From a recently rented property, Droin’s 2006 Chablis Mont de Milieu enjoyed the same roughly 20% older barrels as this year’s Vaillons. Sweet lily perfume, cumin, and white pepper in the nose lead to a piquant, pungently peppery, yet texturally refined palate and a long, attractively – almost athletically – lean and energetic finish. This should benefit from several years in bottle and be worth holding for 5-7. Benoit Droin’s recent collections display increasing mastery of his medium and continued willingness to experiment, even as he extends his range of crus. His have become some of the most interesting wines in Chablis, not to mention being outstanding values. Droin prides himself on being able to harvest ahead of most of his colleagues – which in 2006 meant in advance of the official starting date – although he adds that 2007 has proved an exception to that rule. Droin by choice sells what for the region constitutes a relatively high one third share of his wine inside France. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565