2017 Domaine Camille et Schaller, Chablis, Vieilles Vignes, White Burgundy, France -photo grapelive

2017 Domaine Camille et Schaller, Chablis, Vieilles Vignes, White Burgundy, France.
Absolutely new to me, the Domaine Camille & Laurent Schaller, is a family estate based in Préhy, a village in the heart of the Chablis region. The estate is run by Laurent and his son Camille who cultivate vineyards with the three main grape varieties here with of course Chardonnay being the main focus, but they also grown some Aligoté and Pinot Noir too. Their Chablis collection includes main bottling of Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and this “Old Vine” Vieilles Vignes, which I think is an outstanding wine, it really thrills the palate and is an exceptional value with steely intensity and a depth of flavors that rivals Premier Crus and much more expensive Chablis, it’s very impressive. Classic in style with riveting crushed stone and a touch of smoky leesy character this Schaller Vieilles vignes adds layers of steely lemon, green apple and peach fruits along with a touch of honeycomb, creme brûlée richness on the lively palate making for a Chardonnay of poise and fine tension.

This pale golden Chablis is delicious and is a wine of remarkable substance and length, quite surprising for a wine in this price class, it has depth and vigor to make it a wine to savor over a meal, going especially well with soft cheeses and an array of foods
Made from vines at least 40 years old and set on the classic limestone and clay soils that provide Chablis with its unique flinty/chalky profile, Schaller’s Old Vine was fermented mostly, about 70% in stainless and about 30% in barrel to preserve purity and fresh details, while enough barrel fermented to provide complexity and richness on the medium bodied palate, in fact it is incredibly well judged and has loads of personality, charm and vivacious form, making for a stunning example of the region and the grape, this is lovely stuff that stays vivid and vibrant throughout. Well made, textured and with Premier Cru depth this Schaller Vieilles Vignes is a real crowd pleasing white, and while not as laser like intense as say Raveneau or quite as classic like William Fevre, but this is well worth your attention and this 2017 drinks very well, comparing well with anything in its price range, I highly recommend discovering this estate.
($30 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive

By admin