Domaine William Fevre Chablis

I’ve written about Domaine William Fevre countless times over the years and sold these wines since the early days of Vins Rare. With an array of the best vineyards in Chablis and a recent acquisition by the Rothschild family, this domaine is at the top of its game right now.

It’s not been an easy road though.  In the early 2000’s, they, along with many other domaines, were hit with pre-mox, a condition that causes premature oxidation resulting in the wine aging too quickly. Fevre was one of the first to embrace the Diam cork, which proved able to reduce the risk of this premature oxidation.   From what I have experienced, tasting the wines since 2007, they have clearly righted the ship.  

I attended La Paulee (a celebratory wine tasting event for Burgundy wines) earlier this month in Los Angeles. Most of the wineries were featuring a selection of their 2021’s, however because quantities for many domaines were so small, there were some showing a selection of 2020’s as well.  William Fevre was one of those. 

Didier Seguier, Fevre’s winemaker,  brought out the heavy hitters on this day - Les Clos, Valmur and Preuses. He beamed with confidence knowing his wines were firing on all cylinders. I commented that they were among the best in the room! Okay, maybe slightly behind the Lafon Perriers and Leflaive Bien Batard, but very much in the conversation. That of course brought a big smile.

I asked him if we could expect any changes under Rothchild’s ownership? He shrugged, said it was simply business as usual. But with an owner of resources and commitment to quality, Didier was excited about what the future would bring.

I’m sure this estate will reach the upper echelon of what is possible in Chablis. 

Today, I’m still haunted by the flavors I tasted that day; the mineral driven intensity, the amazing freshness, the weightlessness on the palate with the mouth watering persistence that both the 2020 & 2021’s displayed. m“I’m impressed” is an understatement. These are world class wines standing shoulder to shoulder with the best Chablis has to offer - Raveneau and Dauvissat included.

As I was putting together the packing list for next week’s incoming container, I see that I have the last several cases of these breathtaking 2020’s coming on this shipment. There are only a couple of cases of both the Valmur and Preuses remaining, but I can’t urge you enough that if Chablis is something you enjoy, these are Must Have Wines!