Vinous - Neal Martin (92-94)

The 2022 Vosne-Romanée Les Rouges 1er Cru was the last cuvée to finish its malolactic fermentation. The nose has more fruit concentration than the Les Chaumes: a mixture of red and black, hints of black truffle coming through with time, and a touch of sea spray. The palate is medium-bodied with a tensile opening, very poised and animated with filigree tannins framing the finish. Often overlooked within Grivot's panoply of Vosne Premier Crus, this is one that I would seek out.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)

Clear bright ruby purple. The nose flickers in and out, and while there is a fine tensile line of red berry fruit, this is not too demonstrative. Perhaps some of the refined detail of an Echezeaux. A slight sucrosity of strawberry fruit, and very persistent. Very good and extremely typical of Suchots this year. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: November 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)

Clear bright ruby purple. The nose flickers in and out, and while there is a fine tensile line of red berry fruit, this is not too demonstrative. Perhaps some of the refined detail of an Echezeaux. A slight sucrosity of strawberry fruit, and very persistent. Very good and extremely typical of Suchots this year. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: November 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (89-92)

Not so deep in colour, but quite elegant on the nose. A lighter red fruit profile. Beautifully generous through the middle, perfumed strawberry and raspberry, with a structure built more on acidity than tannin. Drink from 2028-2035. Tasted: November 2023.

The Jean Paul & Benoit Droin 1er Cru Chablis Mont de Milieu 2022 is a unique exemplification of the Droin family's sixth-century legacy of producing superior Chablis. Like its predecessors, it hails from the revered vineyards of Burgundy, France, renowned for their limestone-rich and fossil-heavy soil delivering nuanced minerality. This 2022 vintage continues the Droin tradition, brilliantly expressing the characteristic the terroir.

Crafted by oenologists Jean-Paul and Benoit Droin, this 1er Cru Chablis is an exquisite fusion of innovation and time-honoured practice. The wine is fermented in vats to retain the fresh, vibrant fruit notes. With a subtly complex bouquet, it is distinguished by its amalgam of white fruits, citrus notes, and firm acidity balanced by a rich, full-bodied texture. This Chablis symbolises quality and finesse, and the Jean Paul & Benoit Droin 1er Cru Chablis Mont de Milieu 2022 holds sterling appeal to the discerning wine connoisseur.

Burghound (89-92)

Outstanding top value A very spicy, airy and layered nose freely reveals its aromas of black raspberry, violet, plum and exotic tea. The gorgeously textured and more refined medium-bodied flavors exude a subtle minerality that also seems to add a sense of lift to the balanced and sneaky long finale. This is a lovely Vosne villages and absolutely worth considering.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Mid cherry red. Bright red-fruited aroma, more cranberry in its impression of freshness. The stems showing in a light herbal note. Stems adding to the tannins on the palate, too, but they are so polished. Needs more time than some to silkify. Pure and deep with a touch of oak spice and sweetness on the very end. Impressive depth of fruit and great length.

The Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard Puligny-Montrachet 2022 is a beautiful embodiment of the renowned Burgundy wine-making tradition. This exquisite white wine, produced by the ever-respected Blain-Gagnard family, is crafted from first-rate Chardonnay grapes cultivated in the sublime Puligny-Montrachet vineyards. The family adheres to meticulous, age-old techniques to truly capture the distinctive terroir of the region, which imparts a unique, unparalleled flavour profile.

It boasts a profound balance, offering a delightful blend of crisp acidity and refined minerality. Expect to find sumptuous notes of pear, apple, and floral aromatics harmoniously intertwined, elevating the senses to new heights. Its richness, complexity, and elegance make the Jean-Marc Blain-Gagnard Puligny-Montrachet 2022 a true treat for the discerning palate. This mesmerising wine unquestionably stands as a testament to the rich legacy of its creators, paving the way for its acclaimed place in the world of fine wines.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94)

Pale lemon in colour. A very stylish nose, more elegance than the Referts, and a little fuller in body than La Garenne. The Champ Canet manages to be both floral and with an ideal ripeness of fruit on the nose, pure white orchard fruit across the palate, and backed by well-judged oak in the usual Jean-Marc Boillot vanilla style. Good clean acidity to finish, properly persistence. Drink from 2029-2035. Tasted: October 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93)

More lemon than lime in the colour. More fruit than flowers in the bouquet. A slightly richer style of wine this year, with just enough tension behind, but these days the site is riper than in the past. There is certainly plenty of wine here. A more muscular Puligny. Drink from 2028-2035. Tasted: October 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94)

Pale in colour, with a particularly attractive nose, discreet but with a fine balance between summer flowers and ripe apples. Not over demonstrative on the palate, but the fruit fills out the palate with complex nuances in the orchard fruit profile, and exceptional length. Drink from 2029-2037. Tasted: October 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93)

Pale lemon and lime. The 20222 Les Referts has notably more density than the Garenne, a touch of salt on the citrus at the back of the palate, with generous yellow plum fruit in between. Good length. Drink from 2028-2035. Tasted: October 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91)

Pale colour with a light green tint. A little smoky touch to the bouquet along with a fresh greengage bouquet, good intensity on the palate, a proper backbone, an immaculate Puligny of medium intensity. Drink from 2027-2032. Tasted: October 2023.

Effortlessly graceful, the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Les Montmains 2022 offers an alluring fusion of tradition and innovation. Nestled in the legendary region of Chablis, Burgundy, this wine conveys the unique terroir from the prestigious Les Montmains vineyard. The Droin family’s centuries-old expertise truly gets epitomised in their winemaking process. With meticulous attention to the vine, they create offerings that are a testament to their enduring legacy.

Under Jean-Paul Droin’s guidance, the hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes are gently pressed, fermented in a combination of stainless steel and oak, then matured for twelve months to ensure impeccable flavour intensity. This 2022 vintage is an enchanting harmonisation of steely minerality, salinity, citric refreshment, and subtle floral notes. The elegantly structured palate and lasting finish make the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Les Montmains 2022 a richly satisfying sip to behold. This wine truly embodies the soul of Chablis.

Embodying the prestigious terroir of Burgundy, the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2022 is a statement of pure elegance. This fine wine's genesis lies in the chalky soils and exceptional microclimate of the Vaillons vineyard, allowing for a distinctive minerality and complex structure that defines Chablis. The venerable Jean-Paul Droin, a fourteen-generation winemaker, expertise is evident in the meticulous vinification process; employing a balanced blend of traditional and modern techniques, extending with a judicious ageing in oak, thus preserving the authentic Chardonnay character.

The Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2022 boasts delicate citrus and floral aromas, with a rich palate of white fruits and nuances of almond. A vibrant acidity balances the chiselled minerality, culminating in a finale of noteworthy persistence. This outstanding vintage is a testament to Jean-Paul Droin's mastery, delivering sophistication in every sip.

Dive into an exquisite taste journey with the Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros 2022, crafted by a 14th-generation vintner hailing from the renowned Droin family. This acclaimed Chablis commingles tradition and modernity, created with meticulous techniques in the Burgundy region of France. Expect a harmonious blend of freshness and richness, underlined by the minerality unique to the Vosgros terroir.

Each grape in this superb wine has been hand-picked from south-facing slopes, assuring optimal ripeness. Skilful vinification, involving temperature-controlled fermentation of the squeezed juice followed by ageing in stainless steel, results in a wine of structured elegance and intense fruitiness. On the nose, envision crisp apple, pear and citrus blossom, evolving into flavours of ripe lemon and complemented by a racy acidity on the palate.

Indulge in the exceptional Jean-Paul Droin Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros 2022, perfect for pairing with fresh seafood or light poultry dishes.

Burghound (89-91)

Top value. Smoky aromas of shellfish and Granny Smith apples gives way to more voluminous flavors that enjoy better acid support on the balanced and sneaky long finish. This isn't exactly classic in style but it's close and is a wine that offers fine quality for its level.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91-93)

An attractive mid crimson colour. A fine fresh bouquet, elegant fruit, not too demonstrative, but with a graceful detailed red fruit, alpine strawberry and little raspberry notes. Very nicely put together, all about the fruit more than the structure. Drink from 2030-2037. Tasted: November 2023.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Clos du Cailleret 1er Cru has more complexity on the nose than the Les Folatières, with cockle shells and muscles complementing the citrus fruit. Fine definition. The palate is well-balanced with greater depth, though I need to see a little more mineralité and tension develop on the finish. As such, I am more prudent with my score.

Vinous (90-92)

The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 1er Cru has a fragrant bouquet, not quite as energetic as usual, though I appreciate the orchard fruit and light waxy aromas. The medium-bodied palate has a slightly pithy entry with lots of extract, leading to a satisfying, lightly spiced finish. Fine.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (93-95)

Fine mid yellow. The bouquet is beguiling, an attractive but not exaggerated ripeness, the steely backbone one hopes for well covered in fruit, and a fine long finish. Excellent aftertaste. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted: October 2023.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (94-96)

(5 Star Wine) Mid lemon yellow, with a concentrated bouquet that has less immediate charm than the Clos de la Garenne. However, there is significant weight on the palate, some yellow plums, while the acidity has an attractive mineral touch. My conclusion is that this Folatières is just very backward. Everything is there to make a great wine, and In the end the more exciting wine of two excellent Pulignys. Drink from 2032-2040. Tasted: October 2023.