Shell & Shale

Vincent Dauvissat

Les Clos Chablis Grand Cru Chardonnay 2012

Stunning. Dauvissat perfection. 2012 Clos is perfect tonight, with more fruit definition than Preuses as expected from the site. It’s textural, chiseled and powerful with Chablisen oyster shell minerality layered in a tidal wave of spiced orchard fruit and white flowers. It’s incredibly silky on the palate showing killer volume and density with racy citrusy acids and a sea spray-like salinity to round it out. When Dauvissat is on it’s hard to beat. And this is still young. — a month ago

Jan, Paul and 4 others liked this

Salon

'S' Blanc de Blancs Le Mesnil Brut Chardonnay 2007

Quite light lemon yellow , quite difficult to judge the perlage in this glass but apparently fine and persistent, though on the palate the bubbles are quite discreet in nature . On the nose this is quite aromatic and rich with toasted lemon sherbet , sea shell , camomile and some buttered brioche . On the palate this also shows good richness and density , with more of the lemon peel , chalky , oyster shell character , with some buttered brioche notes on the finish . This is quite intense and long on the palate , though the perlage does subside quite a lot it is integrated. Fresh chalky acidity. Very much shows like a grand cru white Burgundy with bubbles. Still quite youthful and fresh but showing well , energetic but focused . From now and over the next 10 or so years . — 6 months ago

Tom, Jan and 6 others liked this

Ceritas

Peter Martin Ray Vineyard Chardonnay 2018

Lemon oil, salinity, oyster shell and orchard fruit. — 2 years ago

Severn, Ira and 1 other liked this

Domaines Brocard

Sainte Céline Chablis Chardonnay 2024

Sainte Céline – Chablis – Chardonnay – 2024
Chablis AOC – Burgundy – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A value-driven Chablis crafted from estate parcels with an average vine age of around 30 years, emphasizing freshness, purity, and classic Chablis character. The 2024 vintage delivers exactly what Chablis lovers seek: clarity, tension, and terroir-driven precision without excess weight or oak influence.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright lemon zest, green apple, and white peach lead the nose, followed by subtle hints of oyster shell, crushed chalk, and wet stone. Clean citrus flavors dominate the palate, supported by saline minerality and a touch of fresh herbs.

Mouthfeel
Crisp, dry, and refreshing, with lively acidity and a lean, energetic frame. The texture is linear and precise, carrying freshness from entry through a snappy, mineral-driven finish.

Food Pairings
Oysters, clams, shrimp, ceviche, grilled white fish, sushi, goat cheese, or simple aperitif sipping. A natural partner for seafood-forward dishes.

Verdict
A reliable, classic Chablis that consistently delivers brightness, balance, and typicity. Zesty, clean, and effortlessly drinkable, this is Chablis that does the job beautifully and never disappoints.

Did You Know?
Chablis’ signature minerality comes from its Kimmeridgian limestone soils, rich in fossilized marine life, which give wines their unmistakable chalky and saline edge.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A go-to, no-nonsense Chablis: crisp, dry, zesty, and flavorful. Affordable, dependable, and always satisfying, exactly what Chablis should be.
— 4 months ago

Tom and Ted liked this

Domaine Servin

Montée de Tonnerre Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay 2017

enough gasoline, oyster shell, and cream to pull me back online for a memory storage toggle. salt for miles at the end. — 3 years ago

Jess Paley
with Jess

Dom Pérignon

Brut Champagne Blend 1996

Medium lemon , hints of gold , quite a healthy colour with fine pretty persistent bubbles still . This quite intense with candied lemon peel , brioche , oyster shells , touch of porcini . On the palate this is intense ,with good volume and vibrant acidity. Buttered brioche , oyster shell , candied orange and lemon peel . Really quite lovely and intense , long and toasted brioche , chalky finish . This is at peak now , but no rush from here over the next 5 perhaps 10 years . — 5 months ago

Scott@Mister, Ira and 13 others liked this

Frog's Leap

Shale and Stone Napa Valley Chardonnay 2020

Pale and lemon with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with yeasty and toasty oak aromas, sat on lees for 6 months. On the palate flavors of crisp apple and peach with citrus zest and nutty oak notes, well balanced with acidity. Medium+ finish ending with fruit, toasty oak and mineral character. Pair with a lane or red snapper with a tomato garlic compote topping. — 7 months ago

Andrew, Tom and 2 others liked this

La Crema

Shell Ridge Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2017

Ages beautiful! Aromas of berry fruits, smooth and wonderful. Excellent with salmon and garlic scape pesto pasta. — 9 months ago

Gilbert Picq et Ses Fils

Chablis Chardonnay 2021

Outrageous village-level Chablis. Everything I could want and more. Cheese rind, oyster shell, green apple. Wow. — 3 years ago

Vino, Ira and 2 others liked this