Dive Into Duplessis: A Chablis Charmer

01/15/24

What makes up nine AOCs, eight hectares, and one grape? One of our favorite organic Chablis producers: Domaine Gerard Duplessis. And, we have a slew of their bottlings – including older vintages and large formats – that just landed.

Lilian Duplessis is the 5th generation winemaker running this eco-cert, organic estate. Their vineyards devoted entirely to Chardonnay are spread across some of the best sites in Chablis, including the Premier Cru Vaillons and Montee de Tonnerre, plus the Grand Cru Les Clos. Even the Petit Chablis sits on limestone, giving it the cut of a proper AOC wine. 

In the cellar, the winemaking is simple with native fermentations and malo in stainless steel tank. Most of the cru wines move to old barrel where they sit still until bottling. This quiet, intentional method produces a set of wines that feel so purely of their place. Firm, crystal and saline. These are gorgeous wines for purists. 

Below is a full set of the 2020s (a vintage with stuffing to age), a very small amount of 21s (like most, they did not produce the full lineup), and a small amount of back vintages directly from the domaine.  

One thing about Duplessis: you’re getting insane quality for the price, making these wines incredible values. 


AOC Wines

2020 Petit Chablis 

Not your average Petit Chablis, planted on the steep limestone hillsides of both banks of the Serein. Fresh and cheerful, meant to be drunk soon with no fuss. 

2020 and 2021 Chablis

A blend of three plots located opposite the Vaillons. Classic with lots of energy, ready to drink now.

1er Cru

2020 Vaugiraut 

Due to the rich soils here, this is the one 1er cru which doesn’t spend time in barrel. Pristine fruit and minerality. 

2020 and 2021 Vaillons (750ml and 1.5L) 

Arguably the most exotic in the lineup with layers of citrus, orchard fruit, and minerals rounded out with a touch of oak. Age up to 10 years. 

2014, 2018, 2020, and 2021 Montmains 

One of the longest lived wines from Duplessis, this one’s bold but balanced with a sturdy structure that will last up to 15 years. 

2020 Mont de Milieu 

The most open-knit and accessible 1er cru of the bunch, this one is elegant and age-worthy.

2020 Montee de Tonnerre (750ml and 1.5L)

A powerful, complex, and super expressive wine that will continue to shine with some age, up to 15 years.

Grand Cru

2020 Les Clos (750ml and 1.5L) 

The estate’s tete du cuvee, grown on their best-exposed parcel producing an intense, mineral wine built to age for many years to come.

 

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