2023 Joseph Drouhin Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

2023 was an unusually warm and generous Burgundy vintage. Drouhin reports that it was even slightly warmer than 2022, with abundant sunshine and comparatively generous yields. 

Drouhin keeps the winemaking relatively gentle to preserve Chambolle’s delicacy. Grapes are hand-harvested, with careful sorting when necessary. Depending on the vintage, 20–50% whole clusters may be retained. Fermentation and maceration last approximately 2–3 weeks in small open vats, using indigenous yeasts, with both punch-downs and pump-overs. The wine is then pressed in a traditional vertical press.

Élevage lasts 14-18 months in French oak, with about 25% in new barrels. The relatively restrained use of new oak is consistent with Drouhin’s goal of emphasizing finesse and terroir rather than overt barrel character. 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Joseph Drouhin is one of the largest and most famous producers in Burgundy, making both domaine and négociant wines. It remains family-owned and run, now in the hands of the fourth generation.

The wine company was founded in 1880 by Joseph Drouhin at the age of 22. Originally from Chablis, he moved south to Beaune to found the company. He handed the operation to his son Maurice who started buying vineyards, including the family’s monopole Beaune Premier Cru Clos des Mouches and a plot in Granc Cru Clos de Vougeot.

In 1957, Robert took over from his father Maurice and expanded the operation, significantly building up its reputation. He was on the INAO committee (which helped classifiy the vineyards of Burgundy) and involved in the Hospices de Beaune, as well as having distribution rights for Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (indeed, he was offered the chance to become a shareholder during the same period as Leroy). He also bought swathes of vineyard, especially in Chablis, an area where he saw great potential.

Today the company is run by his son Frédéric, with Robert’s three other children all involved: Véronique as winemaker, Philippe in the vineyards and Laurent handling exports.