Many readers will by now be well-aware of Picq's excellence, but fans of that domaine should pay attention to the rising Chablis superstar Domaine Gueguen. These two producers are both emphatic representatives of a school of Chablis winemaking that strives for purity, producing intense, mineral-driven, "lean and mean" Chablis. Neither domaine owns a single oak barrel; both are raised in tank but each with its own "house style" - Picq's first-release wines see around 12 months on fine lees and consequently display a richness and depth uncommon for Chablis at this level, while Gueguen gives the whole range 6 months on lees and consequently the wines feel more vibrant, cooler, and more austere. What makes Gueguen's wines so full of character is not only the purity by which they express their site, but also a distinctive marine-inflected salinity across the wines. For those who want a textbook example of ‘sea-spray’ in Chablis, look no further!
The quality of fruit across Chablis in 2022 is astounding – growers couldn’t have asked for a more perfect vintage and the wines certainly reflect this: perfect ripeness but still ample purity, and ‘Chablisien’ characteristics of wet stones, oyster shells & white fruits abound. Having tasted Picq's new Vauclaire as well as the well-renowned En Vadecorce in 2022, we can confidently say this a sure contender for one of Picq's greatest vintages to date. The En Vaudecorce in particular is showing like a top-level premier cru (at least!) in terms of power, length, and finesse. Tasting through the Gueguen 2022s, we could only smile - these are best-in-class across the range, particularly the Vaucopin which is an absolute steal under $100!
The quality of fruit across Chablis in 2022 is astounding – growers couldn’t have asked for a more perfect vintage and the wines certainly reflect this: perfect ripeness but still ample purity, and ‘Chablisien’ characteristics of wet stones, oyster shells & white fruits abound. Having tasted Picq's new Vauclaire as well as the well-renowned En Vadecorce in 2022, we can confidently say this a sure contender for one of Picq's greatest vintages to date. The En Vaudecorce in particular is showing like a top-level premier cru (at least!) in terms of power, length, and finesse. Tasting through the Gueguen 2022s, we could only smile - these are best-in-class across the range, particularly the Vaucopin which is an absolute steal under $100!
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8 products
