Domaine Belargus - Quarts 2020

DECANTER: "Bone dry, with attractive, honeyed and vanilla notes, a vibrant, mouthfilling texture and a very long, precise and pure finish that shows light saline notes despite still being a little closed at the end, although this demonstrates its potential to evolve with further time in bottle. The south-facing Les Quarts (3.08ha) gave its name to the Quarts de Chaume, as the lords of the Haute Guerche, as tenants of the vineyards, paid the nuns of the Ronceray Abbey with the best quarter of their harvest. These vines were planted between 1987 and 1991 in loamy clays over schist. Grapes were picked on 17 September with a yield of 31hl/ha. Fermented and aged in barrels of 228 and 400 litres with an average age of five years for 14 months. Bottled 23 November 2021."

WINE SPECTATOR: " Shows generous smoky power and purity, with crushed rock merging with stone fruit, flower blossoms and heather. Offers toasted almond and subtle vanilla accents, which add softness to the steely, densely structured, creamy palate. The long finish is marked by white pepper and quinine bitterness. Packs serious freshness and harmony. Drink now through 2035. 125 cases made, 50 cases imported."