Description

Stéphane Moreau used to call Forêts “one of the greatest terroirs of Chablis.” It’s a historical sub-plot within the Premier Cru Montmains, high up the slope, and facing southeast. It can undoubtedly produce Chablis of the highest order, as both Dauvissat and Moreau have shown many times (Raveneau also has a small parcel). Moreau farms two plots of vines here, totaling just under two hectares. The first plot hugs Vincent Dauvissat’s parcel and shares the same vine age of 60 years. The second (with 25-year-old vines) sits next to the Raveneau plot. As with all the Premier Cru wines (apart from Montmains), the wine was fermented and aged in both tank and used barrels (30%) of various sizes. The maturation period now extends to two years. Outstanding as always.

“Opening in the glass with aromas of crisp pear, Granny Smith apple and lemon oil, mingled with notes of freshly baked bread, the 2024 Chablis 1er Cru Forêts is medium- to full-bodied, ample and bright, with a crisp core of fruit that simultaneously exhibits considerable ripeness for the vintage, framed by racy acids and a saline finish.” 91-93 points, Kristaps Karklins, The Wine Advocate

“This is consistently among my favourite bottlings from this cellar. The 2024 shows exotic notes of passion fruit and kiwi, along with hints of verbena and star anise. The texture is silky and fine, with a touch of richness but nothing heavy. It is still on lees and will not be bottled until June or July of 2026. The grapes are from 1.9ha spread throughout the appellation; fermented and aged in tank.”94 points, Charles Curtis MW, Decanter