Joseph Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Premier Cru 2022
(Burgundy, France) - [WS 90]

About the Winery:
The Moulin de Vaudon, the property of Joseph Drouhin, is an 18th Century watermill straddling the Serein River, close to the Grand Cru vineyards of Chablis. Flowing gently past hillsides covered with vineyards, the river has always been closely identified with Chablis and its region. Because of its unique location at the heart of their 38 hectare vineyard estate (95 acres), this historical mill is the headquarters of the Drouhin Domaine in Chablis.

About the Wine:

Vineyard:

Site: a blend of various Premier Cru parcels from the Domaine (Roncières, Mont de Milieu, Montée de Tonnerre, Moireins). They are located on either side of the Serein River, harvested and vinified separately, then assembled. The result is a harmonious whole where each wine brings its own identity. 

History & tradition: in the sixties, when the Chablis vineyards were all abandoned, Robert Drouhin recognized the potential of this region which had been ravaged by the phylloxera disease a century before. He was one of the first Burgundy propriétaires who set about revitalizing the area. 

Soil: the Kimmeridgian limestone contains millions of tiny marine fossils embedded in a kind of whitish mortar which may have been once the bottom of the sea...hundreds of million years ago. This marine origin gives the wines of Chablis their unique flavor.

Winemaking:

Supply: this wine comes from grapes harvested on some parcels of the Drouhin Family Properties as well as from grapes and musts purchased from supply partners according to rigorous specifications.

Harvest: grapes harvested by hands in open-work crates. If necessary, a careful sorting is proceeded.

Vinification: slow pressing of the whole bunch in a pneumatic press. The juice of the last press is separated from the free run-juice. The juice ferments in stainless-steel vats after a little settling.

Ageing: ageing in stainless-steel vat during 8 to 10 months.

Throughout the ageing process, decisions are taken only after careful tasting evaluation. The data obtained is completed through technical analysis. As with every other Joseph Drouhin wine, absolute priority is given to the true expression of terroir and character of the vintage.

2022 Vintage:
2022 offered a good maturity with particularly aromatic white wines. Citrus and ripe fruit mingle with delicate floral fragrances, very often accompanied by slightly spicy pastry notes. The palate, tender and fleshy, is based on a strong texture. Endowed with a pleasant roundness and a rich aftertaste, the wines of this vintage are well-balanced and show an excellent ageing potential.

Tasting note by Véronique Boss-Drouhin:

A dry and brisk wine, typical of Chablis. Brilliant yellow-green colour. The aromas are reminiscent of lemon, citrus, asparagus...On the palate, the first sip offered is clear-cut and fresh impression, with a nice texture. Long on the aftertaste, with fruity as well as mineral flavours; becomes slightly honeyed when the wine is more evolved.

Ratings & Reviews

90 Points - Wine Spectator:

"Light on its feet and linear, this white reveals floral, lemon and apple flavors. A lively version, with fine balance, plus a tactile, stony sensation on the crisp finish. Drink now through 2028. 400 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (June 2024)