2022 Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly-Fuissé Les Courtelongs, Maconnais

Note: from very old vines that typically produce extremely tiny berries

A background application of wood sets off the cool and perfumed nose of essence of pear, citrus zest, anise and plenty of floral nuances. The rich and enveloping, even plump and fleshy, medium-bodied flavors also possess excellent volume while offering more refinement on the youthfully austere and very dry finale. This is packed with upside development potential and 5 to 8 years of cellaring should see it at its best.

91-93 points Allen Meadows burghound.com Aug 2023 Drink 2028+

Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly-Fuissé Les Courtelongs is an exquisite Chardonnay from the Mâconnais region in southern Burgundy, crafted by the renowned Saumaize-Michelin estate. Known for their dedication to biodynamic practices and meticulous winemaking, the estate produces wines that beautifully express the terroir of Pouilly-Fuissé. Les Courtelongs, a single-vineyard wine, is a shining example of their commitment to quality, combining richness, minerality, and finesse.

The Les Courtelongs vineyard is situated on the limestone-rich slopes of Pouilly-Fuissé, a hallmark of the region’s terroir. These soils, along with a temperate climate, provide ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay with bright acidity, expressive aromatics, and a distinctive mineral backbone. The vines, many of which are over 50 years old, yield concentrated fruit that forms the foundation of this wine’s complexity and depth.

Saumaize-Michelin adheres to biodynamic farming principles, ensuring the health and vitality of the vineyard while preserving the purity of the fruit. Grapes are hand-harvested and gently pressed, with fermentation taking place in French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts. The wine is aged on fine lees for 10-12 months, with a careful balance of oak influence to enhance texture and complexity without overshadowing the natural freshness and precision of the Chardonnay.

In the glass, Les Courtelongs displays a luminous pale gold hue. The nose is vibrant and complex, offering aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and citrus zest, layered with notes of acacia flowers, toasted almonds, and wet stone. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet elegant, with flavors of orchard fruits, lemon curd, and a subtle hint of vanilla, framed by a lively acidity and a finely textured mineral finish.

This wine is a versatile companion for a variety of dishes, pairing beautifully with butter-poached lobster, roasted poultry, or creamy mushroom risotto. It also complements soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert and makes an excellent choice for special occasions. While delightful now, Les Courtelongs has the structure to age gracefully for 8-10 years, developing greater complexity over time.