Clément Lavallée Is Raising Eyebrows

They say not to judge a book by its cover, or in our world, a wine by its label. It’s usually good advice, especially in Burgundy, where labels tend to be a bit…boring. But Clément Lavallée’s lets the personality of his wines peek through before you’ve pulled the cork. Those two slanted lines are eyebrows, a playful nod to his own thicker pair. It’s a fitting introduction to a winemaker who takes his craft seriously without taking himself too seriously, and who’s part of a new generation bringing fresh energy to Burgundy.

He’s only in his thirties, but he’s already packed in more than most winemakers do in a lifetime. At fifteen, he left Chablis and went on to train at some of wine’s most respected addresses: Armand Heitz, Château Margaux, Domaine Chapoutier, and even a stop in Australia’s Rutherglen. With that remarkably well-rounded foundation, he came home and started his own domaine with his sister Caroline. Together, they farm 14 hectares across northern Burgundy, all organically and entirely by hand.

Reputations in Burgundy often take generations to build, but Clément has made an impression in just a handful of vintages. His wines have found their way onto lists at Chez Panisse, Brat in London, Michelin-starred L’Aspérule in Dijon, and onto the shelves of L’Épicerie Tour d’Argent in Paris. Just to name a few…

Our newly arrived allocation offers three expressions of northern Burgundy: a precise, mineral Chablis for fans of the classic style, a perfumed Irancy red, and a Saint-Bris Sauvignon Blanc from the only appellation in Burgundy that permits the grape.

There’s plenty here for a Burgundy lover, but what we love most is how readily these wines invite another glass. They’re delicious now, great to have on hand for holiday dinners or an evening with friends, and they’ll keep if you want to tuck a few away.