I visited this little 14-hectare, rolling hillside vineyard back in February. Typical of France, the vigneron was 6th generation manager of the property. I loved the wine straight from the tank, crisp, citrusy, complex and delicious to drink now - a perfect Spring/Summer White. And, while 2021 wasn't as nice to the red varietals, its was particularly good for Entre-Deaux-Mer whites varietals providing excellent freshness and acidity.
Usually scoring in the 88- to 89-point range under its Chateau label (which is the range to buy when you are looking for near-term drinkers), Lot 291 is a steal at $13/bottle.
The vines are all over 25-years old and planted in silty, pebbly soils with a little bit of clay that helps with water retention. To preserve freshness, the wine is vinified in all stainless steel and then aged on its lees for about 2-months to push the fruit while adding suppleness and smoothness to the mid-palate. Simple method, complex wine.
The bouquet is lovely and intense with uplifted herbal aromas, pretty citrus and tropical fruit-laden minerality. Zippy and mouthwatering on entry with excellent energy and freshness with tropical fruit, grass notes and beautiful acidity in the mouth that is perfectly balanced leading to pure, supple, well-delineated finish.
Fresh, pure, energetic and perfect for a warm day aperitif or light fare such as seafood, fish, or goat cheese. Will age nicely over the next couple of years with the addition of the Semillon.
100% Estate, 100% Entre-Deaux-Mers (entrance of two tides referring to the two tidal rivers Garonne and Dordogne which is why the soils are so silty and gravelly).
85% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillon 5% Muscadelle
Bottling April 17th
Approximately 500-600 cases will be produced.
