Jean Dauvissat – Chablis Grand Cru ‘Les Preuses’ 1990

Jean Dauvissat – Chablis Grand Cru ‘Les Preuses’ 1990: A legend at the peak of maturity

The 1990 Chablis Grand Cru ‘Les Preuses’ from Domaine Jean Dauvissat is an exceptional white wine that embodies the purity and ageing potential of great Chablis in its purest form. The Dauvissat family’s history in Chablis dates back to 1899, and for generations the terroir has been treated with the utmost respect. The wines of Jean Dauvissat and his son Sébastien, who have been following biodynamic principles since 2018, are now counted amongst the best in the appellation .

The ‘Les Preuses’ Grand Cru is situated on the right bank of the Serein, close to the boundary with the neighbouring Bougros Grand Cru. The Dauvissats’ plot covers three-quarters of a hectare and benefits from its elevated hillside position and the Kimmeridgian limestone soils characteristic of Chablis . The 1990 vintage is regarded as particularly rich yet precise – a wine that has long since left its youth behind and is now at the zenith of its maturity.

The tasting notes paint a picture of a complex, profound wine. The bouquet is characterised by aromas of flint and toasted notes, which blend with almond paste, lemon and honey . In the glass, it displays a luminous, deep yellow colour . On the palate, the wine reveals impressive tension and juiciness, a lively acidity that lends it exceptional freshness, and perfect balance . The length is phenomenal, and the finish leaves an impression of fine, white stone powder – the unmistakable mineral finish of a great Chablis . Some tasters report that, after several hours of aeration, the wine gains in drama and complexity and can then certainly hold its own against a Raveneau Grand Cru .

Today, this 1990 ‘Les Preuses’ is a sought-after collector’s item, representing for connoisseurs the epitome of a perfectly matured Chablis. Its condition and the diversity of its aromas impressively demonstrate why Domaine Jean Dauvissat ranks among the region’s undisputed greats .