Jean Dauvissat organic Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2023

The "Undisputed Queen" of the Right Bank

In early 2026, the 2022 Fourchaumes from Jean Dauvissat is being recognized as the estate's "Grand Cru in disguise." While the 'Côte de Léchet' is known for its razor-sharp, stony austerity, Fourchaumes—located on the Right Bank as a direct extension of the Grand Cru hill—offers a more generous, rounded, and regal profile.

The 2022 vintage was remarkably successful for this site; the natural warmth of the year perfectly complemented Fourchaumes’ predisposition for "gras" (richness), resulting in a wine that is both powerful and incredibly precise.

The Terroir: Grand Cru Proximity

• The Vibe: If Côte de Léchet is a "mountain hike," Fourchaumes is a "walk through a sun-drenched orchard." It is broader, deeper, and more "comfortable," yet backed by a massive wall of minerality.

• The Site: Sourced from three parcels (averaging 33 to 58 years old) with a southwest exposure. The deeper clay-limestone soils here provide a "roundness" that is the vineyard's trademark.

• The Craft: Fabien Dauvissat employs a long, patient vinification. The wine is fermented with natural yeasts in stainless steel and aged for 18 to 24 months on the fine lees. Unlike many 1er Crus, this bottling remains unoaked, ensuring the "seashell and lime blossom" purity is the star of the show.

🍷 Tasting Notes (The "Vibe" in 2026)

Current reviews from 2025/2026 describe this as an "absolute powerhouse" that manages to be both soothingly mineral and absurdly concentrated.

• The Nose: Pure and Crystalline. It opens with a "perfume of sea air"—brimming with oyster shells, lime blossom, and wet stones. As it opens, ripe notes of green apple, white peach, and a hint of acacia honey emerge.

• The Palate: Viscous and Radiant. The entry is rich and "mouth-filling," showing a silkier texture than the village wines. You'll find flavors of candied citrus, grilled apple skin, and almond. The acidity is "electric," providing a laser-like focus that cuts through the wine's natural density.

• The Finish: Epic and Salty. It has a "30-second finish" that pulverizes the palate with chalky minerals and lime pith.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Best Paired With:

• The Luxury Match: Butter-Poached Lobster or Seared Scallops; the wine’s "viscosity" and "lime blossom" notes are a seamless partner for rich shellfish.

• The Exotic Choice: Crispy Squid with Garlic (Muoi Rang) or Chicken with Oyster Sauce; the saline mineral drive handles savory and slightly zesty Asian flavors beautifully.

• The Traditionalist: Soft Cheeses (like Brillat-Savarin) or a Pear and Walnut Salad; the wine’s orchard fruit and high acidity create a perfect balance with creamy or nutty textures.

Pro Tip: In 2026, the 2022 Fourchaumes is prized for its "palate-staining" concentration. To fully appreciate its seashell and lime-rock complexity, serve it at 11–13°C. This is a big, serious Chablis that rewards patience—if you have the time, decant for 45 minutes to let the "compact" mineral layers unfold.