DANIEL-ETIENNE DEFAIX Chablis Grand Cru 'Les Grenouilles' 2013 Bottle
White Still Wine | France | Burgundy | Chablis | 75cl
£99.95
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Sub-Region: Chablis
Wine Style: Full Bodied
Grape: Chardonnay
Description
Domaine Daniel Etienne Defaix Chablis Grand Cru Grenouilles 2013 is a commanding and finely etched expression of one of Chablis most celebrated sites, combining intense minerality with concentrated orchard fruit and impressive persistence. The colour is pale gold with a luminous core and a slight amber thread at the rim, reflecting early tertiary development while preserving vitality. The nose opens with green apple, pear and lemon peel, then broadens to reveal a striking mineral spectrum of wet stone, oyster shell and struck flint that is quintessentially Kimmeridgian. With airing delicate floral notes of acacia and white blossom emerge alongside a faint honeyed nuance and a whisper of toasted brioche from lees élevage.
On the palate the wine is full bodied for Chablis yet remains taut and focused, driven by incisive acidity and a saline, almost iodine like minerality that carries the flavours with authority. Primary citrus and orchard fruits are concentrated and precise, evolving through the mid palate to baked lemon, quince and a subtle bitter almond lift that provides tension. The texture is chalky and fine, the palate layered with persistent mineral echoes and a refined phenolic grip that gives structure without austerity. Oak influence is discreetly integrated, adding a cushion of texture while allowing the site expression to remain central.
The 2013 vintage was cool and variable across Burgundy, producing wines of high acidity and pronounced mineral clarity rather than overt ripeness. At Grenouilles this has resulted in a wine of great definition and ageing potential rather than immediate generosity. Approachable now with gentle decanting to widen the aromatics, the 2013 will reward patient cellaring and further development of tertiary complexity. Drink 2026 to 2040, peaking 2028 to 2036. Serve chilled with oysters, scallops, sole meuniere, lobster or matured goat cheese to marry the wine’s saline minerality and bright citrus clarity.
