BY ANTONIO GALLONI | SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 

Vincent Dauvissat would often conclude our tastings at the domaine with an older wine or two served blind, so I was not at all surprised to see how well these two vintages of the 1er Cru La Forest has aged. Both bottles, from my cellar, were utterly sublime and also a reminder of why we buy and cellar wine — for moments like this.  

Dauvissat’s 2004 Chablis La Forest 1er Cru is peaking today. Time has softened the contours, yielding a seamless Chablis with a racy demi-glace-like texture that caresses the palate from start to finish. Candied citrus peel, cinnamon, almond paste, chamomile and floral-infused honey are some of the notes that build with a bit of time in the glass. The 2004 is in exceptional shape. Well-stored bottles will continue to deliver pleasure for at least a few more years. 93/2026-2030. 

The 2001 Chablis La Forest 1er Cru is even better than the 2004. Still wonderfully fresh and vibrant, the 2001 offers all the complexity of fine, aged Chablis and yet remains so energetic for a wine of its age. Lemon confit, pear, white flowers, slate, mint and white pepper all race across the palate. I can hardly believe how vivid the 2001 is today. Waiting for it all these years was totally worth it. My only regret is not having decanted this because the wine got better and better over time. A Chablis for both the intellectual and hedonistic senses. 94/2026-2033.