Chablis, California, Crozes:
2000 J.P. Droin, Chablis Les Clos:
Really, really good but still only a juvenile. Let ‘er sit and prepare for a marvelous experience in about ten years. $38 on release; I’d buy it again, any day.
1995 Havens, Bourriquot:
Supposedly a mix like Cheval Blanc; not even close. Lots of lumber in the nose and on the palate; lots of depth, solid fruit, 13.7% alcohol and good structure but, in the end, just another winemaker who has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. $40 on release; I’d not buy it at any price.
1999 Gilles Robin, Crozes-Hermitage Cuvée Alberic Bouvet:
A touch of brett does not detract from an exceedingly complex, medium-weight delivery that sucks me in, manhandles my senses and spits me back out knowing that I have been in a very, very, very good place. ‘Rocks my world for $9 on sale. ‘Killer juice.
Best, Jim