2022 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru Les Lys

Domaine William Fèvre and its position within Chablis

Domaine William Fèvre has long been known as one of the most reliable and respected producers of Chablis. The estate is located around the village of Chablis in the northern part of Burgundy, where the climate is cool enough to maintain tension and freshness. The soil consists of Kimmeridgian limestone and clay rich in fossil oysters, which gives the wines their characteristic mineral style.

With 78 hectares of its own vineyards, the estate covers Chablis, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru terroirs. The wines have been produced organically for sixteen years, and the 2022 vintage marks the penultimate step toward full organic certification. Under the leadership of Didier Séguier, Fèvre's style has become increasingly precise, focusing on purity, tension, and a clear expression of the vineyard.

The estate was recently acquired by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), a move that inspires confidence in the future. The combination of experience, terroir, and meticulous working methods makes Fèvre a key reference for both enthusiasts and professionals.

Les Lys: a unique Premier Cru with elegance and freshness

Les Lys is one of Chablis's most refined Premier Cru vineyards. The parcel lies within the broader Vaillons estate, yet has a distinct character of its own. The relatively cool slope is composed of a combination of chalky clay and thin soil layers that allow the roots to penetrate deeply. This results in a wine that is lighter, fresher, and more floral than some other Premier Crus in the region.

Les Lys is known for its understated power. The wines are elegant and precise in style, with a pronounced minerality and a saline undertone. This parcel is often described as the most classic expression of Chablis within the Fèvre range, with a purity that is instantly recognizable.

Harvest, fermentation and maturation of the 2022 Les Lys

The 2022 harvest yielded healthy and ripe grapes with a remarkably good balance of fruit and acidity. Warm spells alternated with cool nights and timely rainfall, keeping the Chardonnay grapes concentrated yet fresh. Selection was done entirely by hand, with attention paid to optimal ripeness.

At Domaine William Fèvre, fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel and reclaimed oak barrels. These barrels impart no woody aromas, but they do provide refinement and structure. Maturation lasts an average of ten to fifteen months, with a portion resting on lees for added texture and roundness without losing any freshness.

At this stage, the 2022 Les Lys displays a satiny structure, pure minerality, and precise balance. The tension and precision are remarkable for a warm vintage, indicating that this parcel performs exceptionally well under challenging conditions. The combination of freshness, bright fruit, and a salty undertone makes this wine well-suited for further bottle aging.

Color, smell and taste of the 2022 Les Lys

The color is bright pale yellow with a fresh sheen. The aroma reveals citrus oil, white flowers, wet stone, and a distinct oystershell note. These aromas immediately give the wine a distinct Chablis character. The nose is pure, floral, and precise.

On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a satiny mouthfeel and an energetic character. The fruit is vibrant and supports the mineral tension typical of Les Lys. The wine combines elegance with a subtle tautness, gradually revealing layers of citrus, white flowers, and salty minerality.

The finish is long, clean, and slightly salty, with a saline note that underscores the vineyard's identity. The structure and tension indicate excellent aging potential well into 2045. The wine is already appealing, but with a few years of bottle aging, it will reveal even more layers.

Would you like to order Domaine William Fèvre wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Oysters with a squeeze of lemon. The wine's briny notes complement the pure character of fresh oysters perfectly.
• Grilled sea bass with fennel and citrus zest. The freshness of the wine enhances the light anise note of the fennel.
• Scallops with cauliflower cream. The satin texture of the wine complements the creamy softness of the dish beautifully.
• Smoked trout with apple and crisp vegetables. The freshness and mineral tension give the dish extra depth.
• Lobster with tarragon and light butter. The wine balances the dish and emphasizes the subtle spiciness.
• Veal sweetbreads with lemon and capers. The combination of creaminess and fresh notes works particularly well with the precision of this Chablis.

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