Taillevent’s Head Sommelier Names Lavallée One of His Personal Favourites
Featured in Le Figaro, October 2025

In a recent Le Figaro feature, the newspaper met with Paul Robineau, Director of Wines and Spirits for the Gardinier Group — the group behind the legendary Restaurant Le Taillevent. In this interview, Robineau highlighted Clément Lavallée as one of his personal favourites of the year, describing his wines as “des bombes atomiques, des Chablis verticaux, sur l’acidité, à des super prix.” It is a significant accolade from one of the most respected palates in French gastronomy.

Taillevent’s endorsement carries considerable weight; its cellar is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world, and Robineau’s role spans the entire Gardinier Group. His admiration for Lavallée reflects not only the quality of the wines but also a shared philosophy: a commitment to precision, authenticity, and an eloquent sense of terroir. Still in his early thirties, Clément works alongside his sister Caroline, and together they represent a dynamic new generation shaping the future of Chablis. Their approach combines low-intervention viticulture with thoughtful, terroir-driven winemaking. Despite their finesse and energy, their wines remain remarkably accessible, offering purity, tension, and depth without compromising on price — a combination that makes their work stand out in today’s Burgundy landscape.

The Quote (Translated)

“Atomic bombs — vertical, acid-driven Chablis at fantastic prices.”

Read More

The full Le Figaro interview with Paul Robineau is available on their website. Read the full article here.

Legal Mentions & Disclaimer

• Source: All quotations are from Paul Robineau, Le Figaro (October 2025). We encourage readers to consult the original Le Figaro article for full context.

• Halo Wines provides this summary for informational purposes.