Chablis Grand Cru Valmur 2024 Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin | Burgundy

At the heart of the natural amphitheater formed by the Chablis Grands Crus, the Valmur vineyard occupies a pivotal position between Les Clos, Grenouilles, and Vaudésir. This iconic vineyard of Northern Burgundy rests on a Kimmeridgian bedrock whose characteristics vary with the slope: deep marl at the base of the hillside, and lighter, more compact clay higher up. This geological diversity gives Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin’s Chablis Grand Cru Valmur a naturally powerful and structured foundation.

Domaine Droin cultivates just over one hectare of Chardonnay here, with vines averaging about fifteen years of age. The grapes are harvested by hand, followed by natural fermentation driven by indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks and barrels. Once malolactic fermentation is complete, the ageing takes place in oak barrels and tanks for 8 to 10 months.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: With its density and power, the Chablis Grand Cru Valmur from Jean Paul and Benoît Droin is among the most structured Chablis wines, often characterized by a certain reserve in its youth. The Valmur vineyard is renowned for its characterful wines, and Domaine Jean Paul & Benoît Droin succeeds in capturing their minerality and depth with remarkable elegance. This is a cuvée of depth and substance, with the potential to age gracefully over time.

On the nose, the wine opens with ripe aromas of yellow fruit and stewed orchard fruit. A hint of candied citrus and flint lends the profile a beautiful complexity.

On the palate, the wine displays powerful, perfectly structured body, driven by a lively acidity. The body is still dense, but one can sense the wine’s full potential after several years of aging. Flavors of ripe fruit—ranging from quince paste to juicy nectarines and lime zest—blend with the brioche-like notes from the ageing process. The finish, deep and savory, unfolds with breathtaking length.