2014 Chablis Vaillons
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru is slightly darker in colour than expected, though not worryingly so. Some reduction on the nose as expected, though a bit does blow away with aeration; attractive melted wax and slightly algae-like notes emerge with time. The palate is quite concentrated, spicy and has fine depth with tangy acidity. Bitter lemon mixed with orange rind on the finish, moderate length, but personally I would allow this another two to three years in bottle.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright, pale yellow-green. Lemon, menthol and wet stone on the nose, lifted by a floral topnote. Juicy, intense and firm, delivering sharply chiseled lemon and mineral flavors. Strong acidity suggests early harvesting. Really vibrates and rises on the long, brisk aftertaste. A terrific Vaillons.
(these vines average about 55 years of age, like the Séchet and Forest): Very pale yellow. Lemon oil, flowers and a lightly lactic yeasty nuance on the nose. Tight, upright and penetrating, with brisk lemony acidity intensifying the dense flavors of white peach and almond flower. Shows terrific grain and palate presence and finishes with explosive mounting length. A very serious Vaillons. Dauvissat noted that as these vines have aged, they are yielding consistently more mineral wines.