Joseph Drouhin
About Joseph Drouhin
Founded in 1880 by the then 22 year old Joseph Drouhin, this famous Burgundy Negociant is still family owned. Of the current fourth generation, Veronique Drouhin is the wine-maker, Laurent is the brand ambassador in the USA, Philippe is in charge of the vineyards, whilst Frederic “conducts the orchestra”. Maison Joseph Drouhin owns extensive parcels throughout the region and in Chablis (see Drouhin-Vaudon page) extending to 73 hectares, including the world-renowned Clos des Mouches, one of the earliest purchases made by Joseph. From Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche through to Meursault and to Corton Charlemagne in the Côte de Beaune, Echezaux to Clos de Vougeot in the Côte de Nuits, the domaines produce a wide spectrum from Laforêt Bourgogne Blanc and Rouge to Grands Crus in Musigny and Chambertin.
Drouhin’s foremost concern is to express the exact character of each terroir. Since 1993 they have worked their vineyards to organic and biodynamic principles, “bringing natural answers to natural problems”. Vine stocks are grown in their own nursery to preserve their genetic heritage and to control quality. Vineyards are ploughed by horse with treatments based on herb infusions, and natural predators are used instead of synthetic products to control pests. Planting is dense and yields deliberately kept low.
Vinification is traditional, using indigenous yeasts and as little technical interference as possible, varied according to the needs of each terroir. Ageing takes into account the origin of each wine: stainless steel vats to enhance fruit and freshness in Chablis and Mâconnais, oak barrels to develop complexity and finesse in Côte d’Or. New oak barrels are made from oak trees individually selected by Drouhin which are then weathered for three years so that all coarse tannins can be eliminated. Their use, and the time the wine spends in them, are determined by the appellation and the vintage.
The progress of every wine is meticulously monitored and recorded at every stage; Drouhin were one of the first houses in Burgundy to apply bar codes to the barrels to ensure total traceability. Every cork is stamped with Joseph Drouhin, the appellation and the vintage in order to guarantee the authenticity of the wine.
LAFORÊT BOURGOGNE CHARDONNAY 2020
100% Chardonnay
A bouquet of citrus aromas, which then lead to honey and vanilla. In the mouth, it’s funky, spontaneous and striking. A wine full of charm.
POUILLY-VINZELLES 2020 (en magnum)
100% Chardonnay
Pale yellow colour with numerous bright green reflections. Intense persistent flavours of peach and white flowers harmoniously meshed together. On the palate, the wine is ample, fresh, intense, with notes of ripe grape, almond, fresh hazelnut and cinnamon.
MÂCON-BUSSIÈRES ‘Le CLOS’ (en magnum) 2021
100% Chardonnay
The colour is limpid and bright. The wine develops mineral notes with hints of white flowers. Precise on the palate and long aftertaste. It shows an amazing purety.
POUILLY-VINZELLES 2020 (en magnum)
100% Chardonnay
Pale yellow colour with numerous bright green reflections. Intense persistent flavours of peach and white flowers harmoniously meshed together. On the palate, the wine is ample, fresh, intense, with notes of ripe grape, almond, fresh hazelnut and cinnamon.
MEURSAULT 2020
100% Chardonnay
A refined wine, well appreciated in the whole world. A beautiful golden colour and a great aromatic palette: honey, linden flower (“tilleul”), hazelnut butter, sometimes even chamomile or hawthorn. On the palate, a silky roundness. Long on the aftertaste, with flavours of yellow plum and gingerbread.
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET BLANC 2020
100% Chardonnay
A generous and elegant wine. Light golden colour. Intense nose of flower, brioche and candied lemon aromas, evolving towards nuances of grilled hazelnut and spice as the wine matures. On the palate, the wine is straightforward, with a nice texture and finesse. It has a long aftertaste where floral and gingerbread notes dominate.
PULIGNY-MONTRACHET 2020
100% Chardonnay
A wine of great finesse, distinguished and elegant. The colour is pure and bright, with light glints of white gold. The aromas evoke trees in bloom and white flesh fruit, like white peaches. With age, the aromas evolve towards almond and lightly grilled dried fruit. On the palate, there is a sensation of fresh silkiness. Long and persistent in the aftertaste, ending on an exceptional wealth of flavors, both floral and fruity.
SAINT-ROMAIN 2020
100% Chardonnay
A very typical wine, representative of its terroir. A nice white golden hue, sometimes with a greenish touch. Very fine aromas of white flowers (honeysuckle) and ripe fruit (yellow plums), evolving towards honey and gingerbread. On the palate, straightforward and lively at first, then a certain roundness. A mineral “pebbly” (“caillou”) quality is the hallmark of Saint-Romain.
MERUSAULT ‘EN LURAULE’ 2020
100% Chardonnay
A refined wine, appreciated all over the world. Pretty golden colour with a green glint. Nice palette of aromas: hazelnut, almond, butter and toasted bread, sometimes chamomile and hawthorn. On the palate, good balance, with great finesse and velvety texture. Rich and complex flavours. Long aftertaste.
BEAUNE PREMIER CRU ‘CLOS DES MOUCHES’ 2018
100% Chardonnay
An outstanding wine. Pale yellow colour. Complex floral nose of white lilac and white rose. Once open, fruity aromas come to the fore, evolving towards grilled hazelnut and almond. When the wine is more mature, the nose is surprisingly strong and fifteen minutes of aeration produce wonderful notes of white truffle, citron (cedrat), honey and nutmeg, elegantly meshed together. Very lively on the palate.
COTE DE BEAUNE BLANC 2020
100% Chardonnay
A truly delicious and harmonious wine. Pale gold color, very bright. The aromas bring to mind honey, almond and lemongrass (citronella). As the wine matures, intense flavors of grilled hazelnut and almonds are in evidence.
LAFORÊT BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR 2020
100% Pinot Noir
A wine full of charm: bright ruby colour and a nose rich with aromas of red fruit (raspberry, red currants, wild strawberry). On the palate, the wine is pleasant, fruity and refreshing, with light tannins and great elegance.
RULLY ROUGE 2019 (en magnum)
100% Pinot Noir
Beautiful bright ruby-red colour. Aromas of puréed raspberry, gooseberry, red currant, blackberry. With ageing, the aromas evolve towards riper notes of syrup, then tobacco and wet undergrowth. Pretty and refined on the nose. The flavours belong to those of a great Burgundy. Fresh, velvety texture (“gras”), elegant tannins, well meshed when the wine is mature. Long, refined aftertaste, with some touches of fruit jam.
VOLNAY 2020
100% Pinot Noir
A wine of great elegance with a vivid and bright colour. When the wine is young, the aromas are reminiscent of violet and black currant. With age, the aromas take on notes of ripe or candied fruit, mushroom and mild spices. On the palate, a pleasant sensation of roundness and velvety texture. Long aftertaste, with touches of candied fruit and vanilla.
GEVREY CHAMBERTIN 2020
100% Pinot Noir
Intensely fruity on the nose with aromas of black cherry, wild blackberry and liquorice. The woody character is subtle and marries delicately with the other aromas. Although present on the palate, the tannins are never astringent but blend themselves harmoniously with the wine’s natural freshness and velvety texture.
NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES 2020
100% Pinot Noir
Deep red colour. The aromas are powerful and elegant, with notes of cherry and blackberry, as well as hints of cedar wood evolving towards gamey touches. On the palate: beautiful balance between structure and softness. The long aftertaste is reminiscent of fruit syrups and mild spices.
CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY 2020
100% Pinot Noir
Fine lace and silk are the words most often associated with this wine. Bright, intense colour and complex aromas evoking violet, black cherry and damp earth. According to the vintages, there are also notes of truffle and game. Refined tannins coat the palate. Good balance between texture and acidity. Long aftertaste, with notes of cherry and candied fruit.
VOSNE-ROMANÉE 2020
100% Pinot Noir
Supreme elegance! Beautiful colour, with intense and bright reflections. The diversity of the aromas is striking: wild cherry, nutmeg, camphor wood, fine leather…Later on, the wine takes on a subtle aroma of truffle, producing the most varied palette. With its perfect balance between tannin and acidity, the wine has a fleshy, sturdy body. A wealth of harmonious sensations characterizes this great Burgundy.
GEVREY CHAMBERTIN PREMIER CRU 2018
100% Pinot Noir
Beautiful, bright ruby colour. The fruity aromas (black cherry, blackberry) mingle with hints of liquorice. The nose reveals notes of spices and nutmeg evolving towards scents of mushroom. The tannins are present but not too strong. Great aftertaste.
SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE ‘CLOS DES GODEAUX’ 2020
100% Pinot Noir
Supple and feminine wine with a ruby colour. Elegant nose of small red berries and flowers possibly suggesting roses and spices. On the palate, the wine offers a ravishing and subtile intensity of blackcurrant and raspberry aromas lingering on spicy notes. The mouth remains supple, the silky tannins contributing to its delicate finesse.
SAVIGNY LES BEAUNE 2019
100% Pinot Noir
A delicate and elegant wine. On the nose, characteristic aromas of spice and violet, mingled with wild blackberry. On the palate, refined and supple. Persistent aftertaste, with delicious and subtle flavours that linger on for quite a long time.
NUITS-SAINT-GEORGE PREMIER CRU ‘DAMODES’ 2017
100% Pinot Noir
The Nuits-Saint-Georges Damodes displays a beautiful deep dark ruby colour and aromas of red fruit and spices. It is generous on the palate, evolving towards smooth tannins. Very good ageing potential.
CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY PREMIER CRU 2018
100% Pinot Noir
Bright, intense colour and complex aromas evoking violet, black cherry and damp earth. Across the vintages, there are also notes of truffle and game. Refined tannins coat the palate. Good balance between texture and acidity. Long aftertaste, with notes of cherry and candied fruit.
VOLNAY PREMIER CRU ‘CLOS DE CHÊNES’ 2020
100% Pinot Noir
A wine full of charm. A beautiful, intense and luminous, ruby colour. A floral nose dominated by an aroma of violet, a signature of this wine. Other delicate notes can be detected, such as rose jam and wild strawberry (fraise des bois). Good structure on the palate, with refined tannins. Nice texture with floral and fruity flavours that seem to linger for a long time.
POMMARD ‘CHANLINS-BAS’ 2020
100% Pinot Noir
“Our Pommard Chanlins-Bas offers a nice bright deep red colour. Its nose develops aromas of red and black fruits (redcurrant, blackberry, blueberry), velvety and fresh, evolving towards notes of chocolate, leather and pepper. On the palate, the tannins are both powerful and harmonious. Very long aftertaste”.
VOSNE-ROMANÉE PREMIER CRU 2017
100% Pinot Noir
Beautiful bright deep colour. The wines offer a great aromatic complexity. The nose exudes notes of violet, red cherry, strawberry, combined with hints of coffee, chocolate and even truffle. The palate confirms the delicacy of pinot noir. Its refined aromas are supported by silky tannins. Lingering elegant aftertaste.
VOSNE-ROMANÉE 2020
100% Pinot Noir
A very pleasant wine. Bright, clear red colour. Aromas are surprising in their intensity and fruit. On the palate, a tender, supple, graceful, round body. Very flavourful in the aftertaste, with a hint of blackberry jam. When the wine gets older, wild blackberry is the dominant aroma. After 3 or 5 years, the wine takes on a distinctive smell of truffle and undergrowth evolving towards notes of venison.
CLOS DE VOUGEOT GRAND CRU 2017
100% Pinot Noir
The ruby red colour is magnificent and takes on a deeper hue with age. The aromas are intense and evoke raspberry and wild cherry, becoming more complex with age: undergrowth, truffle, candied fruit. A sublime structure, with refined tannins.
CHAMBERTIN CLOS DE BÈZE GRAND CRU 2013
100% Pinot Noir
A beautiful, intense ruby-red colour. When the wine is young, the aromas are reminiscent of black cherry and dark chocolate. With age, they evolve towards notes of undergrowth, truffle and liquorice. Tannins provide a good structure, perfectly balanced by the velvety texture of the wine. The long aftertaste brings back the aromas of cherry and liquorice.
MAZIS-CHAMBERTIN GRAND CRU 2017
100% Pinot Noir
The wine offers an intense, deep colour with powerful and complex aromas of red and black fruits and liquorice. Structured, with a long aftertaste it develops a lot of finesse and the tannins remains silky.
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN 2020
100% Pinot Noir
Gevrey-Chambertin is a wine with a beautiful, bright ruby colour. Intensely fruity on the nose, the aromas are reminiscent of black cherry, wild blackberry and liquorice. The woody character is subtle and marries delicately with the other aromas. As the wine evolves, there are more complex notes, such as mild spice, nutmeg and leather. Later still, mushroom and damp earth nuances make their appearance.
BEAUNE PREMIER CRUS ‘CRAS’ 2019
100% Pinot Noir
Beautiful ruby red colour. The nose displays aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry combined with some notes of vanilla. With age and in some vintages, touches of leather will mingle with truffle and spices. On the palate, the tannins are refined and create a seductive harmony. The aftertaste reveals delicate touches of wood.
CORTON ROUGE GRAND CRU 2018
100% Pinot Noir
Its colour is deep, its nose powerful and verging on candied fruit and spices when maturing. It has good structure in the mouth, without harshness. A good Corton must have “gras” (a velvety texture) to counterbalance tannin and acidity. On the palate, it recalls the candied fruit present in the nose. Very long and persistent, it ends on a very complex note.
SAVIGNY-LES-BEAUNE 2019
100% Pinot Noir
A delicate and elegant wine. On the nose, characteristic aromas of spice and violet, mingled with wild blackberry. On the palate, refined and supple. Persistent aftertaste, with delicious and subtle flavours that linger on for quite a long time.
‘CÔTE DE BEAUNE’ ROUGE 2018
100% Pinot Noir
A true delight and a great harmony! A beautiful purple colour. On the nose, delicate and fruity aromas such as strawberry and red currant. On the palate, the tannins are refined and lend a nice roundness to the body. Elegant aftertaste.
BEAUNE PREMIER CRU ‘CHAMPIMONTS’ 2019
100% Pinot Noir
An elegant and seductive wine. Intense ruby colour. On the nose, aromas of small red berries such as raspberry or red currant. With age, the aromas acquire hints of clove and a slightly smoky note. On the palate, the tannins are elegant and supple; there is a harmonious balance between acidity and texture. Flavours linger a long time in the aftertaste.
BEAUNE PREMIER CRU CUVÉE MAURICE DROUHIN HOSPICES DE BEAUNE 2017
100% Pinot Noir
Maurice Drouhin made his donation of vineyards to the Hospices de Beaune Domaine in 1947. Comprised of Beaune Bressandes, Beaune Avaux, Beaune Boucherottes and Beaune Champimonts, this expression offers up a bouquet of sweet cassis, black cherries, spice and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a deep, brooding and well-defined structure. Suave tannins with a long, elegant and lifted finish.
BEAUNE PREMIER CRU ‘GREVES’ 2020
100% Pinot Noir
A great wine, one of the most representative of Beaune, the capital of Burgundy. Intense and bright red colour. The nose displays aromas of red currant with some spicy notes. With age and in some vintages, the aromas become even more marked by spicy and smoky touches, such as tobacco. On the palate, the tannins are refined and create a seductive harmony. In the aftertaste there is a marked flavour of “crème de cassis” (cream of black currant) and delicate touches of wood.
BEAUNE PREMIER CRU ‘CLOS DES MOUCHES’ ROUGE 2018
100% Pinot Noir
Beautiful, deep-red ruby colour. Intense and fresh nose, with notes of red fruit such as Morello cherry, raspberry and blackberry. Smoky scents evolving towards liquorice add complexity. When drinking the wine, the first impression is always clear-cut and the texture fleshy. A final and most pleasing sensation of harmony, fullness and delicate tannins remains as the wine lingers on the palate.
MOREY-SAINT-DENIS 2020
100% Pinot Noir
A really great wine, appreciated by the Burgundy connoisseur for the diversity of its aromas and flavours.It has a beautiful ruby color, a seductive nose dominated by aromas of wild cherry and spice, evolving towards leather. A certain chewiness in the mouth, with fine and noble tannins providing the structure. Ample and fruity aftertaste.
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN PREMIER CRU 2018
100% Pinot Noir
Beautiful, bright ruby colour. The fruity aromas (black cherry, blackberry) mingle with hints of liquorice. The nose reveals notes of spices and nutmeg evolving towards scents of mushroom. The tannin is present but not too strong. Great aftertaste.
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN ‘CLOS PRIER’ 2017
100% Pinot Noir
“The wine shows a beautilul deep garnet colour. The nose exudes intense scents of candied black fruits. On the palate, aromas of Morello cherry mingle with hints of vanilla, and the soft tannins offer a nice silky texture.
GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN PREMIER CRU ‘CAZETIERES’ 2017
100% Pinot Noir
With a beautiful deep rubis colour, the wine develops complex aromas of small red and black fruits, spices and liquorice. The mouth is generous. It shows a good structure and is powerful with silky tannins.
MARC DE BOURGOGNE
Once harvest is over and all grapes have been pressed, what remains in the ‘pressoir’ is a thick ‘cake’ (called Marc) made of skins and pips still dripping with juice. Distilled over winter, what is produced is a new make spirit as pure and as spring water, but very strong. After 10-20 years of barrel aging a sumptuous Brandy-like is the result.
Aromas of gingerbread, tobacco, vanilla and dried fruits lead the way to a soft finish in the palate with wonderful spicy flavours.
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