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95
/ 100
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94
/ 100
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93
/ 100
Tasting Notes
Robert Goulley Chablis 1er Cru 'Vaillons' 2023 offers an exquisite expression of Chablis’ renowned minerality and vibrant freshness. Sourced from a select, southeast-facing 45-year-old vineyard at 180 metres elevation, this wine reflects the unique terroir of Vaillons, where clay and limestone soils impart remarkable structure and complexity.
The grapes undergo direct pressing followed by natural fermentation in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures, preserving the delicate fruit character. A full malolactic fermentation and an extended 10-month aging on fine lees in stainless steel ensure a refined texture and enhanced depth without overpowering oak influence.
Crafted by Domaine Gueguen, led by Celine and Frederic Gueguen, this wine embodies a modern yet terroir-driven approach. Their estate, located just 7 km southwest of Chablis in the hamlet of Préhy, manages 25 hectares of primarily estate-grown vineyards across prestigious appellations including Chablis, Chichée, La Chapelle Vaupelteigne, Saint-Bris, and Irancy. Since 2015, the domaine has committed to organic viticulture, eschewing chemical fertilizers and herbicides to protect the soil and express pure vineyard character.
The 2023 vintage benefits from the classic Kimmeridgian limestone soils of Chablis, known for producing wines with exceptional tension, crisp acidity, and a signature flinty minerality. This vintage’s cool fermentation and lees aging highlight the wine’s vibrant citrus and green apple notes, balanced by an elegant mouthfeel and a lingering saline finish.
Key features:
- Premier Cru Chablis from the esteemed Vaillons vineyard
- Produced with organic practices, reflecting sustainable winemaking
- Fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve freshness and purity
- Distinctive minerality and bright fruit character typical of Kimmeridgian soils
Robert Goulley’s Chablis 1er Cru 'Vaillons' 2023 is a versatile and sophisticated white wine that pairs beautifully with seafood, shellfish, and light poultry dishes. Its refined balance of fruitiness and minerality makes it an exceptional choice for any occasion where elegance and authenticity are appreciated.
Classification: White
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml (Bottle)
Country: France
Region: Chablis,
Alcohol %: 12.5%
Cellaring: 5-10 Years
Scores
95 / 100"The estate has a very long history of wine in Chablis, today it is managed by third generation Frederic Goulley and his wife Céline Brocard (daughter of Jean Marc Brocard) and made alongside the wines at Domaine Gueguen. Certified organic production. From a small south east facing plot, vine age is around 45 years old and sitting at an elevation of 180 metres on clay and limestone based soils. Direct pressed to stainless steel and underwent malolactic fermentation and rested on fine lees for 10 months in the tank. The intensity of Vaillons is felt immediately with ripe nectarine, yellow taut mango skin and grated lemon zest. The small valley that could do big things, this manges to show its puffed sleeves whilst swirling with delicate notes of nougatine and cashew. A powdered cumin spice with driving acidity. Its power is drinking well now but this will age well over another 5-7 years further. Ideal with turbot, lemon butter sauce and tarragon."
- Shanteh Wale
94 / 100
"Anyone keen to see what excellent Chablis offers need look no further. Vaillons is one of the legendary Premier crus of this fabled region. This wine comes from 45 year old vines, with a natural fermentation, followed by ten months maturation in stainless steel. A gleaming deep straw, the wine has concentration and focus. Stonefruit, peaches, apricot kernels, citrus, a hint of limes especially, and some exotic spices all combine on the nose. Vibrant acidity here, balance and length. There is early evidence of the complexity to come. Impressive stuff. Enjoy over the next six to ten years, over which time it will surely continue to improve."
- Ken Gargett – Winepilot.com
93 / 100
"This is a fine and elegant Chablis displaying bright notes of lemon and white peach with a subtle cracker biscuit nuance. It creates the perfect structure and frame to support a long, elegant and finely honed finish. It’s a wine that sparkles with life and energy through to the lingering finish. It’s a wine showing both richness and a fresh vibrancy with crisp, fine, chalky acidity complementing and balancing the fruit. Aromas of minerally lemon zest, fresh cream, and very lightly roasted cashew. The palate displays a subtle degree of phenolics to balance the textured fruit qualities. It's a wine that displays a friendly, approachable palate already and certainly would be best in the shorter term."
- Ray Jordan
