Droin Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2018

“The 2018 Chablis Vaudésir Grand Cru is one of the most exotic, flamboyant wines in the range. Marzipan, candied lemon confit, passionfruit and honeyed notes add to an impression of deep, exotic beauty. The 2018 isn’t a shy wine, nor it is exactly subtle, but it is flat-out delicious and arresting in its beauty. Drink it with richer foods. 93-95 points

Benoît Droin showed me a stunning range of wines in both 2018 and 2017, culminating with a handful of library wines. I could have spent the whole day in these cellars. Over the last few years, Droin has emerged as one of the most exciting domaines in Chablis. The wines are marked by their energy, nuance and site-specific expression. As is the case in pretty much every cellar, the 2018s are open-knit and inviting, while the 2017s are more vibrant and nervy.”

Antonio Galloni, Vinous (01/20)

Benoit, the current winemaker, is the 14th generation of the Droin family to be involved in the wine trade – this lineage goes back to at least 1620! He is putting his stamp on this address by dialling back on his father’s (Jean-Paul’s) use of new oak and each wine now receives the treatment that its terroir can handle, e.g. the village Chablis is fermented and matured in tank whereas the grand cru Les Clos receives 50% barrel fermentation and maturation. However, please note that the percentage of new oak here is limited to 10%. So, if you enjoy Chardonnay in the hands of a top exponent, not to mention that distinctive minerality which is attributable to Kimmeridgean limestone from the Jurassic period, these great wines of terroir are for you!