Winery: Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix

Country / Region: France / Burgundy - Chablis Vaillons

Date Winery was established: 1978

Grape Variety: Chardonnay

Year the vintage was first released: 1990

Alcohol Content / Volume: 13% / 750ml

Ratings: (2005) 92 pts. The Wine Advocate

Decanting Time: No need for decanting. Serve at 8-12°C.

Our suggestion for decanting time is based on bottles we tried at Txanton in 2020. We guarantee that Txanton stocks are imported and maintained in proper storage within the correct temperature and humidity suitable for wine.

Good to Know: “Two generations ago everyone made Chablis like this. Now I am the only one left,” - Daniel-Etienne Defaix. Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix has been making Chablis in the ultra traditional style since its establishment in 1978. What is also interesting to note is that the Defaix family has been making their wines in this style for more than 4 centuries in one of the most prestigious and ancient sites in what is now known as the Chablis region of Burgundy. Daniel Etienne himself is the 15th generation of the Defaix family that continues the tradition of creating age worthy Chablis.

The 2006 Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillon" comes from Chardonnay grapes planted on Chablis' trademark kimmeridgian, limestone soil with the additional influence of the Vaillon parcel's signature iron deposits. This leads to the fruit bearing a distinct spicy note along with generous amounts of "sous bois" ("sue bwah") or earthy notes such as forest floor, mushroom and white truffle in the final product. The wine also expresses distinct citrus notes of lime peel, combined with toasted brioche and caramelized apple compote. Signature Chablis minerality of flint and chalk notes round out the wine's powerful and distinct notes of fruit and baking spice.

Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix was established in 1978. The Defaix family however has been making wines in the Chablis region since the 17th century. The winery is situated along 28 hectares on one of the most premier and ancient sites of kimmeridgian (limestone based, and rich in ancient oyster fossils) soil in Burgundy.