2023 Domaine des Anges, Chablis - Liberty

Domaine des Anges, in Chablis, comprises 24 hectares of vines, planted on the right bank of the Serein River, with a south and south-east exposition. The soils here are a mixture of limestone marl and Kimmeridgian soils, which lend the finished wine its characteristic saline profile. Winemaker Jean-François Bordet hails from one of the oldest winemaking families in the region, dating back to 1590.

The grapes for Domaine des Anges are sourced from vines aged between 25 and 40 years old. These are partly estate-grown (Jean-François oversees the vineyards, which he manages sustainably) and partly sourced from growers with whom Jean-François has a long-term relationship. After pressing, the juice is vinified in stainless-steel vats to help retain the freshness and purity of the fruit. The resulting wine then ages on its fine lees in stainless steel to add further richness and complexity before bottling. Domaine des Anges’ Chablis displays a vibrant stone fruit character balanced by bright acidity and a mineral finish.

The fruit for this wine comes from vineyards that are between 25 and 40 years old, with an advantageous south/south-east exposure. The kimmeridgian limestone soil found here contributes to the mineral character of the wine and helps grapes retain their bright acidity and fruit purity.

The 2023 vintage in Chablis began with a milder than usual winter. There were localized spring frosts in certain areas in late March and early April, but as temperatures didn’t plummet as dramatically as in previous years, this didn’t impact yields. Wet weather in April replenished soil water reserves and sustained the vines through the hot and very dry summer that followed, but did cause some nervousness about mildew and constant attention was required in the vineyards. Flowering and fruit set occurred in June under ideal conditions. The summer heat continued through to September but was counteracted by cool nights, allowing the Chardonnay grapes to reach optimum levels of ripeness whilst retaining freshness.

Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were gently crushed and transferred to temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks for fermentation. Vinified entirely in stainless-steel vats to help retain freshness and purity of fruit, the wine did undergo a period of ageing on its fine lees for nine months, adding richness and complexity.

This Chablis is fresh, pure, and mineral, with lovely texture and balance. Intense peach and apricot flavours sit alongside the uplifting fresh apple and floral notes.