Guillemot-Michel 2023 Viré-Clessé "Retour a la Terre"

Created in 2017, this cuvee is issued from grapes in the "Champ-Rond" vineyard, vinified in amphora of 800 liters. The 65 year-old vines are grafted on "Riparia Gloire de Montpellier" an old root-stock obtained in 1880, giving very low yields with magnificent small grapes, of a deep gold color. The 2023 Retour a la Terre presents the exotic notes typical of the domaine in a more restrained fashion with an extra dimension of expression due to the respiration of the amphora. The small grapes of "Champ-Rond" ripen beautifully without a high degree of alcohol -  they are picked on the last day of the harvest, and the elevage in amphora gives the wine a great purity. The wine is deeper and more structured than the 2022 and really needs a few years in the cellar, if possible.  A great vintage for "Retour a la Terre" but waiting is highly recommended!  David Lillie