William Fèvre Chablis Premier Cru Côte de Léchet 2018: The Kimmeridgian Imprint
The Côte de Léchet vineyard is situated on steep, stony slopes overlooking the Serein River, west of Chablis. Its Kimmeridgian soil, composed of marl and marly limestone rich in oyster fossils, is the geological hallmark of this Premier Cru. The 2018 vintage, marked by a hot and sunny summer that led to a harvest in early September with grapes in excellent condition, produced a wine at William Fèvre with pronounced ripeness, supported by well-preserved natural acidity.
Tasting the 2018 Chablis Premier Cru Côte de Léchet from William Fèvre
Tasting Notes
The color is pale gold with golden highlights, displaying the beautiful brilliance characteristic of Chablis wines aged partially in oak. The nose opens with ripe citrus—grapefruit and candied lemon—accompanied by subtle white flowers and a hint of toasted hazelnut inherited from the ageing process. As it breathes, notes of white-fleshed fruits—peach and pear—blend with a mineral, iodine-like character evocative of the Kimmeridgian terroir. On the palate, the attack is full-bodied and savory; the mid-palate reveals generous texture, balanced by lively acidity that structures the wine without weighing it down. The long, lingering finish unfolds with persistent aromas of almond, damp chalk, and candied fruit—a recognizable signature of the Côte de Léchet climat in this sun-drenched vintage.
- Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
- Climat: Côte de Léchet (Chablis Premier Cru)
- Soil: Marl and marly limestone, rich in oyster fossils
- Exposure: Steep, stony, and very sunny slope
- Alcohol content: 13% vol.
- Ageing: 15 to 16 months, including 6 months on fine lees
- Harvest: Early September 2018
Food and Wine Pairings
The fullness and structure of the 2018 Chablis Premier Cru Côte de Léchet naturally pair well with shellfish and fine fish: roasted lobster, pan-seared scallops, and turbot in a light sauce. The generous body of the 2018 vintage also pairs well with cream-based poultry dishes or veal sweetbreads with morels, while aged goat cheeses harmoniously complement the wine’s briny minerality.
Aging Potential
William Fèvre’s 2018 Chablis Premier Cru Côte de Léchet can be enjoyed right now; its ripe fruit and well-integrated ageing make it appealing even upon opening. Its ageing potential, however, extends for another ten years or so—until around 2030 to 2033—supported by the natural acidity of the Kimmeridgian terroir and the structure provided by partial barrel ageing. Over time, notes of hazelnut and brioche will blossom, while the iodine-tinged minerality will develop tertiary complexity. For bottles to be enjoyed soon, opening the bottle an hour in advance or decanting it will be enough to fully reveal the bouquet.
Côte de Léchet 2018, from the Kimmeridgian terroir to the William Fèvre cellar
The Vintage in the Vineyard
The winter of 2017–2018 was marked by contrasts, followed by an early spring that encouraged rapid budbreak in the Chablis region. The summer of 2018 was marked by sustained heat and abundant sunshine, conditions that accelerated the ripening of the grapes while maintaining good plant health in the vineyards. The steep, stony slope of the highly exposed Côte de Léchet further enhanced the concentration of the grapes’ ripeness. The harvest took place in early September 2018, yielding golden berries with an excellent balance between sugar and natural acidity.
Work in the Winery
At William Fèvre, the harvest is transported by gravity to preserve the integrity of the clusters, followed by gentle pressing and natural fermentation. The 2018 Côte de Léchet cuvée is vinified for 20 to 30 percent in French oak barrels, with the remainder in stainless steel tanks, which preserves the aromatic freshness while adding a slight roundness. Ageing for fifteen to sixteen months—including six months on fine lees—enriches the texture and refines the wine’s profile before bottling.
