2023 Domaine Raoul Gautherin Vaillons Chablis Premier Cru Burgundy 750 ml

Rarely, if ever, have we offered a better look into what Times writer Eric Asimov called “the world’s most distinctive Chardonnay.” Chablis at its best expresses a majestic character that is impossible to replicate in any other region (although many have tried). And while Gautherin may not be the most famous name to American ears, they stand proudly among the best in the game.

Since 1585 the Gautherin family has farmed vines in Chablis, with the father-son duo of Alain and Adrien at the helm today. They specialize in crafting minute lots of laser-sharp Chablis that highlights the nuances of this cold, stony appellation. Most of the Gautherin stays in France, and what’s been brought into the U.S. has gone straight to restaurants. So while it’s hard to call a nearly 500-year-old Chablis house a discovery, we are blowing the lid off a well-kept French secret. Gautherin is an absolute pearl.

Their 2023 Chablis Premier Cru blends three vineyard sites in Vaillons, Montmains, and Mont de Milieu from a vintage that yielded bold, exuberant wines. Produced by one of the oldest domaines in the region, grown on low-vigor vines plunged deep into mineral-rich Kimmeridgian soils, this bottle shows a sleek roundness and Meursault-like weight, all while still feeling lean and agile on the palate—the kind of delicate balance that characterizes Chablis’ prestigious labels. 

We recommend you crack this open on a night when you’ve splurged for shellfish or a beautiful hunk of Alaskan halibut. Premier Cru Chablis like this deserves to be celebrated and savored, paired with an equally exquisite meal and allowed to engulf the senses—just like it did ours when we first tasted it.