Daniel-Etienne Defaix
Domaine du Vieux Château Vieilles Vignes Chablis Chardonnay
Chablis, Burgundy, France
Popped ‘n poured. Welp, this is a bit disappointing for this producer. Color is disturbingly dark. Nose shows lots of fruit but the beginnings of premox as well. There’s some depth and minerality on the palate. Let’s see where it goes as it gets O2. No rating for now.
UPDATE: It’s now noon, about 18 hours later. It’s still got that “bruised” type fruit I associate with oxidized Chenin Blanc (some would say “oxidative,” though I’m not a fan generally of perceptible oxidation, even when purposefully done). Here, it’s more on the apple spectrum, however. It’s drinkable, but it’s not identifiably Chablis. If I were served this blind, I’d probably peg it as an over-the-hill Macon. Though it’s by no means undrinkable, it’s not enjoyable. I’m not going to waste my time drinking the rest. Into the mag of cooking wine in the fridge it goes! Ultimately my rating is 7.5. Sorry. A winery of this stature should have sold this in bulk rather than release it under its own label.
Popped ‘n poured. Welp, this is a bit disappointing for this producer. Color is disturbingly dark. Nose shows lots of fruit but the beginnings of premox as well. There’s some depth and minerality on the palate. Let’s see where it goes as it gets O2. No rating for now.
UPDATE: It’s now noon, about 18 hours later. It’s still got that “bruised” type fruit I associate with oxidized Chenin Blanc (some would say “oxidative,” though I’m not a fan generally of perceptible oxidation, even when purposefully done). Here, it’s more on the apple spectrum, however. It’s drinkable, but it’s not identifiably Chablis. If I were served this blind, I’d probably peg it as an over-the-hill Macon. Though it’s by no means undrinkable, it’s not enjoyable. I’m not going to waste my time drinking the rest. Into the mag of cooking wine in the fridge it goes! Ultimately my rating is 7.5. Sorry. A winery of this stature should have sold this in bulk rather than release it under its own label.
Very nice, but better on day 2 than day 1. Give it some air for now. With that air, a great mix of classic Chablis notes with a bit more burgundian creaminess than you might expect otherwise. Long finish and quite refined. Have mostly had the premier cru from here so nice to try the “entry level” which is still very good.
Very nice, but better on day 2 than day 1. Give it some air for now. With that air, a great mix of classic Chablis notes with a bit more burgundian creaminess than you might expect otherwise. Long finish and quite refined. Have mostly had the premier cru from here so nice to try the “entry level” which is still very good.
Aug 8th, 2025I’m a little bit disappointed with this wine. For 3y it shows surprising age - deep golden color, with ripe yellow apples & Reine Claude plums, with a bit of fresh apple pie. Round and mellow - I miss the typical mineral, steely sharpness. Esp. at this age.
On the palate this is more structured, properly mineral & steely with racy, juicy acidity and a long finish of salty lemons. Nice depth, too.
Went well with the fish, by not sure if I’m going to buy it again.
I’m a little bit disappointed with this wine. For 3y it shows surprising age - deep golden color, with ripe yellow apples & Reine Claude plums, with a bit of fresh apple pie. Round and mellow - I miss the typical mineral, steely sharpness. Esp. at this age.
On the palate this is more structured, properly mineral & steely with racy, juicy acidity and a long finish of salty lemons. Nice depth, too.
Went well with the fish, by not sure if I’m going to buy it again.
