DANIEL-ETIENNE DEFAIX Chablis 1er Cru 'Cote de Lechet' 2013 Carton x 6 Bottles - PRE-RELEASE

Description

Domaine Daniel Etienne Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet 2013 is a poised and refined expression of classic Chablis terroir, showing the mineral clarity and nervous energy that distinguish great Côte de Léchet sites. The colour is pale gold with a bright core and a slight amber thread at the rim, signalling early tertiary development while retaining freshness. The nose opens with green apple, lemon zest and white peach, then unfolds layers of wet stone, oyster shell and a flinty struck match note that speak clearly of Kimmeridgian limestone. Subtle floral hints of acacia and a faint honeyed note appear with airing, adding perfume without softening the wine’s sober profile.

On the palate the wine is medium bodied with a taut, saline driven spine and precise acidity that keeps the fruit angular rather than plush. Primary citrus and orchard fruit flavours are threaded through with a pronounced mineral seam and a faint almond bitterness on the mid palate that provides tension. Texture is chalky and finely textured, supported by a crisp, almost sea breeze like salinity that carries the flavours to a long, stony finish. The oak influence is minimal and well integrated, used only to give a touch of roundness while preserving the wine’s linear focus.

The 2013 vintage in Chablis was cool and marked by uneven yields, producing wines of high acidity and marked mineral intensity rather than overt ripeness. This bottle reflects those conditions, offering precision and ageing potential rather than immediate generosity. Approachable now with careful decanting, the 2013 will continue to develop tertiary complexity and patina over the medium term. Drink 2026 to 2036, peaking 2028 to 2032. Serve chilled with oysters, scallops, sole meunière or goat cheese to complement the wine’s saline minerality and bright citrus clarity.

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ABOUT DOMAINE DANIEL-ETIENNE DEFAIX
Domaine Daniel Etienne Defaix is a distinguished family owned estate in Chablis, believed to be the oldest in the appellation with origins traced back to 1610. Now run by the 14th generation of the Defaix family, Daniel Etienne Defaix took over from his father in 1978 and preserved many of the traditional methods handed down through his forebears. The domaine is noted for mature, terroir driven expressions of Chardonnay that retain clarity, minerality and balance.

Vineyards lie across village and Premier Cru sites on classic Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils. Parcels vary in aspect and soil depth, and vine age ranges from older established vines to more recent plantings introduced during renewal schemes. Viticultural practice focuses on canopy management, yield control and selective hand harvesting to ensure optimal ripeness and natural acidity. Sustainable soil care and attentive vine management support long term health and site expression.

Winemaking follows a family centred approach that blends tradition with careful modern control. Daniel Etienne preserves a legacy practice of extended ageing in tank combined with monthly batonage, a technique his grandfather and earlier generations used to protect production in difficult years and to ensure consistent stocks for sale. This prolonged lees contact contributes to textural depth and a rounded mouthfeel while preserving the primary citrus and mineral character typical of Chablis. Fermentations are temperature controlled and the domaine uses a considered mix of stainless steel and limited oak for select cuvees, particularly Premier Cru wines, to add complexity without masking freshness.

The wines are typically crisp and precise, showing citrus and stone fruit aromatics, a stony mineral thread and the capacity to age gracefully. Through continuous family stewardship, meticulous vineyard attention and a commitment to ancestral practices, Domaine Daniel Etienne Defaix offers a distinctive range of Chablis that reflects both history and place.

*Terms and Conditions*

Offer Subject to availability
Delivery Mid-2026
Price Include Freight, Duty & GST
Storage Free Storage in our facility until 30th April 2027
Allocation: We expect high demand for these wines and this demand may therefore outstrip supply. In such instances we tend to give precedence to those who have bought a particular wine before.
Payment Goods will be invoiced on receipt of order. Payment as per our normal T&Cs
E&OE Errors & Omissions Excepted