Closer to Champagne than the Cote d’Or, Chablis is the northernmost region of Burgundy. This cold continental climate makes for a zesty, mineral, laser-focused expression of Old World Chardonnay – some would even say its quintessential expression. This Chablis shows remarkable purity, and a delightful balance between acidity and roundness.
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Wine Description
Reviews and Scores
91 Points (2022 vintage review) – Andy Howard MW, Decanter
“Very appealing, with lots of drive and focus. Fine combination of ripe fruit with zesty acidity and a mineral edge to finish. Marine Descombes and Kevin Jandard purchased the estate in 2017 with 21 parcels totaling 31ha. All very nicely done. Drinking well now but will also keep.”
17.5/20 Points (2021 Vintage Review) – Tamlyn Currin, Jancis Robinson
“Full bottle 1,327 g. Certified HVE, vineyards are farmed along agroecology principles and they are in conversion to organic certification. Young couple Marine Descombes and Kevin Jandard bought this estate in 2017. They farm 21 small parcels in the region. Old vines planted in 1950. Full malolactic, aged for 15–18 months in stainless-steel tanks on suspended lees. Strikingly aromatic for a Chablis. Beautiful fruit! White apricot, orange blossom, kumquat. I can’t remember when I last tasted a Chablis with so much frank fruit, and yet it’s still Chablis to its very core. Stony contours, razor-line acidity, a spine of green-white bitterness that starts to curve into taffeta texture. This has a density that their Petit Chablis doesn’t have, but it finishes with that same cold-well-water clarity and purity.”
-Tamlyn Currin, tasted & published on March 16, 2023. Suggested drinking: 2023-2028.
Closer to Champagne than the Cote d’Or, Chablis is the northernmost region of Burgundy. This cold continental climate makes for a zesty, mineral, laser-focused expression of Old World Chardonnay – some would even say its quintessential expression.
Our Beaujolais winemaker, Marine Descombe, purchased this small estate in the village of Beine in 2017. Passy Le Clou is an old family winery, formerly owned by respected Chablis winemaker Gérard Patrice. Having no children to pass it on to, he sold to Marine, who is deeply invested in preserving the history and the land of this domaine. She follows strict environmental guidelines to preserve the health of the soil and wildlife. Soils are tilled to avoid using herbicides by improving their aeration, soil structure, and water conservation. Natural hedges stimulate biodiversity, and only natural fertilizers and cover crops are used. An artificial lake helps moderate the climate and protect against the severe frosts of this northerly region.
Passy Le Clou’s 30 hectares are spread over 21 individual plots, which Marine vinifies separately (with a small team of just 7 people) to showcase the individual expression of the terroir. This Chablis is from a small 3 hectare block.
The winery itself is modern, allowing precise winemaking with a light and delicate touch. After strict selection at harvest, grapes are pressed very gently in a pneumatic press, the must is allowed to settle naturally and is racked 12-24 hours after pressing. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks for 4-6 months, and sedimentation occurs naturally. The wine then ages a further 3-6 months on its fine lees.
This Chablis shows remarkable purity, and a delightful balance between acidity and roundness.
Size: 750ml
Appellation: Chablis AOP
Soil Type: Stony clay and limestone (Kimmeridgian)
Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Age of Vines: 40 years
Farming: HVE Level 3 Certified
Alcohol: 12.5%
Aging Details: Stainless steel
