Jean-Claude Bessin - Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2024

Jean-Claude Bessin and his wife, Evelyne, took the reins of Evelyne’s family vineyards in 1992 and began transforming the estate. Although the family had been growing grapes in Chablis since the 19th century, the wines were, until then, produced at a co-operative.

Jean-Claude Bessin’s cellar lies underneath the church in La Chapelle Vaupelteigne, north of the town of Chablis. From his 12 hectares, Bessin produces two Chablis village, four Chablis 1er Cru, including a special cuvée of Fourchaume labeled La Pièce au Comte, and a thought-after Valmur Grand Cru.  

Today, Romain, Jean-Claude and Evelyne’s son, works alongside his father in the vineyards and in the cellar.

In the vineyard, Jean-Claude farms organically and aims to limit the yield of his old vines to 45-50 hl/ha. When the harvest comes, the grapes are manually picked and thoroughly sorted. Harvest usually lasts no longer than 10 days to make sure all grapes are harvested at their optimal maturity.

Vines Age: Planted 1947, 1962-1974, 1995-2000.

Terroir: Northeastern side of Chablis, Kimmeridgian clay and limestone soil, surrounded by Grand Cru vineyards.

Vinification: Pneumatically pressed with whole clusters. Ambient yeast fermentation in temperature-controlled tank and oak barrels (max. 10% used). Aged an additional 6-8 months on the lees after malolactic fermentation is complete. Blended and aged another few months in tank before bottled. Fining depending on the year, light filtration.

"The wood treatment is less subtle though not invasive with its hints of toast and menthol on the aromas of ripe green fruit, citrus rind and ample Chablis typicity. The succulent, dense and more powerful larger-bodied flavors coat the palate with sappy dry extract while delivering excellent length on the clean, dry and moderately austere finale. As is often the case, this is the best wine in the range though in 2024, it's no contest. Drink 2032+" - 91-93 Points, Allen Meadows, Burghound

"If somewhat reserved on the initial attack, the power of the cuvée begins to show on the palate, with ripe grapefruit and quince complemented by hawthorn flowers and spice. This is a model of finesse and sophistication. Antoine Bessin remarked that although the Fourchaume would be more powerful initially, the Valmur would take the lead in five or six years. Quantities were so tiny in 2024 that all the wine was matured in casks, none of them new." - 94 Points, Charles Curtis MW, Decanter

Producer: Jean-Claude Bessin

Country: France

Region: Burgundy

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Chablis Grand Cru

Vintage: 2024

Size: 750ml