From: Chablis, France
Varietal: Chardonnay
About & Taste: The Bessin-Tremblay Chablis Grand Cru Valmur absolutely shines, demonstrating the brilliant quality of the terroir and the considered skills of the winemakers.
Vines for the Valmur range in age from relative babies (planted in 2000) to old but sprightly (planted in 1947), which helps to aid the complexity of the wine. Stainless steel and neutral oak help to elevate the fruit, showing peach, citrus and blossom with some pleasant creaminess and minerality.
For a grand cru Chablis, this is an incredibly low price, providing immense value for money and a drinking experience that will be rewarded by some patience.
The Domaine. Domaine Bessin-Tremblay has been around since 1989, owned by Jean-Claude and Eveylne Bessin, although the family has been in the wine business since the 1800s. The estate is in La Chapelle Vaupelteigne, just north of the town of Chablis, with total vineyard area of around 12 hectares across Chablis AOC, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru classifications.
Jean Claude and Evelyne's son, Romain, is now heavily involved in the business, and they work tirelessly in the vineyard to ensure that the frut is of the highest quality; the stellar reviews of their wines show that this is very much the case.
Notes from the Importer. The Domaine holds a priceless two hectares in Valmur, which makes it (I’m guessing) one of the largest holders of this Grand Cru, sited between Grenouilles and Le Clos. With the 1934 plantings in La Pièce au Comte now pulled up, Valmur houses the Domaine’s oldest vines, planted in 1947, and include some ‘younger’ material planted between 1962-1974 and 1995-2000. Just as important is the exposure: Bessin’s parcel lies on the southern side of Valmur, where the vines face northwest, bringing the wine excellent structure and freshness. With the power this terroir can generate, the wine is raised mostly in stainless steel, with between 20% and 40% in barrel depending on the vintage.
Aside from the obvious quality—it’s a stunningly radiant, long and pure Valmur reverberating with mineral energy—we should also point out the tariff: Grand Cru white Burgundy from a great grower at this price? Get it while you can.
