This is one of those embarrassment of riches offer. By now many of you have tasted the 2011's
of Sebastien Dampt. They are mineral, salty, brisk, have wonderful deep flavors and textures, with classic Chablis character and are excellent values. They have been amongst the whites that have been emphatically praised by the whole list. Sebastien is a young guy and he thinks outside the box for what is considered normal winemaking in Chablis.
When I was at his winery in July 2013 he excitedly took me to his winery and showed me a large concrete egg for fermentation of a special cuvee called "Les Beugnons" 1er Cru. It is a subsection of Vaillons that is particularly well regarded. He believes that the concrete egg for elevage is perfect for this particular parcel. Do not doubt this man! He is a very passionate winemaker, yet still soft-spoken except when he talks about his egg. He loves this egg. It is one of the first eggs in Chablis. The only other egg I know of is Thomas Pico at the cult favorite Pattes Loups. Sebastien's wines already have a lean, mineral spine as his 2011 Vaillons can attest to, but with a concrete egg it can achieve more fruit during fermentation and a more opulent mouthfeel. Sebastien pulls it off and this wine is sensational. I don't have much but it is worth it. It has all the richness and tell-tale floral/mineral character of Sebastien's great Vaillons, but this is a warmer section of the vineyard and deemed a great spot by Sebastien, plus his decision to ferment in an egg make this a must buy. It is so great in its debut 2013 vintage (like 2012 except higher acidity, classic Chablis vintage) and there is only a teeny amount (one egg) of it available for the world. The exceptional quality from this very little known 1er Cru within a 1er Cru is one of the most unique wines I have offered at Fass Selections. The 2013 Sebastien Dampt Chablis 1er Cru "Les Beugnons" can be had for as little as $29.99 on the 4-pack today. Put in your request and I will allocate accordingly.
I am also lucky to offer his brilliant, huge, massively textured monster of a Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos in 2012 for as little as $52.99 on the 3-pack. This is one of those "great wine, great winemaker, great vineyard, great vintage" coming together in a ridiculously tasty package. Les Clos can be dramatic, mineral, and rich, with high acidity and long drinking windows. The 2012 has all that and more. I love the volume of the wines in the mouth for 2012 Chablis, yet the acidity is a bit lower than 2011 yet reads better on the palate in 2012. This wine benefits tremendously from that extra uptick in acidity and frames the flavors better. The precision that this wine has is stunning. The volume aligned with the saline and intense minerality and the dramatic quality of Les Clos are impressive. For $53 on the 3-pack this is all the more impressive. Les Clos can get very pricey and when you start talking the top producers it can out price the average buyer. for $53 you get Grand Cru White Burgundy that will age for 10-15 years. No brainer, back up the tractor. The 2011 was great but the 2012 is just one of those wine where it all comes together.
2013 Sebastien Dampt Chablis 1er Cru "Les Beugnons" - $32.99 ($119.96 4-pack) (LIMITED)
2012 Sebastien Dampt Chablis Grand Cru "Les Clos" - $55.99 ($158.97 3-pack)
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