Domaine du Vieux Puits En Châtenay 2006 Tasting Notes

Pouilly-Fuissé En Châtenay 2005

Our exclusive Pouilly-Fuissé En Châtenay this year comes from the 2005 vintage, which has turned out to be exceptional. The weather was actually drier than in 2003 - but without the searing heat - and a small amount of rain just prior to harvest served to refresh the grapes, enabling our winemaker, Thierry Drouin, to pick them in perfect condition.

Pouilly-Fuissé is one of the most attractive and distinctive styles of white burgundy. It has an element of spritzy minerality that is not found anywhere else in the region. Thierry’s 2005 is a sublime example - delicate floral aromas blend with a subtle spiciness. On the palate juicy fruit is balanced by the gentle oakiness and refreshing citrus acidity, and the finish is long and clean. Thierry aims to emphasise the purity of the fruit in his wines, and only add a hint of oak, which is why only a third of the wine is matured in oak barrels (some French and some American) - the rest being matured in stainless steel cuves to enhance the citrus-fruit freshness in the final blend. This mouth-watering wine has sufficiently opulent fruit to make it attractive for drinking now, but its complexity and length mean it will also repay keeping over the next three or so years. Lightly chilled (not too cold - a couple of hours in the fridge is enough) this is a delightful apéritif, but it will also be a fantastic accompaniment to foie gras, grilled fish or white meats with creamy sauces.