Domaine Jean Paul & Benoit Droin Chablis Premier Cru 'Montee de Tonnerre' 2024

Introduction

This white wine is from France, specifically the Chablis region in northern Burgundy. It holds the classification of a Premier Cru, with 'Montée de Tonnerre' being one of Chablis' most prestigious Premier Cru vineyards. The wine is produced by Domaine Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin, a family estate with a history spanning thirteen generations since the 17th century. Benoît Droin, the current figurehead, is an emblematic figure in Chablis, leading the domain which is recognized for its expressive, generous, and terroir-faithful style. 'Montée de Tonnerre' is often considered the "seigneur" (lord) of the Premiers Crus, frequently likened to the quality of the Grand Crus.

Wine Description

This wine is 100% Chardonnay. It presents a bright pale colour.

The Premier Cru 'Montée de Tonnerre' is sourced from a 1.76-hectare parcel, including sub-sectors like Côte de Bréchain. The soil is shallow, resting on the typical ochre Kimmeridgian marly limestone of Chablis. This terroir contains the famous microscopic fossilized oysters, Exogyra virgula, and veins of blue clay, which contribute to the wine's legendary minerality. The average age of the vines is approximately 50 years.

The aromatic profile is fine, complete, and primarily dominated by minerality and white fruits. Notes include acacia blossom, lemon-lime, ocean breeze, and a prominent petrol nuance, sometimes trimmed with subtle wood. Other descriptors include green fruit, gooseberry, Conference pear, crushed stone, white flowers, aniseed, and menthol.

The palate is utterly delicious, delivering both better volume and punch. It has a generous flesh through the middle with more white peach than yellow fruit. It is quite strict, though a little spice emerges toward the finish. The texture is both balanced, dry, and sleek. The characteristic long vivacity is extended by a saline note, expressing itself with notes of oyster shell and silex (flint). It is medium-bodied with a more delicate style, or alternately described as rich and powerful.

The winemaking involves pneumatic pressing, settling, and fermentation with indigenous yeasts, partly in stainless steel vats and partly in barrel (20–25% new, 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old wood). Malolactic fermentation is systematically completed, and the wine is aged for 8 to 10 months before assembly and bottling. This is a wine built for the cellar, with a potential to acquire incomparable complexity after 15 years. The optimal drinking window is suggested to start around 2027.

Accolades

• 'Burghound – 90–93 points'

• 'Vinous – 88–90 points'

Food Pairing

The firm structure, minerality, and complexity of 'Montée de Tonnerre' demand sophisticated pairings.

• Seafood: It is perfect with grilled lobster, or other high-end crustaceans and fish dishes.

• Rich Dishes: Its power makes it suitable for gastronomic dishes.

• Cheese: Suggested pairings include Manchego and Parmesan.

Together, they create an unforgettable dining experience.