Chablis 2021: New Releases

This is the pinnacle of the Droin wines, and one of the finest grand cru cuvées in Chablis. The wine's special name is in celebration of Louis Droin, who bought this parcel in 1920, and was first used for the 2020 cuvée. It is tight and nervous, with power bubbling beneath the still surface.

This comes from a blend of three parcels (including an 80 year old parcel), which are picked and vinified separately. Samuel says these three parts contribute complexity, richness, and minerality to the blend. That’s a pretty good combination for a Chablis. It has a delicious depth of green apple and citrus fruit with a satisfying weight. Its persistent length is mineral, saline and refreshing.

Preuses is famous for its minerality, derived from its chalky soils. In Samuel’s hands it delivers this typicity in spades. It is tense and refined, with a razor-like edge to the acidity. Of all Samuel’s grands crus, this will open up the earliest, giving it an exceptional drinking window that should easily see you through a decade.

This is the most prized vineyard in Chablis, and with good reason. The wine has a level of intensity and precision that is only possible with fruit of impeccable quality. It has a whisper of smoke on the nose, and the promise of complex evolution as this ages. With only 1 barrel made in 2021, this is a wine to secure on release.

Maurice, William’s father planted some of these vines in 1948. Since then, the domaine has grown its holdings, and it is now the largest owner of Chablis’ greatest site with over 4 hectares. Many of the vines are situated at the top of the hill, in a cool site, where the best soils are found. White flower, citrus fruit and apple and pear blossom aromas combine. On the palate the wine is packed full of white peach, oyster brine, clementine and limestone minerality. Powerful and complex, yet so, so elegant. A true grand cru in every sense.

Preuses tends to be the most mineral and chalky of the grand cru lieux-dits, and the 2.5 hectare Fèvre example is quintessential. It is taut and mineral, with wonderful depth on the nose. The palate has harmonious energy and focus, and there is a long, zippy line of mineral freshness that stretches right down to the limey, persistent finish. A brilliant wine that should age notably well in bottle.

40 parcels scattered across 4 hectares go into this blend, from vines with an average age of 50 years. Much of these are grown around Chichee, near Vosgros, and give the quality you might expect in a premier cru. The result is a village Chablis of brilliant precision, with long volume and a saline, fresh finish.