Joseph Drouhin Chassagne Montrachet Premier Cru 'Embazees' 2024

Originating from France in the Burgundy region, specifically within the Chassagne Montrachet Premier Cru AOC appellation in the Côte de Beaune, Maison Joseph Drouhin Chassagne Montrachet Premier Cru 'Embazées' 2024 represents a refined, expressive, and classically balanced expression of Premier Cru Chardonnay. Founded in 1880, Maison Joseph Drouhin is one of Beaune's most historic and respected family estates, renowned internationally for their pure, terroir-driven style and early adoption of organic and biodynamic viticulture across their domaine parcels. The Premier Cru climat of 'Embazées' (often grouped within the broader Morgeot sector) is situated on the southern border of the village adjoining Santenay, where the gentle east-facing slope features deep, marly clay-limestone soils strewn with small stones. Under the guidance of the Drouhin family and veteran head winemaker Jérôme Faure-Brac, the grapes are harvested manually in small crates, gently pressed with whole clusters, and fermented with indigenous yeasts entirely in French oak barrels (approximately 20% to 25% new oak). The wine undergoes light stirring on the lees and matures for 12 to 14 months, producing a generous, floral, and deeply mineral white Burgundy of outstanding textural elegance.

Wine Description

The wine presents a luminous, clear pale gold colour with bright green and silvery highlights along the rim. An expressive, highly perfumed bouquet opens with noble aromas of ripe yellow apple, white peach, Bartlett pear, and fresh lemon curd, interwoven with sophisticated notes of white hawthorn blossom, crushed limestone minerality, toasted hazelnut, lemon thyme, and warm French oak cedar spice. On the palate, it is medium-to-full bodied, silken, and energetic, delivering concentrated flavours of crisp orchard fruits, candied citrus peel, 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 a long, persistent finish marked by lingering citrus oil, subtle toasted brioche, and a clean flinty mineral drive. Composed of 100% Chardonnay, this 2024 release offers an optimal drinking window spanning 2027–2038+. Stylistically, it combines Drouhin's signature aristocratic restraint, lavish stone fruit concentration, and authentic Côte de Beaune freshness.