This 11.4-acre parcel sustains some of the domaine’s oldest vines, planted in 1962 and ’76 on a gravelly terrace over a limestone slope along the bank of the Vienne River. They produce a wine that seems to explode with mineral tannins, bold and powerful, gracious enough when the bottle is first opened, but best two or three days later. At that point, all the wine’s beauty is on display, its deep fruit, accents of persimmon, and black-pepper-tannic intensity melding into classical franc richness. This should continue to develop for ten years or more.

A bramble- and bay leaf–edged version, with a mix of dark cherry and red currant fruit forming the core. Light singed tobacco and a fresh chalk threads line the finish. Long and refined, showing a lovely tug of earth at the end. Drink now through 2026. - JM