2017 Charmes-Chambertin
This is a wine made from purchased grapes, and in 2017, Drouhin changed its supplier for grapes. The fruits are dark and mineral, and the wine is smooth, dense, sensual, and pure with some tannin showing. It is an excellent Charmes-Chambertin. About 25-30% whole clusters. Harvested on 9 and 15 September. (93-95)
2017 Chambertin-Clos de Bèze
The Chambertin-Clos de Bèze is from grapes from Drouhin’s own vines and purchased grapes. This wine had still not fully come together when I tasted it — specifically, it seemed to lack some precision. As a result, I may have underestimated its potential. The wine did show the freshness of Chambertin-Clos de Bèze and good length. 40% whole clusters. Interestingly, Drouhin picked its own vines on 8 September, and the supplier’s plot was harvested ten days later; this difference may speak to Drouhin’s vineyard work and its biodynamic practices. (92-95)
2017 Clos de Vougeot
This wine is round, smooth, and mineral with red raspberry fruit dominating. The wine has good concentration and finesse for Clos de Vougeot. Drouhin has a plot at the bottom of the Clos that frequently is not included in the estate wine; that was the case in 2017, but Véronique Drouhin-Boss said that the decision whether to include it was quite close. 30% whole cluster, harvested 11 September. (93-95)
2017 Grands-Echézeaux
For me, this was the star of the Drouhin wines I tasted. The typical Grands-Echézeaux licorice nose with spices depth, and some floral elements. The mouth is intense, deep, pure, and energetic with penetrating red fruits. This is entirely from Drouhin’s vineyard, but part of the vineyard is being replanted, so this remains a rather rare wine. 35% whole clusters. Harvested 8 September. (96-98)
2017 Bonnes-Mares
The Bonnes-Mares has somewhat sappy and juicy dark fruit that is pure, precise, and focused. Good length and depth here. 35% whole clusters. Harvested 13 September. (94-97)
2017 Musigny
To finish off, Drouhin’s Musigny is light and pure with red fruits and outstanding focus. The minerality and floral aspects of Musigny are present, and the wine is long and light on the palate. 40% whole clusters. Harvested 8 September. (94-97)