The Burgundy wine region begins in the Yonne Valley, roughly midway between Paris and Dijon. It is more widely known as Chablis, a bit of a misnomer as Chablis is only one of its five primary vineyard areas, the others centering on the villages of Auxerre, Tonnerre, Joigny and Vezelay. The dry white wine of Chablis is made from the chardonnay grape and produces wines from all four major appellation levels: regional (Bourgogne Blanc, Petit Chablis), communal or Villages (Chablis A.O.C.), premier cru (82 premier cru vineyards in all) and grand cru (a total of seven). However, the Yonne Valley as a whole produces a greater diversity of wine than is found in Chablis alone. There is sparkling wine, Cremant de Bourgogne, produced throughout the vineyards of the Yonne. While the wines of Chablis permit only chardonnay, elsewhere aligote is common, and there is sauvignon blanc in the village of Saint-Bris as well. Unknown to most, there is also quite a bit of red wine (and rose) from pinot noir produced in Coulanges-les-Vineuse, Chitry, Epineuil and Irancy.
Aromas of fraises des boix and nuts. A little toasty (though no oak) with very nice balance good length and a spicy, caramel-covered apple finish. (part of Vau de Vey mini-vertical organized by S. Pommier) **(*) ...
Wild cherries and almonds on the nose with great attack and persistency. Tight, but expansive with great potential. (part of Vau de Vey mini-vertical arranged by S. Pommier) ***(*) ...
Initially reductive nose eveolves to reveal subtly sweet fruits, forest aromas and nuts. Loads of stones and minerals. Deep and long. — AU, 2004-11-01 ***(*) ...
A bit musty but fragrant with perhaps just a touch of botrytis and nice, ripe yellow fruit. Good balance between the acidity and fruit and long spicy finish. Finished the bottle two hours later with Pascal Gron, proprietor of la Grange de Boulay and the wine exploded. Just beautiful, really fleshed out, always maintaining perfect ...
A perfectly aged Chablis Villages with good acidity. Color still pale and limpid with a little straw hue. Good fruit and light-bodied with an olive oil texture. *** ...
Delicate and floral nose with approachable palate and creamy finish balanced by fine acidity. ** ...
Chalky and mineral with great length and an earthy finish. ** ...
More viscous and better balanced than the normal Villages. A fuller, more complete wine with excellent balance and length. ** ...
Good front-palate ripeness. Green fruits, nice acidity a touch prickly in the finish. ** ...
Less expressive than typical Fourchaume, but subtle, sweet fruits lead to a medium-bodied palate that is gentle but well-structured. **(*) ...