Vintage Report

2007 brought another bizarre growing season to Chablis but one that has nevertheless resulted in some classic and beautiful wines that resemble most closely the 2004s of the three preceeding great vintages.

Winter 2006/7 was very mild but it was the extraordinary month of April, the finest since 1921, with its very limited rainfall, high temperatures and plenty of sunshine that really got things moving. Flowering was so early that the initial predictions were for a harvest date of 15th August, which would have smashed all records!

The months that followed brought higher than average rainfall and leaden skies. Temperatures remained higher than the historical average but the early advantage was eroded away with harvesting dates being pushed back by the week. Hailstorms made a noticeable impact, reducing potential yields in many vineyards and further enhancing the need for rigorous vineyard work and careful selection. A vintage to sort the wheat from the chaff amongst the growers. The break in the weather finally came in the last week of August and with conditions remaining dry and fine well into mid-September, the harvest came in clean and in excellent condition. The long hang-time had ensured a slow steady maturation but with naturally high malic acid. This has resulted in fresh wines of purity, minerality and high class, the perfect counter to some of the riper and more exuberant 2006s.

The Market

Unlike the near-neighbours in Champagne, the Chablis vineyard has not expanded, despite the growing global demand for the wines. Chablis remains one of the most recognized, most often requested and more loyally followed of all of the classic wines of France and pressure on supply, especially at the top end, remains considerable. When was the last time that you went into a restaurant and couldn’t find a Chablis on the list?

The prices for the 2007s reflect the enormous demand upon this small region from a large and thirsty world and also the impact of the current unfavourable exchange rate. However, when compared to wines of similar calibre in both the Côte d’Or and other fi ne wine regions, the Chablisiens still offer excellent value for a style that is quite unique and impossible to replicate. We therefore continue to recommend these wines unreservedly, for both the high quality everyday drinking that they offer and also for the wonderful experiences that only the greatest vineyards can bring.

Terms & Conditions

Prices - All prices are quoted In Bond (excluding Duty & VAT) and are per case of 12 bottles unless otherwise stated.

Delivery - The majority of the wines offered will not be here until February 2009. On arrival, we can either:

“The successful wines of the vintage are a far cry from the austere Chablis of yesteryear, but in many cases they are fi rmer, fresher and more citric and minerally than the fleshier and often more exotic 2006s. This should be good news for the long-time Chablis lover, who can’t find this style of thirst-quenching chardonnay anywhere else.”
Stephen Tanzer