Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2005, William Fevre

Tasted in the late afternoon this Chabbers had a pale yellow colour and was as reflective as a mirror. The first nose was green apple (Granny Smith), with a touch of lime and was entirely fruit driven suggesting fermentation in stainless steel. There was little obvious evolution on the second nose but the final aromas graduated to a sweeter apple (Cox's) with a hint of something odd like fleece or wax. On the palate the wine showed admirable breadth with tangy flavours of apple and lime. Characteristic high acidity and very dry finish due to the northern location of the Chablis vineyards. This is a huge contrast with the atypical Meursault-like Verget Chablis 1er Cru tasted 2 weeks ago. Many people drink Chablis 1er Cru young but this wine clearly needs 5 years to show the quality of the 2005 vintage and the minerality of the Kimmeridgean limestone. Today it tastes well on its own as an aperitif or would be good with a piquant goat's cheese. More info available on the William Fevre website.