2019 Montlouis Sec Clos Michet, Domaine de la Taille aux Loups

The highly-respected father and son team of Jacky and Jean-Philippe Blot owns and runs Domaine de la Taille aux Loups in Montlouis. Their Clos Michet cuvée captured our attention with this 2019 vintage, being a generously aromatic yet taut expression of Chenin Blanc. The Clos is a well-exposed, south facing vineyard, where the 40-60 year old vines grow in sandy-clay soil over pure limestone. The wine was fermented and aged in french barrels, 20% of which were new. The colour is a glistening gold, with tightly-woven apple, apricot and peach aromas and gentle hints of spiced hazelnuts bringing complexity. Full and intensely flavoured on the palate, the texture is elegant and satiny, with breathtaking freshness to finish. A fabulous wine, to treat as one would a fine white burgundy (for drinking 2021 – 2026+).