How special is this 7 hectare Chenin Blanc vineyard? It is one of only a handful of vineyards in France that is an appellation unto itself (the others include Romanee-Conti in Burgundy and Chateau-Grillet in the Rhone). Sections of the vines are 100 years old. The vineyard was planted by Cistercian monks in the year 1130. Joly refuses to use clones and takes cuttings from his oldest Chenin vines when he must replant to conserve the typicity of the vineyard. The grapes are picked by hand in up to 5 passes. 2013 is the 882nd consecutive vintage of this wine. Joly has managed this family estate since 1977.
Vigorously decanted 7 hours before drinking. Medium yellow color. Some ginger and honey on the nose. Rather spicy with an oxidative quality. Notes of peach pits, wet stones, apple cider and cinnamon. Solid acidity and a long finish. Full bodied wine. Give this time. Luckily I have 2 more bottles. 93 points.
VM