2014 Pouilly-Fuisse Les Combes Vieilles Vignes

Faces south in Pouilly. Vines are more than 70 years old. Small grapes. Lots of clay. 25% new oak. Very rich and broad – very forward but with a fine undertow of luscious sappiness, racy lime. Spicy and quite rich. Very long. (JR)

(from very old, low-yielding vines on clay-rich soil in Davayé; the parcel that faces north is harvested almost two weeks later than the one that faces south; 100% in fût , 25% new; bottled in July): Bright, pale yellow. Very ripe but reticent aromas of stone fruits and smoky oak, with tropical fruit hints emerging with air. Fat and rich in a southern style but dry for all its texture and sucrosité , as the ripe stone fruit flavors are nicely buffered by acidity and minerality (there's little limestone in these parcels). Finishes tactile, chewy and long. This very broad, serious wine boasts terrific material.

The 2014 Pouilly-Fuissé Les Combes Vieilles Vignes comes from 70-year old vines and sees 25% new oak for 7 months. It has a flattering roundness on the nose, hints of rosewater and peach infusing the citrus aromas. The palate is reins things back a little with lemon zest, apricot and sliced mango. There is an effervescent finish here, an energetic Pouilly-Fuissé that is bright and vivid. Drink this over the next 8 to 10 years if you can resist.