Domaine Vincent Dauvissat Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru 2023
(Burgundy, France) - [WA 97] [DM 96] [JM 95] [VM 94+] [BH 94]

About the Winery:
Domaine Vincent Dauvissat is arguably the finest Domaine in Chablis. Established in the 1970s by Robert Dauvissat, the Domaine has passed down from father to son for three generations. Robert’s son René is to thank for establishing the reputation of the Domaine. Vincent began working with his father, René, in the 1970s and today runs the Domaine. A loyal following among France’s most esteemed restaurateurs sharply limits the availability of Dauvissat wines for export. Despite limited quantities, the wines have attracted the praise and attention of critics worldwide.

Vincent Dauvissat farms nearly 30 acres of meticulously kept vineyards, following sustainable, organic and biodynamic methods. These vines (4.5 acres of Vaillons, 2 of Séchets, and 9.4 of Fôrets among the Premiers Crus; 2.5 of Preuses and 4.5 of Les Clos among the Grands Crus) are splendidly situated on hillsides underlain by Jurassic limestone. Yields are limited to about 50 hectoliters per hectare (3.7 tons per acre), modest by the standards of the region.

About this Wine:
Les Preuses is one of the most distinctive and character-driven of Chablis' seven Grand Cru vineyards. Covering approximately 11.4 hectares in total, this prestigious site sits on the western side of the Grand Cru hill, extending from Les Clos in the south to Bougros in the north. Within this renowned terroir, Domaine Vincent Dauvissat cultivates 0.7 hectares of vines, creating one of the estate's most sought-after wines.

The etymological origins of the name "Les Preuses" remain debated among historians, with some suggesting it derives from "preux," referring to the valiant knights of medieval times, while others connect it to "pierreuse," indicating the particularly stony nature of the vineyard. Whatever its origin, the name has come to represent one of Burgundy's most exceptional white wine terroirs. The Dauvissat family acquired their parcel after 1950 and replanted it in 1970, with these mature vines now producing wines of remarkable depth and complexity.

Tasting Notes:
Vincent Dauvissat's Les Preuses Grand Cru is celebrated for its remarkable power combined with uncommon elegance. In its youth, the wine displays aromas of citrus blossoms, green apple, white peach, and pear, complemented by distinctive mineral notes of oyster shell, flint, and crushed stone. With bottle age, more complex aromas emerge, including dried apricot, honey, nuts, mushroom, and distinctive aniseed and mint notes that many consider the signature of Les Preuses.

On the palate, Les Preuses presents remarkable texture and depth while maintaining precision and finesse. The wine combines substantial body with vibrant acidity and a remarkably fine tannic structure that contributes to its exceptional aging capacity. The finish is extraordinarily long, with mineral persistence that can last several minutes.

While approachable after 5-7 years in bottle, a well-cellared Vincent Dauvissat Les Preuses will continue to evolve and improve for 15-25+ years in favorable vintages. At maturity, it develops remarkable complexity while maintaining freshness and mineral intensity, ranking it among the world's most age-worthy white wines.

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Wine Advocate:
"As one might reasonably anticipate, the 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses follows a more understated trajectory than Les Clos yet is no less profound. Its bouquet unfurls layers of sea breeze, spring flowers and orange peel mingling with iodine and flint. The medium- to full-bodied palate is filigreed and laser-focused, built around a crisp core of fruit and propelled by racy acidity toward a long, saline finale. Elegant and ethereal, it promises a long and broad enjoyment window." - Kristaps Karklins (Jan 2026)

96 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"In a swirling aromatic complexity, fruit aromas range from lime peel to guava, green apple and spice. A suggestion of white blossoms and a bit of toasty reduction are underlined with chalky minerality. The palate has lovely concentration, but the wine is never heavy; it has perfect finesse and precision. This wine is exceedingly youthful, and although it is undeniably delicious now, it will age tranquilly for at least another 30 years. This has it all." - Charles Curtis MW (Sep 2024)

95 Points - Jasper Morris ' Inside Burgundy:
"A fullish lemon yellow. Taking time to coax out the nose. Still stony. Utterly magical on the palate with a wealth of perfectly poised fruit, nothing ‘solaire’ and a seemingly endless finish. So many little dancing details! Drink from 2030-2040." (Jun 2025)

94+ Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2023 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru has an enticing bouquet with wonderfully delineated citrus peel, chamomile, apple blossom, hazelnut and slightly smoky aromas. The palate has improved since last year, attaining much more harmony and precision, with just a simmering undercurrent of spiciness. I might have underrated this last year…" - Neal Martin (Jul 2025)

94 Points - Allen Meadows' Burghound:
"There is a fascinating hint of freshly crushed tarragon that I sometimes get in a classic Preuses along with hints of anise, petrol, white orchard fruit and a broad array of citrus elements. There is more volume still to the rich, enveloping and highly seductive medium-bodied flavors that display focused power on the equally well-balanced finale. This is Zen-like in its sense of harmony and a wine that should amply repay 10 to 12 years of cellaring." (Oct 2025)