2016 Clau De Nell Grolleau, Loire, France (750ml)

WINEMAKER NOTES:

14 months on fine lees; 30% Burgundy casks, used five times before, in ancient troglodyte cellars cut into the limestone hillside on the property, and 70% in large foudre. 

TASTING NOTES:

From 60- to 90-year-old vines yielding 30 to 35 hectoliters per hectare, the clear and fresh, medium-intense purple 2016 Vin de Loire Grolleau is enormously concentrated on the initially reductive and even feral, iodine and floral nose. Medium-bodied, tight and spicy on the palate, this is a lean, straight and tensioned, very characterful and tart Grolleau that is great yet was still without charm when tasted. After three days in the bottle, the wine opens like a very elegant and friendly Nebbiolo from the northern Alps, with floral aromas of roses, violets, tar and red cherries.
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 pts