2012 Albert Bichot Domaine Long-Depaquit Chablis Les Vaudesirs

Chateau Long-Depaquit was founded in 1791 in the heart of the village of Chablis. The estate includes 160 acres of vineyards and since 1968 it has been owned by Maison Albert Bichot, one of Beaune’s largest and most important negociants. Albert Bichot owns four domaines in Burgundy for a total of more than 250 acres of vineyards, and the maison is today run by Alberic Bichot, the sixth generation of the founding family. Maison Albert Bichot has won numerous international awards for winemaking. Chateau Long-Depaquit is entirely in Chablis and owns 10% of the total Grand Cru of the Chablis appellation. The estate produces six Grand Cru and six Premier Cru Chablis, including the Grand Cru La Moutonne, a monopole.

Vaudesir is a 31.8-acre Grand Cru vineyard in Chablis, in northwestern Burgundy. Most of it is high on a slope and faces south. It includes the very small vineyard of La Moutonne, which is 5.8 acres. Robert M. Parker has noted that Vaudesir wines are admired for their "precision of flavors and clarity." The largest landholders are Long-Depaquit, with 6.5 acres; Besson, with 3.58 acres; and Drouhin, with 3.5 acres. 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.