Vineyard and winemaking
Vaudésir forms a sheltered, amphitheatre-like fold within the Chablis Grand Cru slope. Its Kimmeridgian limestone and varied exposures give Chardonnay both concentration and a fine saline tension. The Garnier brothers source this small parcel through long-established growers working to their precise viticultural and harvest requirements.
The grapes are picked by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts. Twelve months on fine lees in a combination of stainless steel and large Stockinger casks builds breadth and complexity, while the restrained use of older oak keeps the vineyard's citrus and mineral character clearly in view.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Bright pale gold with a subtle green glint.
Nose
Iris and almond blossom lead into lemon oil, pink grapefruit and flint. Gentle aeration brings vanilla pod, white pepper and a cool marine note.
Palate
Concentrated and energetic, with juicy citrus and ripe white fruit wrapped around a firm mineral core. Fine lees texture and discreet oak broaden the middle, while saline acidity carries the poised, persistent finish.
Food pairing
Serve with butter-poached lobster, roast turbot with shellfish sauce, guinea fowl in a light cream and tarragon sauce, or baked brill with brown butter and capers. A young Brie de Meaux can also match its breadth.
Background story
Domaine Garnier & Fils is based at Ligny-le-Châtel, the northernmost winegrowing commune of Chablis. Although the family had owned vines for generations, it began bottling its own wines in 1996; brothers Xavier and Jérôme Garnier subsequently expanded the estate, with Jérôme leading the vineyard work and Xavier the cellar.
Micro-quantities of Premier and Grand Cru fruit allow the brothers to interpret sites beyond their family holdings without compromising their exacting standards. Jasper Morris MW awarded this 2020 Vaudésir 93 points. It is approachable with air now, but the structure and acidity support further careful cellaring.
