I’ve been a fan of Jean-Marc Brocard’s Chablis for some time. It’s usually good value and delivers appetizing, moreish Chablis in a pretty classical style. What’s more increasingly production here is being converted to bio-dynamic methods and long term they are looking for all their vineyards to be tended along those lines. For those with a keen eye, Brocard’s bio-dynamic wines are identified by miniature ladybirds and half-moons on the label as in the bottle of Vaulorent above. I recently had the chance to taste wines from the 2009 vintage which has lovely forward and ripe qualities, probably slightly atypical for Chablis, but nevertheless there is still good balancing acid and wonderful minerality as you would expect. Two 2010’s were also tasted under the less expensive Domaine St Claire label and looked pretty good too.

Jean-Marc Brocard, Petit Chablis, Domaine St Claire 2010

Green gold; fresh; some minerality and oyster shell; round. 86+/100

Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis, Domaine St Claire 2010

Green gold; minerals; forward and round palate; pretty good and forward. Nice drink already. 87+/100

Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis, Vielles Vignes

2009 Pale straw with a hint of gold; more butter; quite ripe; buttery palate, creamy, with pebble and mineral notes; softish finish. Very drinkable. 88+/100

2001 Pale gold; honeyed open whole fruit nose; broad palate with buttery finish. Mellow. 88/100

Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis, Premier Cru, Vau de Vey, 2009

Straw; some gold; shells and pebble notes, very minerally and fresh; north facing slope did well here in 2009. Good grip. Biodynamic vineyard. 90+/100

Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis, Premier Cru, Butteaux, 2009

Straw; minerals and pebbles; round and fruity with good texture; minerals; classical but with the roundness of the vintage; very enjoyable and flavoursome – forward too. Good length. Butteaux is a small parcel within Montmain entitled to its own appellation. 91+/100

Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis, Premier Cru, Montee de Tonnerre, 2009

Golden green; fresh; some pebble, mineral and oyster shell; very round and ripe palate; very attractive. Biodynamic vineyard. 92+/100

Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis Premier Cru, Vaulorent, 2009

Straw with hint of green; oyster shell, minerals and beach pebbles; very forward palate with minerals and spearmint notes; length and concentration too. Lovely if forward style. Well sited site next to Grand Cru Les Preuses. Aged in large foudres. 91+/100

Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis Grand Cru Bourgros 2009

Green gold; quite spikey and ripe; bold palate and muscular style; very attractive. Good density. Aged in 20% old oak and large foudres. 93+/100

Jean-Marc Brocard, Chablis, Grand Cru, Les Preuses, 2009

Golden straw; more honey and butter notes; quite broad palate attractive but needs time to open up obviously. Aged in foudres and concrete. 92+/100