94 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Reflecting the influence of its deeper soils, the 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons is, as ever, slightly more forthcoming than Séchet. Tangerine, peach and orange peel introduce the wine, preceding a full-bodied, layered and textural palate. Its generous attack is tempered by tangy acids and a chalky grip that keeps everything in sharp focus. Ample and undeniably charming today, its track record suggests that patience will be amply rewarded as it accrues further complexity with age. I would be inclined to open my bottles a decade or more after harvest.
94 Points Burghound
A more elegant nose is comprised by notes of white pepper, mineral reduction and more evident floral nuances along with an array of classic Chablis nuances, especially iodine, petrol and shrimp shell. This is at once slightly bigger but also a bit racier than the Séchet with excellent delineation and minerality that adds a sense of lift to the sneaky long, well-balanced and appealing dry finale. Lovely.
