2022 Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent

94 Points Decanter
In stock
A superb white from what may be the best Premier Cru vineyard in Chablis. The Vaulorent vineyard enjoys classically shallow and very calcium-rich soils and is the only Premier Cru to occupy the same hillside as the cluster of famous Grand Cru vineyards like Preuses and Bougros, which lie directly on it's southern border. Although tilted slightly to the north west, the geography and microclimate here allow the grapes to ripen into a fully compelling and classic, Grand Cru-like expression of this great terroir. The Vaulorent will be one of the first to sell!
$95.00 in mixed 6+ or $105.00 per bottle

Grape

Chardonnay

Its Origins

"The Droins have been producing wines in Chablis for nearly 400 years (their history as vignerons goes back at least to 1620). Benoît represents the14th generation of Droins and is one of the most dynamic winemakers in the region. His father Jean-Paul put the domaine on the map. The domaine owns 13 hectares of vineyards and produces 14 different wines, including Petit Chablis, Chablis, 7 Premiers Crus and 5 Grands Crus. Benoît runs a more sophisticated operation from a large modern winery almost in the shadow of the grands crus. He has revised his pruning system and significantly reduced yields. In the cellar the principal change has been away from new oak. Each wine now gets the treatment which Benoît thinks is suited to its terroir. Thus Petit Chablis, Chablis, premiers crus Vaucoupin and Côte de Lechet, and grand cru Blanchots are all fermented and matured in tank. Vaillons, Mont de Milieu and Montée de Tonnerre receive 25 per cent of barrel fermentation and maturation, 35 per cent for Vosgros and Vaudésir, 40 per cent for Montmains and Valmur, peaking at 50 per cent for Fourchaume, Grenouilles and Les Clos. However the age of the oak and the choice of tonnelier may vary according to the cuvée. The maximum new oak is ten per cent in the grands crus. Droin says "I use less new oak now than I did 10 years ago; my feeling is that you don`t make your best wines in new oak barrels." Although these are rich, full-bodied, buttery wines, they still manage to retain a steeliness, raciness and purity of fruit which are the hallmarks of classic Chablis. " -- Jasper Morris MW

What The Critics Say

94/100 Decanter, Andy Howard MW

"Vaulorent is the opposite in style to Fourchaume for Droin, with soils only 10cm thick. This comes through on the palate with its pronounced mineral character. Shy and introverted at the moment, this is undoubtedly a fine wine which will need quite a bit of time to come round. Very crisp apple fruit flavours and a flinty finish." Drink 2025 - 2032

91-94/100 Burghound, Allen Meadows

“(From a .33 ha parcel). A distinctly smoky nose features notes of apple and pear confit along with various floral and seashore hints. The medium-bodied flavors are rich, even plush, with a highly seductive texture that carries over to the surprisingly powerful, wellbalanced and strikingly long finale. This is lovely and harmonious." Drink 2029+

91-93/100 Vinous, Neal Martin

“The 2022 Chablis Vaulorent ler Cru has a sensual bouquet with yellow plum, jasmine and saffron scents that billow from the glass. The palate is very well-balanced with a fine bead of acidity, very focused and sharp, and citrus-fresh towards the finish. Almost clinical (in a good way), though that is one of Droin’s tropes." Drink 2025 - 2038

Variety Chardonnay
Region Burgundy
Closure Cork
Volume 750ml
Maturity 2025 - 2038

This Wine Goes Well With

with FISH
with SEAFOOD
with SHELLFISH

Taste

3

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