Domaine Drouhin Vaudon Chablis 'Bougros' Grand Cru 2024

Originating from France in the Burgundy region, specifically within the Chablis Grand Cru AOC appellation in northern Burgundy, Domaine Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Grand Cru 'Bougros' 2024 represents a powerful, concentrated, and intensely mineral expression of Grand Cru Chardonnay. Domaine Drouhin Vaudon is the historic Chablis estate of Maison Joseph Drouhin, centred around the historic 18th-century watermill Moulin de Vaudon on the Serein River. Bougros occupies the far northwestern flank of the Grand Cru hill, featuring steep slopes oriented southwest that capture intense afternoon sunlight. The soils here consist of deep, fossil-rich Kimmeridgian limestone marl intermixed with compact clay and dense deposits of prehistoric oyster shells (Exogyra virgula), which impart both generous textural flesh and profound saline cut. Under head winemaker Jérôme Faure-Brac and the Drouhin family, the fruit is farmed according to strict organic and biodynamic principles, harvested by hand in small baskets, gently pressed with whole clusters, and fermented primarily in seasoned French oak barrels (with less than 10% new oak) to preserve terroir transparency. Maturation on fine lees for 12 to 14 months yields a Chablis Grand Cru of sovereign breadth, chiseled marine salinity, and multi-decade cellar stamina.

Wine Description

The wine presents a luminous, clear pale straw-gold colour with brilliant platinum and green reflections along the rim. An expressive, highly complex bouquet opens with noble aromas of ripe Meyer lemon, green orchard pear, white peach, and crisp Granny Smith apple, interwoven with sophisticated notes of oyster shell minerality, crushed limestone, white hawthorn blossom, lemon verbena, fresh pastry dough, and subtle toasted oak spice. On the palate, it is full bodied, silken, and energetic, delivering concentrated flavours of citrus oil, tart orchard fruits, and savoury mineral earth, all supported by a bright, mouthwatering spine of natural cool-climate acidity. Framed by a rich, chalky mid-palate structure and seamless phenolic grip, it concludes with an extraordinarily long, persistent finish marked by lingering citrus zest, iodized sea spray, and a clean, laser-sharp stony drive. Composed of 100% Chardonnay, this 2024 release offers an optimal drinking window spanning 2028–2042+. Stylistically, it combines Bougros's characteristic solar generosity, crystalline marine tension, and authentic Chablis Grand Cru majesty.