Jean & Sebastien Dauvissat

The name Dauvissat is legendary in Chablis, and revered by lovers of fine dry white wine the world over. Although not as well-known as his cousin René, Jean Dauvissat is aware of the responsibilities this fame-by-association brings and strives to make traditional-styled Chablis of the highest order. That he succeeds admirably is evident on tasting his range of concen-trated, characterful wines. Like René and his other cousin (by marriage) François Raveneau, he believes that Chablis should taste of the fruit and the soil, rather than of new oak. And like them, he makes wines to age, which rewards patient keep-ing with a complexity and balance that qualify them as truly world class. The 1ers Crus show wonderfully after 5 or 6 years, the Grand Cru will continue to develop for 10-15 years; even the straight Chablis benefits from 2-3 years before drinking. Of course, one can enjoy them younger, because low yields mean ripe fruit, and this is the key to balance throughout the life of a fine wine.

The estate dates back to 1899, but grapes were sold to other producers up until 1980. Blessed with such good vineyards, and encouraged by the success of his cousins, Jean Dauvissat decided to begin making his own wines and is now helped by his son, Sébastien. The cellars were enlarged in 1987/8 and now extend into the rock beneath the elegant 17th-century house on the Rue de Chichée, right in the centre of Chablis. An address of note.