Burgundy En Primeur
2024 Chablis
Goedhuis Waddesdon
We are excited to be continuing our 2024 Burgundy En Primeur campaign with the latest releases from our outstanding Chablis domaines: Pinson, Billaud-Simon, Jean Paul & Benoît Droin, and William Fèvre. Domaine Pommier to follow later!
As you may have already heard, 2024 was extremely hard for the growers in Chablis. They coped with a range of climatic challenges throughout the growing season, starting with a hard-hitting frost in April, followed by variable temperatures in June which disrupted the flowering season, reducing the potential harvest before the grapes even had a chance to develop! Thank goodness for the dry and sunny August which meant that those few grapes which survived could ripen to perfection.
But onto the good news: the quality of wine our domaines have made is very good. Despite the tricky conditions, they have succeeded in making perfectly ripe and delicious wines in a classic Chablis style – a return to laser precision and racy acidity after a series of relatively warm and generous vintages.
2024 is a brilliant showcase of appellational and terroir differences. Charlene and Laurent Pinson summed up the vintage perfectly: “the small harvest made us focus on the quality of the grapes and the concentration of the wine, ultimately producing a superbly intense, albeit much smaller range of wines.”
Elle Macleod | Burgundy Buyer
DOMAINE PINSON FRÈRES | CHABLIS
The Pinsons trace their roots in Chablis back to 1640, rivalling the Droin family as one of the oldest in town. Historical records from 1880 detail Louis Pinson selling bottles of their wine under the family label. Today, brothers Laurent and Christophe, along with Laurent’s daughter Charlene, oversee the estate, which boasts an impressive 12 hectares of vineyards, including 2.5 hectares of Les Clos and 4.75 hectares of Mont de Milieu.
The Domaine has a strong commitment to traditional values, including hand harvesting. While certain cuvées undergo a period of barrel aging, in casks between 2-5 years old, it is rarely in new oak. A far cry from the 2023 vintage that Laurent and Charlene described as hassle-free, the 2024 vintage was difficult in every season for them. Frost in April, intense hail in May and a wetter than normal summer resulted in a dramatically reduced yield of just 10-12 hl per hectare across their fantastic Grands and Premiers Crus vineyard holdings. Luckily, although quantity was severely impacted, the grapes that were harvested were concentrated and beautiful quality, producing a classic and superbly intense range of wines which are shining in the usual Pinson style.
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
Early Release | £180.00 per 6 bottles IB
With 65-year-old vines on a mixture of limestone and blue and white clay soils, the south east-facing vineyards in Montmains produce a nicely rounded style, with great minerality. Fresh and energetic apple and pear are marked on the nose, backed up by a silky thread of hazelnut and a stony character. A luxurious and smooth texture that would delight the Chablis purist. Drink 2026 - 2032.
Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu
Early Release | £180.00 per 6 bottles IB
The Domaine’s flagship Premier Cru site, covering around 5 hectares, the fruit is sourced from four different locations which share the same Kimmeridgian soils as the Grands Crus. There is a small proportion of new oak used here (10-15%) which lends a subtle spice and complexity to the wine, as well as a beautiful creamy texture. Lemon, lime curd and a honeyed note balance the oak perfectly and a light brioche flavour on the finish makes this so moreish. Brilliant freshness and structure.
Drink 2026 - 2036.
Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos
Early Release | Sold Out
Widely considered Chablis’ grandest Grand Cru, the Pinsons hold an enviable 2.5 hectares. Only 5 barrels were made this year, although Charlene commented that they had done well considering many of their neighbours here had produced none. Around 20% of the wine is fermented in new oak, adding sweet clove flavours and amazing tension and complexity. Light blossom florality and toast on the nose give way to ripe apricot and white peach on the palate with a gun flint and stony finish which is long and refreshing. Fabulously integrated and dense, this will only get better with age. Drink 2026 - 2036.
DOMAINE BILLAUD SIMON | CHABLIS
The Billaud-Simon name is long-established in Chablis, dating back to 1815 when Charles-Louis-Noel Billaud purchased his first vineyards. The estate remained in the family ownership for 200 years until Erwan Faiveley purchased the domaine as part of Joseph Faiveley in 2015. Domaine Faiveley needs little introduction as one of the Côte d’Or’s most significant vineyard owners producing wines of the very highest quality. Under the guidance of wine maker Olivier Bailly, it shows Faiveley’s exciting commitment to producing great wines in the Yonne and Chablis with approximately 18 hectares of exceptional vineyard holdings.
Olivier’s aim is for wines with Chablis terroir authenticity; oak levels are kept to a minimum. Certain cuvées receive no barrel ageing at all, instead going through an élevage on the yeast lees in cuve to allow the appellational character and individuality to shine through. The Premiers and Grands Crus vineyards are always harvested by hand, but due to the very small crop in 2024, the domaine took the decision to hand harvest all their vineyards. 2024 is Billaud-Simon’s third entirely organic vintage, a testing year with average yields of just 15 hl/ha, but the style and quality is of the highest order.
Chablis
Early Release | £120.00 per 6 bottles IB
The domaine’s 6 hectares of village Chablis adjoin some of the finest Premiers and Grands Crus sites. Sadly, like their prestigious neighbours, this advantageous position meant that they were among the vineyards most affected by the frosts and difficult conditions. A lovely, textural style of village Chablis which punches above its status. With baked apple tart and pastry, a more savoury note of toasted almonds is balanced by sweet apricot flavours. A stony and refreshing finish.
Drink 2026-2032.
Chablis Tête d'Or
Early Release | £156.00 per 6 bottles IB
Limited
The Domaine’s prestige village Chablis, selected from parcels closest to their prize Grands and Premiers Crus sites. A combination of stainless steel and new oak barrel vinification shines through on the nose with the opening of honeyed creamy characters, blending with rose petal and clementine. A fuller style of Chablis, with the substance and body allowing it to stand alongside any Premier Cru. Drink 2027 – 2036.
Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaillons
Early Release | £210.00 per 6 bottles IB
Due to its exposure, this is always one of the first places to be picked during harvest. The fruit comes from three separate locations, and it is the site in Roncières in particular, with its 95-year-old vines, which gives the wine its infinite quality and depth. One of the estate’s highest yielding Premiers Crus in 2024 at 30 hl per ha, this is scented and floral, reminiscent of spring flowers and honeysuckle. Full of vibrant energy, a delightful cuvée for early drinking. Drink 2026 - 2032.
Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu
Early Release | Sold Out
Located on the eastern side of town, this sizeable Premier Cru makes some of the more powerful wines in the region. This is one of Olivier’s favourite Premiers Crus; he positively purrs as he discusses its perfect equilibrium between power and finesse. A zesty medley of citrus fruits, pink grapefruit, lemon sherbet and lime juice open the attack. A charming volume of white peach give an impression of silky richness, long and very layered. Classy.
Drink 2025 - 2035 .
Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre
Early Release | Sold Out
Arguably the most sought-after of the Premiers Crus, Montée de Tonnerre lies alongside the great Grands Crus vineyards overlooking the town of Chablis. Billaud-Simon’s parcel sits on white clay and so the wine shows a natural depth of flavour, which needs no oak, in either vinification or ageing. The broadest of the 2024 Premiers Crus, this wine has noticeable intensity, combining flavours of mandarin and Pink Lady apple. Tighter in structure, with an earthy muscly core. Long and taut, with great Chablisien intent. Drink 2028 - 2038.
Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent
Early Release | Sold Out
A sub-climat of Fourchaume, separated out because of its exceptional quality and prime location neighbouring Grand Cru Les Preuses. A step up in gear here, with noticeable power and depth. This is a firmly structured wine, with earthy, layered Kimmeridgian concentration and characters of pippy, bitter orange. The finish has a fine stony salinity. Drink 2028-2040.
Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir
Early Release | Sold Out
Sheltered from the cold Chablis winds, Vaudésir has the ability to produce very broad wines. Half of the blend is fermented and aged in barrel, with the rest in stainless steel, resulting in a wine of terrific balance. Sadly only 300 bottles (1 barrel) were made for the entire world, so this cuvée is like gold dust! A very composed wine, with hints of kiwi fruit and Seville orange. Whilst a little reserved initially, the mouthfeel is rounded and rich. This will evolve in bottle to be a very special rarity.
Drink 2028 - 2042.
Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots
Early Release | Sold Out
Located on the easterly side of the Grand Cru hill, Les Blanchots gets the morning sun, which preserves a striking purity and energy in the wines. Golden straw colour. A tightly knit wine, with a firm saline central core, a touch of guava and mango sneak out in the mid-palate, but the focus is one of racy limestone directness. Quintessential Chablis.
Drink 2027 - 2040.
DOMAINE JEAN PAUL ET BENOÎT DROIN | CHABLIS
To be the 14th generation of your family making wines in the same town since 1620 is truly remarkable. Over this 400-year period, the Droins have cultivated a sizeable estate of 26 hectares, boasting an enviable portfolio of appellations from both Grands and Premiers Crus within Chablis. Benoît joined his father at the estate in 1999 at the age of 24 and has, over the last decade, assumed total control. Whilst upholding the family’s respect for their fine terroir and soil, he has subtly adjusted the winemaking style. Today, the use of oak is less prevalent than in his father Jean-Paul’s time, leading to a greater terroir identity in the domaine’s wines, characterised by a mineral drive and edge. He avoids the trend of long barrel élevage and is one of the earliest bottlers in the region, preferring just 8-10 months of barrel maturation.
Despite the tricky vintage, Benoît was upbeat when we tasted with him in October. He told a familiar story of frost, hail and rain which has affected his yields massively. He has produced half the usual quantity of Grands Crus, with no Grenouilles made at all, and is down tremendously on his Premiers Crus too. However, he was very pleased with the wines. Due to the cold nights, the wines have great freshness and acidity balanced with just-ripe fruit which is comparable to the excellent 2014 vintage.
Chablis
Early Release | £270.00 per 12 bottles IB
From a selection of around 40 separate plots, this wine is made only in stainless streel and is an ode to the classic Chablis style. Super fresh lemon and crisp apple with a touch of richer clementine citrus. This has a direct line of acidity and minerality that runs all the way through and is softened by very light and pretty florality. An incredibly classy village Chablis. Drink 2026 - 2030.
Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaillons
Early Release | £195.00 per 6 bottles IB
Vaillons tends to be the prettiest and most open of the Chablis Premiers Crus. This is a warm site and is always harvested early to retain the balance of aromatic notes and freshness. Brilliant depth of flavours with citrus notes leading to ripe apricot and juicy yellow peach. A quarter is aged in barrel which adds to the long sweet finish. Perfectly accessible in its youth but will develop beautifully with age. Drink 2026 - 2034.
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
Early Release | Sold Out
Generally cooler than neighbouring Vaillons, with less stone and a higher proportion of clay in the soil, this is a richer and less overtly mineral style. Notes of rose, lemon posset and marmalade are complemented by a lick of creaminess and almond nuttiness. So much depth and energy in this wine make it a joy to taste. Drink 2026 - 2035.
Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre
Early Release | Sold Out
With its clay-stone soils lending minerality and the superb sunny site imbuing the fruit with richness, Montée de Tonnerre shows its superb character in any vintage. More serious and smoky than the Montmains, the blue clay gives a roundness to the lemon zest and apricot on the palate, while silex in the soil adds a beautiful oyster shell minerality to the finish. Drink 2026 - 2035.
Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir
Early Release | Sold Out
Enclosed within the valley, this Grand Cru site enjoys summer heat and little air circulation, creating a broad and complex wine. Happily, Vaudesir only lost a third of is production this year, and Benoit has made a fantastic wine. Very mineral and very complex. Notes of walnut, orange blossom, stone fruit and gentle lychee play together on the mid-palate and are swept away by bright acidity and stoniness. Truly stunning. Drink 2026 - 2038.
Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos Hommage à Louis
Early Release | Sold Out
This Grand Cru parcel has been in the Droin family since the 1920s. A giant of a Grand Cru, this wine is tightly packed and austere at first displaying aromas of honeysuckle, apricot and toasted almonds. Brilliant round texture and mouthwatering freshness are all at play here with a very long rounded finish. Bursting with personality, this will develop beautifully in bottle for years to come. Drink 2026 - 2038.
DOMAINE WILLIAM FÈVRE | CHABLIS
William Fèvre is one of the great names of Chablis. However, in comparison to many estates in the region, William himself was a relative newcomer, producing his first crop in 1959. In a short space of time, he built the estate to have substantial holdings throughout the commune accumulating 48 hectares by 1998. He had a skill for finding unplanted parcels, somewhat off the radar, which are now recognised as some of the finest plots in the appellation. Today Fèvre boasts an enviable 78 hectares under vine, including 16 hectares of Premiers Crus and 15 hectares of Grands Crus.
2024 represents an exciting new era for this iconic producer. Under the watchful direction of Saskia de Rothschild, Domaines Baron de Rothschild purchased William Fèvre. The estate continues to be run by the brilliant Didier Seguier and 2024 is his 25th vintage at the estate.
Vineyard management for the village wines is organic, and the Premiers Crus and Grands Crus vineyards have been biodynamic since 2020. Stainless steel vinification means a focus on primary fruit characteristics, prior to a careful barrel maturation of 8–12 months depending on the cuvée, with no new oak. Despite the very small crop (9hl/ha), Didier felt, with the precariousness of the harvest weather, that speed was of the essence and he increased the number of pickers to 220 from the normal 150! This allowed him to pick multiple parcels on the same day, doing a micro-vinification for each plot, thus keeping terroir integrity and brilliant purity. These 2024s really are Chablis at its very best.
Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy
Early Release | Sold Out
The Fèvre parcel of this left bank Premier Cru sits within the more distinctive sub-climat of Troësmes. The fruit is vinified in stainless steel and then 30% is matured in barrel. On the nose there is a hint of sea air, with an oyster shell freshness. With an enticing flavour profile of white peach and nectarine, full of charm and grace, this flows into a lovely easy soft finish.
Drink 2026 - 2032.
Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Early Release | Sold Out
The naturally sunny exposition of Fèvre’s parcel of this respected Premier Cru means it is always one of the earlier vineyards picked by Didier and his team at harvest time. A zest of freshly squeezed lemon on the nose, Vaillons is always rewarding on the palate, with a youthful approachability that separates it from some other Premiers Crus in the appellation. This is giving, charming and ready to go! Drink 2025 - 2031 .
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
Early Release | Sold Out
Despite being a neighbour to Premier Cru Vaillons on the west bank, Montmains is by contrast a late maturing vineyard due to its deep valley offering protection against the sun. It ends up being the last plot that Didier harvests and the impact is huge. So much more reserved aromatically, on the palate it opens with striking yellow stone fruit flavours. Most importantly though is the wine’s tension and steely minerality. This is tight and tensile; very much for Chablis purists. Drink 2027 - 2034.
Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent
Early Release | Sold Out
The finest of Premiers Crus, Fèvre’s parcel of Vaulorent abuts Grand Cru Les Preuses with its schistous soil coming to the fore in this fine 2024. With aromatics of fresh lemon and lime, this starts off quietly. Its natural power and depth carefully build in the palate, with charming flavours of clementine and freshly baked brioche. Incredibly fine and yet with a hidden power, which gives this huge ageing potential.
Drink 2027 - 2036.
Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre
Early Release | Sold Out
This highly prized site neighbours the seven Grands Crus vineyards. Fèvre owns three plots amounting to two hectares, with the parcel near Blanchot planted in 1936 making it the oldest vineyard on the estate. A white wine with muscle, this has a very layered style with earthy intensity. Delicate mandarin and citrus fruits reveal themselves, but in essence this wine is more about texture, robustness and flavours of great Chablisien soil. Drink 2028 - 2037.
Chablis Grand Cru Bougros
Early Release | Sold Out
William Fèvre owns 6 hectares within Bougros and makes two different cuvées. This wine comes from a 4-hectare parcel of old vines planted by William's father in the 1940s and 1950s. Tasted young it is always the most appealing of the Domaine’s Grands Crus. A combination of white stone fruits and fresh apple juice contribute to a beguiling scent. Full and generous, it is eager to let you know of its Grand Cru status, rich, full and incredibly pleasing. With willpower this will keep, but it is almost irresistible in its youth! Drink 2027 - 2036 .
Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir
Early Release | Sold Out
Sadly just 1 cask (300 bottles) was made of this cuvée in 2024. Vaudésir is a sheltered Grand Cru, with protection against the cold Chablis winds and is always the last vineyard to be picked at harvest time. Aromatics of kiwi and pink grapefruit. A very charming style, rounded with a touch of oyster shell melding beautifully with yellow stone fruit flavours. Lifted on the finish with a lovely line of lime zest freshness. Drink 2027 - 2038.
Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses
Early Release | Sold Out
The stony-soiled Preuses vineyard often produces a style that is a little reserved in its youth but has a fine ability to age. I was surprised how open this delicious 2024 is with a combination of fresh flowers and rose petal creating a stunning scented summery bouquet. A wine of great breadth and depth, the oak sits comfortably with the fruit, contributing to characters of spiced cumin and fresh coconut. This is high class and nuanced, but regrettably only 600 bottles were made this vintage. Seek it out because it will be brilliant in the future.
Drink 2028 - 2037.
Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Côte Bouguerots
Early Release | Sold Out
This 2-hectare site on the steepest slopes of the appellation creates a very impressive wine, showing off great minerality and salinity. Its character is so distinctive that Didier separates it from the rest of his Bougros. White fruits, peach with a smattering of kiwi and green apple. It’s sunny south facing exposure allows for optimal ripeness, but all is kept in balance as its proximity to the river helps maintain cool night time temperatures. A layered and structured wine, with notes of freshly kneaded dough. The great length makes it easy to see why this is Didier’s favourite Grand Cru! Drink 2028 - 2039 .
Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos
Early Release | Sold Out
A substantial holding of 4 hectares at the top of this great Grand Cru hill, with half the vineyard planted back in the 1940s. Aromatically intense, with summer fruits, peach, apricot and slight tropical undertones of guava and melon. Firm in structure, with a subtle bitter Seville orange sensation, there is a power that almost gives a sense of tannic depth, such is its central core and structure. The finish is tight and mineral. It needs time but has all the ingredients to be a classic. Drink 2028 - 2038 .
DOMAINE POMMIER | POINCHY
In 1990, Denis and Isabelle took over 2 hectares of family land outside the town of Chablis. Today, through astuteness and hard work, they have developed the domaine to encompass 23 hectares of high-quality vineyards, all benefiting from their organic philosophy practiced since 2014. Their style is to create fruit-forward wines, focused a little less on a firm mineral bite and more on graceful volume. They always maintain a classical Chablis freshness, combining well with floral and exotic Chardonnay flavours.
Vineyard owners in Chablis know, more than any others, never to take the weather for granted. As Denis said, in 2023, “We had everything we wished for, a wonderful growing season, a healthy crop and delicious quality”. In 2024, his soulful expression, says it all. The quality is beautiful, but quite simply no wine... with yields at the domaine averaging a paltry 12 hl/ha, his reluctance to even sample the vintage was visible as he tries to guard the maximum to actually have some wine to sell! Consistency in style and value for money are the name of the game here. Isabelle and Denis’s wines remain exactly that this year, all be it in miniscule volumes.
Chablis
Price TBC
Denis bottled this wine just before the 2025 harvest and the 100% vinification in stainless steel tanks brings out a striking energy and brightness, making it so classically Chablis. Floral aromatics, with a touch of lime zest and honeysuckle blossom. An easy flowing style and deliciously fresh.
Drink 2026 - 2028 .
Chablis 1er Cru Les Troësmes
Price TBC
Côte de Troësmes is a climat within the larger Beauroy Premier Cru on the left bank of the river. Its white marl soils have a reputation for producing supple wines with a floral character. Vinified and raised 100% in large barrels this year due to the size of the harvest, this a very textured wine, with a creamy volume and flavours of Pink Lady apple and lemon posset. The finish is fine, racy and mouthwatering.
Drink 2026 - 2032.
Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet
Price TBC
From a 1-hectare plot of 60-year-old vines, this is a flagship cuvée for the domaine. These older vines found the climatic conditions particularly challenging and produced miniscule amounts of wine; just 200 cases in total! But what is in the glass is gorgeous! Denis uses a cautious amount of oak during the élevage to allow the vineyard’s natural finesse to shine through. With flavours of mandarin and jasmine scent, it is beautifully graceful with a fresh rewarding saline finish. Fine class.
Drink 2027 - 2032.
2024 Chablis Price List
|
Domaine Pinson Frères |
Case Size |
Case Price In Bond |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
£180.00 |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Montmain | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
£180.00 |
|
Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Domaine Billaud Simon |
Case Size |
Case Price In Bond |
|
Chablis | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
£120.00 |
|
Chablis Tete d'Or | Early Release | Limited |
6 x 75cl |
£156.00 |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaillons | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
£210.00 |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent | Early Release |
3 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir | Early Release |
3 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots | Early Release |
3 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Domaine Jean-Paul Droin Jean Paul et Benoît Droin |
Case Size |
Case Price In Bond |
|
Chablis | Early Release |
12 x 75cl |
£270.00 |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
£195.00 |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis Grand Cru Hommage à Louis Les Clos | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Domaine William Fèvre |
Case Size |
Case Price In Bond |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre | Early Release |
6 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis Grand Cru Bougros | Early Release |
3 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir | Early Release |
3 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses | Early Release |
3 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Côtes de Bouguerots | Early Release |
3 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
|
Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos | Early Release |
3 x 75cl |
Sold Out |
Built with Shorthand