The 2018 Chablis Fourchaume 1er Cru does not muck about on the nose and delivers quite a potent, marine-influenced nose of shucked oyster shells mixed with a distant tang of kelp. Wonderful. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, taut and fresh, leading to a vibrant, complex and very persistent finish. This is some of the finest Fourchaume I have tasted from Duplessis. Bravo!

The 2018 Chablis Fourchaume 1er Cru emerges from two adjacent parcels that measure a total of 0.5 hectares. Rich, ample and creamy, the 2018 shows all the textural resonance this site is known for. Apricot, white flowers, spice and vanilla are all woven together in a Chablis of total class and pedigree. I am surprised by how well the 2018 shows, given that it was racked on the morning of my tasting. There may very well be more here.