2020 Pouilly-Fumé La Belle Endormie, Domaine Agisson

This is the inaugural vintage of Jean-Philippe`s Pouilly-Fumé, from a 0.5 hectare plot of organically cultivated vines he purchased in 2019. The 35-year-old vineyard is in Tracy Sur Loire, the parcel being named `Les Champs Billards`, where large pebbles lie over limestone bedrock. Given Jean-Philippe`s wealth of experience making Sauvignon Blanc from Pouilly at Domaine Didier Dagueneau (where he is Head Winemaker), it is no surprise that this wine is a beauty. He has named it `La Belle Endormie` – Sleeping Beauty – as this is how he views Pouilly, which can fall into the shadow of its often more celebrated neighbour, Sancerre. Pale lemon-green colour, aromas are intense and alluring, being floral, spicy and gooseberry scented. Palate is medium bodied, with rich, complex, perfumed fruitiness, a fine, elegant texture, and a finish that is crisp and thirst-quenching (for drinking 2021-2024).