2023 Domaine Bessin-Tremblay Chablis Premier Cru La Fourchaume

The Bessin-Tremblay Chablis Premier Cru La Fourchaume opens with clean aromas of lemon peel, yellow apple, and pear, layered with subtle floral notes and a distinct saline edge. On the palate, the wine is fresh yet more textural than village Chablis, with bright acidity supporting citrus and orchard fruit across a mineral-driven mid-palate. Limestone influence is evident in a chalky, slightly phenolic grip that adds structure without weight. The finish is dry and focused, marked by saline, lightly bitter notes that underscore the wine’s precision and premier-cru delineation.

Domaine Bessin-Tremblay was established in its current form in 1989 by Jean-Claude and Evelyne Bessin, though the Bessin family has been involved in viticulture in Chablis since the 19th century. The estate is based in La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, just north of Chablis, and today farms approximately 12 hectares of vineyards across the Chablis, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru classifications.

The domaine remains firmly family-run, with Romain Bessin now heavily involved in both vineyard and cellar work. Viticulture is hands-on and focused on fruit quality, with close attention paid to yields, canopy management, and harvest timing. In the cellar, the approach is restrained and pragmatic, using a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak to emphasize clarity, balance, and site expression rather than a strong winemaking signature. This consistency has earned the estate strong critical recognition, particularly for its village and Premier Cru bottlings.