Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.

Main Office

630 3rd Ave
15th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Phone (212) 818-0770
Fax (212) 953-2366

Adminstration

50 Avon Meadow Lane
Avon, CT 06001
Phone (860) 409-9119
Fax (860) 409-9272

E-Mail

info@dreyfusashby.com

 

Visit www.drouhin.com for the complete history of Joseph Drouhin

CLICK HERE FOR A 4 PAGE INFORMATION SHEET
ON JOSEPH DROUHIN'S MOST IMPORTANT WINES


Joseph DrouhinClick on photo to download a high resolution zip file...

Since 1880 Maison Joseph Drouhin has built a reputation for winesthat primarily reflect their individual terroir and vintage. Faithfully preserving individuality of each appellation, the Drouhin firm constantly strives for wines of breed, finesse and elegance.

A balance of tradition and modern techniques characterizes Joseph Drouhin winemaking and vineyard management; on site nursery, plowing, leaf removal, 100% hand harvesting, open fermenters, fermenting and aging in oak.

As a result of its historic location deep in the heart of Beaune, and the quality of its vineyards, the expertise resulting from years of experience in the cultivation of vines and traditional vinification. Maison Joseph Drouhin is uniquely placed to uphold authentic Burgundian style.

Beaune Clos des Mouches

Starting with Joseph Drouhin, who founded Maison Joseph Drouhin over a century ago, a great estate has evolved with important holdings in Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Chablis and, most recently, Oregon.

Vineyards total 150 acres in Burgundy, not including other Domaines handled exclusively by Drouhin, the most famous example, Marquis de Laguiche. With 125 acres in Oregon, the family estates now comprise over 275 acres.

Robert Drouhin observes, ``A common denominator in the vineyards is our exacting rules governing the culture of thevine. These rules, not yet fully adopted in Burgundy, are of utmost importance for the production of the finest, naturally grown grapes."

  • Respect of the soil: we still plow, use natural compost and let grass grow between the vines.

  • Respect of the environment: we strive to use the mostnatural weapons against insects and diseases. Bacteria and predators have replaced chemical products for years.

  • Respect of the genetic heritage: we produce our own grafts when planting new vineyards or replacing old stocks. Our selection comes from our best and oldest vines in order to conserve and transmit the genetic characters of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyard density is very high: from 4,000 to 5,000 vines per acre.

From Left, Laurent Drouhin - Export Director, &
Frédéric Drouhin - President & Managing Director


 

Laforêt is now in Screwcaps!

See the package here...

   

Laforet Chardonnay 2005
WINE OF THE WEEK!


WASHINGTON POST -
Wednesday, October 25, 2006; Page F05

Joseph Drouhin Laforet 2005 Bourgogne Chardonnay
($9-$12; France; imported by Dreyfus, Ashby/Wine Partners)

Tastes Like: Delicate bouquet of yellow apples, hazelnuts and ferns. On the palate, pear and apple mingle with vanilla and dry minerals. The long finish rings with the echoes of these same aromas and flavors, the hallmark of a great white Burgundy.

Grape Variety: 100 percent chardonnay. However, in the Côte d'Or the winemakers are fond of saying, "We don't make chardonnay, we make white Burgundy."

What's Special About It: The exceptional quality of the 2005 vintage has provided an almost unprecedented opportunity to discover what great white Burgundy is all about at an affordable price. While unlikely to be confused with a $300 Le Montrachet, this $10 wine offers a nice glimpse of the magical vibrancies that makes great white burgundies like Le Montrachet so special.

Serve With: Light meats such as turkey or veal, and fish in delicate sauces (also this week's Dinner in 30 Minutes, Page 3).

How It's Made: Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, followed by a few months' aging in older oak barrels.

Winery: The house of Joseph Drouhin is a negociant , meaning it purchases grapes and wines grown and produced by others and blends them to sell under its own label. In recent years, however, the line between negociants and "estate-growers," who bottle only wines produced in their own vineyards, has become blurred in Burgundy, as negociants like Drouhin now also bottle wines from their own estates.

On the Label: Laforet (pronounced "la-for-RAY") means "the forest" in French.

Geography: Like a drinkable map of Burgundy, this is a blend of wines from the Chablis region in the north to the Macon region in the south. However, what sets this apart from most regional blends is the inclusion of overproduction from Joseph Drouhin's prime vineyards in Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet, which adds a subtle undercurrent of energy and complexity rarely seen in this price range.

For more information on this wine please click on the links below...

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LAFORET BOURGOGNE RED

Background: It is well known that the Gauls planted Pinot Noir before the Roman invasion. In 150 BC, the first vineyards of this grape variety appeared at the top of the hills of Meursault and Pommard.

The Romans, in turn, noticed that it liked light soil, a temperate climate, and that it did best facing East.

With such a long history, it is clear that no other grape fits the climate and soil of Burgundy better than Pinot.

By strictly adhering to these qualitative and historical parameters, Joseph Drouhin wants its LAFORET BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR to be the archetype of Burgundy.

Grapes are selected from different vineyards, generally from the Côte de Beaune. They are handpicked and then brought to the Drouhin cellars "en Chavet", on the outskirts of Beaune.

The destemmed grapes ferment in open wooden vats or stainless steel fermenters. The total fermentation and maceration last for about 16 days.

Part of the wine is aged in barrels, part in stainless steel tanks so that the wine can acquire more complexity and keep its fruitiness.

Tasting Notes: The hue has usually a brillant ruby-garnet colour. The nose offers effusive aromas of crushed berries (raspberry, redcurrant and blackcurrant come to mind). On the palate, the wine is full of charm and very pleasant to drink : fresh and fruity berry flavours with light and elegant tannins. The alcoholic content is generally around 12.5. There is no residual sugar.

Food Pairing: It is not a wine we recommend to cellar for many years. Drink it when young, up to two or three years.

We suggest serving Laforet at 15°/16° C (59/61° F).

Easy to match with food, it will be best with assorted delicatessen, poultry, white meat, "au gratin" dishes, roasted meat and soft cheese.

2005 Domaine Joseph Drouhin Laforet Pinot Noir
Review by David Schildknecht
WA # , #171 (Jun 2007)
Rating: 85

Drouhin’s ubiquitous, 25,000-case generic “Laforet” displays tender, ripe cherry fruit, a silky palate and iodine-like minerality. Also recommended: 2005 Bourgogne Laforet

 

 

For more information on this wine please click on the links below...

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Vero Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Quality French wine created and presented in a way most
American consumers have come to expect.

Véro is short for Véronique, the name of the only daughter of Robert Drouhin and one of four siblings now active in the management of Maison Joseph Drouhin of Beaune. Véronique Boss-Drouhin is a trained oenologist and personally oversees the production of this, “her” wine. Although the wine is an “assemblage” (blend) of wines from well-known Burgundy villages, the laws of Appellation d’Origine Controlée require that the wine be labeled Bourgogne (Burgundy). This is a wine to introduce people to the delicacy and finesse of a true Burgundy without all the intimidating “mysteries” of terroir. The wine is best when consumed within 2 or 3 years of its vintage. Véro’s first vintage was 2002, introduced to the U.S. in 2004.

  • A simple, evocative label

  • An understandable name

  • A clear indication of what’s in the bottle

  • With a real story about a family that has been making wine for over a hundred years

 


Véro Chardonnay 2003

Producer: Joseph Drouhin

Appellation: Appellation Bourgogne Controlée

Grape Varietal: Chardonnay (100%)

Alcohol
Strength: 13 percent

Vineyards: Véro is Véronique Drouhin’s personal selection of grapes and wines coming from the most prestigious Village or Premier Cru appellations.

Vinification: Malolactic fermentation is always completed and there is no residual sugar

Average Annual
Production: 5,000 cases

Description: Brilliant gold yellow color; aromas of fruit trees in bloom, fresh almonds and honey. On the palate, the wine coats the mouth with a round, velvety sensation which is held together by a nice mineral backbone. Pretty flavors of almond paste, grilled hazelnut and lotus flowers. The overall impression is of lightness, harmony and elegance. The wine reflects: the mineral and lively quality of Chablis; the delicate aromas of Rully; the richness and roundness of Meursault; the seduction and elegance of Puligny Montrachet

Serving ideas: Served chilled, 55-58°F, Véro is delightful before a meal as an aperitif. It can also accommodate a large number of dishes, such as raw shellfish, Caesar salad, grilled fish, fish and meat in a sauce, pasta with cream sauce and cheese (Alfredo style), veal scallops grilled or with a cream sauce, cheese (hard paste or Brie). Dishes that are too spicy or acidic should be avoided.

Bottle Size: 750 ml

Suggested Retail
Price/bottle: ’02, and ‘03 - $19.50

Véro Pinot Noir 2005

Product: Véro Pinot Noir

Producer: Joseph Drouhin

Appellation: Appellation Bourgogne Controlée

Grape Varietal: Pinot Noir (100%)

Alcohol Strength: 12.8 percent

Vineyards: Véro is Véronique Drouhin’s personal selection of grapes and wines coming from leading vineyards and well-known villages.

Vinification: Traditional Burgundy method with aging of the wine in oak barrels for 15 months.

Average Annual Production: 5,000 cases

Description: Pretty red color, with bright ruby tones. Very pleasant bouquet reminiscent of cherry and ripe raspberry, with a peppery note in the background. Good balance with pleasant roundness and freshness; supple and refined tannic structure. On the palate, flavors of wild blackberries and raspberries dominate, with some undertones of licorice. After a little more aeration, there is a round and harmonious sensation as the wine then evolves towards all kinds of delicious red berry flavors. It can be called the perfect example of a classic Red Burgundy and exemplifies: the elegance of Volnay; the subtlety of aromas of the Hautes Côtes; the seductive red berry flavors of Chorey-les-Beaune or Rully; the charm and structure of Chambolle-Musigny and Gevrey Chambertin.

Serving ideas: The wine should be served at a temperature of 60-68°F. Véro Pinot Noir, with its refined tannins, can be enjoyed by itself as an aperitif, or with any kind of grilled meat (beef, veal, lamb, duck), or grilled salmon. It complements cow’s milk cheeses.

Bottle Size: 750 ml

Imported by: Dreyfus, Ashby & Co., 630 Third Avenue, New York NY 10017

Notes: Véro is short for Véronique, the only daughter of Robert Drouhin and one of four siblings now active in the management of Maison Joseph Drouhin of Beaune. Véronique is a trained oenologist and personally oversees the production of this, “her” wine. Although the wine is an “assemblage” (blend) of wines from well-known Burgundy villages, the laws of Appellation d’Origine Controlée require that the wine be labeled Bourgogne (Burgundy). This is a wine to introduce people to the delicacy and finesse of a true Burgundy without all the intimidating “mysteries” of terroir. The wine is best when consumed within 5 to 6 years of its vintage. Véro’s first vintage was 2002, introduced to the U.S. in 2004.

2005 Domaine Joseph Drouhin Bourgogne Vero
Review by David Schildknecht
WA # , #171 (Jun 2007)
Rating: 89


The 2005 Bourgogne Vero – a brand launched several years ago in both red and white – represents a blend of wines from numerous village- and even some premier cru-classified sites intended, as Veronique Drouhin puts it, “to present a picture of Burgundy Pinot,” and to sell for a Bourgogne price. Abstracting from what in light of that intention seems an incongruously “new world” label, there is nothing not to like about this exceptional value. High-toned red cherry, raw red meat and floral aromas betray the high percentage of Chambolle in the blend as well as the perfect ripeness of the vintage. Silky and refined on the palate, with only the most discrete of tannins, this incorporates subtly bitter but attractive notes of fruit pits and chalk dust with the ripe yet crisp-edged red fruits of its finish. In fact, the counterpoint of incipient creaminess with refreshing brightness is beguiling, as well as illustrative of a characteristic seldom if ever found in Pinot Noir outside of Burgundy. This wine is a victory for consumers and for Burgundy in its battle to capture or retain the hearts and palates of American pinotphiles. These 2005s were bottled around two months earlier than usual, says Frederic Drouhin, to retain freshness.

For more information on this wine please click on the links below...

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JOSEPH DROUHIN
SCORES BIG AT THE 2006 CRITICS CHALLENGE

Critics Platinum
Moulin-a-Vent 2005
Astounding complexity!
-- Michael Apstein

Critics Gold
Chorey-les-Beaune 2003
Bright cherry-berry with good length.
-- Gerald Boyd

Puligny-Montrachet 2004
A nice balance of toasty, creamy flavors.
-- Michael Apstein

The 2005 Vintage

Only one question : will 2005 be a great vintage or a very great vintage ?

SITUATION OF THE VINEYARD
2006

Last year we had a warm early March and the buds swelled and even broke on time for the weather to change in late March. Last year we had almost 5 inches of rain in May and we have had 0.33 this year, the average being around 2.5. This year the development has been slow and steady.

Grands Echézeaux 2003


Just a touch raisined on the nose, this shows more red fruits?cherry, currant and strawberry?than most '03s. It's spicy and elegant, with an open texture and a long, raspberry-tinged aftertaste. Drink now through 2020.

Puligny-Montrachet Les Folatières 2003



Sweet pastry and roasted nut aromas and flavors hold court in this lush white. Creamy in texture, it offers a glimpse of [i]terroir[n] while remaining well-balanced. Fine length, too. Drink now through 2012.

 

Issue #165

2004 Domaine
Joseph Drouhin Chablis les Clos

An outstanding wine, Drouhin’s 2004 Chablis Les Clos is fermented and aged in one- to five-year-old barrels. Its toasty mineral and vanilla bean-scented aromatics lead to a medium to full-bodied personality awash in fruits. Creamy minerals and pears are found in its concentrated, focused, and lengthy character. Drink this beauty between 2007 and 2014.

2004 Domaine
Joseph Drouhin Chablis Domaine
de Vaudon

The 2004 Chablis Domaine de Vaudon bursts from the glass with creamed lemons, minerals, and spices. This medium-bodied wine reveals lovely white pepper, pear, and candied lemon flavors in its satin-textured, well-focused character. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.

 

2004 Musigny



An exotic and spicy nose features raspberry, red current, anise and clove notes that give way to sweet, classy and notably finely detailed flavors that are also relatively forward early but tighten up considerably on the backend. In most vintages, this is the undisputed class of the cellar and while it may ultimately be so once again, in 2004 it has competition. Still, lovely stuff by any standard.

2004 Grands Echézeaux



A noticeably more elegant nose that is stunningly pure with a really lovely mix of black pinot fruit
and violet aromas that lead to rich, sweet and stylish medium full flavors that offer exceptionally good detail and admirably well-integrated structure on the tight and long finish. As this wine usually goes, the tannins are quite refined and while this is not a truly big wine, the class is immediately obvious. If I were only going to buy one of the ’04 Drouhin grands crus, it would either be this or the Musigny.

 

Joseph Drouhin 2003 Beaune Clos des Mouches
92 Points


This luscious chardonnay meets the New World with its richness while staying true to its Burgundian roots with a long, earthy savor. It's ripe, but neither hot nor sweet, the succulence of the fruit lasting with a kumquat flavor and mineral complexity. Balanced to age five to eight years from the vintage.

Joseph Drouhin 2004 Chablis Premier Cru Montmains
91 Points

The ripeness of the vintage makes this feel expansive, even as the structure of the wine is racy and tight. It packs a lot of youthful tension, feeling firm and clean for now. The lasting scent of yellow herbs should develop into a broader fruit tone with age. For the cellar.

 

Top 100
of 2005


Joseph Drouhin 2003 Grands-Echezeaux

A wonderful, perfumed , black fruitball of a wine, with intense flavors that has a balance of dense red fruits and dark, structured tannins. The purity of the fruit is a reflection of the organic vineyard practices by the Drouhin family, and the tannins show that this is a wine that will age. Imported by Dreyfus, Ashby & Co.

 

 

 

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