2025 Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos Hommage à Louis

Droin has firmly established itself as a top address in Chablis, with the 2025 Hommage à Louis being one of the most exciting wines in the cellar, and we were able to get a bit more after selling out! This special cuvée pays tribute to the Droin family’s deep roots in Chablis, which stretch back to the early 17th century, and is sourced from old vines in select parcels within the Grand Cru vineyard of Les Clos. Produced only when the vintage meets the domaine’s highest standards, Hommage à Louis represents the pinnacle of Droin’s work, taking the natural power of Les Clos to a new level of depth and precision. The 2025 vintage was warm, but timely summer rains preserved freshness and extended the growing season, producing wines with excellent concentration, structure, and mineral definition. Fermentation and élevage take place in a combination of stainless steel and barrel, allowing the wine to build texture and complexity without losing the unmistakable tension of Grand Cru Chablis. The result is a powerful but beautifully controlled wine, with citrus oil, green apple, crushed stone and oyster-shell minerality wrapped around a firm, saline core and an exceptionally long finish. This has the depth and seriousness to stand alongside some of the most coveted names in Chablis, including Dauvissat and Raveneau, while remaining available at a fraction of the price. Hommage à Louis is produced in extremely small quantities, and the 2025 is a serious, cellar-worthy Chablis from a domaine that continues to operate at the very highest level. Vinous (Neal Martin 93-95 pts!) The 2025 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru Hommage à Louis was the final cuvée poured by Benoît Droin at his cuverie. It has a fascinating, quite alluring bouquet of white peach, persimmon, flint and just a touch of grilled walnut. Very complex. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. There is real weight, depth and concentration in this Les Clos, although I am just seeking a touch more mineralité to come through on the finish to complete the deal. Still, very fine. (Drink between 2028 - 2048)