Chablis in 2018 - New World Chardonnay Spiced by Kimmeridgian Flair
The region and vintage in 2018 yielded a swathe of wines that, for the most part, provide an atypical representation of Chablis. Wines which are normally characterised by limited production, racy tension and citric focus showcase an array of flavours more commonly seen in the warmer regions of France. At the World of Wine we believe this has created a bridge between the traditional style and an innovative wave which captures the best of the terroir in a style to suit New World drinkers.
Warmth and Generosity
The 2018 vintage was defined by sunlight and warmth. Throughout the growing season, the weather was dry, warm and fine with little to no disease pressure and remarkable ease. The uneventful growing season heralded not only a consistent crop, but an abundant yield which was seen as a bounty to the growers who suffered greatly through 2016 & 2017. The problem with vintages like this, especially for the vignerons of Burgundy, is potential dilution of concentration. In the case of most of the great wines - this was managed easily through early cropping by the great houses who still harvested grapes with density of flavour precursors and phenolic ripeness.
The Wines
The bombastic fruit character often yielded in vintages like this is done so at the detriment of the classic raciness and tension Chablis is known for. For some, this may be seen as a detractor, but for us the World of Wine this presents a unique opportunity. Rarely do you get to see an intersection of style and terroir like that uniquely present in 2018 for Chablis. The wines maintain the persistence and sea-shell spray imparted from the Kimmeridgian soil of Chablis, but in 2018 showcase a weight and power that is far more commonly seen in iconic regions like Beechworth, Geelong or California. The top Premier & Grand Cru’s still produced wines which are unapologetically Chablis.
What this Means
This results in something unique, a gateway into the old world which can be greeted as a familiar friend. Wines that showcase what Chablis means yet have an easy accessibility normally reserved for fully mature examples. In their relative youth, the team at the World of Wine is buoyed by the extraordinary drinkability and expression of these wines. Giving an innate sense place alongside a remarkable intensity and power as if the wines were designed for drinkers raised on New World Chardonnay.
Our Selection