2011 Jean-Paul et Benoit Droin Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillons" (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1114686
91-93
points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Chablis Vaillons takes hold of the palate and never lets up. It boasts gorgeous persistence in an understated style that is hugely appealing. The 20% oak is very nicely integrated. Today, it appears to be more subdued than 2010, but it is very pretty just the same. The Vaillons saw 20% oak. Anticipated maturity: 2013+. Once again, my tasting with Benoit Droin was one of the highlights of my trip to Chablis.Vintage 2011 was characterized by an early, easy and even flowering, which resulted in a generous crop... Droin doesn’t seem to get a lot of attention in the press, but in my opinion, this is one of the very finest producers in Chablis. I have also had great luck with older bottles, as these are typically wines that age beautifully.
(8/ 2012)
90-92
points
Allen Meadows - Burghound
(from 6 different climats that saw 15% of new and one year old wood). A completely different aromatic profile is present here with notes of floral and spice plus background hints of lemon zest. There is good volume and bright acidity to the relatively refined and solidly well-concentrated flavors, all wrapped in a delicious and impressively complex citrus-infused finish that offers fine length. This is very forward and should drink well immediately.
(9/ 2012)
89-91
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Pale yellow with a green tinge. Vibrant aromas of crystallized lime peel and mint. Juicy and vibrant in the mouth, with excellent cut to its lemon and lime flavors. Very fresh, dense, persistent wine with a piquant finish that perks up the salivary glands.
(7/ 2012)
K&L Notes
Since the year 1620, fourteen generations of the Droin family have passed their winemaking tradition on to the next. Since 1999, all vinification has taken place at a modern wine facility built below the Grand Cru vineyards in Chablis, where they hold more than 4 hectares of vines. Grape clusers are handled very gently before pressing and the wine is matured in vats and neutral oak before bottling almost exactly one year after harvest.
