Joseph Drouhin, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru AOC, Marquis de Laguiche
2004, Bourgogne, France
Classification Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru AOC
Colour / Type White
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 14%
Grape Chardonnay
Average score 90
Originally from the Yonne department, Joseph Drouhin founded the negociant company which bears his name in 1880. His son Maurice took over in 1918, buying the first vineyards including the famous Beaune Clos des Mouches. Maurice Drouhin was a significant personality in Beaune, acting as deputy administrator of the Hospices de Beaune. He also had distribution rights for a good proportion of Domaine de la Romanee Conti s production, though unfortunately was not able to take up the offer to buy the share of the business which subsequently went to Leroy. The Drouhin's purchase their own wood which is then air-dried for three years before being turned into barrels by the Fran ois cooperage. It is rare for more than 30 percent of new wood to be used on any cuvee, excepting some grand crus. The red wines are pre-macerated at 13-15 /55-59 F, with a very light punching down at the start followed by alternating punching down and pumping over, depending also on the needs of the vintage. The aim is to privilege the fruit in the wine, and to this end, bottling is earlier than for most producers. Today the white grapes are almost all Chardonnay. Domaine Joseph Drouhin makes several grand cru wines in the Cote d'Or and Chablis, including ones from Musigny, Corton-Charlemagne, and Les Clos, as well as unique Marquis de Laguiche Montrachet Grand Cru. It also has landed in some of the Cote d'Or's most famous premier cru vineyards, including Chambolle-Musigny's Les Amoureuses vineyard and Beaune's Clos des Mouches.
About Joseph Drouhin
Joseph Drouhin is a distinguished family-owned wine producer based in Burgundy, France, with a legacy that spans over 140 years. Founded in 1880 by Joseph Drouhin, the estate has grown from a small négociant business in Beaune to one of Burgundy’s most respected domaines, now managed by the fourth generation of the Drouhin family. The estate covers nearly 80 hectares, with vineyards in some of the most esteemed appellations of Burgundy, including Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise. The family’s guiding philosophy centers on respect for terroir, tradition, and a deep commitment to sustainable and organic viticulture.
Joseph Drouhin’s vineyards are cultivated using organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing minimal intervention and harmony with nature. The estate’s approach to winemaking is characterized by a pursuit of elegance, balance, and finesse in every bottle. Grapes are hand-harvested, and vinification is tailored to the unique character of each vineyard parcel. The use of indigenous yeasts, careful extraction, and aging in French oak barrels—often sourced from the family’s own cooperage—are hallmarks of their meticulous craftsmanship. This attention to detail enables Joseph Drouhin to express the nuanced personalities of Burgundy’s diverse terroirs, from the crisp minerality of Chablis to the rich complexity of Grand Cru reds from the Côte de Nuits.
The Drouhin family’s influence extends beyond Burgundy, with a pioneering presence in Oregon’s Willamette Valley since the late 1980s. Domaine Drouhin Oregon was established in 1987, making the family one of the first Burgundian producers to invest in the region. Their Oregon wines, primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reflect the same commitment to quality and terroir-driven expression as their French counterparts, further cementing the Drouhin reputation on an international stage.
Today, the estate is led by siblings Véronique, Philippe, Laurent, and Frédéric Drouhin. Each brings their own expertise to the family business: Véronique oversees winemaking in both Burgundy and Oregon, Philippe manages the vineyards, Laurent handles export and communication, and Frédéric serves as president. Their collaborative leadership ensures continuity of the Drouhin values while embracing innovation and adaptation to changing environmental and market conditions.
Joseph Drouhin produces an extensive range of wines, from accessible regional bottlings to rare and collectible Grand Crus. Signature wines include Beaune Clos des Mouches, Chambolle-Musigny, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chablis Les Clos. The estate is celebrated for its refined style, characterized by purity of fruit, vibrant acidity, and a subtle use of oak that allows the character of each vineyard to shine through. The wines are widely distributed and sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world, known for their aging potential as well as their approachability in youth.
Through generations of dedication, Joseph Drouhin has become synonymous with the highest standards of Burgundian winemaking. The family’s unwavering respect for tradition, combined with a forward-thinking approach to viticulture and sustainability, ensures the continued excellence and relevance of their wines in the global wine landscape.