1998 William Fevre Chablis Les Clos

Domaine William Fevre is a 120-acre domaine in Chablis, Burgundy. The Fevre family has been in Chablis for more than two centuries and for much of the 20th century their Chablis wines have been highly sought after. The estate has Grand Cru parcels in Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Les Preuses, Valmur and Vaudesir, as well as premier cru parcels. In 1998 when William Fevre retired the domaine was sold to Henriot Champagne, already the proprietors of Bouchard Pere et Fils. Burgundy writer Clive Coates notes that when it was sold “it was first class operation then; it is even better now….This is a classy setup, producing very classy wines.” There is also a William Fevre negociant.

Les Clos is a 61-acre Grand Cru vineyard in the appellation of Chablis, at the northwestern tip of Burgundy. With rocky soil, good drainage, and a southerly orientation, the vineyard is generally the most acclaimed of the Chablis Grand Crus. The principal landholders are Fevre with 10.38 acres; J. Moreau, with 9.01 acres; and C. Moreau, with 9 acres. Other notable producers with parcels in Les Clos are Francois Raveneau, Louis Pinson, Joseph Drouhin and Rene Dauvissat. Like all the Chablis vineyards, it is planted exclusively to Chardonnay.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.