Huet 2003 Clos du Bourg Moelleux 1er Trie - Prearrival (Arrives 8/27)

"At twenty years of age this shows an appropriately evolved bronze-gold hue in the glass. Aromatically it presents a pure and smoky profile, with layers of mineral-dusted fruits, particularly desiccated peach and orange, with slowly unfurling notes of sweet yet delicately bitter citrus, as well as intriguing complexities reminiscent of bergamot, cardamom and black pepper, all countered by a vein of preserved lemon freshness. The palate shows a beautifully pure composition, still showing great sweetness and a velvety texture which suggests there is still some youthful build yet to be shaken down, so there is still plenty of room for development here. Nevertheless, beneath these textured upper layers I see elements of sinew and a taut, energetic construct, with layers of powdered phenolic substance, and a fresh poise. Elements suggestive of dried orange, bergamot, liquorice, black pepper and cardamom provide complex interest here, before a long shimmering finish. It has great length too, and a more defined sense of balance and delineation than the Cuvée Constance in the same vintage. This has a fabulous future ahead of it." Wine Doctor 2023 tasting