2023 Joseph Drouhin 'Drouhin-Vaudon' Bougros Chablis Grand Cru 750ml

Overview

Joseph Drouhin 'Drouhin-Vaudon' Bougros is a Grand Cru Chardonnay from the north-western corner of the Chablis Grand Cru slope. Bougros combines a remarkable south-east exposure with the steepest slope of all the Chablis Grand Crus, producing a distinctive expression of Chardonnay shaped by its Kimmeridgian limestone terroir.

Vintage

2023 was one of the hottest years in Burgundy, surpassing even 2022. The grapes were harvested at perfect maturity, producing highly aromatic wines with yellow-fruit and floral notes. The vintage combines an ample, full-bodied palate with generosity, freshness and finesse.

Vineyard & Viticulture

Bougros lies on the right bank of the Serein River. Its Kimmeridgian limestone contains millions of tiny marine fossils, reflecting the ancient marine origins of the soils and contributing to the characteristic mineral expression of Chablis.

Maison Joseph Drouhin has practised organic viticulture across its estate since the late 1980s and biodynamic viticulture since the 1990s. Deliberately low yields are used to encourage precise expression of the terroir.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand in open-work crates and carefully sorted when necessary. Whole bunches are slowly pressed in a pneumatic press, with the final press juice separated from the free-run juice. After light settling, alcoholic fermentation and ageing take place in 500L oak barrels with no new oak for 12–15 months.

Producer Tasting Notes

Véronique Boss-Drouhin: “A delicate and ample wine, easy to appreciate. The pale yellow colour is very pure, with light green reflections. On the nose, floral aromas of acacia harmonize with vegetal notes of fern and coriander. The aromas on the nose are amplified when the wine is in the mouth, together with new notes of orange or lemon marmalade. It has a soft, round, well balanced body. The aromas of fruit are enhanced by intense mineral notes evolving towards a slightly smoky flavour. Beautiful length on the aftertaste.”

Critic Reviews

94/100 — Tim Atkin MW
Tasted October 2024

Specifications

• Vintage: 2023
• Grape Variety: Chardonnay
• Region: Bougros Grand Cru, Chablis, Burgundy, France
• Classification: Chablis Grand Cru
• Soil: Kimmeridgian limestone
• Production Attributes: Hand harvested, whole-bunch pressed, organic and biodynamic viticulture
• Fermentation: Alcoholic fermentation in oak barrels
• Maturation: 12–15 months in 500L oak barrels
• Oak Type: No new oak
• Serving Temperature: 14°C
• Optimal Consumption: 4–10 years
• Ageing Potential: 15 years