2019 Joseph Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos

The Domaine Drouhin Vaudon house and its history in Chablis

Drouhin Vaudon is the Chablis label of Maison Joseph Drouhin, one of Burgundy's most respected wine families. The connection with Chablis dates back to 1962, when Robert Drouhin decided to acquire vineyards in a region he had long admired. His decision coincided with a period when Chablis was still relatively unknown, making it possible to secure exceptional plots. The vision was clear: to produce wines true to the chalky terroir and the pure character of Chardonnay.

Today, the estate comprises 38 hectares of vineyards, a significant portion of which lies on some of the region's finest slopes. Since 2009, all Drouhin Chablis wines have been released under the Drouhin Vaudon label. The estate is known for a classic, elegant style that emphasizes finesse and minerality. Attention to detail in both the vineyard and cellar has further enhanced the estate's reputation in recent years. Within this collection, Les Clos is among the most impressive wines, and the 2019 vintage is one of the estate's finest.

The unique terroir of Les Clos Grand Cru

Les Clos is the largest and most prestigious Grand Cru of Chablis. The vineyard is situated entirely on south- to southeast-facing slopes, ensuring maximum sunlight and even ripening. The steep slope and the perfect microclimate allow the grapes to develop both power and finesse. The soil consists of clay and marl with abundant fossil deposits, typical of Chablis and defining the pure mineral character.

Les Clos is known for wines with impressive concentration, tension, and length. The combination of ripe fruit and distinct chalky influences results in wines that are both compelling in their youth and can age beautifully. In 2019, the terroir yielded a wine of great intensity, yet remains remarkably nuanced and refined.

The Chardonnay grape at its most mineral

Chardonnay forms the foundation of all Chablis wines and reaches its unique expression in Les Clos. Here, the grape combines ripe white and yellow fruit, citrus notes, floral nuances, and a characteristic mineral tension. Thanks to the poor, chalky soil, the aromas are refined and taut, with a long, clean finish typical of the best Chablis.

In 2019, the grapes benefited from excellent ripening conditions. Warm days and cool nights ensured freshness and ideal acidity balance. The result is a Chardonnay that displays richness without sacrificing precision. The combination of ripe fruit and lively tension makes this wine both gastronomically interesting and endowed with great aging potential.

Vinification and maturation of the 2019

Drouhin Vaudon operates with a philosophy of finesse and respect for the terroir. The grapes are hand-harvested and carefully selected. After a gentle pressing, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature, often partly in oak and partly in stainless steel, depending on the desired profile. For Les Clos, the emphasis is on precision and texture, with the oak never dominating.

The wine is aged with minimal intervention, allowing it to slowly develop its structure and complexity. The combination of barrel aging and rest on the lees imparts depth and roundness, while preserving the terroir's clarity. Drouhin Vaudon's style is classic, sleek, and elegant, with a strong focus on the harmony between concentration and freshness. The 2019 vintage exemplifies this and is among the finest wines the estate has produced in Chablis.

Color, aroma and taste of Les Clos Grand Cru 2019

The wine displays a bright, light golden color. The nose opens with aromas of peach, pear, and citrus oil, complemented by subtle notes of honeycomb, fresh bread, and white flowers. The aromas are layered and clear, with a delicate balance between ripeness and freshness.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and satiny, with a deep core of concentrated fruit. Ripe peach and citrus combine with a chalky minerality that gives the wine structure and length. The acidity is lively yet fully integrated, ensuring the wine remains elegant and energetic. The finish is long, mineral, and precise, with a clear impression of the Grand Cru terroir. This is a wine that seamlessly combines power and finesse and will only further develop with bottle aging.

Maturation potential and future

Les Clos Grand Cru is known for its long developmental period, and the 2019 vintage is no exception. The wine is already expressive, but its structure and intensity point to a long future. As the wine ages, the fruit aromas will gain depth, and notes of brioche, nuttiness, and salty minerality will emerge more prominently.

This style is ideal for lovers of fine Chablis who appreciate both youthful tension and refined aging. In the cellar, this wine develops towards great complexity without losing its purity.

Would you like to order Domaine Drouhin Vaudon wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

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Wine and food pairings

• Grilled sole with lemon and butter. The delicate acidity and mineral tension enhance the purity of the dish.
• Lobster in a light bisque. The wine's mature structure complements the soft sweetness of the lobster beautifully.
• Risotto with green asparagus and Parmesan. The creaminess perfectly complements the satin texture of the wine.
• Cod with beurre blanc and fresh herbs. The wine's freshness provides balance and refinement.
• Soft goat cheese with honey and thyme. The minerality and fresh acidity create a beautiful contrast with the creamy cheese.