2017 CHABLIS 1ER CRU MONTMAINS JEAN-PAUL DROIN - 6x75cl

Tasting Notes

• 

  Goedhuis, November 2018

  The clay soils of Montmains produce a distinctive style of Chablis with fine citrus ripeness and a little more weight on its bones than the Vaillons. Its richer weight is lifted by some light reduction that gives it a grilled hazelnut scent. 30% of the cuvée is vinified and aged in oak, adding support to the wine’s natural breadth.

• 

  Neal Martin, August 2018,
  Score: 92-94

  The 2017 Chablis Montmains 1er Cru has a slightly richer bouquet than the Vaillons: white peach, a touch of custard and dandelion, mineral notes interwoven. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, quite stupendous tension and harmony with a shimmering, citrus finish that is pure joy. Is this the best Montmains of the vintage? Drink 2020 - 2035

• 

  Antonio Galloni, January 2020,
  Score: 93

  The 2017 Chablis Montmains 1er Cru is clean, racy and super precise. Chalk, white flowers, mint and white pepper all confer brightness to this energetic, brisk taut Chablis. In the glass, the Montmains is so attractive and translucent. Orchard fruit and sweet floral notes linger on the close. Readers who want to see the elegance of 2017 will find plenty of that here. Drink 2020-2032

• 

  Burghound, October 2018,
  Score: 87-90

  There is ample oak and vanilla influence to remark upon though not so much to completely mask the white orchard fruit and abundant Chablis characters that include oyster shell and tidal pool nuances. The medium-bodied flavors are rich to the point of opulence while possessing a caressing mouth feel along with good intensity though the finish is slightly sweet and decidedly woody. This is perfectly good but it's not my style. Drink: 2022+

• 

  Jasper Morris MW, May 2018,
  Score: 91-94

  From several adjoining parcels in Montmains proper where there is less slope and a rich, ochre coloured clay, providing a more Burgundian and less Chablisian style. Pale colour, dense white fruit on the nose, swells to an impressive volume with a smoky note. Lovely finish, generous all through. 30% has been vinified in barrel. 4 stars.

More Tasting Notes Hide More Tasting Notes

Producer

Domaine Jean-Paul Droin

It is quite something to be the 14th generation of your family making wines in the same town since 1620. Unsurprisingly over this 400-year period, the Droins have built up a sizeable 26-hectare estate and an enviable portfolio of appellations from both Grands and Premiers Crus within the Chablis region. Benoît joined his father at the estate in 1999 at the age of 24, and for the last decade has assumed total control. During this period, he has continued the family’s respect for their fine terroir and soil but has quietly adjusted the winemaking style. The use of oak is less prevalent today than in his father Jean-Paul’s time, resulting in a greater terroir identity to the domaine’s wines and a mineral drive and edge. At the risk of testing his natural modesty, Benoît is very firmly positioning himself and the estate as one of Chablis’s greats. Regularly achieving top spot in blind tastings, in our view his brilliance is unsurpassed today.