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Tasting Notes
The nose of the 2016 Viré-Clessé (previously known as Cuvée Tradition, now Cuvée E.J. Thévenet) is gorgeous. Freshly cut apricots, honey and florals entice, with a generosity of fruit that is instantly alluring. The palate is deliciously creamy in texture, with tighter and more youthful notes of crunchy pears alongside gently stewed apples. There’s the slightest hint of orange zest, with a soft, chalky mineral line that drives to the finish. Versus the tauter, tighter 2015, this is much more open and riper in profile. While drinking well already, this will offer much more if you can exercise restraint and watch it evolve over the coming decade or more.
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About the producer
Domaine de la Bongran is no ordinary Mâconnais estate. Since Jean Thévenet took over the domaine in 1972, this Viré-Clessé producer has become a cult name – with Jean a pioneer of organics and minimal intervention, as well as the estate’s unique wine style.