2009 Jean-Paul et Benoit Droin Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillons"

SKU #1072993 93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2009 Chablis Vaillons is wonderfully alive in the glass. A gorgeous, well-articulated bouquet resonates on the palate, where layers of crystalline fruit emerge with notable pedigree. The Vaillons shows terrific energy and focus all the way through to the finish. Hints of lemon peel, grapefruit and jasmine linger on the pointed finish. This is a gorgeous wine from Droin. The Vaillons was aged 20% in wood. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2024. This is an exciting set of wines from Benoit Droin, one of the generation of rising stars in Chablis. The estate farms nine hectares of vineyards. Benoit Droin told me his choice of when to start picking in 2009 was deeply influenced by 2006, a year in which he felt he waited too long. The 2009s were brought in beginning in early September. The wines were fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in steel and/or barrel, depending on the specific wine, as noted above. (8/ 2011)

90 points Allen Meadows - Burghound

(from 6 different climats that saw 15% of new and one year old wood). An intensely floral nose reflects notes of white pepper, lemon zest and tidal pool, all of which also characterize the rich, round and generous flavors that maintain good balance and a fine sense of harmony on the solidly persistent finish. This overtly saline effort is really quite pretty. (10/ 2011)