Les Terres Blanches

This vineyard, with its very white soils, sits just above Les Argillières. Patrice and Maxime have been working on obtaining more texture in the wine by crushing the grapes before pressing and it certainly adds an extra dimension to the peachy, floral fruit and chalky limestone freshness. Drink 2021-2027.

Patrice explains that the hard work they did at the start of the year in pruning short and carrying out a severe de-budding, as well as a little green harvesting on younger vines, paid dividends in terms of avoiding excessive yields and consequent dilution. The dry and warm conditions towards the end of the season allowed them the luxury of choosing when to harvest, in fact beginning on 9th September. Patrice compares the vintage to 1979 and 1989, highlighting the wines’ impeccable balance and freshness (the latter he prefers over power) as particular strengths. Our notes indicate whether the wines are domaine or négoce bottlings.

This unusual terroir with its very white oolitic limestone soils sits just above Les Argillières and is perfect for white grapes. It’s mainly Chardonnay, with 10% Pinot Blanc, and only 5% new oak this year. There’s a touch of peppery spice and, in youth, a note of coconut in this rich and individual wine. Drink 2021-2027.