2023 Chablis, Valmur, Grand Cru, Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin, Burgundy

From recently replanted vines totalling 1.04 ha, aged in 50% wood, but only a small percentage is new.

Here, the wood treatment is more pronounced with a similar level of reduction that renders an evaluation of the nose moot at present. As one would expect, there is notably more size, weight, volume and power, if decidedly less refinement, to the big-bodied flavours that also possess a sappy mouthfeel that carries over to the sneaky long and balanced finale. This opulent effort could be approached young if desired, but a few years of bottle ageing should help develop a better overall depth.

Drink 2031+

The 2023 Chablis Valmur Grand Cru has a touch more expression than the Vaudésir. Orchard fruit, a light smoky scent, and a hint of petrichor develop in the glass. The palate is well balanced on the entry and quite powerful. Yet, I find the finish just missing some of the detail and mineralité of its peers and indeed, some of Droin's Premier Crus.

Drink 2026 - 2036