A structured, age-worthy Grand Cru Chablis from Les Clos, combining Chardonnay’s citrus and orchard-fruit character with the concentration, mineral structure, and saline finish associated with this important Grand Cru.
La Chablisienne ferments Les Clos in barrel and matures the wine for approximately 14 months on fine lees in a combination of barrels and tanks.
The result is a more substantial expression of Chablis, intended to develop considerably with bottle age.
Region: Chablis, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Chablis Grand Cru
Grand Cru: Les Clos
Vintage: 2024
Producer: La Chablisienne
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Location: Right Bank of the Serein, Chablis
Exposure: South-West
Soils: Kimmeridgian Clay-Limestone
Vine Age: Approximately 30 Years
Vinification: Barrel Fermentation
Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
Aging: Approximately 14 Months on Fine Lees in Barrels & Tanks
Style: Dry Grand Cru White Burgundy
Les Clos is one of the seven Chablis Grands Crus, occupying a prominent position on the Grand Cru slope immediately northeast of the town of Chablis.
La Chablisienne’s parcels lie on the right bank of the Serein, between Valmur and Blanchot, with a predominantly south-western exposure.
The underlying soils are classic Kimmeridgian clay and limestone, providing the drainage, mineral character, and acidity closely associated with Chablis.
Among the Chablis Grands Crus, Les Clos is generally associated with concentration, structure and longevity rather than immediate delicacy.
Nose:
Ripe lemon, citrus zest, white peach and yellow orchard fruit, developing toward white flowers, subtle spice, hazelnut and restrained toasted notes.
Palate:
Concentrated and structured, with ripe citrus and stone fruit supported by firm acidity. Barrel fermentation and lees aging provide additional volume and texture without removing the wine’s underlying mineral character.
Structure:
Medium to full-bodied for Chablis, with greater depth and persistence than the Premier Cru wines. The combination of fruit concentration, acidity and élevage provides significant potential for bottle development.
Finish:
Long and mineral, with citrus, subtle spice and a distinctly saline character.
Les Clos represents a considerable step up in structure and aging potential from La Chablisienne’s Premier Cru range.
The wine comes from approximately 30-year-old Chardonnay vines planted on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils on the Grand Cru slope.
Both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, followed by approximately 14 months on fine lees in barrels and tanks.
This élevage gives the wine breadth and texture while keeping the acidity and mineral structure of Les Clos central.
In youth, expect citrus, stone fruit, white flowers and restrained oak-derived notes. With bottle age, these should gradually develop toward preserved lemon, hazelnut, beeswax, dried flowers, oyster shell and more savory mineral complexity.
The 2024 vintage should be approached differently from the warmer and more generous 2022 vintage.
A more challenging growing season and later harvest produced Chablis with an emphasis on freshness, acidity and definition rather than the overt ripeness of warmer years.
For a structured Grand Cru such as Les Clos, this should favor a more classical profile and provide a strong foundation for bottle development.
The wine is still very young, and its full character will become much clearer after several years in the bottle.
Drink: 2028–2045+
Preferred Window: 2030–2042
The 2024 is a wine I would recommend cellaring rather than opening immediately.
It will certainly be possible to drink young, particularly for those who enjoy Grand Cru Chablis with pronounced acidity, citrus fruit, and structural tension, but this style of wine benefits considerably from bottle development.
From approximately 2028, the primary fruit and élevage should begin to integrate more fully.
From 2030 onward, expect a more complete expression, with the youthful citrus and stone fruit gradually joined by hazelnut, beeswax, preserved lemon, oyster shell and savory mineral notes.
Well-stored bottles should have the concentration and acidity to develop comfortably through the 2030s and into the 2040s.
If opening young: allow approximately 45–60 minutes in the bottle or a narrow decanter and follow the wine as it develops rather than subjecting it to prolonged aeration.
Serving Temperature: 11–13°C
Avoid serving Grand Cru Chablis excessively cold; warmer temperatures reveal considerably more of its texture and aromatic complexity.
The concentration and texture of Les Clos make it suitable for substantially richer dishes than village-level Chablis.
Recommended Pairings:
Osetra Caviar · Lobster · Langoustines · King Crab · Scallops · Turbot · Dover Sole · Sea Bass · Roast Chicken · Veal · Morels · White Truffle · Comté
Pair with lobster, langoustines, or turbot with a restrained butter sauce.
The wine has enough concentration and texture for richer seafood preparations, while its acidity and saline character keep it fresh.
With several years of bottle age, it should also become particularly interesting with morels, white truffle, roast poultry or aged Comté.
Among the La Chablisienne wines we have covered, this should sit clearly above the Premier Crus.
Neutre Vaillons 2022 emphasizes purity and mineral directness.
Les Fourneaux 2022 adds texture and restrained barrel influence.
Grande Cuvée 2022 is broader and more generous.
Les Clos 2024 moves into Grand Cru territory, with greater concentration, structure and, most importantly, a considerably longer expected evolution in bottle.
For customers building a cellar rather than looking only for a Chablis to drink immediately, Les Clos is the natural choice within this group.
