Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaucopins, Domaine Long-Depaquit (Albert Bichot), Burgundy, France, 2018  

GRAPE: 100% Chardonnay, 

VINEYARD:

Average age of the vine: 31 years, 5.2 ha (12.8 acre) plot, Soil: Calcareous and Kimmeridgian clay

VINIFICATION:

Harvest: Handpicked
Vatting: In stainless steel vats (85%) ; In 1 to 4-year-old oak barrels (15%)

AGEING:

In oak barrels 15%, and final ageing in stainless steel vats (100%)
Ageing time: 10 months in oak barrels and vats ; Final ageing in stainless steel vats 2 months, on fine lees

LOCATION:

"Les Vaucopins" is a Premier Cru that is quite unique within the wide range of the Long-Depaquit estate’s wines. Located on the right bank of the Serein River, this vineyard is in the commune of Chichée, 3 kilometres east of Chablis. Its terroir has an uncanny resemblance to the Grand Crus: southern exposure, steep slopes and numerous Kimmeridgian outcrops. Consequently, the subsoil lends these wines a very specific personality. With its noble origin and often warmer than average conditions for this terroir, this high-end Premier Cru has definite promise and potential.

TASTING NOTES:

This wine features an expressive, rather powerful nose that is predominantly mineral. Milk caramel notes combine with elegant, refined nuances of oak. A hint of sucrosity on the palate with flavours of candied fruit, apricot, and quince. This beautiful, full-bodied wine finishes on a generous, slightly acidic note.

CRITICS REVIEWS:

"The grilled-lemon and spiced peach-pastry aromas are super fresh. The palate has a very sleek and attractively fleshy core of peaches and lemons with a smoothly delivered palate that offers so much flavor. Drink over the next five years"

92-93/100 points, Nick Stock, jamessuckling.com August 2019

"Pale lemon. A lovely crackling crunchy saline nose with white fruit notes. This speaks more of its terroir and less of the vintage. This is quite delicious on the palate though opens out to a little more flesh than is typical. Good length."

92/100 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy, November 2019

FOOD PAIRING:

The varied and sustained aromatic pallet of this great wine allows a double vocation. As an aperitif or for a convivial meal. It will pair well with seafood, scallops, fish and white meats. Serve between 11 and 13°C. May be enjoyed now or laid down for between 5 and 10 years