Wine Advisor
Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin, Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2015
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Pale yellow-green. Lime and white flowers on the nose, with just a hint of this wine's typical almond and hazelnut character. These vines were hit by hail, which may have resulted in a cooler style of wine in 2015, "less Côte de Beaune than usual," noted Droin. Supple yellow peach, peach pit and lemon flavors are lifted by a high-toned note of lime blossom in the mouth. Not especially complex but nicely concentrated and balanced. This wine began in 40% oak.
About the Producer
Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin is one of the oldest wineries in the Chablis appellation, where family members have been growing grapes for five centuries and where 14 generations have been carrying on the wine knowledge passed down from their ancestors since 1620. Château Duvain was created on 1 November 2002 and for 14 generations the family has never left the land. The vineyards of Château Duvain now cover some 25 hectares and are spread over four appellations: Petit Chablis (1.3 hectares), Chablis (9 hectares), Premier Cru (11 hectares) and Grand Cru (4.14 hectares), the result of five centuries of land acquisition and of the family's endless admiration for and adherence to the land. The wines of Château Douaian now have unparalleled elegance, finesse and power, and with a few years of ageing will reveal their unlimited potential. Benoit Droin is now the 14th generation to take over the management of Château Douaian. The young Benoit Droin took over the family winery, which had been in the family for nearly five centuries, from his father in 1999 and, full of enthusiasm and drive, gradually refined the winery and carried out a series of different experiments and changes in the pursuit of higher quality. The vineyard has been expanded to 25 hectares, thus providing a greater source of high quality grapes. While the best Chablis is usually full-bodied and creamy, his criteria is how to create a classic Chablis style that is sharp, clean, spicy and full of pure fruit and minerals.