A delicate yet powerful Chardonnay from a special Chablis vineyard. On the region's famous soils of Kimmerigean clay (rich in sea shells), the Vaillon's vineyard faces the cooler morning sun and so produces a white that is rich in minerality, but alluringly feminine in its fruit and floral nuances. Made by a 16th generation vigneron and leading light in the region, Benoit Droin (pronounced "du-wha"), this Vaillons is superb for the price.
92-94/100 Neal Martin, Vinous (2022 Vintage)
"The 2022 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru has a complex bouquet with touches of white peach and a muscat-like scent, very focused and seductive. The palate conveys energy and vigour with citrus fruit and hints of orange zest towards the persistent finish. Superb. Drink 2025 – 2037."
92/100 Andy Howard MW, Decanter UK, October 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"Very elegant, perfumed floral notes to the fore, allied with sunny, ripe stone fruit. Quite delicate and refined on the nose. Good volume in the mouth with fine acidity to finish. A blend of five different climats."
90-92/100 Allen Meadows, Burghound (2022 Vintage)
"(From 5 different lieux-dits that saw 15% of new and one-year old wood). A slightly cooler if still ripe nose reflects notes of white pepper, plenty of citrus influence and discreet shellfish nuances. Here too the palate impression of the middleweight flavours is one of richness and generosity yet the supporting acidity is both a little firmer and a bit brighter as well. This delicious effort could use better depth but more should reasonably develop with a few years of aging. Drink 2027+."