Price Drop: Domaine Yvon & Laurent Vocoret Chablis Premier Crus Fourchaume 2023 (3pk)

Fourchaume is one of Chablis' most celebrated Premier Cru sites, positioned on the right bank of the Serein River with optimal south-facing exposure. The vineyard's Kimmeridgian soil, rich in fossilised oyster shells, creates that distinctive mineral backbone you taste in this wine. This terroir produces wines with exceptional longevity and the classic saline minerality that defines great Chablis.

The oyster shell minerality comes directly from Chablis' unique Kimmeridgian soil, formed 150 million years ago when this region was under a tropical sea. These ancient marine fossils, particularly oyster shells, are absorbed by the Chardonnay vines and expressed in the wine's flavour profile. This geological fingerprint is what separates true Chablis from Chardonnay grown anywhere else in the world.

Serve this wine at 10-12°C in large white wine glasses to allow the complex aromatics to develop. The driving acidity and mineral structure make it perfect with fresh oysters, grilled fish, or creamy goat's cheese. Decanting isn't necessary, but allowing it to warm slightly in the glass will reveal more of the textural complexity and fruit depth.

The 2023 vintage represents Chablis in its youthful, vibrant phase with bright acidity and fresh fruit expression dominating the mineral core. As this wine ages over 5-10 years, the citrus notes will evolve into more complex honeyed tones while the minerality becomes more integrated and sophisticated. Young Chablis offers immediate pleasure, while aged examples reveal the true depth of the terroir.

The textural style refers to this Chablis' substantial mouthfeel and layered complexity beyond just flavour. The combination of natural acidity, mineral salts from the soil, and careful winemaking creates a wine with weight and presence on the palate. This texture comes from the interaction between the Chardonnay and its unique terroir, giving the wine a almost chalky, mouth-coating quality that's distinctly Chablis.