Senior editor and tasting director Bruce Sanderson joined Wine Spectator in 1993. His tasting beats are Burgundy, Champagne and Germany.

Bruce Sanderson
About Me
All My Picks
Weekly Picks Main Page
About Our Tastings

A Mouthwatering Chablis

William Fèvre Chablis Bougros Côte Bouguerots Domaine 2004

Bruce Sanderson
Posted: March 3, 2009

Since Joseph Henriot purchased the Chablis estate of William Fèvre in 1998, the wines have steadily increased in quality. Today, under the direction of Didier Seguier, they are among the best in Chablis.

At 35.4 acres, the grand cru Bougros is one of the larger parcels within the seven grands crus of Chablis. Most of it has a gentle slope, but a small portion—from the front of the parcel to the main road—drops off very steeply. This is the Côte Bouguerots.

Fèvre has parcels in both parts of the Bougros. The Côte Bouguerots is stonier, and thus the wines are leaner in profile and more minerally in taste.

The 2004, which I purchased two years ago for $40, shows a lovely nose of wax, stone and yellow plum, leading to supple apple, honey and mineral notes. It's beautifully balanced, with a long, nutty aftertaste. I rate it 92 points, non-blind.