Jean-Paul Droin
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(1x75cl) 2017Vinous (94)
The 2017 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru is creamy and beautifully resonant as is opens in the glass. White flowers, ginger, spice and green orchard fruit add layer of nuance that are kicked up by bright, saline notes that giver the wine bracing energy and real feeling of vibrancy. I loved it.$87.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2018 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru has a lifted green apple, pear and crushed rock nose, touches of oyster shell developing with time in the glass. The palate is beautifully balanced and poised, demonstrating the finest tension and energy among Droin’s Premier Crus, with more bite toward the finish. Superb.$726.00 -
Burghound (91)
A ripe ever-so-vaguely exotic nose is comprised by notes of cool green apple, oyster shell and lemon rind. There is both excellent volume and mid-palate density to the intense and solidly powerful larger-bodied flavors that possess impeccable balance and fine depth on the harmonious, long and slightly more complex finale. This is potentially very good to perhaps even excellent if it can add depth with time in bottle.$500.00 -
(6x75cl) 2022Burghound (91)
A ripe ever-so-vaguely exotic nose is comprised by notes of cool green apple, oyster shell and lemon rind. There is both excellent volume and mid-palate density to the intense and solidly powerful larger-bodied flavors that possess impeccable balance and fine depth on the harmonious, long and slightly more complex finale. This is potentially very good to perhaps even excellent if it can add depth with time in bottle.$297.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-92)
Full pale lemon. A rich peach and apricot nose, less exaggerated than was the case in 2019, and the Condrieu style fruit flavours soon depart in the mouth to leave a particularly classic marine mineral aftertaste, not too iodine. 25% wood, none new. Drink from 2027-2033. Tasted Jun 2024.$515.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (90-92)
Full pale lemon. A rich peach and apricot nose, less exaggerated than was the case in 2019, and the Condrieu style fruit flavours soon depart in the mouth to leave a particularly classic marine mineral aftertaste, not too iodine. 25% wood, none new. Drink from 2027-2033. Tasted Jun 2024.$133.00 -
Vinous (89-91)
The 2021 Chablis Fourchaume 1er Cru shows a little more reduction on the nose compared to other cuvées but a pleasant flintiness develops with time. The palate is well balanced with a cohesive entry, fine weight although it doesn't quite deliver the same precision as the Mont de Milieu at the moment. Fine.$118.00 -
Vinous (92-94)
The 2018 Chablis Montmains 1er Cru is an ample, creamy and super-expressive wine. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers and minty notes all flesh out in a Chablis endowed with striking depth and resonance - all qualities that build into the long, beautifully persistent finish. This is one of the bigger premiers crus in the range, but it also retains terrific freshness and vibrancy.$541.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2019 Chablis Montmains 1er Cru is quite expressive on the nose of red and green apples; touches of orange blossom develop with air. The lightly spiced palate is concentrated, a richer style for the vintage, and then turns quite nutty thanks to deeper, more clay-rich soils that lend toastiness on the finish. Very fine.$500.00 -
(6x75cl) 2021Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-93)
Pale lemon yellow. This is crisp and classy. Vibrant fruit and plenty of it, then a stonier back half to this wine, faintly lemon scented, while that citrus element is ripe. Enjoy the long finish. Drink from 2025-2030. Tasted: June 2022$521.00 -
(8x75cl) 2021Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-93)
Pale lemon yellow. This is crisp and classy. Vibrant fruit and plenty of it, then a stonier back half to this wine, faintly lemon scented, while that citrus element is ripe. Enjoy the long finish. Drink from 2025-2030. Tasted: June 2022$390.00 -
Burghound (90)
(from Montmains proper; 40% 2 and 3-year-old oak). Prominent notes of mineral reduction and just picked white flowers suffuse the aromas of tidal pool, algae and zest. The rich but vibrant medium weight flavors possess even more obvious minerality on the cool, firm and delineated finish that is clean, moderately dry, citrusy and sneaky long. Lovely and understated in style.$277.00 -
Burghound (89-92)
(from Montmains proper; 40% 2 and 3-year-old oak). Here too there is a discreet application of wood in evidence, which is all that is evident as the nose is quite firmly reduced. More interesting are the delicious and relatively refined medium weight flavors that possess slightly better energy and particularly so on the stony, refreshing and sneaky long finale. This should be lovely after only 4 to 6 years of cellaring.$500.00 -
Renowned for its pedigree and elegance, the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2018 stands as a jewel in Burgundy's crown. This esteemed Chardonnay, created in the heart of Chablis' esteemed vineyards, is the fruit of meticulous winemaking by the heralded Jean-Paul Droin family - a lineage boasting nearly four centuries of viticultural skill. Signifying the exceptional 2018 vintage, this wine exudes intense mineral flavours, imbued with exhilarating citrus and white fruit nuances. Aged judiciously in oak, it strikes a harmonious balance between opulence and restraint, revealing a rich texture worthy of the finest palates. While undeniably complex, this Chablis Premier Cru retains the characteristic flinty freshness, and promises a longevity that will reward the patient connoisseur. Experience the inimitable refinement of the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2018; a timeless testament to the Droin legacy.
$607.00 -
The Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2019 is an exquisite showcase of the expertise of this renowned winemaker, whose heritage dates back 400 years. Birthed in the iconic Chablis region of Burgundy, France, this remarkable white wine is a reflection of the limestone-rich soil, imparting a unique minerality. The superior 1er Cru vineyards gives the wine intensity and complexity. The Droin family’s meticulous winemaking employs traditional methods, including manual harvesting and fermentation in temperature-controlled vats to achieve exceptional character.
The Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2019 reveals an elegant harmony of crisp apple and citrus flavours, intertwined with an undercurrent of flinty minerality and nuances of white flowers. Its impressive length and balance attest to its status as a premier cru. This Chablis is a marvellous representation of the Droin family's commitment to crafting distinctive wines of superior quality, ensuring its enduring appeal to wine enthusiasts.
$563.00 -
(1x75cl) 2019The Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2019 is an exquisite showcase of the expertise of this renowned winemaker, whose heritage dates back 400 years. Birthed in the iconic Chablis region of Burgundy, France, this remarkable white wine is a reflection of the limestone-rich soil, imparting a unique minerality. The superior 1er Cru vineyards gives the wine intensity and complexity. The Droin family’s meticulous winemaking employs traditional methods, including manual harvesting and fermentation in temperature-controlled vats to achieve exceptional character.
The Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre 2019 reveals an elegant harmony of crisp apple and citrus flavours, intertwined with an undercurrent of flinty minerality and nuances of white flowers. Its impressive length and balance attest to its status as a premier cru. This Chablis is a marvellous representation of the Droin family's commitment to crafting distinctive wines of superior quality, ensuring its enduring appeal to wine enthusiasts.
$212.00 -
(3x75cl) 2021Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-94)
Clean classic white fruit with concentration and some elegance. Steely and with backbone, then a beautiful finish with complexity, still based around the white fruit. Drink from 2027-2034. Tasted: June 2022$177.00 -
Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (92-94)
Clean classic white fruit with concentration and some elegance. Steely and with backbone, then a beautiful finish with complexity, still based around the white fruit. Drink from 2027-2034. Tasted: June 2022$286.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The 2022 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre is quite powerful this year, exhibiting aromas of sweet orchard fruit mingled with white flowers, toasted nuts and oyster shell, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless palate with an elegantly muscular profile.$313.00 -
Decanter (95)
This exquisite wine enchants with a complex nose of lime peel, gooseberry and pear with hints of smoky reduction and a salty mineral edge. The wine is dense and compact, and its weight is perfectly balanced by racy acidity. The grapes are from 1.76ha in the blue clay soils of the Côte de Bréchain. They are crushed and fermented in tank and cask (25%). In the view of Benoît Droin, this is a 'super premier cru' – grand cru-adjacent, like Chambolle Amoureuses and Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques.$563.00 -
Vinous (91)
The 2019 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru has a less flamboyant bouquet than its peers. This feels more reserved and flinty, though very nicely defined and focused. The palate is well balanced, with the weight and density I look for in a Vaillon, and a little spicier than the Vosgros. A touch of lemongrass and a hint of green olive appear toward the finish. Fine.$107.00 -
(2x75cl) 2020Vinous (90-92)
The 2020 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru has a flinty, focused, energetic nose that feels more harmonious than the preceding Côte de Léchet. The palate is taut, fresh and saline in the mouth, showing great depth and concentration toward the finish. This will be worth looking out for.$151.00 -
(2x75cl) 2021Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2021 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru has a bit of reduction on the nose, though there is complexity behind that veil and more mineralité as it opens in the glass. The palate is vibrant and engaging, very well balanced with just a hint of dried honey, though it retains poise and tension. Hints of orange pith and lemongrass furnish the finish. This is very promising. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.$132.00 -
Burghound (89)
(from 5 different lieux-dits that saw 15% of new and one-year old wood). A slightly cooler if still ripe nose reflects notes of white pepper, plenty of citrus influence and discreet shellfish nuances. Here too the palate impression of the middleweight flavors is one of richness and generosity yet the supporting acidity is both a little firmer and a bit brighter as well. This delicious effort could use better depth but more should reasonably develop with a few years of aging.$422.00 -
Burghound (89)
(from 5 different lieux-dits that saw 15% of new and one-year old wood). A slightly cooler if still ripe nose reflects notes of white pepper, plenty of citrus influence and discreet shellfish nuances. Here too the palate impression of the middleweight flavors is one of richness and generosity yet the supporting acidity is both a little firmer and a bit brighter as well. This delicious effort could use better depth but more should reasonably develop with a few years of aging.$241.00 -
Burghound (89-91)
(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.$422.00 -
(1x75cl) 2019Regarded as a masterpiece of the region's white wines, the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis Vaucoupin 2019 is an epitome of sophistication and exquisite notes derived from the heart of France's historic Burgundy region. Born from the hands of a 14th generation winemaker, Jean-Paul Droin, this Chablis embodies the very essence of traditional winemaking practices grafting with innovative approaches. Sourced from the Vaucoupin vineyard, a smaller Premier Cru site known for its steep slopes and premium Kimmeridgian soils, the wine offers an exceptional mineral character.
Alluring aromas of fresh citrus, oyster shells and white flowers meet the nose, while the palate dances with green apple zestiness and a chalky minerality. Nuanced oak treatment from fermentation in stainless steel with limited use of old barrels gives it an indulging complexity. The Jean-Paul Droin Chablis Vaucoupin 2019 showcases an impeccable balance, promising an evolving experience with refined ageing potential that only a true connoisseur can appreciate.
$91.00 -
(3x75cl) 2021Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2021 Chablis Vosgros 1er Cru has a crisp and precise bouquet, demonstrating more limestone terroir than its peers in this flight, though it is nicely understated in style. The palate is fresh on the entry, crisp and tensile with a twist of sour lemon and a bright, energetic if not overly complicated finish. This will drink nicely for the next decade. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.$181.00 -
Renowned for its excellence, the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis Grand Cru Blanchots 2018 is an exquisite embodiment of the Chablis terroir. The venerated Droin family, with 400 years of winemaking pedigree, ensure precision and clarity in this outstanding cuvée. Cultivated on the sun-kissed, southeastern-facing slopes of 'Blanchots', this mineral-rich Chardonnay showcases Droin's utmost respect for tradition and territory.
Harvested from vines averaging 45 years, the hand-picked grapes experience gentle pressing before fermenting in both oak barrels and stainless steel vats. This delicate balance confers a distinctive minerality edge to the luscious fruit notes, mirroring the unique Kimmeridgian soils of its birthplace. Radiating a remarkable freshness enriched with nuances of almond and citrus, the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis Grand Cru Blanchots 2018 provides an elegant and enduring finish that complements a connoisseur's cellar. It's not simply a wine; it's a testament to the Droin family heritage and the lovingly nurtured terroir of Chablis.
$143.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92+)
The 2021 Chablis Les Grenouilles Grand Cru has a well-defined bouquet that feels a bit generic due to the dominance of the wood at the moment. Yes, there is sufficient fruit (just) to soak that up, but I would have dialled it down a notch. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. It is less oaky towards the finish with hints of mint and juniper on the aftertaste. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.$969.00
