Domaine Huet 2020 Vouvray Moelleux 1ere Trie, Clos du Bourg, AOC

Domaine Huet 2020 Vouvray Moelleux 1ere Trie, Clos du Bourg, AOC

Item Number: 15507

UPC: None

Country: France
Region: Loire
Sub Region: Touraine
Appellation/AVA: Vouvray AOC
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Clos du Bourg
Vintage: 2020
Grape(s): 100% Chenin Blanc
Type: Wine - Dessert
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Viticulture: Certified Biodynamic
Soil Type: Limestone

Clos du Bourg Vineyard: This ancient, walled six-hectare vineyard has the estate’s shallowest, stoniest soils (about 20 cm of soil over limestone). The wines are rich and intense with structure, power, and unreal texture. Indisputably grand cru, many consider this to be Vouvray’s finest single vineyard. Biodynamic since 1993. The domaine purchased the vineyard in 1953.

Harvest: Manual
Pressing: Direct and gently
Yeast: Indigenous
Vessel: Combination of vats and old barrels

Vintage Report by Wine Advocate 5/2021 (click to read full article) : "...As we know from vintages dating back 92 years at Domaine Huet, it is the vintage that decides the styles of the Vouvrays produced here. 'Our production changes every year and is adapted to what nature allows,' confirms Sarah, stressing that 'it remains vital that the wines remain pure, energetic and balanced, and that we highlight our terroirs through the lens of each growing season.'

In 2020, the reserve of rainwater, combined with the warm winter and hot summer, meant that the vines had ample resources to provide to the bunches. This was very much in contrast to 2019, which saw a very dry season without water reserves in the earth.

As always, the fruit at Huet is seductive, fine and elegant. And the wines themselves show no inaccuracies and are as precise, clear and elegant as ever. The rich Première Trie selections are intense and concentrated but need years to reach the first maturity. Already suitable for enjoyment is the always energetic Le Mont Sec, but there are also the three Demi-Secs, although these will also gain in complexity with the years. The Le Mont Première Trie is a stunning beauty, and the Clos du Bourg Première Trie is not far behind. These are exceptional wines.

No matter which Huet you buy from 2020, disappointment is impossible. Biodynamically cultivated since 1988, the Chenins of Domaine Huet remain icon wines of French wine culture, even under the ownership of the Hwang family."

Reviews

  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: (96-97) (5/13/2021)
    The white-golden colored 2020 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Moelleux Première Trie shows CO2 pearls in the glass, and it indeed opens somewhat reductive, asking for a Burgundy glass. Yet even though the 2020 Clos du Bourg asks for patience, it already indicates a terribly concentrated bouquet of lemon chutney and humid chalk. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich and juicy, very elegant and generous Chenin from this ancient six-hectare grand cru (one of the oldest in France, as the domaine assures). It is immediately attractive, stimulatingly piquant and nourishes hope for a great future. The potential is doubtlessly there, but 7-10 years of our patience is presumed.
  • Vinous
    Rating: (97-98) (3/1/2021)
    The 2020 Clos du Bourg Première Trie comes from a warm parcel and a warm vintage, meaning that the grapes were a little quicker to ripen than the norm – but it's still outstanding. A richly, slightly smoky example with pineapple, orange, florals and agave nectar. Huge intensity and lots of sweet fruit (90g/L), yet it doesn't become lush or heavy, the acidity still making your mouth water in spite of that sucrosity. There's a fine chalky texture that lingers on the long finish. While it's already a delight to encounter now, the combination of acidity and sweetness means this can go on and on. Tasted over three days as an unfinished sample, it was still fresh as a daisy. While it didn't elicit the perfect 100-point goosebumps, there's not a lot to fault here.