This is a robust, exuberant wine and even though it is somewhat austere, this makes a firm statement on both the nose and the palate and it offers buckets of classic Chablis character with an almost pungent minerality; indeed I could taste the minerality the next day. It was fascinating to compare this with the Blanchots because even though the Montée de Tonnerre was bigger, richer and more powerful, it seemed almost rustic in comparison with the grand cru. A very impressive wine for the vintage that will require another few years to be at its best. Consistent notes. Tasted: Oct 30, 2005 Score: 90 Drink: Try from 2007+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Not surprisingly, this is significantly more refined with its floral, oyster shell and tidal pool inflected nose that complements perfectly the racy, pure and strikingly well-detailed medium plus weight flavors that brim with minerality on the delicious, mouth coating and impressively long finish. This should both drink well young and age well too.   91-93 Points and Don't Miss Outstanding! Allen Meadows' Burghound; October 2010

The 2009 Montée de Tonnerre is also stunning. The nose offers up a beautiful mélange of apples, a touch of pear, kaleidoscopic minerality, acacia blossoms and beeswax. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and shows off great mid-palate depth, with ripe acids, laser-like focus and superb grip on the very, very long and nascently complex finish. The 2009 Montée de Tonnerre will drink sooner than either the 2007 or 2008 versions, but it loses nothing from its earlier structural accessibility. A superb wine. 93+ Points. John Gilman's View from the Cellar; Nov/Dec 2010

A very Chablis-like nose of tidal pool hints, green fruit and wet stone gives way to notably rich and generous flavors that remain very fresh and vibrant, all wrapped in an intense and sappy finish that is presently on the fruity side though I suspect that this character will abate with age. (90-92 points) - Comments: Sweet spot Outstanding  - Drink: 2015+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

The barest hint of wood sets off a similar yet even more complex nose that is followed by deep, powerful and very serious broad-shouldered flavors brimming with dry extract and culminating in a finish offering enormous length. The intensity here is mind blowing and it's rare to find 1ers with this kind of heft and punch. Impressive. Tasted: Oct 01, 2008 Score: 91-94 points Drink: 2013+ Comments: Don't miss! Outstanding! Issue 32 Allen Meadows; Burghound

The Vintage: Fevre 2007 – “A unique vintage”: Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2007 as “a unique vintage. April was the hottest month that the region has seen in over 80 years with temperatures exceeding 40° C (104° F) and it was extremely dry as well. As a result, the vineyards were at least 3 weeks more advanced than usual and flowering was finished by the end of May. Unfortunately, there was hail and we were hit by 3 of the 4 hail storms that hit Chablis in 2007. The worst damage for us was done in Montée de Tonnerre and Monts de Milieu though there was scattered damage in other vineyards. Then, the weather abruptly turned and July and August were cool and damp yet the health of the grapes remained relatively good with minimal rot pressure. The ban de vendange (officially mandated harvesting date) was declared on September 1st but we didn’t begin picking until the 6th and even then only in the hail-damaged vineyards due to their much lower crop loads. We then stopped until the 9th and picked under ideal conditions through the 16th as there was no need to rush. The skins were thick and the grapes healthy, even in the hailed on sectors.

We did a slightly longer lees settling than normal just to be sure but other than that, it was a normal vinification. Sugars were varied but essentially good, coming in between 10 and 12% with acidities that were comparable to 2004, which is to say post-malo pHs of 3.15 to 3.3. The alcoholic fermentations were even and everything finished within the first three weeks. The malos also proceeded more or less normally. We have already begun bottling some wines and will finish everything, including the grands crus, by the end of July. In terms of the wines themselves, despite the obvious similarities to 2004, 2007 is riper though both vintages absolutely respect the classification hierarchy almost perfectly. The two vintages are also stylistically similar and possess excellent aging potential. I like the 2007 vintage a lot as the wines have plenty of classic Chablis character, which should please purists.  Allen Meadows; Burghound

This is markedly more complex and more elegant as well with an expressive nose of white flower, citrus and pear nuances that precede the rich, full-bodied, powerful and serious flavors that do not lose precision or focus on the impressively long finish. This is very Zen-like as the sense of harmony is really lovely. (91-93 points) - Comments: Don't miss! Outstanding - Drink: 2015+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

A discreetly spiced and highly floral nose offers up hints of seaweed and tidal pool and gives way to rich, pure, refined and punchy flavors that possess excellent volume and real finishing verve on the explosive and austere finish. A Zen-like wine of harmony, balance and grace. Highly recommended. Tasted: Oct 01, 2008 Score: 92 points Drink: 2012+ Comments: Sweet spot Outstanding! Issue 32 Allen Meadows; Burghound

The Vintage: Fevre 2007 – “A unique vintage”: Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2007 as “a unique vintage. April was the hottest month that the region has seen in over 80 years with temperatures exceeding 40° C (104° F) and it was extremely dry as well. As a result, the vineyards were at least 3 weeks more advanced than usual and flowering was finished by the end of May. Unfortunately, there was hail and we were hit by 3 of the 4 hail storms that hit Chablis in 2007. The worst damage for us was done in Montée de Tonnerre and Monts de Milieu though there was scattered damage in other vineyards. Then, the weather abruptly turned and July and August were cool and damp yet the health of the grapes remained relatively good with minimal rot pressure. The ban de vendange (officially mandated harvesting date) was declared on September 1st but we didn’t begin picking until the 6th and even then only in the hail-damaged vineyards due to their much lower crop loads. We then stopped until the 9th and picked under ideal conditions through the 16th as there was no need to rush. The skins were thick and the grapes healthy, even in the hailed on sectors.

We did a slightly longer lees settling than normal just to be sure but other than that, it was a normal vinification. Sugars were varied but essentially good, coming in between 10 and 12% with acidities that were comparable to 2004, which is to say post-malo pHs of 3.15 to 3.3. The alcoholic fermentations were even and everything finished within the first three weeks. The malos also proceeded more or less normally. We have already begun bottling some wines and will finish everything, including the grands crus, by the end of July. In terms of the wines themselves, despite the obvious similarities to 2004, 2007 is riper though both vintages absolutely respect the classification hierarchy almost perfectly. The two vintages are also stylistically similar and possess excellent aging potential. I like the 2007 vintage a lot as the wines have plenty of classic Chablis character, which should please purists.  Allen Meadows; Burghound

A slightly more complex if similarly composed nose of primarily floral and spice aromas that marry into rich, delicious and a bit more concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess fine energy and persistence on the sappy finish. (89-91 points) Drink: 2013+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

A slightly more complex if similarly composed nose of primarily floral and spice aromas that marry into rich, delicious and a bit more concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess fine energy and persistence on the sappy finish. (89-91 points) Drink: 2013+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

A notably ripe nose of white flower notes, spice hints plus citrus and sea breeze nuances, both of which can also be found on the textured and relatively concentrated middle weight flavors that possess plenty of energy and punch on the salty and linear finish. (89-92 points) - Comments: Outstanding  - Drink: 2014+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

A notably ripe nose of white flower notes, spice hints plus citrus and sea breeze nuances, both of which can also be found on the textured and relatively concentrated middle weight flavors that possess plenty of energy and punch on the salty and linear finish. (89-92 points) - Comments: Outstanding  - Drink: 2014+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

A classic nose of oyster shell, tidal pool, iodine, green fruit and dried white flowers is very much in keeping with the concentrated, powerful and serious middle weight flavors that culminate in a sappy finish of superb length. This is impressive. (91-94 points) - Comments: Don't miss! Outstanding - Drink: 2015+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

Somewhat curiously, in 2009 this is actually a bit more elegant with a ripe, pure and pretty nose of apple and white orchard fruit aromas that lead to dense, powerful and muscular broad-scaled flavors that manage to keep fine detail on the palate staining finish. This is by no means as refined as the Côte de Bouguerots but it's not overtly rustic either. (91-93 points) Drink: 2015+ Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

A notably riper but more reticent nose features the barest hint of wood spice that marries well with the explosive green and yellow fruit aromas and fresh, full, powerful, beautifully delineated flavors underpinned by a driving minerality and stunning length. Given the superb balance and firm acid spine, this should age effortlessly for at least 15 years, perhaps longer. In sum, this is a strikingly elegant, classy and altogether refined effort with flat out marvelous complexity. Tasted: Oct 01, 2008 Score: 93-95 points Drink: 2013+ Comments: Don't miss! Issue 32 Allen Meadows; Burghound

The Vintage: Fevre 2007 – “A unique vintage”: Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2007 as “a unique vintage. April was the hottest month that the region has seen in over 80 years with temperatures exceeding 40° C (104° F) and it was extremely dry as well. As a result, the vineyards were at least 3 weeks more advanced than usual and flowering was finished by the end of May. Unfortunately, there was hail and we were hit by 3 of the 4 hail storms that hit Chablis in 2007. The worst damage for us was done in Montée de Tonnerre and Monts de Milieu though there was scattered damage in other vineyards. Then, the weather abruptly turned and July and August were cool and damp yet the health of the grapes remained relatively good with minimal rot pressure. The ban de vendange (officially mandated harvesting date) was declared on September 1st but we didn’t begin picking until the 6th and even then only in the hail-damaged vineyards due to their much lower crop loads. We then stopped until the 9th and picked under ideal conditions through the 16th as there was no need to rush. The skins were thick and the grapes healthy, even in the hailed on sectors.

We did a slightly longer lees settling than normal just to be sure but other than that, it was a normal vinification. Sugars were varied but essentially good, coming in between 10 and 12% with acidities that were comparable to 2004, which is to say post-malo pHs of 3.15 to 3.3. The alcoholic fermentations were even and everything finished within the first three weeks. The malos also proceeded more or less normally. We have already begun bottling some wines and will finish everything, including the grands crus, by the end of July. In terms of the wines themselves, despite the obvious similarities to 2004, 2007 is riper though both vintages absolutely respect the classification hierarchy almost perfectly. The two vintages are also stylistically similar and possess excellent aging potential. I like the 2007 vintage a lot as the wines have plenty of classic Chablis character, which should please purists.  Allen Meadows; Burghound

This is a big step up in refinement, particularly aromatically with an abundance of oyster shell and tidal pool nuances to the white flower, citrus and Chablis-style green fruit. The rich, powerful and mouth coating flavors possess real drive but also beautiful detail on the intensely mineral-driven finish that possesses outstanding length. (92-94 points) Drink: 2015+ Comments: Don't miss! Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

(from 4 separate parcels totalling 4.11 ha, 3 of which are all at the top of the slope). Here the wood influence is somewhat more noticeable though not enough to materially detract from the otherwise pure, cool and high-toned white flower, stone and sea breeze suffused aromas that complement well the rich, powerful and intensely mineral-driven flavors that possess fine focus and verve on the explosively long finish. This is seriously impressive in absolute terms but especially so in the context of the vintage. (93-95 points) Drink: 2016+ Comments: Don't miss! Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

(from 4 separate parcels totalling 4.11 ha, 3 of which are all at the top of the slope). Here the wood influence is somewhat more noticeable though not enough to materially detract from the otherwise pure, cool and high-toned white flower, stone and sea breeze suffused aromas that complement well the rich, powerful and intensely mineral-driven flavors that possess fine focus and verve on the explosively long finish. This is seriously impressive in absolute terms but especially so in the context of the vintage. (93-95 points) Drink: 2016+ Comments: Don't miss! Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound

This is every bit as elegant as the Valmur with nuanced, highly layered, discreet and very pure aromas of understated green fruit and almost pungent tidal pool aromas that are followed by rounded, focused and incredibly complex flavors displaying notes of warm stone and oyster shell. The texture and mouth feel of this are positively seductive as the finish is a liaison of richness and delicacy with that silky yet explosive finish that all the great examples of Preuses seem to possess. A wine of crystalline purity that is every bit as good as the Valmur. Another don't miss Fèvre '07. Tasted: Oct 01, 2008 Score: 93-96 points Drink: 2014+ Comments: Don't miss! Issue 32 Allen Meadows; Burghound

The Vintage: Fevre 2007 – “A unique vintage”: Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2007 as “a unique vintage. April was the hottest month that the region has seen in over 80 years with temperatures exceeding 40° C (104° F) and it was extremely dry as well. As a result, the vineyards were at least 3 weeks more advanced than usual and flowering was finished by the end of May. Unfortunately, there was hail and we were hit by 3 of the 4 hail storms that hit Chablis in 2007. The worst damage for us was done in Montée de Tonnerre and Monts de Milieu though there was scattered damage in other vineyards. Then, the weather abruptly turned and July and August were cool and damp yet the health of the grapes remained relatively good with minimal rot pressure. The ban de vendange (officially mandated harvesting date) was declared on September 1st but we didn’t begin picking until the 6th and even then only in the hail-damaged vineyards due to their much lower crop loads. We then stopped until the 9th and picked under ideal conditions through the 16th as there was no need to rush. The skins were thick and the grapes healthy, even in the hailed on sectors.

We did a slightly longer lees settling than normal just to be sure but other than that, it was a normal vinification. Sugars were varied but essentially good, coming in between 10 and 12% with acidities that were comparable to 2004, which is to say post-malo pHs of 3.15 to 3.3. The alcoholic fermentations were even and everything finished within the first three weeks. The malos also proceeded more or less normally. We have already begun bottling some wines and will finish everything, including the grands crus, by the end of July. In terms of the wines themselves, despite the obvious similarities to 2004, 2007 is riper though both vintages absolutely respect the classification hierarchy almost perfectly. The two vintages are also stylistically similar and possess excellent aging potential. I like the 2007 vintage a lot as the wines have plenty of classic Chablis character, which should please purists.  Allen Meadows; Burghound

A discreet touch of wood sets off fresh, cool and reserved aromas that are elegant, airy and citrusy before merging into rich, intense, pure and admirably precise medium-bodied flavors that possess really lovely balance and superb length. A wine of harmony and class. (92-95 points) Drink: 2015+ Comments: Don't miss! Allen Meadows; Burghound

Régisseur Didier Séguier describes 2009 as a vintage of "great maturity. The August heat was really something though because the vines had stockpiled sufficient water reserves in July, there wasn't necessarily a lot of hydric stress. We did have an attack of caterpillars that eat buds and in some parcels they destroyed as much as 20 to 25% of the potential crop, which was particularly pronounced on the right bank. This reduction in yields of between 30 to 50 hl/ha also allowed the vines to accelerate the maturities of the fruit, which certainly had an impact on quality. On the plus side, when we began picking on the 14th of September, the crop was extremely clean and we essentially lost nothing because of sorting losses. Sugars were very good at between 12 to 13% and chaptalization was essentially nil. The post-malo pHs were in the 3.2 to 3.4 range, which is about the same as we had in 2000 and 2002. As to the wines, they are extremely aromatic, rich and fleshy with very good freshness and vibrancy and they should be very popular. 2009 is not in the classic style of 2007 or 2008 but they will be approachable sooner." As to the now in-bottle 2008s, they have confirmed the enormous potential that I saw from cask last year and as the scores and comments suggest, there are some brilliant wines among them. Note that Séguier indicated that the '09s would be bottled about two months earlier than the '08s were with a free SO2 level of approximately 32 ppm. Note further that effective with the 2008 vintage the label for the Vaulorent no longer indicates Fourchaume on it; previously it said "Fourchaume - Vignoble de Vaulorent".  Allen Meadows; Burghound