Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Clos Du Bourg Moelleux – 2002

This wine represents the absolute pinnacle of the Chenin Blanc grape from arguably the best Chenin Blanc vineyard and producer in the world. The domaine consists of three single vineyards. The “Clos du Bourg” was purchased by wine legend Gaston Huet in 1953 and he considered it to be the finest of the three. It is a walled vineyard with six hectares of vines based on limestone (aka “tuffeau”) soil. The vines are biodynamically tended, so that the wines are able to express to the maximum this vineyard’s unique minerality. The warmth of this site combined with the mineral complexity of its soils results in rich, super-long-lived wines which effortlessly combine vibrant, zesty minerality with power and concentration.

This very special “Museum Release” Clos Du Bourg Moelleux 2002 has been ageing in the winery’s underground “tuffeau” cellars for the past 20 years until being released for sale this Spring 2023.

It is off dry, but you barely notice the 37g/l of residual sugar because of its high (5g/l) acidity. And its 20 years in bottle have given an extra dimension of richness and flavour complexity which somehow disguises any sense of sweetness in the wine. The fruit aromas and flavours range from orange blossom and ginger spice to white peaches and candied citrus. The cool, wet 2002 vintage has given remarkable freshness and vibrancy to the wine, even at 21 years of age.

Quite simply, this wine is one of the most memorable examples of the Chenin Blanc grape I have ever tasted! Winemaker’s tip:- Serve as an aperitif or with foie gras or blue cheeses.