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Domaine Bernard Defaix

2024 and 2025 Chablis In Stock Now
Domaine Bernard Defaix

A fresh array of Chablis from Domaine Bernard Defaix has just landed, offering a compelling reminder of what careful, committed winemaking can achieve. In 2024, frost and hail were followed by a relentless run of rain, reducing yields to just 10–12 hl/ha. The 2025 season was kinder in the vineyard, though difficult conditions at flowering again kept volumes modest. Across the range, these two vintages offer the character and freshness that have long made Domaine Bernard Defaix a compelling addition to any Chablis list.

The Wines

Domaine Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis 2025

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Domaine Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis 2025

Screwcap. Unusually for a Petit Chablis, the lion’s share of this cuvée is drawn from a parcel of Kimmeridgian-based soil. Well-situated on the slopes above Milly and Vaillons, it is a cool site that comes into its own in warmer vintages. Defaix has recently added two small parcels in Poinchy and Beines, which bring depth and complexity. 

Domaine Bernard Defaix Petit Chablis 2025

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Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 2025

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Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 2025

Defaix’s impressive village Chablis is drawn from four parcels of mature, 30-plus-year-old vines situated around Milly and Poinchy on the left bank of the Serein River. The wine ferments spontaneously and ages on fine lees for 10 months in glass-lined tanks. Compared to the estate’s Petit Chablis, the older vines translate to more character, depth and classical restraint. As always, this is a very fine Chablis.

Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 2025

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Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet 2024

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Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet 2024

Diam. With nine hectares of vines overlooking the village of Milly, the Domaine is the largest single holder within this 1er Cru, and its cellars sit at the base of the Léchet hill. Perfectly exposed to the southeast, Jasper Morris MW describes an archetypal wine from Léchet as “entirely white fruited in style …not dissimilar to Beauroy, but with more intensity,” while Andrew Jefford suggests the hill gives “some of the most 'mineral' Chablis of all.”

"Mid lemon and lime. More energy on the nose here. An odd mix, softer in the flesh but vivid at the finish. The length keeps up the good work, but probably one for earlier drinking. Drink from 2026-2029."
90-91 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
"Also some oak spice rounding out these aromas. Concentrated, melting, texturally fine. An obvious finishing salinity. Ultra slowly fading."
Bill Nanson, Burgundy Report
Domaine Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Côte de Léchet 2024

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Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2024

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Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2024

Diam. Unlike Côte de Léchet, Defaix’s Monty is made from purchased fruit. Didier Defaix tells us he has worked with the same grower for 20 years. Although the vineyards are not organically certified, the family “works like us” (that is to say, he’s very happy with the quality). The Montée de Tonnerre is drawn from old vines in Chapelot, which forms 20 hectares of the vineyard on a similar southeast-facing aspect to the neighbouring Grands Crus. The vineyard’s iconic grower is, of course, Raveneau, although Moreau-Naudet, Billaud-Simon and others farm vines in this prestigious lieu-dit.

"Mid lemon yellow. Lively fruit, with some of the more exotic flavours apricot and peach, but in balance. Richer than expected at the finish, one of the wines where it is hard to find the vintage. Drink from 2027-2030."
90-92 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
Bernard Defaix Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2024

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Bernard Defaix Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2024

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Bernard Defaix Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2024

Diam. Located in the northwest corner of the Grand Cru slope below Preuses, Bougros has a notable south-easterly exposure and the steepest gradient of all the Chablis Grand Cru vineyards. We like Jasper Morris’s evocative description of the Bougros style, which he says is "like being smothered in a great big woolly jumper—big, fat, soft and round”. This speaks to the texture of the wines from here. Morris goes on to describe the top of the vineyard—the sector from which this wine hails—as displaying the classical minerality of Chablis.

"One barrel. Fuller yellow and much oakier, with some spice. Plenty of fruit too, but the oak is currently taking the lead. A long and very saline finish. Drink from 2028-2034."
90-93 points, Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy
"Not the widest nose but here is the the wine that the most overtly concentrated yet still offering a fine and open perfume. Hmm, concentration and fluidity in harmony. Saline, cushioned flavours – but despite the obvious concentration, this just begs you to drink and then drink again – bravo!"
Bill Nanson, Burgundy Report
Bernard Defaix Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2024

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