2002 Domain Jean Defaix Les Vaillons Chablis Premier Cru Chardonnay

Background
This estate is managed by Jean Defaix and his able, son in law Daniel Dempt. The Defaix family have held the property for four generations - 150 years. The Family home is located on the estate, surrounded by vines, and in 1990 a new cellar was completed.

Location
The vineyard and cellar are located 2km West of the Chablis in a village called Milly. Defaix has holdings in two 1st Crus, including Vallions and Cote de Lechet - both sites enjoy excellent South Eastern exposure. There is also a holding at Fouchaume.

Soils
The Estate consists of 25ha of 20 year old Chardonnay. The vineyard soils are composed of kimmerdgian clay - which is a chalky soil ideal for producing top quality Chardonnay.

Vinification
The grapes are pressed immediately they arrive at the winery. The temperature of the must is lowered and left to enable the solids and heavy deposits to settle. The ferment is allowed to proceed slowly at a temperature of 22 ºC. Once the malolactic ferment is finished, the wine is aged in vats for 6 months, and depending on the Cru, is bottled after this time. Premier Cru Chablis are aged for 8 months.

TASTING NOTE: An outstanding Chablis. Brilliant pale straw colour with waterlike hue. Scented nose - typical of Chablis, with a mineral flint like quality overlaid with confectionary and green pears. The palate has again, that unique quality that displays ripe fruit, but without fruitiness. The flint like flavour infusions are again juxtaposed with unripe pear and confectionary. Mouthfilling, dry, with crisp acid finish and long confectionary flint aftertaste.
Cellar 3-4 years (2008-2009)
Alc/Vol: 13.0%