French, Chablis Premier Cru, 2005

$18.66, Vineopolis,Portland, OR, Dec 2006
Very Good. Not oakey compared to US Chardonnay

The 1^er cru Fourchaume is found around the village of La Chapelle Vaupelteigne. The hillside is exposed to the West and the vines profit from a microclimate and a very gentle slope that opens on the valley of the Serein river, which is very wide at this point. For this reason, the 1er cru Fourchaume sees the sunlite all day. Harvesting here is usually early to preserve a certain equilibrium. Young the Fourchaume often express violets. "Round and ripe. Fullish bodied and nicely abundant but with very fine acidity. Full, long, complex and intense on the palate. Lovely long finish. Fine." Clive Coates « The VineN0 222 July 2003 ». Serve lightly chilled with delicate recipes of fish or white meats.

Lyne and Jean-Bernard Marchive produce consistently excellent, award winning wines from their family domaine of 26 hectares. Domaine des Malandes was formed in 1986, originating from the work of several generations of Tremblays (Lyne Marchive's family) locals from the village of La Chapelle Vaupelteigne.

The vines on this 1er Cru vineyard are more than 50 years old and because of this the wines they produce have much more concentrated and finesse. Still tight but lovely definition and long pure fruit finish and good balancing acidity.