Domaine Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin, Chablis Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre, 2023

We present Domaine Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin, Montée de Tonnerre Chablis Premier Cru 2023, a distinguished Chardonnay from one of Chablis’ most respected family domaines, drawn from 1.76 hectares in the Chapelot and Côte de Bréchain sectors on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils. This “super premier cru” borders the grand cru slopes and is crafted to express both the precision of its terroir and the domaine’s hallmark combination of stainless steel and subtle oak élevage.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, Montée de Tonnerre 2023 reveals a refined and complex bouquet of lime peel, gooseberry and white stone fruits, underlined by a pronounced mineral core and a touch of smoky reduction. Aromas of white flowers, anise, menthol, brioche and sweet spice gradually emerge, creating an intricate interplay between citrus brightness, saline notes and subtle flint.

On the palate, the wine is dense yet finely etched, with a taut, racy acidity that balances its concentration and gives it a chiselled, almost austere profile in youth. Layers of ripe stone fruit and white orchard fruit unfold over a saline, oyster‑shell and flinty backbone, leading to a strict, persistent and slightly chewy finish that points clearly toward significant aging potential.