Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2008, Moreau-Naudet

Now in the hands of Stéphane Moreau, he has gained huge and wide-spread recognition for his wines, and is now firmly established as one of the top producers in Chablis. He refuses to spray weed killers or any treatment against rot, and has used only organic fertilisers in weak doses for the last 15 years. Stéphane chooses to harvest slightly later than his neighbours, so as to ensure perfect ripeness, and had reduced yields by about 30%. Harvest is by hand, and while his Village and Petit Chablis spend 11 months in tank, he uses a small proportion of large old barrels on his 1er and Grand Cru Chablis, so as to achieve a softening, stabilising effect on the wines. Stéphane achieves additional complexity and flesh by holding the wine on the lees for much longer than his peers, and he also refuses to "tweak" the wines in difficult vintages. The result is fine, classic Chablis with a definite mineral and flint character.