B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
Two exceptional 93 pt. Pessac Leognan Bordeaux Blancs for under $20? Sign me up! From the team at Domaine de Chevalier, described as “one of the true elite yet under the radar properties in Bordeaux,” by Antonio Galloni of Vinous, the 93 pt. 2021 and 2022 Clos des Lune Lune d’Argent Blanc layer rich aromatic flavors of exotic white fruit and citrus with saline-tinged minerality, a sure bet for fans of white Bordeaux and anyone seeking an enticing dry French white at an outstanding value.
Located in the communes of Sauternes and Bommes, the Haut Caplane estate was purchased by Olivier Bernard in 2011, its prime location near Chateaux d’Yquem and Guiraud considered outstanding terroir for growing the Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc typically reserved for the region’s iconic sweet wines. With extensive experience in the region as the owner of Domaine de Chevalier and Chateau Lespault-Martillac, Bernard renamed the estate Clos des Lunes, establishing it as a new dry white project and expanding the vineyard holdings to over 60 hectares including numerous old vine parcels. Situated on rolling hillsides, the organically farmed vineyard is planted to 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc in gravel soil mixed with clay, sand, and limestone, manually harvested plot by plot on multiple passes to ensure only evenly ripened grapes are selected. Employing the winemaking expertise of Domaine de Chevalier, the 2021 and 2022 Clos des Lune Lune D’Argent Blanc were aged on the lees with regular stirring for 6 to 7 months, 25% in barrels and the remainder in small stainless vats to preserve the freshness and precise flavors of the fruit. Described as boasting “unctuous juiciness from start to finish” by Decanter’s Georgina Hindle, the 93 pt. 2021 Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent Blanc “has beautiful clarity and precision on the palate, with vibrant acidity giving life and excitement” on a “lingering, mouthwatering finish” according to James Molesworth of the Wine Spectator, while the 93 pt. 2022 Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent Blanc offers “a lively, refreshing bouquet followed by a juicy, round and fleshy palate, concluding with a bright, lemony finish” according to the Wine Advocate’s Yohang Castaing, both vintages considered optimal for producing dry Bordeaux Blanc.
Crafted with the technical savvy of the Domaine de Chevalier team at a fraction of the price, the 93 pt. 2021 and 2022 Clos des Lune Lune D’Argent reveal a harmonious expression of Semillon’s rich texture and ability to age balanced by the fresh flavors and vibrant acidity of Sauvignon Blanc, bargain priced to stock the cooler and enjoy over the next few years without hesitation. |