Hommage a Louis Chablis Grand Cru 2021

Intro: The 2021 edition of “Hommage à Louis” from Domaine Jean Paul & Benoît Droin is a powerful Grand Cru Chardonnay from the famed hills of Chablis. It shows ripe white fruit and stone fruit aromas, a precise mineral core, and notable depth and structure. The vineyard area for this cuvée is 1.4195 hectares, with very mature vines averaging around 40 years. The name “Hommage à Louis” originates from the family’s historic parcel formerly labelled as the Grand Cru “Les Clos”, but due to a boundary dispute with the INAO the label had to change; though the same vines and terroir are used. The soil mix in the vineyard is rich: top slope area is stonier and more calcareous, mid slope contains a band of blue clay, lower down deeper clay soils. All are Kimmeridgian limestone based soils typical of Chablis Grand Cru.

Region: Burgundy || Winery: Domaine Jean Paul & Benoit Droin

Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

Aging: Matured in the estate’s cellars for approximately 10-12 months (assemblage after 8-10 mo) with a portion aged in French oak barrels (40% oak for this vintage) before bottling

ABV: 13% || Decant: 20-30 minutes || Serving Temp: 11-13°C

Pairing: Lobster or large sea scallops with beurre blanc or truffle butter; turbot or fine white fish in an almond/parsley sauce

Tasting Notes: The 2021 Chablis Grand Cru Hommage à Louis, Jean Paul & Benoît Droin shows a pale straw gold hue with a green tinge. The nose reveals white flowers, ripe peach, lemon zest, flint, and oyster shell. Medium to full bodied on the palate, it offers layered fruit, crisp acidity, and a firm mineral core with elegant tension. The finish is long and saline, marked by chalky minerality and citrus pith; a precise, age worthy Chablis built for graceful evolution