About the Wine
Vaillons is one of Chablis' largest climats, and is defined by it's south-eastern exposure, morning sunshine and shallow, Kimmeridgian soils. These all combine to allow fruit to ripen quickly, making Vaillon one of the most reliable crus in the region.
Sourced from 47 year old vines, planted on steep slopes. The wine is rich and intense, with all the classic Chablis characters of apples and citrus, and spices coming from a combination of iron rich deposits and judicial, generous lees contact. The flavours are concentrated and powerful, making this a rich and bolder style of Chablis and not a wine to be missed.
About Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix
Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix might be one of the most interesting Chablis producers you've never heard of, perhaps even one of France's.
The eponymous Daniel-Etienne, about to do his 36th vintage, is the 15th generation of this family to make wines in Chablis, a legacy that spans over 400 years. He is based in Avallon, at a 16e Century property.
Wild yeast ferments, no oak usage at all, long cool maturation in one of the region's largest cellars, and, most spectacularly, release of all his wines with exceptional bottle age - the 1er Crus about eight years, and the Grand Crus about 15 years. Extraordinary man and extraordinary wines.

Chablis, France