The Drouhin family remain a strong force in Burgundy with their négociant and vineyard business continuing from strength to strength. Brother and sister Philippe and Veronique manage the vineyards and cellar respectively, with their siblings Frédéric and Laurent overseeing the commercial side of the estate.
A huge range of wines are made, vinified from fruit that the family buy from across Burgundy, from their own holdings (labelled ‘Domaine Drouhin’), and the esteemed Marquis de Laguiche vineyards which they have farmed for decades. The family show meticulous control in both vineyard and cellar; it is impossible not to admire their careful approach to extraction of both flavour and tannin, as well as their philosophy towards ageing in barrel, where they even oversee the selection of the oak before instructing the cooperage to fashion their barrels. They display a very deft touch in their winemaking that many of their peers could do well to emulate. We are delighted to include the wines in our offer further to our tasting in their cellars in Beaune.
Joseph Drouhin, Montrachet Grand Cru, Marquis de Laguiche 2015*
Marquis de Laguiche is a small property of just over two hectares. Even so, this does accord the Laguiche family the majority share of Grand Cru Le Montrachet. In what must be one of the longest running of many Burgundy partnerships, Domaine Drouhin farmed the estate for the Laguiche family since 1947.The fascination of Le Montrachet derives from its ability to demonstrate both huge power and restraint in youth, thereby demanding many years to develop. The 2015 is no exception; indeed, at this stage one might be forgiven for thinking that the wine was from a different vintage, so crystalline is the nature of its acidity and fruit character. But the typical potency of Le Montrachet comes to the fore on second tasting. Here, we find a substantial core of citrus fruit and a compact palate that will age and develop over the long-term with ease. Drink 2021-2035
£2,150 per six bottles in bond
Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru 2015
This Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru is a culmination of seven Premier Crus owned by Drouhin and blended into one wine that seems to typify the fragrant, perfumed style and cherry fruit for which Chambolle is known. It will be aged for a total of 16 months in French oak before being released in the spring of 2017. For the moment, the wine is a little closed, but the palate exhibits impressive ripe berry fruit alongside more savoury hints that suggest the wine will open and unfurl soon, with fascinating development to come. Drink 2017-2025
£310 per six bottles in bond
Joseph Drouhin, Griotte-Chambertin Grand Cru 2015
Griotte-Chambertin is the smallest of Grand Crus in the commune of Gevrey, with just under three hectares. Similarly to Chapelle-Chambertin, Griotte-Chambertin can be a little restrained in youth. It displays almost sublime red fruit aroma, with grace and substance. Impressive depth of flavour and firm tannins preclude longer ageing than the norm. The wine’s full, cassis and cranberry fruit character mingles with herbs and spice and, while the wine is not heavy or weighty, this has the assertiveness of any great Grand Cru from this vintage. Drink 2020-2032
£1,500 per six bottles in bond