Domaine Romain Collet Chablis Forets Premier Cru 2018

Frankly, we don't know that you can find a better deal in Premier Cru Chablis today. Under $30? With supplies tightening due to frost and hail over the last handful of vintages, and demand soaring to all time highs, this hits hard in the no-brainer category. We implore you to check out these wines, if you have yet to experience them!

The Collet’s broke free of the negociant model in 1979 and have spent the last five decades building a reputation for consistent excellence across their portfolio. After his father suffered a stroke in 2008, Romain Collet took over winemaking at Domaine Collet. The following year, he added on his own eponymous domaine. He was 23 years old. Today, the family controls an impressive suite of parcels in Chablis’ best sites: Les Clos, Valmur, Mont de Milieu, Montée de Tonnerre, Vaillons, Montmains, Butteaux, Séchet, Les Pargues, and of course, Les Forêts.

The wine? Simply irresistible in the way the best examples of Chablis are – alluring aromas of honeysuckle melded with struck flint and crushed oyster shells. Green almonds, white peach, and Meyer lemons fill the mouth with just the right amount of creamy texture to round out the finish. Romain ferments the wine in a combination of 90% cement egg and 10% used barrel (cigar-shaped, 312 liters), aged for about 12 months, with no stirring of the lees. At $30, this is benchmark quality Chablis at an amazing price..

PAIRING IDEAS: Though the restaurant closed its doors in 2018 (after an epic 30 year run), Terra’s Miso Black Cod with Shrimp Dumplings will live forever. When I worked there in 2011, this classical style of Chablis was a favorite pairing with the dish.

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: Wine...check. Deliciously paired dinner...check. All you need now is the tunes. Break out some Creedence Clearwater Revival and jam along with “Hey Tonight”.