We are delighted to introduce Chablis producer Domaine Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin, along with their stunning 2018s.
A region that is often dominated by the big names of Ravenau & Vincent Dauvissat, however Benoit Droin has been producing fantastic, terroir driven Chablis that Neal Martin says often shine against bigger growers in blind tastings.
Neal Martin, August 2018 - “People often cite Domaines Raveneau and Vincent Dauvissat as the two greatest exponents of Chablis, however, I would like to add a third – Domaine Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin. Over the last five or six years, Benoît Droin has really ratcheted up the quality. I cannot exaggerate how often Droin’s wines end up the best of the flight during the annual “Burgfest” blind tastings. Again and again, they shine against stiff competition. It is time to accept that Droin is now one of the leading producers in Chablis.”
These wines are due into Seckford in June, please do let me know if you would like a case or two.
2018 Petit Chablis
£144 per 12 in bond
88-89 points (Neal Martin, Vinous)
The 2018 Petit Chablis is wonderfully rich, sensual and inviting. Tropical and exotic floral notes give the Petit Chablis a decidedly flamboyant flair in 2018 that is quite appealing. Soft, open and inviting, the 2018 has an added touch of immediacy in this vintage that is impossible to miss. Droin's Petit Chablis is a real overachiever in its peer group.
2018 Chablis 1er Vaillons
£126 per 6 in bond
91-93 points (Neal Martin, Vinous)
The 2018 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru is airy and gracious, with striking inner perfume and lift. Citrus peel, white pepper and chalk give the Vaillons its brilliant aromatic top register and total sense of class. This is an especially bright, tender style for Vaillons (an early-ripening site) and for the vintage. Bright saline notes punctuate the finish.
2018 Chablis Grand Cru Valmur
£264 per 6 in bond
94-96 points (Neal Martin, Vinous)
The 2018 Chablis Valmur Grand Cru is another stunning wine in this range that captures the essence of the vintage beautifully. A wine of breadth, richness and volume, the 2018 is flat-out stunning. Apricot, dried flowers, savoury herbs and light tropical overtones build as the Valmur blossoms in the glass. Silky contours and veins of supporting minerality frame the long, persistent finish. One of thee highlights in this range, the 2018 Valmur is simply captivating.
2018 Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir
£264 per 6 in bond
93-95pts Vinous
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.
2018 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos
£300 per 6 in bond
93-95 points (Neal Martin, Vinous)
The 2018 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru is a dense, spherical wine built on power and texture. Lemon confit, apricot, marzipan, dried flowers, chamomile all build as this creamy, voluptuous Chablis shows off its vivid personality. Bright saline notes cut through all the richness, giving the wine energy and a sense of crystalline beauty that is not easy to express with words. Today, I find the 2018 just a bit closed. I won't be surprised if it is even better from bottle.