Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2023 Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin | Burgundy

At the heart of the natural amphitheater formed by the Grands Crus of Chablis, the Valmur climat occupies a pivotal position between Les Clos, Grenouilles and Vaudésir. This emblematic North Burgundy climate rests on a Kimmeridgian bedrock whose expression varies with the slope: deep marls at the bottom of the hillside, lighter, more compact clays at the top. This geological diversity gives Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin 's Chablis Grand Cru Valmur a naturally powerful, structured base.

Domaine Droin grows just over a hectare of Chardonnay here, with vines averaging 15 years of age. The grapes are harvested by hand, before a natural fermentation carried out by indigenous yeasts in stainless steel vats and barrels. Once malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine is aged in oak barrels and vats for 8 to 10 months.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : With its density and power, Jean Paul et Benoît Droin 's Chablis Grand Cru Valmur is one of the most structured Chablis wines, often marked by a certain reserve in its youth. The Valmur climate is renowned for its wines of character, and Domaine Jean Paul & Benoît Droin manages to concentrate their minerality and depth with remarkable elegance. This is a cuvée of depth and substance, whose capacity to evolve gracefully over time is obvious.

On the nose, the wine opens with ripe aromas of yellow fruit and stewed orchard fruit. A hint of candied citrus and gunflint add complexity to the profile.

The palate is powerful and perfectly structured, with an acidic backbone. The volume is still dense, but the fullness of the wine can be sensed after several years of cellaring. Ripe fruit flavors of quince paste, juicy nectarine and lime zest mingle with the brioche of ageing. The deep, sapid finish unfolds with breathtaking length.