Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis Premier Cru Les Lys 2011

Cellar for 10 years or more. No need to decant before serving.

This is a sun-soaked Chablis from the Premier Cru of “Les Lys”, harvested from 45 to 50 year old vines. You can detect its complexity on the nose, where scents of ripe lemon, baked apple, buttered toast, honey, and earth mingle beautifully. It represents the pinnacle of the Chardonnay grape, produced by one of the oldest estates in the region.

Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix dates back to the 16th century and occupies a piece of land that was once tended by grape-growing monks, almost 1000 years ago. The estate extends for 28 hectares, and its vineyards are planted exclusively with Chardonnay. Daniel-Etienne is the incumbent in an outrageously long line of winemakers, going back 14 generations. His enthusiasm shows in the winery’s joyous range of Chardonnay wines, many of which are long-aged on the lees, imparting a sumptuous mouthfeel.

“Les Lys” begins with a blast of orchard and citrus fruits, leading into undertones of herbal honey, brioche, forest floor, and stony minerality. It is remarkably round in the mouth, and showcases a medium plus body, with a juicy vein of acidity. The finish is long and chalky. This wine is grown up Chardonnay, suitable for pairing with top-class dishes, such as escargot, lobster, or a pungent plate of cheese.