CHABLIS

A deft application of wood sets off the ripe and fresh aromas of mineral reduction, white peach, iodine and tidal pool. There is excellent volume to the round and intensely mineral-inflected broad-shouldered flavors that exhibit fine mid-palate concentration and excellent complexity on the balanced and impressively lengthy finish. This powerful effort should amply reward 6 to 8 years of cellar time. 2019+ Rating: 92 Allen Meadows, www.Burghound.com (Jun 2014)

Rating: 93 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Jan 2014)

Pale greenish gold. One parcel. In 2012 Chablis was in a better state than Côte d'Or, although there was a two-day heatwave in August which burnt the side of the vines exposed to the sun. Then they shrivelled. So the crop shrivelled by 20%. Good tense nose. Good material and a hint of chestnuts. 2016-2025 Rating: 16.5 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Jan 2014)

Tasted assembled from tank, the Drouhins’ 2012 Chablis Vaudesir leads with musky, peony-like floral perfume backed by ripe white peach and toasted hazelnut, which reconvene on a palate of unusual opulence for the vintage. Strong piquancy of peach kernel and toasted hazelnut manage to be fairly well-integrated into a finish notable for its persistence of bittersweet, musky liquid floral perfume. This should be fascinating to follow through at least 2018, though I would be inclined to monitor it regularly for any signs that its bitterness was gaining the upper hand. 2013-2018 Rating: 89-90 David Schildknecht, The Wine Advocate (Jan 2014)

The 2012 Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir comes from a single parcel. It has a light, apple-blossom bouquet with touches of fresh pear and limestone emerging with time. But it is quite a timid nose considering it is a grand cru. The palate is finely balanced with a slight viscosity, good minerality and acidity, although it needs to develop more cohesion toward the finish. Rating: 88-90 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Jan 2014)