Chablis From The Source
“I am the luckiest generation. To have old vineyards like these to work with in my lifetime is something special, and it’s thanks to my grandfather, Jean.” Romain Collet, the current winemaker for his family estate, Jean Collet & Fils in Chablis, who stepped in in 2008, at the ripe old age of 21.
Romain Collet of Jean Collet & Fils
We are always elated, and willing to take a last-minute appointment with Tyler Kavanagh of The Source Imports, especially when he has a bag stuffed with promise of excitement and education. Tyler is not only, way easy on the eyes, (six foot something, dark hair sprinkled with pepper, just saying) he is insanely charming and funny in that way that Aussies are. Tyler moved here for love, but wine had already stolen his heart. He immersed himself in food and wine while living in Melbourne and London. His move here over a decade ago only enriched his passion and effusive ability to describe the wines he loves in a way that is wickedly endearing and effective. He always makes us laugh and buy way more than we need from his magical wine bag. As was the case when he strolled in one afternoon in late March with a bag full of the new 2022 vintage wines from Jean Collet & Fils Chablis.
(Side Note/Tasting Opportunity! Friend of The Wine Country, Tyler Kavanagh, is here for a Friday wine tasting, May 2nd, 7:30PM, $55.00, Reservations Required. Tyler will have an amazing assortment of wines from Europe and maybe a treat or two from the U.S.A., so it will be a incredibly fun and diverse night of wine with a cat that knows his stuff, and has fun sharing it. While the tasting isn't focused on these Chablis, this is just one fine example of The Source's ability to find spectacular wines. Click here to make your reservation!)
Tyler Kavanagh from The Source Imports
Back to the Chablis! Romain Collet, the 21-year-old that stepped in when his father needed help, started experimenting in the cellar and the vineyards, including farming organically, and after his father could see that this young man had not only a passion for winemaking, but that he was also truly gifted? He was eager to hand over the winery to his enthusiastic young son! Lucky for us, because now we get to drink and buy them and the prices (written before tariffs kick in fully) are astoundingly fair for 1er Cru Chablis. It’s almost laughable really when you compare them to some others, especially the bigger domaines, it’s like we are getting away with something! Especially impressive considering many come from vines over 50 years old. Quantities are tiny — I could only snag two cases of most, and just one case of one particular gem. These are honestly some of the most thrilling early drinking Chablis we get, especially if you want a little bit more forward fruit and early drinkability. Just arrived and on the shelf ready for you French wine seekers looking to maybe load up on our beloved Chablis before the prices and availability may not be possible.
2023 Jean Collet & Fils Chablis $31.99
2023 ended up being a pretty surprising vintage. There was fear that there was going to be too much wine, which would make the wines feel diluted and simple but in the end, it was a great, nicely ripe but solid vintage. Collet gets such great extraction, for wonderful prices! The 2023 is nicely rounded and a little fleshy which makes it perfect for early drinking and utter enjoyment.
2022 Jean Collet & Fils 1er Cru Chablis Montmains $47.99
I confess that the greedy part of me was spoiled by this Montmains. The wine is already so together on the nose. Plenty of upfront fruit, a little more “junk in the old trunk” if you get me. Nice saturation with a delicate salinity and nuttiness on the long finish. Hits that please me now button and I cherish it for that. 1er, or Premier Cru Chablis like this at this price is truly a gift.
2022 Jean Collet & Fils 1er Cru Chablis Mont de Milieu $50.99
Always one of the first 1er Cru Chablis to get gobbled up from this producer upon release. Average vine age of 35 years, this wine always gives a little deeper mineral note that us Chablis freaks cannot get enough of, so of course he makes so little of it that it typically gets snapped up before I even see it. This vintage we were able to get some! Medium weight, loaded with chalky minerals and tart green apple skin and briny seashells on the finish. Do not wait, there is no more to get!
2022 Jean Collet & Fils 1er Cru Chablis Les Foret $50.99
Les Foret is a personal favorite of mine of the 1er Crus. They seem to show a bit more amplitude and density right away. This 2022 is showing remarkable richness and curve. The body is fuller so there is an almost chewy texture that goes on forever. The stone fruit is bursting from this gorgeous Chablis right now. Like biting into a ripe peach but with the acidity and slight tang of green apples. More of that crave inducing sea creature brininess. Just lovely.
2022 Jean Collet & Fils 1er Cru Chablis Montee de Tonnerre $50.99
Collet’s Montee de Tonnerre is the only completely north facing plot they have and he ages it in neutral oak which helps provide a little more weight and notes of warmed cashews, lemon curd and baking bread along with all the delightful stone fruit and oceanic notes. This young man is making some truly incredible Chablis at some thrillingly affordable prices.