Domaine William Fevre Chablis Premier Cru "Vaulorent" 2023
(Burgundy, France) - [DM 95] [WA 94+] [WS 93] [JM 92-95] [BH 92] [VM 90-92]

About the Winemaker:
William Fèvre declared his first vintage in 1959, marking the birth of the domaine and a pivotal moment in the production of quality-focused Chablis. Garnering over 250 years of family experience working the land in this region, Fèvre established himself as a winemaker with a modest seven hectares of vineyards. Slowly and methodically, the domaine acquired new vineyard sites in Chablis over the years, all situated in historic terroirs. At the same time, it became synonymous with technological advancement and led the charge of environmental stewardship, embracing organic viticulture since 2000 (certification commencing from the 2023 vintage), and biodynamic practices initiated in 2010 across 32 hectares.

The vineyards boast an impressive average vine age ranging from 30 to 60 years, with some dating back to the 1940s. Aging of the crus takes place for 13 to 14 months, with 40 to 50% of the harvest spending 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels, without new oak.

Today, Domaine William Fèvre is not only one of the most influential landowners in Chablis — possessing an impressive 70 hectares of vineyards (all vinified separately) — they also indisputably have the greatest holdings, including 15.9 hectares classified as Premiers Crus and 15.2 as Grand Crus. A new chapter began for the estate in 2024, when it was acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild, owned by the esteemed Lafite family.

About this Wine:
William Fèvre Vaulorent is a Premier Cru that often produces wines of Grand Cru quality. Located on the eastern side of the Vaulorent hillside, adjacent to the Grands Crus of Les Preuses and Bougros, Fèvre’s holdings benefit from soils similar to their prestigious neighbors. The marly soil contributes both density and salinity, creating a wine with impressive structure and freshness. Subtly wooded, this wine offers mouthwatering salinity and a creamy texture from its lees, with dry extract and concentration. This will age beautifully.

The vintage
After a relatively mild and very dry winter, the vine began to bud in the last week of March. Fortunately, at the end of March, just before the first frosts, the vintage showed a few days' delay compared to the average of the past 20 years. Despite the frost and cold, we observe a good emergence of clusters. Flowering took place at the end of May under excellent conditions, with little shatter or millerandage. The vine caught up and now shows a 10-day advance. August 31 marks the beginning of the harvest with all the teams. The sanitary condition is perfect, the skins are thick, and the grapes are pulpy with a good juice yield.

Location
Appellation of 17 hectares on the right bank of the Serein, in the exact continuation of the Grands Crus slope, separated by a simple path from the Grand Cru Les Preuses, the appellation produces powerful and mineral wines.

Terroir
Marl with fairly deep soils. The plots cover 3.63 hectares, representing 21.35% of the Vaulorent appellation, oriented from southeast to southwest.

Winemaking
Application of the principle of gravity to avoid any pumping, which could alter the quality of the wine. Short-duration pneumatic pressing (1.5 to 2 hours) for a delicate separation between the solid and liquid parts of the grapes. The vinifications are carried out in stainless steel vats. Aging lasts 19 months, including 5 to 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels for 40% of the blend. The aging process finishes in small stainless steel tanks.

Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

Tasting Note: Powerful nose combining citrus aromas and white-fleshed fruit with a typical mineral note of the appellation. Rich and concentrated, the palate offers remarkable freshness and length.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"The Vaulorent from Fèvre is more mineral than its Montée de Tonnerre, if a bit less lush, with aromas of lime peel, mirabelle plum, and passion fruit. The texture is chiselled and concentrated, with layers of tightly wound extract and a dense, chalky finish. The grapes are from 3.6ha in Vaulorent, which is part of Fourchaume but located on the side of the grands crus. Winemaker Didier Séguier chooses his favourite blocks for this bottling and crafts a 'classic' Fourchaume from the rest. Fermentation is done in older casks for 40-50% of the grapes" – Charles Curtis MW (Oct 2024) 

94+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"Sourced from the upper part of the climat and planted with 40- to 60-year-old vines, the 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent wafts from the glass with a deep bouquet of lemon oil, white flowers, orange peel, peach, pear and a delicate reductive signature. Medium- to full-bodied, concentrated and layered, it is framed by ample, chalky structuring extract and racy acidity, concluding with a persistent, saline finish. This is a terrific performer once again." - Kristaps Karklins (Jan 2026)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Distinctive, this white is downright spicy, featuring flavors of peppery greens, lemon, lime zest and mineral, plus a hint of white pepper. Well-defined and balanced, with a long, stony finish. Best from 2026 through 2038. 150 cases imported." – Bruce Sanderson (Dec 2025)

92-95 Points - Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy:
"Pale but glowing, a note of citron confit, an additional depth compared to the Fourchaume. More flesh but perfectly proportioned, fine and elegant, and very long indeed. This should be first class. Flavours will absolutely not go away! As much yellow as white but balanced. Drink from 2028-2036." (Jun 2024)

92 Points - Allen Meadows' Burghound:
"Prominent white flower aromas are nuanced by notes of algae, citrus confit and shellfish scents. The succulent yet nicely tension-filled flavors exude evident minerality on the sappy, more complex and more concentrated finish that delivers fine length. (Drink starting 2030)" (Oct 2025)

90-92 Points - Vinous Media:
“The 2023 Chablis Vaulorent 1er Cru has a mineral-driven bouquet–oyster shells and a touch of petrichor, quite intense. The palate is well balanced with a pleasant "bite" on the entry. A twist of sour lemon imparts tension and gets the saliva flowering. Fine weight on the finish, this should age well in bottle. (Drink between 2026-2042)” – Neal Martin (Aug 2024)