The 2018 Joseph Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches Blanc is a chardonnay from the renowned wine-producing region of Burgundy, France. Specifically hailing from the Cote de Beaune sub-region, this wine is a product of the Clos des Mouches vineyard, one of Beaune's most esteemed Premier Cru sites. Produced by Joseph Drouhin, this white wine is sealed with a cork and has an alcohol content of 14.5%.
The wine has garnered significant praise from various professional reviewers, with Decanter awarding it an exceptional score of 96 points. According to Decanter's review dated October 1, 2018, this wine is described as "a real Clos des Mouches," with Véronique Drouhin noting its textbook expression. The review highlights its floral and enticing aromas of hawthorn blossom and lilies, complemented by flavors of patisserie and orange zest. Additionally, the wine showcases fine, scented, toasty oak and possesses the structure and acidity to age well. Decanter suggests it can be enjoyed between 2022 and 2032.
John Gilman from View From The Cellar also gave the wine high marks, scoring it 94 points in his November 1, 2019 review. Gilman praises the wine's beautiful nose, which offers scents of lemon, apple, beeswax, chalky soil tones, citrus peel, and a floral top note of apple blossoms. He commends its pure, full-bodied palate with lovely mid-palate depth, impeccable balance, and a long, complex finish.
Burghound rated the wine between 90-93 points, describing it as having moderately exotic aromas of white peach, lychee, jasmine tea, and tangerine peel. The review, dated June 10, 2020, notes the wine's lovely mouthfeel, delicious and vibrant flavors, and impressively complex, refreshingly dry finish.
James Suckling awarded the wine 94 points on August 20, 2020, noting its sliced-mango, cooked-apple, and lemon-curd aromas and flavors. He describes it as full-bodied with lots of fruit and intensity, including hints of tropical fruit and white peaches.
Vinous, in a review by Neal Martin on November 22, 2022, gave the wine 91 points. Martin admires the wine's complexity, noting its honeyed fruit, yellow plum, and yellow flowers on the nose. He describes the palate as well-balanced, fresh, and lively with good acidity and a harmonious finish.
Finally, Wine Spectator rated the wine 93 points on June 23, 2021, highlighting its distinctive aromas and flavors of white flowers, honey, and peaches, wrapped in sweet spices. The review notes its creamy texture and extended aftertaste of fruit, spice, and toasty oak, recommending it be enjoyed now through 2025.
Overall, the 2018 Joseph Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches Blanc is a highly regarded chardonnay, praised for its complexity, balance, and aging potential.