FAMOUS, French and fancy; the wines of Chablis are borne from the vineyards lying on either side of the River Serein which flows through the pretty village of Chablis in the most northerly region of Burgundy.

A highly respected estate, Domaine Laroche have been making Chablis since 1850.

One of the largest owners of grand cru vineyards, they also have prize parcels of premier cru across eight different terroirs.

The first Burgundian producer to move to screwcap closures, even their grands cru wines don’t need a corkscrew.

However, to experience the delicacy, freshness and longevity that’s put these wines on the map, Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2008, France (£382 case of six/ £65.20 bt, thefinewi necompany.co.uk) calls for your finest stem ware.

Pure and powerful, it promises complexity of aniseed and spring flowers on the long-lasting finish.

Another poster girl for floral aromas that come of age, try Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots 2007, France (£295.38 case of six/ £49.23 bt, thefinewinecompany.co.uk).

According to Laroche, Les Blanchots’ style always offers white blossom and orchard fruit, both on the nose and the palate, with a salty finish.

Elsewhere, Domaine Duplessis Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2011, France (£39.95, bbr.com) is a top quality younger vintage that’s ripe for drinking now and already has the weight to become more complex given time.

From the left bank where the soils are less clay-like, Chablis Premier Cru Montmains Jean-Paul Droin 20011, France (£220 case of 12/ £18.33 bt, goedhuis.com) is more reserved and less intense, as you’d expect with a premier cru, but it still displays great purity with ripe, soft fruits.

Note to self: Burgundy blondes shouldn’t be over-chilled as it stunts the flavours.