Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis
Your Three-Day Discount Starts Now
Your Three-Day Discount Starts Now
“Founded in 1959 with a mere two hectares, today the Domaine Bernard Defaix consists of fully 27 hectares (certified organic since 2009) whose fruit is supplemented with purchased grapes. Much of the production is fermented and matured in stainless steel, though the Chablis Vieilles Vignes and several of the premiers crus, as well as the Grand Cru Bougros and Vaudésir, see varying percentages of wood, the bulk of it used. The wines are lively and incisive, with good depth and concentration…” -William Kelley, Wine Advocate
There’s not much more to add to William Kelley’s succinct and glowing write up on Domaine Bernard Defaix, other than noting that the estate is constantly working to improve and that they’re very open with their thought process. The family writes on their website that they are experimenting with reducing the frequency of organic sprays (such as sulfur and copper) and incorporating biodynamic techniques, all with the aim of strengthening the health of the vines and soil. They also discuss their timing, frequency, and depth of tilling to control weeds. It’s not often one finds a Burgundy producer so open about their challenges and decisions.
They also have a superbly informative notes on their different cuvees. Attention is given to each wine, even the humble Petit Chablis (whereas most producers omit mention of such a wine entirely). You’ll find descriptive notes on vineyard sites, production, taste, pairings, and more.
With so much thought put into the drinker’s experience, it’s no wonder the wines are delicious, receiving high marks from multiple reviewers, despite their small production and limited availability.
Explore their range in-stock now during our three-day sale!
There’s not much more to add to William Kelley’s succinct and glowing write up on Domaine Bernard Defaix, other than noting that the estate is constantly working to improve and that they’re very open with their thought process. The family writes on their website that they are experimenting with reducing the frequency of organic sprays (such as sulfur and copper) and incorporating biodynamic techniques, all with the aim of strengthening the health of the vines and soil. They also discuss their timing, frequency, and depth of tilling to control weeds. It’s not often one finds a Burgundy producer so open about their challenges and decisions.
They also have a superbly informative notes on their different cuvees. Attention is given to each wine, even the humble Petit Chablis (whereas most producers omit mention of such a wine entirely). You’ll find descriptive notes on vineyard sites, production, taste, pairings, and more.
With so much thought put into the drinker’s experience, it’s no wonder the wines are delicious, receiving high marks from multiple reviewers, despite their small production and limited availability.
Explore their range in-stock now during our three-day sale!
5% off any 4-8 in-stock wines from Bernard Defaix
10% off any 9 or more in-stock wines from Bernard Defaix
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, August 3rd at 9 am Pacific.
10% off any 9 or more in-stock wines from Bernard Defaix
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Sale ends Saturday, August 3rd at 9 am Pacific.
We offer four options from Bernard Defaix on sale now, including:
Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $34.50, that’s $32.78 at 5% off and $31.05 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Allen Meadows-Burghound 89-91 points “TOP VALUE. (from 45+ year old vines that see 20% oak but no new wood). A slightly more prominent dollop of wood sets off ripe and fresh aromas that include notes of petrol, essence of pear, just sliced apple and a hint of iodine. There is both a lovely sense of vibrancy and detail to the more concentrated medium-bodied flavors where the abundance of sappy dry extract confirm the old vine influence, all wrapped in a more complex and lingering finale. This is a quality villages that is worthy of your interest. 2027+.”
Jasper Morris-Inside Burghound 88-91 points “Notably dense, the old vine Chablis needs more time. Pretty pale primrose. This is stricter and sterner stuff, shows a touch of SO2 and has not been cleaned up for bottling. Huge weight on the palate, some riper yellow fruit, but with an intensity of fruit which includes marine aspects. Drink from 2026-2030. Tasted: October 2023.”
VinopolNote: From a 50-year-old, one hectare vineyard aged for one year in 25% oak and 75% stainless steel on the fine lees.
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Bernard Defaix Les Vaillons, Chablis Premier Cru 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $41.90, that’s $39.81 at 5% off and $37.71 at 10% off, 12 bottles in stock now
Decanter 91 points “Extended ageing has brought additional complexity to the weighty, concentrated palate. Closed on the nose, but there is plenty of purity on the palate, combined with vivid acidity. Needs some time before broaching, this should be pretty good in 12 months time. Tank sample.”
Jasper Morris-Inside Burghound 90-93 points “Pale lemon and lime. Quite a dry nose, stones to the fore. Then a generous fruit, even a touch of alcohol to this, more and riper fruit towards the back of the palate, quite good acidity. Concentrates the middle of the mouth. Good ageing potential. Drink from 2027-2034.”
Allen Meadows-Burghound 90-93 points “(about two-thirds from Vaillons proper with the remainder from Séchet). A more floral-suffused nose reflects notes of white pepper and a vague suggestion of the exotic while offering an array of classic Chablis elements. The rich, generous and beautifully textured medium weight flavors flash evident minerality on the clean, balanced and citrus-tinged finale. This is a lovely wine that should drink well young but also repay 5 to 8 years of keeping. 2028+.”
This is the lowest listed price on the West Coast!
Domaine Bernard Defaix Bougros, Chablis Grand Cru 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $91.90, that’s $87.31 at 5% off and $82.71 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “Lovely sweetness of fruit, allied with the concentration expected from Chablis grand cru. Sunny and bright, but there is still lots of tension from the mineral notes and thread of acidity. Wood a bit evident at the moment but will settle down with time. This will be very fine once bottled and aged for a few years. Tank sample.”
Jasper Morris-Inside Burghound 93-95 points “Slightly paler colour and more of a green tint. The nose is more backward, white fruit, the minerals more in retirement. This explodes on the palate while retaining its essential core, now the minerals come out, pure white fruit, with the spice of Bougros. An excellent example. Drink from 2028-2037.”
Allen Meadows-Burghound 91-94 points “There is excellent Chablis typicity to the aromas of cool pear, mineral reduction and shellfish. The medium weight are definitely more powerful, especially long the robust finale. This is also quite good. 2030+.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Domaine Bernard Defaix Vaudesir, Chablis Grand Cru 2022 750ml Displayed Price: $91.90, that’s $87.31 at 5% off and $82.71 at 10% off, 6 bottles in stock now
Decanter 93 points “Cool, restrained, nutty characters on the palate. A bit of wood is evident but there is plenty of balance and concentration to suggest this will develop very well once in bottle. Very good purity and ripeness of fruit. Tank sample.”
Jasper Morris-Inside Burghound 92-95 points “Pretty mid lemon yellow. This has the energy one wants. The fruit is ripe enough but does not distract from the essential oils in this case iodine. A fine long aftertaste with a certain sensuality. Drink from 2028-2036.”
Allen Meadows-Burghound 92-94 points “SWEET SPOT. A vague whiff of the exotic adds breadth to the aromas of lychee, dried apricot and iodine where a background hint of honeysuckle slowly emerges. The strikingly fine and precise yet nicely concentrated middleweight flavors flash a lovely minerality that adds a sense of lift on the balanced and equally long finish. 2030+.”
This is the only listing in the USA today!
Shop our four Bernard Defaix selections on sale now on our webstore!
Don’t miss our additional sales going on now:
Molitor’s Satellites Sale:
5% off any 3-5 bottles
10% off any 6 or more bottles
From Erdener Treppchen, Ockfener Bockstein, and/or Saarburger Rausch
Andre Clouet Champagnes
5% off any 4-8 in-stock wines from Clouet
10% off any 9 or more in-stock wines from Clouet
Discount will not display online or in your cart,
We will adjust your invoice before processing your charge.
Molitor’s Satellites sale ends Thursday, August 1st at 9 am Pacific. Clouet Champagne sale ends Friday, August 2nd at 9 am Pacific.