Domaine Vincent Dauvissat Petit Chablis 2023
(Burgundy, France) - [DM 92] [WA 91] [JM 88-90]

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 Sechets, and 9.4 of Forets 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:
Petit Chablis often stands in the shadow of its more prestigious counterparts in the Chablis hierarchy, frequently overlooked by collectors and connoisseurs. However, in the hands of a master vigneron like Vincent Dauvissat, this humble appellation achieves remarkable quality that challenges preconceptions. Sourced from 1.10 hectares of southwest-facing vineyards, Dauvissat's Petit Chablis stands as a testament to the domaine's commitment to excellence across all appellation levels.

What distinguishes Dauvissat's approach is the refusal to treat Petit Chablis as a simple, commercial wine. These vineyards receive the same meticulous care as their Grand Cru sites, with yields controlled to ensure concentration and complexity rarely found at this appellation level. The result is a wine that consistently outperforms many producers' village-level Chablis, providing exceptional value for those seeking an authentic introduction to the Dauvissat style.

Tasting Notes:
Vincent Dauvissat's Petit Chablis is remarkable for offering complexity and character well beyond its humble appellation. In the glass, it presents bright, fresh aromas of green apple, lemon zest, white peach, and subtle floral notes. While not displaying the intense mineral profile of their Kimmeridgian-grown wines, it offers a pleasing stony freshness that clearly identifies it as authentic Chablis.

On the palate, the wine combines ripe, fresh white fruit flavors with vibrant citrus notes, good structure, and a distinctive salinity. What separates Dauvissat's Petit Chablis from most examples of the appellation is its surprising depth and persistence, with a pleasing bitter lemon finish that provides refreshment and enhances its food-pairing versatility. The texture is generally more approachable in youth than their higher-tier offerings, making it an excellent introduction to the house style.

While designed primarily for early consumption, a well-cellared Vincent Dauvissat Petit Chablis will maintain its quality for 3-5+ years in good vintages—an aging potential that exceeds most wines at this appellation level and provides excellent value for those seeking quality Chablis for near-term enjoyment.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A wine not to be missed, with fresh, ripe green apple, nectarine fruit aromas and a suggestion of hawthorn blossom. The texture is lovely, silky and fresh, with enough acidity to balance all the ripe fruit. The grapes come from 0.4ha at the top of Les Clos in Portlandian soil. Although this is made for consumption now, there is enough substance to hold up to mid-term ageing." - Charles Curtis MW (Sep 2024)

91 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Now in bottle, the 2023 Petit Chablis is delivering more than its modest origins imply. The wine rises from the glass with aromas of orange peel, pear and white flowers. On the palate, it reveals a generous, fleshy core of fruit energized by tangy acidity, lending the wine surprising gravitas. The finish is long, vibrant and mouthwatering. This is a Petit Chablis that punches above its weight." - Kristaps Karklins (Jan 2026)

88-90 Points - Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy:
"Fresh pale colour, classic nose all the tension necessary. Clean white fruit with the Kimmeridge crunch at the back, all nicely woven in. Very pretty aftertaste. Drink from 2025-2029." (Jun 2024)