Domaine Clément Lavallée, Saint-Bris-Le-Vineux
Brilliant Wines from a Rising Superstar in Chablis The prices shown are under bond UK, not all wines are available now.
Domaine Clément Lavallée, Saint-Bris-Le-Vineux
Every so often, one comes across a new producer that stands out from the crowd, and significantly so at that. Clément Lavallée is one such producer who, I believe, has the potential to become something of a superstar. He is definitely one of the most exciting producers from the new generation in Chablis, although his story is not unusual these days: he wanted to do things differently to his father, started up a new domaine from scratch in 2019, just 1.6 hectares of Chablis, then added 3.4 hectares of vineyards in Saint-Bris and Côte d’Auxerre until, in 2021, his father retired and he now has 14 hectares which he manages with his sister Caroline. The whole operation is run along the lines of minimal intervention – chemicals and insecticides are not used and treatments are minimal. It was interesting to see that in the vineyards they use older tractors, which are lighter and thus compact the soil less – perhaps a return to horses will be next, they wouldn’t be the first. Only the finest pressings are used, the rest being sold off in bulk. Aging is in old oak barrels and stainless steel to allow the wine, rather than the wood, to talk. I love these wines, they are expressive, focused, vibrant and beautifully balanced. He has produced brilliant wines in 2013 and I can’t recommend them highly enough.
The followings wines are offered per 6 x 75cl Under Bond UK only. Prices exclude duty and Vat and any potential delivery costs. All orders are subject to final confirmation. The wines will be shipped later in 2025. These wines are of quite exceptional quality but equally limited supply.
Bourgogne Aligoté “Pariot” – £108
Clément maintains his attention to detail and focus on quality even with his supposed ‘lesser’ wines. The result is an immensely enjoyable wine that transcends the Aligoté appellation. Mouth-watering acidity underpins ripe white fruit flavours creating a harmonious whole that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect as an apéritif, but would be great on a picnic or with light summer meals – shellfish, grilled fish or cold roast chicken, for instance.
Saint-Bris “Les Copains d’abord” – £129
“Friends first”, and this is clearly intended to be fun, but what fun! Many years ago, I used to sell an excellent Sauvignon de Saint-Bris, but since then it has rather dropped out of the collective consciousness and when I tried this wine I realised that I had been guilty of overlooking the region too. Now, I’m asking myself, Why? This is such a stimulating wine it has made me fall in love with Sauvignon again. A different style of wine, with a recognisable but restrained Sauvignon flavour and with a slight unctuousness about it, but held in check by the vibrant acidity which produces a taut, nervous and very long finish. Great for just sharing a glass with your mates, but would also show off lightly sauced fish or roast pork. In a word, excellent.
Bourgogne Côte d’Auxerre Blanc “Grand Roche” – £129
A buttery, hazelnut Chardonnay with ripe white fruit and delicate citrus notes, this is real Bourgogne Blanc with all the flavour one could hope for. Medium weight on the palate with a delicacy and refinement all its own. Once again, outstanding balance and a long, clean finish. Drink however and whenever you want.
Chablis A.C. – £141
Delightful! As pure an expression of Chablis as you could want. White flowers and ripe white fruit on the nose, with a minerally palate that is perfectly balanced and has that ‘Chablis feel’. Precise, focused and long.
Chablis Les Ardillers – £162
From a single vineyard of shallow clay soils in Courgis, this is already starting to show its character. More intense, with a higher acidity and a deeper flavour than the ‘village’ Chablis, it is a really dynamic and exciting wine with a very long finish. I was lucky enough to try the ’22 with a few oysters, and it was perfect. This looks even better.
Chablis 45° – £162
Named after the 45° slopes of very poor white clay soil it is grown on. This is still a little closed at the moment, but has more weight than the Ardillers with a deep, nutty flavour and an even longer finish. All, of course, with the trademark Lavallée balance. It will be gorgeous. Makes me think of sole, turbot, veal chops and fricassées of chicken (I could go on).