Henri Chauvet’s inaugural release in 2023 took us completely by surprise: from France’s kind-of-outback in Auvergne, he ended up being our favorite new grower that year.

On just his third release, the lineup somehow continues to surprise (and delight!) – with an expansion that stretches up to Savigny…

If you’re getting up to speed:  After time spent learning in the Rhône (including from the legend Thierry Allemand), Henri found himself drawn to the unique volcanic terroirs of Auvergne and purchased Annie Sauvat’s 10ish hectare estate in Boudes. His first two vintages focused on the estate fruit, primarily Gamay and Pinot Noir – expressive bottles that brought a polished counterpoint to the region’s spirited (and more rugged) natural wine heroes.

Though still low-intervention with low-to-no SO2, Henri’s style is more luxurious, textured and unafraid of oxygen.

This release is the first to show his expanded work outside the region, souring old vine fruit from Savigny-lès-Beaune (Pinot Noir) and the Languedoc (Carignan).

Of note: the Pinot is sourced from the same site as another quickly risen star, Basti Wolber. And fans should check the descriptions below; some cuvée names have been reborn with new sites and blends.

2023 Henri Chauvet 'Ciel À Perdre' Rouge VDF $45
The aforementioned old vine Carignan, sourced from a Minervois-adjacent vineyard in La Livinière. Macerated with partial whole bunches for three weeks in stainless steel, aged 18 months in 228L barrel. Warming and dark-fruited but still with delicate structure, a really happy bottle of Carignan.

2023 Henri Chauvet 'Contre-Nature', VDF $55
Gamay from his Auvergne estate, gently fermented with whole clusters and a brief maceration in stainless steel; aged 9 months in 228L barrel and tank. Bright fruit, a little smoky, delicious Auvergne Gamay.

2023 Henri Chauvet 'Au Chant de la Huppe' Cotes d`Auvergne, France $60 / Magnum $125
From a parcel co-planted to several varieties of Gamay, rooted in a unique iron-rich clay soil flecked with granite and limestone. Gently fermented with whole clusters in stainless steel and aged 9 months in a mix of 228L barrel and tank. Intriguing balance of bright red fruit and smoky minerality.

2023 Henri Chauvet 'En Attendant La Pluie,' VDF $70
100% organic Pinot Noir from Savigny-lès-Beaune, macerated with whole clusters for almost two weeks in a mix of wooden tronconic vat and stainless steel. Aged 9 months in used 228L barrel with additional time in bottle prior to release. Beautifully mineral Burgundy with a kiss of spice.

2023 Henri Chauvet 'De Cendre et d'Ame' Cotes d'Auvergne, France $75 / Magnum $160
Estate grown Gamay and Pinot Noir, from a special basalt and limestone parcel planted by Claude Sauvat. Gentle whole cluster fermentation with almost two weeks of maceration in stainless steel; aged a full year in used 228L barrel with additional time in bottle prior to release. On the more tightly wound of his lineup, an especially mineral expression of the estate.

2023 Henri Chauvet 'Abrupts' Cotes d'Auvergne, France $75 / Magnum $165
A selection of Henri's best estate grown Gamay grown in a mix of basalt and blue marl soils, gently whole cluster fermented with a full month of maceration and aging in used barrel. On the more structured end of his lineup, with brooding, smoky energy.

2023 Henri Chauvet 'Vie Ordinaire,' VDF $75 / Magnum $180
100% Pinot Noir from Henri's most volcanic plots in the Tronçais forest, gently whole cluster fermented with almost two weeks of maceration in stainless steel. Aged a full year in a mix of 50% new oval cask, and 50% used barrels (228-300L), with an additional 6 months bottle aging prior to release. A forest-fruited wine with beautiful noble reduction for a super refined take on Auvergne.

Henri's parcel for 'Abrupts'; Photo via @henrichauvet

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