Dreyfus Ashby, 75 Years Strong

Oct 01, 2021

2021 marks the 75th Anniversary of Dreyfus Ashby & Co.

In many ways, the history of the fine wine industry in the United States runs through Dreyfus Ashby.

Some of the most famous and iconic brands ever to land on U.S. shores have roots in this family company. Current brands such as Maison Joseph Drouhin, Chateau Petrus, Chateau Trotanoy, Georges Comte de Vogüé, Domaine de la Solitude, Distillerie Massenez, and Champagne Drappier to name a few, as well as brands from Dreyfus Ashby’s portfolio of yore, including Champagne Krug, Champagne Bollinger, Chateau Haut Bailly, Domaine Faiveley, Hugel & Fils, Delas Freres, Boscaini, Hakutsuru Sake, Familia Torres, Lillet, Mateus, and many others illustrate such a declaration.

As one of the few remaining family-owned wine importers in the U.S. we take the occasion of our 75th year anniversary to pay homage to the great men, women, and brands who have come before us.

Left: A young Robert Drouhin and Michel Dreyfus holding a bottle of Clos des Mouches circa 1957. Right: Dreyfus with a bottle of Chateau D'Auvernier.

DREYFUS ASHBY & CO: QUALITY-ORIENTED FAMILY WINE

Dreyfus, Ashby & Co. is a national importer and marketer of a carefully chosen portfolio of fine wines and spirits. Headquartered in New York City, Dreyfus Ashby markets its products in all fifty states through a network of wholesale customers.

Now headquartered on the 15th Floor of 630 Third Ave. in New York City, Dreyfus, Ashby was founded in London, England, more than 70 years ago. The company’s founder, Swiss born Michel Dreyfus, followed an uncle into the wine business and became an almost legendary figure in the trade.

DREYFUS ASHBY TODAY

The objective of Dreyfus Ashby is to build successful sales and distribution for a selection of complementary high quality wine and spirit products. As the company adds to its portfolio, it is quite prepared to deal with products meeting these criteria even though current or potential volume may be limited.

At the same time, however, it recognizes the importance of maintaining the overall volume growth necessary to support a quality organization and gives careful attention to the brand franchises showing greater growth potential. The company seeks strong ties with suppliers and customers who demonstrate inordinate aptitude and interest for the high quality segment of the market.

As the wine and spirits industry moves rapidly toward increased concentration of volume in the hands of a few large wholesalers whose supplies are dominated by fewer and larger international public companies, Dreyfus maintains its quality position and its human scale of operation. The company feels that the distribution of fine wines is best served by those who have the specialized knowledge and the patience and consistency to build quality products.

MAISON JOSEPH DROUHIN

"In 1958 barely at the head of Joseph Drouhin I was very impressed by Michel Dreyfus. He had such a great knowledge of European wines and restaurant business, he often guided me in the positioning of our wines in the best restaurants. His philosophy remains the essence of Dreyfus Ashby based on long term and faithful human relationships." - Robert Drouhin

Left: Philippe Drouhin. Middle: Drouhin family portrait with 2nd, 4th & 5th generations. Right: Robert Drouhin.
A cabotte in the Clos des Mouches vineyard.

CLOS DES MOUCHES CELEBRATES 100 years

A story that starts in 1921

The Clos des Mouches vineyard celebrates its 100th anniversary this year; a 14 hectare vineyard acquired 100 years ago in 1921 by Maurice Drouhin, the founder’s son. This famed plot of land sits between Corton Charlemagne, Pommard and Puligny Montrachet. Bought from 41 parcels from eight different owners, it’s a Premier Cru site that rises from 230 to 280 metres above sea level and has a variety of different soil types.

When the Clos des Mouches was born, vineyard owners often had beehives which they placed in the sunniest areas. These famous “flies” were in fact bees. There were so many hives in this vineyard that the name came very naturally. The bee itself is emblematic: it stands for hard work, selfless sharing, humility, discipline and of course honey, this nectar whose taste and texture have long been associated with wine. In Burgundy, everything has relevance.

Drouhin currently owns 80 hectares of vines across 90 different appellations, however Clos des Mouches remains Drouhin’s beating heart and crown jewel.

JOSEPH DROUHIN BEAUNE CLOS DES MOUCHES PREMIER CRU ROUGE 2019

“A really concentrated but very graceful Beaune 1er Cru. Very subtle nose of red fruit with nice floral notes and discreet spicy oak. Glides over the palate, the fine tannins already beautifully integrated. Very long, silky finish. From biodynamically grown grapes.” -95pts James Suckling, 92-94pts Wine Advocate, 91-93pts Burghound, 92-94pts Vinous

JOSEPH DROUHIN BEAUNE CLOS DES MOUCHES PREMIER CRU BLANC 2019

“Exuberant and joyful, this white Beaune is brimming with pineapple, pear, honeysuckle and vanilla. Ripe and concentrated, but not a jot too big. Stunning mineral acidity that turns the finish into a firework display of fruit and terroir colors. From biodynamically grown grapes.” -96pts James Suckling, 92-94pts Wine Advocate, 91-93pts Vinous

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Here some of Dreyfus Ashby & Co.'s long time supplier partners offer their congratulations and reminisce on their continued working partnership together.

DOMAINE DROUHIN OREGON

Drouhin family members examine a harvest.

DOMAINE DROUHIN ARTHUR CHARDONNAY 2019

“Baked apples, spiced pears, lemon pie, white flowers, nougat and nutmeg on the nose. It’s full-bodied with crisp acidity and seamless, elegant layers of ripe stone and citrus fruit. Hints of stones and blanched almonds to close.” – 94pts James Suckling

DOMAINE DROUHIN PINOT NOIR 2018

“Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills opens with savory notions of leather, graphite and tobacco with a core of red and blue berry fruits…incredibly spicy flavor layers, firm and super fresh, and it finishes very long and flavorful.” – 94+pts Wine Advocate, 93pts James Suckling

ROSEROCK PINOT NOIR ZEPHIRINE 2018

“Very intense violets and fresh wild cherries, blueberries and a spicy, bracken-like note with a stony edge, too. The palate shows the clarity of tannin that is the hallmark of great pinot noir – super fresh, well-defined and fine yet powerful…” – 96pts James Suckling, 94pts Wine Advocate

ROSEROCK CHARDONNAY 2018

“The palate has a smooth outer frame with a fresh, fleshy core that has supple fruit texture.” – 93pts James Suckling, 93pts Wine Enthusiast, Editors’ Choice, 92pts Wine Advocate, 91pts Wine Spectator

DUSTED VALLEY & BOOMTOWN

“Happy Anniversary to Dreyfus Ashby & Co! A Diamond Jubilee doesn’t happen every day. We raise a glass to your success over the past 75 years!

Whether that is pounding the streets with the bag, account by account or bringing a group of customers to our winery in Walla Walla Valley, Dreyfus Ashby’s team believes in the family wineries they represent.

Over the years, our relationships with their people and customers have evolved from business to ‘family business.’ Congratulations on 75 years!”

Corey Braunel, Co-Owner & Winegrower, Dusted Valley & Boomtown

BOOMTOWN BY DUSTED VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019

“Blackberries, cherries, lavender and herbal notes on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Juicy and fun.” – 90pts James Suckling

DUSTED VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018

“Plums, herbs and tobacco leaf on the nose with earthy undertones . It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Dusty, with rich chocolate and black-fruit notes. Firm finish. A blend of 98% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.” – 90pts James Suckling

DRAPPIER CHAMPAGNE

Charline Drappier, Vice President, Drappier Champagne

“Starting to work with Dreyfus in 2014, I am a lucky woman, to have learned to work physically hand in hand with the Dreyfus family. 

Ever since that time, I still value the relationship Dreyfus’ members have built with their partners and customers: trustworthy, committed, passionate. These are just a few words that describe to me, the Dreyfus spirit.

In my opinion, Dreyfus proves that offering one of the highest quality wine portfolios in the U.S., doesn’t go against showing some appreciation, sharing some good moments (Champagne!), and being innovative.”

DRAPPIER CARTE D’OR

“This bright and zesty Champagne is lightly juicy and appealing, offering flavors of Honeycrisp apple, ripe white cherry, biscuit and pickled ginger. Balanced and lacy in texture, with a lingering, spiced finish.” – 92pts Wine Spectator, 91pts Burghound, 91pts Decanter, 90pts Wine Advocate

DRAPPIER BRUT ROSÉ

“A graceful rosé that’s lacy and airy in texture, with finely knit acidity enlivening the flavors of ripe cherry and strawberry fruit and lemon chiffon, accented by hints of smoke and spice.” – 92pts Wine Spectator, 90pts Wine Advocate

DRAPPIER GRANDE SENDRÉE 2010

“A quietly elegant Champagne, with a lovely soft, laciness to texture, and a minerally underpinning of smoke and saline accents. It displays a creamy mesh of crushed black cherry, grilled nut, kumquat and dried apricot and a refine, subtle finish.” – 93pts Wine Spectator

CHÂTEAU DE CAMPUGET

“From San Francisco to Indianapolis, from Dallas to Spokane, from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon I have had so many great experiences. 

People at Dreyfus Ashby are very different, true characters. But sharing the same family values. One of the greatest moment is when we first met with Tim Enos in France in 2005. In a few seconds, my father and I understood we finally found our partner to represent our wines in the USA.

People at Dreyfus understood very quickly who we are as a family, our philosophy and of course our wines. And they are always ready to push new ideas, like the Saperavi recently and, of course the Tradition Rosé many years ago!!!

Franck-lin Dalle, Vigneron, Chateau de Campuget

CAMPUGET TRADITION ROSÉ 2020

The Rosé has a nice appearance with a light and fresh pink color. This particularly fruity taste of raspberries and strawberries, typical of the Campuget style, has a good and refreshing acidity.

CHÂTEAU DE CAMPUGET 1753 ROSÉ 2020

A flurry of bay leaves and rosemary accent this peppery blend of Syrah (80%) and Vermentino (20%). It’s a penetrating sip boasting bright blackberry and cassis flavors backed by a cooling mineral brace. Full bodied but freshly composed.

CHÂTEAU DE CAMPUGET 1753 SYRAH
SANS SULFITES 2019

This wine is intense and deep throughout its tasting. The dress is dark red almost black. The nose is on the fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry) and on notes of cocoa. On the palate, violet and licorice explode.

FINAL WORDS FROM JOHN CARUSO, DREYFUS ASHBY & CO. TEAM

Left: John Caruso, President, Dreyfus Ashby & Co. Top: Joe Signorile, California State Manager Bottom: Michael Rodgers, Western Division Regional Director

“It is with a sense of awe, and an obligation to our past, that I write today to convey that this year, 2021, marks the 75th Anniversary of Dreyfus Ashby & Co. There are precious few family-owned companies left in our industry, even less that can say they have been around for 75 years, and certainly none with a better pedigree of brands, history, and reputation as the one we are all fortunate enough to work for today. Please take a moment today to reflect on our past, and to imagine our future and the history we will make together and pass to the next generation of Dreyfus Ashby.”

– John Caruso, Dreyfus Ashby & Co. President

Wine Warehouse Portfolio

Wine Warehouse was founded in 1973 by brothers Bob and Jim Myerson who wanted to share their enthusiasm for premium quality wine with the wine trade in Southern California. Today, the company is one of the largest distributors of alcoholic beverages in the United States with branches in Northern and Southern California covering the state. We are dedicated to offering a wide selection of wine, beer, spirits, non alcoholic beverages, and glassware to licensed retailers and restaurateurs in the California market.

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Los Angeles, CA 90040

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