounced nose of fruit and flowers, with lovely freshness and a few mineral touches. Generous palate, with lovely roundness.

Reviews

Lots of chalk and stone on the nose with some dried white flowers and sliced green apples. Medium-to full-bodied and layered, yet tight and integrated, with cooked apple, lemon rind and stone. Drink or hold. ~94 James Suckling

The 2019 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons mingles aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit and white peach with hints of beeswax and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping but incisive, with tangy acids and fine depth at the core, it's long and saline. I left my tasting with Didier Séguier wondering if the 2019s might be the best vintage I've ever tasted at Domaine William Fèvre. At this address, the vintage's low yields have translated to wines of remarkable concentration, but Séguier has also achieved levels of cut and tension that are rare in contemporary Chablis. My only reservation (if one can call it that) is that these are serious, structured wines that are tightly wound and introverted after their recent bottling, a tendency no doubt amplified by their DIAM closures; therefore, many are surely destined to be drunk too young. But readers who purchase Fèvre's top 2019s and forget them for more than a decade are going to be richly rewarded, of that I'm confident. Aside from the quality of the 2019 vintage, the other big news here is that Fèvre is converting to organic farming, an ambitious and admirable project for this 78-hectare domaine. ~92 Wine Advocate

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