2023 Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Grape
Chardonnay
Its Origins
"The Droins have been producing wines in Chablis for over 400 years (their history as vignerons goes back at least to 1620). Benoît represents the14th generation of Droins and is one of the most dynamic winemakers in the region. His father Jean-Paul put the domaine on the map. The domaine owns 13 hectares of vineyards and produces 14 different wines, including Petit Chablis, Chablis, 7 Premiers Crus and 5 Grands Crus. Benoît runs a more sophisticated operation from a large modern winery almost in the shadow of the grands crus. He has revised his pruning system and significantly reduced yields. In the cellar the principal change has been away from new oak. Each wine now gets the treatment which Benoît thinks is suited to its terroir. Thus Petit Chablis, Chablis, premiers crus Vaucoupin and Côte de Lechet, and grand cru Blanchots are all fermented and matured in tank. Vaillons, Mont de Milieu and Montée de Tonnerre receive 25 per cent of barrel fermentation and maturation, 35 per cent for Vosgros and Vaudésir, 40 per cent for Montmains and Valmur, peaking at 50 per cent for Fourchaume, Grenouilles and Les Clos. However the age of the oak and the choice of tonnelier may vary according to the cuvée. The maximum new oak is ten per cent in the grands crus. Droin says "I use less new oak now than I did 10 years ago; my feeling is that you don`t make your best wines in new oak barrels." Although these are rich, full-bodied, buttery wines, they still manage to retain a steeliness, raciness and purity of fruit which are the hallmarks of classic Chablis. " -- Jasper Morris MW
What The Critics Say
93/100 Decanter, Charles Curtis MW
"This delicious wine boasts initial exotic notes of pomelo and melon and opens up to suggest acacia blossom and cream. The texture is creamy and rich, but the wine is not lacking freshness; the extract carries the wine to a lovely lingering finish. The grapes are from 4.82ha spread over five lieux-dits – Vaillons, Séchet, Beugnons, Roncières and Epinottes – lightly crushed and fermented in tank and in cask (25%). The warm microclimates and thin soils here deliver some of the ripest fruit on the left bank. Drink 2028-2045"
91/100 Burghound, Allen Meadows
“(from 5 different lieux-dits that saw 15% of new and one-year old wood). A discreet application of wood sets off notes of white pepper, acacia blossom, spice and just enough Chablis typicity to be interesting. On the palate there is both good volume and refinement to the generously proportioned middle weight flavors that possess a sappy texture while displaying solid length on the youthfully austere finale that displays acceptable vibrancy. 2027+”
Vinous, Neal Martin
"The 2023 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru has a pretty nose, more floral with dandelion scents infusing the lemon and orange pith aromas–quintessential Vaillons really. The palate is slightly lower in acidity than the 2022–fine depth and with a slightly powdery texture on the finish. Drink over the next 4-5 years." Drink 2024 - 2030
| Variety | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Region | Burgundy |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2024 - 2035 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.
If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.
