Bessin-Tremblay Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2022

In 2020, the COVID-19 virus robbed the world of hundreds of planned projects. In the case of William Kelley—The Wine Advocate's critic for Burgundy, California, the Central Coast, and Washington—the lockdown prevented him from tasting the best wines from the 2018 vintage. But today, as he tastes the 2019 vintage, Kelley has caught up. His conclusion: "The 2018 is among the best wines of this high-yielding vintage, with rare balance and concentration. The 2019 is even better," he says. These wines include Bessin-Tremblay Chablis Vieilles Vigne, a white wine from the AOC Chablis produced by the Bessin-Tremblay domaine and from La Chapelle Vaupelteigne, a village north of Chablis in Burgundy (in east-central France).

The 12 hectares of vineyards where Jean-Luc and his son Romain cultivate Chardonnay to perfection are located in this area, surrounded by premier crus and bordered by the Serein River. On these lands, new 20-year-old vines are blended with older vines, nearly half a century old, which produce higher-quality grapes. Bessin-Tremblay Chablis Vieilles Vigne is made from these nearly century-old gems. Marly soil, hot summers, and long, harsh winters make Bessin-Tremblay Chablis Vieilles Vigne one of Chablis' finest wines.

Viticulture and vineyard work are carried out entirely by hand. The grapes are harvested and selected by hand, and the quality of the grapes is also maintained during pressing, where gentle pressure is applied to obtain the highest quality must. The resulting juice is transferred to stainless steel tanks, where it undergoes alcoholic and malolactic fermentation at a controlled temperature using native yeasts. Finally, the Bessin-Tremblay Chablis Vieilles Vigne is aged for over 18 months.

Jean-Claude Bessin Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2022 is a white wine. On the nose, there are aromas of crisp green apple, pastry cream, white flowers, and lemon. The palate is moderately full-bodied, sculpted, and precise, with acidic and chalky notes.