2009 Chablis
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Tasting notes
At ten years of age, Vincent Dauvissat’s 2009 Chablis is impeccable. If anything, the 2009 needs more time, as it is clearly past the primary stage, but not yet fully mature. Ordinarily, I might say how surprised I am by how well Dauvissat’s village-level Chablis has aged, but after he opened a 1996 Petit Chablis blind for me a few years ago, the truth is I am not. To be sure, the 2009 shows the radiant fruit, texture and shape of a warm year, but it also has plenty of nuance within all of that richness, with more than enough minerality and structure to develop well for a number of years to come. Although no Dauvissat can be called ‘inexpensive’ the village Chablis often punches above its weight, as it clearly does in 2009.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Chablis reveals lovely depth and roundness at this level. Layers of expressive fruit caress the palate in this delicious, enveloping entry-level Chablis. It is a beautiful, totally inviting wine.
The 2009 Chablis reveals lovely depth and roundness at this level. Layers of expressive fruit caress the palate in this delicious, enveloping entry-level Chablis. It is a beautiful, totally inviting wine. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015. Vincent Dauvissat’s 2010 harvest started on September 21st, a few days earlier than his average over the last ten years, which has been closer to September 25th. The vintage is marked by very low yields. Couleur and millerandage were most pronounced in the grand crus, where yields were 40% lower than normal. At the same time, the wines have retained plenty of acidity, making for very interesting personalities across the range. The 2010s were aged in oak (roughly 10% new), on their fine lees, and racked once after the malos, which were finished by the end of January. The Forest, Preuses and Clos saw some new oak during the alcoholic fermentation. Dauvissat planned to begin bottling the 2010s in October or November, 2011. In 2009, Dauvissat harvested a week earlier, starting on September 14. Vintage 2009 was marked by a hot August that resulted in ripe wines with acidities that are lower than normal. Within the context of Chablis, where acidity is rarely lacking, a warm yet well-balanced season can be a good thing in that the wines are easier to drink when young, which certainly appears to be the case here. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802
Lemon, white flowers, fresh herbs and a suggestion of biscuit on the sexy nose. Juicy and firm, boasting uncanny precision and grip for 2009. The citrus and herb flavors are carried by an iodiney suggestion of oyster shell on the sappy finish. Classic, juicy village wine.