About the Domaine
Jean-Paul et Benoît Droin is one of the oldest domaines in Chablis, with a history dating back to the 1600s. Under the guidance of talented winemaker Benoît Droin, the estate's reputation for producing excellent whites has continued to grow with each vintage. Benoît builds on the foundation laid by his father, further elevating the estate's standing in the wine world.
The domaine spans 26 hectares, encompassing five Grand Cru sites, nine Premier Cru sites, and additional vineyards in Chablis and Petit Chablis. Their impressive portfolio includes the esteemed Grand Cru Les Clos vineyard. Most of their vines are planted on the prized Kimmeridgian limestone soils, which contribute to the quality of their wines. Benoît's careful use of oak barrels and his dedication to capturing the crisp minerality of Chardonnay in each bottle showcase his expertise as both a wine grower and a winemaker.
About the vintage
The 2023 vintage in Chablis faced a few challenges. Frequent rain increased the risk of mildew, though it also helped swell the grape bunches, resulting in a generous crop that required a longer ripening period. The season turned warm in late August, accelerating ripening. Harvest began on September 7th during a heatwave, and Benoît's decision to use machine harvesting allowed for early morning picks and quick completion, preserving acidity in the grapes. The 2023 wines are similar to those from 2000, showing a rich, steely character with layers of freshness and salinity. These wines are expected to be approachable earlier than the 2022s, making them widely appealing from the start.
The offer
We're delighted to give clients to chance to purchase a selection of wines from Domaine Jean-Paul et Benoit Droin including two villages wines, four Premier Crus and three exception Grand Crus.
This offer is for under bond wines to be released in December. Buyers will be contacted by Hedonism Wines when their bottles arrive to confirm whether they would like to transfer their order to bonded storage or clear to duty paid for local delivery.
If you'd like to learn more about buying wine in bond, we've prepared a handy article.
Villages wines
This wine, crafted from the usual two parcels (1.85 hectares) located on the plateau above the Grands Crus, is produced entirely in stainless steel, following tradition. The result is a punchy introduction to the range, offering a rich and expressive nose filled with ripe citrus aromas and hints of stone fruit.
The palate follows with bright, fruit-forward flavors and a delightful gourmand character, rounded off by a pleasing salinity at the finish. A true crowd-pleaser, this wine will be hard to resist. Best enjoyed between 2024 and 2029.
The Droin estate spans 9.33 hectares, divided across 14 different parcels. As is customary, both fermentation and aging occurred in stainless steel tanks.
The wine`s nose features classic notes of iodine and oyster shell, complemented by ripe citrus fruit aromas. On the palate, there is a generous amount of pulp and juice, showcasing ripe lemon fruit with a subtle hint of dairy. The wine also boasts a strong mineral character, highlighted by a long, dry finish that leaves the mouth watering. Best enjoyed from 2025 to 2031.
Premier Cru Wines
Arguably one of the flagship wines of the estate, this wine benefits from substantial holdings totaling 4.82 hectares across the sub-sectors of Epinottes, Roncières, Séchet, Chatains, and Beugnons. It is typically approachable, featuring a delightful smoky reduction on the nose with juicy white fruit beneath.
This is a highly appealing and generous wine that perfectly balances peachy fruit with tangy iodine notes. Best enjoyed from 2026 to 2034.
One of the estate’s smallest parcels, at just under 0.15 hectares, so no more than 1000 bottles a year produced. The marl topsoil is shallow here, giving a mineral wine which is very marine in profile; seashells, suggests Benoît.
There’s also a charming floral lift and a talc-like texture that softly coats the palate. The finish has plenty of bitterness and sea spray. A little tight at the moment, but this should develop nicely with time. Drink 2027-2035.
Sourced from 0.83 hectares in the sunniest climat of Chablis, thanks to its exposed, south-facing position. This, coupled with the rich soil, creates an opulent and expressive style of Chablis that initially masks the wine`s mineral character in its youth.
The 2023 vintage is quite vinous and tightly wound at this early stage, exuding a powerful and brooding aroma. On the palate, there are hints of orange and apricot, balanced by a refreshing note of lime. Currently warming and rich, with a subtle iodine character starting to emerge on the finish. Best enjoyed from 2027 to 2037.
Sourced from 1.76 hectares of vines in the Chapelot and Côte de Bréchain sub-sectors of Montée de Tonnerre, this wine is consistently the most serious and complex among Droin’s Premier Cru offerings. The nose is spicy and smoky, currently holding back some of the fruit`s expression.
The palate is initially rich and powerful, featuring generous stone fruit complemented by a tangy freshness. It unfolds in the mouth with multiple layers of complex flavors and textures. The finish is dry and chewy, with an almost tannic structure, indicating a promising future. Best enjoyed from 2027 to 2038.
Grand Cru Wines
The name Valmur translates to "ripe valley," and Droin`s 1.03 hectares of vines are located on a south-facing slope. The wine is juicy and smoky, featuring notes of ripe quince, lavender, and grilled nuts. Beneath the generous fruit lies a tangy freshness, complemented by hints of spicy oak and a grippy, crushed stone texture.
This is a wine with many layers that unfold gradually. It is currently quite austere and reserved, with a pronounced iodine and oyster shell finish. It will need time to open up but promises to age beautifully. Best enjoyed from 2027 to 2040.
Droin’s 1.05 hectares in Vaudésir are divided between two parcels on either side of a steeply sloping valley. One parcel faces north, contributing freshness, while the other faces south, adding weight and power. The nose is open and expressive, with peach, orange, and sweet spice notes all vying for attention.
On the palate, the abundance of fruit makes this wine surprisingly approachable at this stage. It has a creamy, viscous texture that is well-balanced by a fine, iodine minerality. Best enjoyed from 2026 to 2040.
After several years of legal battles, Benoît has finally received approval from the INAO to label this wine as Les Clos once more, although he has chosen to keep the "Hommage à Louis" designation as well. This wine exudes true sophistication from the very first aroma.
Currently, the palate is slightly reserved and restrained, offering substantial grip and weight. However, with some air, it begins to open up, revealing a lot of tension and a long, iodine-tinged finish. This wine shows immense potential. Best enjoyed from 2027 to 2042.