2017 Clos St Denis

Unusually, in 2017, the winemaker Benoit picked the Grand Crus first. A hailstorm in July knocked out about 20% of his Grand Cru yield which he describes as a “natural green harvest”. He believes this 20% loss was a huge benefit to the vintage, creating a distinct increase in quality in terms of concentration on the final crop. For Benoit the balance and ripeness levels in his 2017s were perfect. Made from two separate plots with a significant part situated on the higher slope of the vineyard where there is a lot less topsoil results in a tremendous mouth-watering acidity and mineral power. There is also a fine elegant silky suppleness and concentration to the black cherry, blackberry pastille fruit, as well as complex aromas of smoky aromatic tea and dark chocolate. Long length, great freshness. Powerful stuff!