B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
Over his many decades at the renowned Domaine de Aubuisieres, Bernard Fouquet has done as much as anyone to define the Vouvray appellation on the world stage, and the wines have long been fan-favorite best-sellers at B-21. Having entered retirement in 2023, Fouquet handed his treasured domaine to a new generation of talent in winemaker Charles Lesaffre, who continues Fouquet's excellent track record for quality and value.
We've cultivated quite the fanbase for the domaine's entry-level Cuvée de Silex, and after a recent tasting of the newly arrived 2023 vintage, we can confidently say it's another value standout that will thrill long-time fans.Made from 60-year-old vines on ... you guessed it, silex soils. Flinty and mineral to the core, the 2023 Silex conveys its terroir in exceptional fashion. We'd also be remiss if we didn't highlight the domaine's marvelous single-vineyard bottlings, like the 2022 Le Peitt Clos. Made from a coveted, two-hectare site on argilo-calcaire (limestone) soils, which was reaquired from Domaine Huet in 2013, the 2022 Le Petit Clos likewise shows its origins in spades. Rounder and riper than the Silex (thanks in part to vinification in sandstone amphorae), this wine displays the fuller side of Chenin Blanc – "deep, full-bodied, focused and complex, with superb depth at the core, lovely soil reflection and grip, zesty acids and just a kiss of sweetness on the attack," as described by John Gilman of View From the Cellar.
Not often do we find benchmark examples like these with top-tier pedigree for under $25, but this pair more than maintains the world-class value reputation that has made Aubuisieres such an admired domaine for our clients over the years. |