Recent trip to Burgundy began our latest wine journey into one of France’s most important and distinctive wineries. Visiting the cellar of Joseph Drouhin in Beaune was a tour of exceptional wines and along with the fascinating history of this legendary wine maker. A tale for the ages as the winery faced adversity during WW II – hiding it’s vintages from the Nazis and surviving. Well, that persistence has truly paid off as the winery lives on to be considered one of Brugundys signature appellations. Once back in the US, arrangements were made for our club to taste four wines that are now available in most markets.
Joseph Drouhin Chablis AC, Drouhin-Vaudon 2015 (100% Chardonnay). Wine Maker notes: The Moulin de Vaudon, the property of Joseph Drouhin, is an 18th Century watermill straddling the Serein River, close to the GrandCru vineyards of Chablis. Tasting note by Veronique Boss-Drouhin – “A dry and fruity wine, easy to drink. Its colour is pale gold with greenish hues. Very fresh aromas reminiscent of citrus (lemon or grapefruit); On the palate, dry and fruity, with mineral notes. Pleasant and long aftertaste”. WCM- The Chablis AC is a dry, fruit-forward wine with citrus aromas and slight hints of spices with and subtle hints of fruit with a lingering mineral finish. Overall very good chablis that pairs easily for a host of menu choices as it paired well with fried snapper that accompanied it.
Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Vinzelles, Mâconnais 2015 (100% Chardonnay) Wine maker notes: The wine area stretches south of Burgundy in the Mâconnais region, within 10km south-west of Mâcon. Less famous than its neighbour “Fuissé”, it has been known since the Roman times; “Vincella. Tasting note by Véronique Boss-Drouhin”A wine for mere pleasure! Pale yellow colour with numerous bright green reflections. Intense persistant flavours of peach and white flowers harmoniously meshed together. On the palate, the wine is ample, fresh, intense, with reminiscent notes of ripe grapes, almond, fresh hazelnut and cinnamon. The mouth reveals an elegant wine endowered with a good structure”. WCM- A truly enjoyable wine with a nice sense of taste and balance. On the palate, this wine has flavors of tropical and citrus fruits and slight oak making it a memorable wine for our tasting
Joseph Drouhin Brouilly Cru Beaujolais, Hospices de Belleville 2014 (100% Gamay) Wine Maker notes; Depending on the plot and the quality of the grapes, part of the harvest isde-stemmed for a ‘Burgundy style’ vinifi cation with punch downs and pump overs, whilst the rest is vinified as whole cluster with carbonic maceration. Slow fermentation lasts between 10 to 15 days. TASTING NOTES: Th is Brouilly displays a deep red purple robe, a fleshy body with supple, caressing tannins, perfectly balanced, fruitiness is present with a delicately peppery note to finish. WCM-Served Chilled Note: The Brouilly has come together as a fuller wine with more complexities. Nice low tannin and full flavor give this wine easy drinkability and we are sure a wine to keep for many many years.
Joseph Drouhin Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir 2015 (100% Pinot Noir) Wine Maker Notes: History & tradition: Gevrey is of course the village where the Grand Cru vineyard Chambertin is located. Vines have been cultivated here since 630AD, when a certain Bertin decided to emulate the monks, his neighbors. The wine he made turned out to be spectacular – and the rest is history! Soil: lean and chalky, with a red-brown cover layer of clayey marl. WCM: Wow, black cherry, blackberry and spice on the nose, with earthy styled nose. The Tannins blend harmoniously and a velvety texture of the wine. Overall a terrific wine with a wonderful finish and brings out the best of Burgundy.
