Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin is one of the oldest wineries in the Chablis appellation. Family members have been cultivating vines here for five centuries, and since 1620, 14 generations have continued to cultivate the wine knowledge passed down from their ancestors. Founded on November 1, 2002, the Droin family has remained on this land for 14 generations.
Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin currently owns approximately 25 hectares of vineyards, spread across four appellations: Petite Chablis (1.3 hectares), Chablis (9 hectares), Premier Cru (11 hectares), and Grand Cru (4.14 hectares). These are lands and acquisitions that the family has held since the 14th century. Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin's wines now possess unparalleled elegance, finesse, and power, and their potential will only grow with further aging.
Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin is now run by Benoit Droin, the 14th generation. In 1999, the young Benoit Droin inherited the family estate, which had been passed down for nearly five centuries, from his father. Filled with passion and drive, he gradually refined the winery, innovating and pursuing ever-higher quality. In addition to building a new winery, he also leased vineyards from premium English vineyards. The vineyard area has been expanded to 25 hectares, providing a greater source of high-quality grapes. While top-tier Chablis wines are typically rich and creamy, his standard is to create the classic Chablis style: sharp, clean, spicy, and rich in pure fruit and minerality.
Region
The Valmur Grand Cru vineyard, one of the seven Chablis Grand Cru vineyards, covers 10.5 hectares. Its slopes, exposed to south-west sunlight, provide the grapes with ample sunlight and a late ripening period. The unique Kimmeridgian marl soils highlight the unique Chablis terroir, resulting in a perfectly balanced wine with an aging potential of 10 to 12 years.
Winemaking
After pressing, the grapes are allowed to settle naturally at around 15°C for 12-24 hours. Fermentation then occurs with native yeasts, partly in stainless steel and partly in oak barrels. Following malolactic fermentation, the wines are aged for 8-10 months before being blended, clarified, filtered, and bottled.
Rating / Tasting Note
James Suckling 94 pts
Dried apricot and lemon peel on the nose with hints of toasted almond and white pepper. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity. Flavorful with wonderful poise and energy.
Wine Advocate 93+ pts
Taut and dense, Droin's 2022 Chablis Grand Cru Valmur unwinds in the glass with notes of crisp orchard fruit, ripe citrus, oyster brine and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, it's built for the cellar.
Vinous 91-93 pts
The 2022 Chablis Valmur Grand Cru has a very aromatic bouquet withapple blossom, white peach, wet stone and light praline scents - complex.The palate is delineated and sapid on the entry, quite strict with quinceand peach hints towards the sustained finish. Classy, if just missing thekiller blow.
