M. Chapoutier Muscat de Beaumes de Venise 375ml, Rhone Valley 2020

Muscat Blanc 100%

Maison M. Chapoutier is one of the most recognizable – and sizeable – producers in the Rhône Valley. It is known for its wines from both the north and south of the valley, but in particular for its red and white Hermitage wines, made from Syrah and a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne, respectively.

The family’s history in the Rhône dates back to 1808, but it wasn’t until 1879 that Polydor Chapoutier transitioned the family from growing grapes to making and trading wine. In 1988, Michel Chapoutier took the company reins, and a push toward quality saw the Chapoutier label begin to gain international recognition.

A great wine, perhaps the one most able to express what the terroir of Chablis really is like. The colour is pale gold yellow, with greenish hints. Refined nose, with aromas of lily (“fleur de lys”), honey or preserved lemon. Astounding depth and velvety sensation (“gras”) on the palate, with some delicate marine nuances. Intense and long aftertaste. After five or six years, even more complex and subtle aromas develop in the wine. A wine of incomparable finesse.

Colour: golden yellow with a franck, steady and brilliant colour.
Nose: powerful, rich and elegant, with aromas of candied fruits and flowers.
Palate: well-balanced, with a great length and a good and steady aromatic persistency. This is a wine without excessive sweetness.

Jeb Dunnuck – 94/100 points