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Overview
An exceptional Grand Cru Chablis from one of Burgundy's most prestigious Chardonnay producers, the 2021 Domaine William Fèvre Bougros Grand Cru combines the generous richness of the Bougros vineyard with the remarkable mineral precision and vibrant freshness of the 2021 vintage. Awarded 95 points by Decanter, this distinguished wine displays impressive depth, structured elegance and excellent ageing potential.
Vintage
The 2021 growing season in Chablis was marked by severe spring frosts, with freezing temperatures affecting vineyards throughout April. Warmer conditions in June supported vine growth, while prolonged summer rainfall delayed ripening. Harvest commenced on 17 September, resulting in a vintage defined by freshness, balance and distinctive Chablis character.
Vineyard
Bougros occupies the westernmost section of the Chablis Grand Cru vineyards, at elevations ranging from 130 to 170 metres. Its southwest-facing slopes feature relatively deep marl and clay soils over the region's characteristic Kimmeridgian geology, contributing to the appellation's generous texture, richness and pronounced mineral expression.
Domaine William Fèvre holds approximately 6.23 hectares across the Bougros sector, including parcels within the steep Côte Bouguerots sub-sector. This significant holding allows the domaine to express the distinctive character of one of Chablis' most celebrated Grand Cru vineyards.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand and handled using gravity to minimise pumping and preserve fruit quality. Gentle pneumatic pressing takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks.
For the 2021 vintage, the wine was matured for 19 months, with 30% aged in French oak barrels, including six months on fine lees. The final stage of maturation took place in small stainless steel tanks, maintaining freshness and mineral definition.
Producer Tasting Notes
Rich bouquet with intense mineral notes. Full and round, yet firm and powerful on the palate.
Critic Reviews
95/100 â Decanter
Tasted October 2022
94/100 â Tim Atkin MW
Tasted September 2022
94/100 â Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
âThere's a lot to like with excellent acidity ... Pretty good intensity across the piece with density at the back.â
Published 01 June 2022
Producer
Domaine William Fèvre is one of Chablis' most prestigious producers, renowned for crafting exceptional Chardonnay that captures the purity, minerality and freshness of northern Burgundy. Although the Fèvre family has been involved in Chablis winemaking for over 250 years, the modern domaine was established by William Fèvre in 1959.
The estate owns approximately 76 hectares of vineyards across Chablis, including around 15 hectares of Grand Cru holdings in celebrated sites such as Les Clos, VaudĂŠsir, Bougros and Preuses, alongside approximately 16 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards. This diversity allows the domaine to express the distinctive character of each climat, from the richness and rounded structure of Bougros to the floral precision of VaudĂŠsir.
Following its acquisition by Maisons et Domaines Henriot in 1998 and subsequent integration into ArtĂŠmis Domaines in 2022, the estate's transfer to Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite was formally announced in 2024, marking a new chapter in its history.
The domaine places considerable emphasis on meticulous viticulture, hand harvesting and rigorous fruit selection. The use of seasoned oak barrels helps preserve the natural freshness and mineral expression of Chablis, while its longstanding environmental initiatives, including HVE Level 3 certification, reflect a commitment to responsible vineyard management.
Specifications
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Vintage: 2021
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Producer: Domaine William Fèvre
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Country: France
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Region: Burgundy, Chablis, Bougros
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Appellation: Chablis Grand Cru Bougros AOC
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Classification: Grand Cru
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Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
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Wine Style: Still White Wine
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Sweetness: Dry
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Vineyard Exposure: Southwest
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Elevation: 130â170 metres
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Soil: Kimmeridgian marl and clay
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Harvest: Hand harvested
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Fermentation: Stainless steel
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Maturation: 19 months, including 30% in French oak barrels
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Lees Ageing: Six months on fine lees
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Environmental Certification: HVE Level 3
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Drinking Window: 2026â2038
