2021, Château Fuissé, POUILLY-FUISSÉ, 'Téte de Cuvée'

The Tête de Cuvée is an ongoing PMFW favourite - sourced from the best fruit from right across their vineyards - coming from 20 to 30-year-old vines situated in a variety of terroirs and aged in 40% oak and 60% stainless.

Discreet wood sets off ripe yet cool aromas of citrus confit, floral nuances and crushed fennel. The rich, concentrated and relatively powerful medium-bodied flavours that conclude in a balanced, clean and youthfully austere finale that is shaped by bright lemon-tinged acidity. Outstanding. 90-92 Allen Meadows, Burghound.

The 2021 Pouilly-Fuissé Tête de Cuvée, a blend of different plots, contains slightly more wood maturation than usual due to depleted crop. Therefore, the length of élevage was reduced. It feels just a little conservative on the nose at the moment with vanilla and nutmeg touches, more Côte d'Or than Mâconnais. The palate is balanced with Clementine and citrus peel, tight and linear, perhaps just missing a bit of depth toward the finish. I feel the growing season's challenges compromise this, but it should still repay bottle age thanks to the natural acidity. 89 Neal Martin, Vinous (2023).

Drinking Window: 2024 - 2032