2023 Droin Chablis Les Clos Hommage a Louis
Grape
Chardonnay
Its Origins
"The Droins have been producing wines in Chablis for nearly 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
95/100 John Caro
Made from three parcels, one of which was acquired by Louis Droin in 1920 - “Au Clos, lieu-dit Les Clos”. Despite every vintage of Le Clos between 1920 and 2019 including this parcel, the authorities strangely argued this was actually part of Valmur. Leading to Benoît labelling it Grand Cru ‘Homage à Louis’ for 3 vintages. After several years of legal battles, Benoît has finally received approval from the INAO to label this wine as Les Clos once more, although he has chosen to keep the “Hommage à Louis” designation as well. This wine exudes true sophistication from the very first aroma. Currently, the palate is slightly reserved and restrained, offering substantial grip and weight. However, with some air, it begins to open up, revealing a lot of tension and a long, iodine-tinged finish. This wine shows immense potential. Best enjoyed from 2027 to 2042.
94/100 Vinous, Neal Martin
"The 2023 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru Hommage à Louis has the best bouquet amongst the Grand Crus from Droin. Very vibrant and intense, with crushed limestone and flint. The palate is well balanced with melon, grapefruit, orange rind and quince on the entry, building nicely towards a slightly oily-textured finish. I can see this aging well in bottle - more complexity on the finish compared to say, the Valmur or Grenouilles." Drink 2026 - 2040
94/100 Burghound, Allen Meadows
“(from a 1.4 ha holding in Les Clos) Moderately toasty wood sets off cool floral and spicy aromas of freshly grated citrus, white peach, honeysuckle and tidal pool wisps. There is again fine intensity to the dense and stony broad-shouldered flavors that flash fine length on the ever-so-mildly warm finale where a touch of youthful austerity slowly emerges. This refreshing effort is so rich that it should drink reasonably well young but the better choice would be to allow it to age for at least a few years. 2031+”
| Variety | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Region | Burgundy |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2026 - 2040 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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