Sebastien Christophe
Let’s have a look at another Chablis shall we?
Sebastien Christophe is one of the young guns of the region. When he returned to the family domaine in 1999 a decision was made to stop selling to the cooperative and bottle a wine under their own label. At that stage the family estate consisted of only 0.6ha of vines, but today the are the proud owners of around 10ha situated in the commune of Fyé, across the river from the town of Chablis.
The wines are produced utilising natural yeasts and the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations both take place in stainless steel. The wines are then aged in stainless steel also….all except the 1ers which are placed in old, seasoned oak barrels. There’s elegance, purity and stony resolve on display in the wines of the domaine……intricate with plenty of bouncy nerve and malic twang….true wines of terroir.
The fruit source for the Vielles Vignes hail from two parcels, both around 50 years of age…..one lies above the 1er Cru Fourchaume, the other parcel above the famous Les Clos Grand Cru. The wine itself could well pass for 1er level…..chockablock full of Kimmeridgiany goodness and shimmering with minerality and detail.
Pale straw in hue with a green flash showing quite expressive aromas of white peach, green apples and pithy lemon with hints of lemon curd, oyster shell, lightly grilled nuts, stone, straw, nougat, marzipan & white flowers…. a Summer meadow kind of vibe. There’s a lovely stony undercurrent to the aromas here with wisps of clotted cream and soft spices further in the background.
Plenty of expressive fruit on the palate also with flavours of ripe peach, apple and lemon brought quickly into line by an assured entry of sapid, malic acidity and is lip-smacking in both its intensity and minerality. Through to the mid-palate flow flavours of citrus fruits, oyster shell, straw, stone, almond, white flowers and marzipan before the flavours seem to fan out with a vapor trail of meal, cream and stone on the lingering finish.
Plenty to like here with lovely weight and texture in the mouth, great balance, super detail and that wicked stony, slightly sour acid line that is the sign of a good Chablis…..very moreish indeed and a cracking wine at this level.
Price: $45 – Closure: Cork – Alcohol: 12.5% – Source: Sample – Importer: Andrew Guard Wine Imports
In lieu of a magic number I’ll score this one say…….five topless Indian squaws in a pond…..which I’m sure you will agree is right up there.
Rated five topless Indian squaws in a pond
hahah nice comment Dave, though I was al bit distracted…! Nudity always sells!
The kid’s just want nudity!
hahaha… Are you still going to Sicily? I could make an arrangement with the people of Lamoresca for you, if you’re interested? Very kind people
Not this year unfortunately but hopefully on my trip early next year…..I wanted to go for Frank Cornelissens winery 10th anniversary party…..it’s tomorrow
Only five topless Indian squaws? Pfft I thought it worth at least 6 and a half
PS it really is a distracting photo…
Dave apologies I thought the 5th one was you