2012 Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume Vieilles Vignes, Le Domaine d'Henri

“Chalk, Time & Tide”

This is Chablis in its beautifully mature, quietly commanding phase. The 2012 Fourchaume Vieilles Vignes opens with candied lemon, yellow apple and preserved citrus, layered with oyster shell, chalk dust and a gentle smoky whisper that only time can bring. There is a softness to the aromatics now, but also real depth, the kind that comes from old vines, great terroir and patient bottle age rather than anything showy.

On the palate, it is wonderfully composed. The bright citrus spine of Chablis is still very much alive, but now wrapped in a broader, more savoury texture, with notes of lemon oil, dried white flowers and a touch of hazelnut unfolding slowly in the glass. The old vines bring concentration and quiet power, while Fourchaume’s hallmark mineral tension keeps everything lifted and precise. The finish is long, saline and stony, lingering on chalk, shell and mature citrus with real grace.

Fourchaume is one of Chablis’ most celebrated Premier Cru sites, prized for producing wines that often come closest in stature and ageing potential to Grand Cru. Sitting on the right bank of the Serein, its south and southwest-facing slopes capture excellent ripeness, while the region’s famous Kimmeridgian limestone soils bring that unmistakable combination of salinity, oyster-shell character and chalky drive. In old-vine form, and with this kind of bottle age, Fourchaume delivers both power and poise, making it one of the great names of Chablis.

What makes this bottle even more special is its provenance. This is a direct château cellar release, matured slowly at the domaine before release, allowing the wine to evolve exactly as intended. It is not just aged Chablis, it is Chablis aged at source, with all the assurance, rarity and quiet confidence that brings.

For when you want white Burgundy with maturity, pedigree and serious charm.
Pairs with lobster, Dover sole, roast chicken with tarragon or a table that appreciates nuance.

Le Domaine d’Henri was founded by Michel Laroche in 2010 after selling his stake in Domaine Laroche, while retaining the family’s historic vineyard holdings in Chablis. Named in honour of his father, Henri, the estate is now run with Michel’s children, Margaux and Romain, and focuses on old-vine, terroir-led wines of purity and restraint. Their Fourchaume Vieilles Vignes bottlings are among the most prized in the range, combining Premier Cru pedigree with the extra texture, depth and longevity that only mature vines can provide.