Viré-Clessé Vieilles Vignes, Meurgey-Croses 2022

Our second vintage from Pierre, who divides his time between vineyards in Macon and the Cote d’Or, the latter being made in Chateau de Bligny, formerly the winemaking base of Jane Eyre. Pierre characterises 2022 has having “ ripeness and preserved freshness" . He suggests that despite the hot year the wines do not have the same concentration as 2020 - which were more forced because of the early harvest, and instead show a greater natural balance, being made from “ happy fruit ” as he puts it. He notes the wines have gained more body during élévage but retain a fresher style than normal solar vintages. Head Wine Guru Tom's notes are a little brief as an unexpected appointment to taste the Hospices de Beaune 2023 wines at the cuverie prior to this year’s auction cut across our appointment so we raced through these wines with almost indecent haste! We highly suggest you take your time to appreciate them more leisurely as there is plenty to enjoy here. “From a single vineyard ‘Le Mont’ in Clessé with vines that are pushing 70 years old, matured in large 450l foudres. A sophisticated, herbal nose – tarragon and chamomile and a touch of citrus oils. Pear skin and a touch of yellow plum too extends on to the palate which shows appealing vivacity and minerality, with a herbaceous lift on the finish. This offers a high degree of complexity for Macon, no doubt the old vines imparting wisdom not wrinkles!” Tom Harrow, Head Wine Guru