Droin Chablis 1er cru Vaulorent 2023

95 points La Revue du Vin de France: "Vaulorent, a terroir nestled against Les Preuses, is dense and tender at the same time, with a hint of woodiness still present in its youth, marking the fruit. (2026)"

94 points Charles Curtis, MW (Decanter): "Forward aromas of lemon peel, green apple and pear are accented with flint, chalk and spice notes. The texture is lively and taut, and the tension draws the wine to a dynamic finish. The grapes are from a 0.33ha plot on the right bank, very near the grands crus in thin, stony soils over a compact layer of Kimmeridgian – classic Chablis. Benoît Droin says of this wine, 'it's not to drink, it's to wait 15 years', but wine lovers will be forgiven for jumping the gun. Drinking Window: 2028-2045. (9/23/24)"

94 points Christy Canterbury, MW (TimAtkin.com): "Smoky and floral on the nose, the palate is strewn with delicate fruit flavors: star fruit, golden kiwi, Feijoa and plumcots. Crackling with energy and acidic peps, this is racy, long and firmly dry. Benoît says there are lots of exogyra shells in the rocky soils here. This is usually my favorite Premier Cru here, and it is again this year. (Jan 2025)"

92-94 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): "Benoît uses 30% barrel vinification here with younger wood given the intrinsic power of Vaulorent. Lots of stones show in the nose. After this austere start there is a wealth of richer white fruit, infused with minerals, leading to a generous finish without any tropical notes. This should develop into a classic. (Jun 2024)"

93+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "The 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Vaulorent offers up aromas of white peach, flowers and oyster shells, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered palate that's suave and ethereal, with racy acids and a saline finish. This is especially good in 2023. Drink: 2027-2045. (Mar 2025)"

93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2023 Chablis Vaulorent 1er Cru has a vibrant, minerally bouquet with a sea spray/oyster shell scent that becomes more intense with aeration. Very precise. The palate is smooth on the entry, very detailed with a fine bead of acidity, subtle praline and chai notes towards the elegant and seductive finish. Not long term perhaps, but beautifully crafted. Drink: 2025-2034. (Aug 2024)"

93 points Bettane & Desseauve Guide (2026).