The Chardonnay and Auxerrois vines have now reached 25 years old in the Windsbuhl! It definitely shows as these vines are now very consistent and regular. Being slightly earlier ripening and in a cooler micro-climate, they performed very well in 2014. I am often asked to explain this choice of grape variety and the answer is simple: Auxerrois often needs to be blended with another grape that brings structure and acidity and the classic choice is Pinot Blanc. For some reasons, it is difficult to find great massal selections of Pinot Blanc (I’m open to propositions!) and Chardonnay came as natural choice, especially if one consider the old rocky limestone soil of the Windsbuhl. We only planted it in the part of the Clos the nearest to the forest and therefore the coolest, hence the choice of a more precocious grape.

6/2016: light yellow bright colour. The nose shows light mineral/wet rock aromatics. Not yet fully open, but very profound and showing delicate white fruits with time. This is perhaps one of the purest expression of this wine. The palate is elegant, dry, very well structured and showing the classic acidity of the vintage. Long finish, can be enjoyed now, but will develop nicely in the next few years. It is also a wine which is very easy to use at the table.