Jean-Paul & Benoît Droin : Chablis 1er cru "Mont de Milieu" 2023

The 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu is rich and gourmand, bursting with aromas of honeyed yellow orchard fruit and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, with a textural attack and a saline finish, it's generous and extroverted.

Benoît Droin calls his Mont de Milieu “my little Condrieu” because of its ripeness and ripe aromas of apricot, nectarine and quince with hints of honeysuckle. Despite the ripe fruit, there’s also a sense of firm minerality on the lingering finish. The grapes come from 0.83ha of this south-facing site, one of the right bank’s sunniest; they are fermented and aged in tank and cask (25%).

The 2023 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru is more vibrant and energetic on the nose compared to the Montmains, with touches of petrichor and Granny Smiths. The palate is well balanced with more weight and vibrancy, and cutting acidity. Fresh white peaches flourish on the finish. Very attractive.