Roche Bleue NV Jasnières Clos des Molières (21/22)

100% Chenin Blanc, from 35 year-old vines on a slope of clay/silex soils on limestone, certified organic. Slow pressing of whole clusters; long, slow one year fermentation, most in 4 to 6 year-old barriques, the younger vines in cuve inox; élevage in 6 year-old barrels. "In 2021, we had a small harvest that gave very elegant and intense whites, but with less structure. During maturation, the wine did not find its balance. Since we do not add oenological products to correct the wines, we looked for a natural solution. In 2022, the vines were much more generous and the profile of the wines during maturation was very complementary to those of 2021, the structure and richness that 2021 lacked. We then decided to make a blend of 60% 2021 and 40% 2022." The resulting wine is a beautiful Chenin with firm acidity and beautiful mineral notes, with the lovely ripeness of the 2022 vintage as well. Decant if drinking now, this elegant wine will age beautifully. An interesting blend of the two vintages, showing ripe tree fruit notes with baking spice from one with a slight salinity and crunchy minerality with juicy acidity from the other. In short, perfectly balanced, layered and intense, quite the happy feat. GH