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Tasting Notes
The profile of this wine is extraordinary and quite unique with Condrieu-esque aromatics contrasting with an incredibly vibrant freshness more akin to a top Puligny. An exuberant nose of citrus blossom, honeysuckle and ripe apricots leads to a beautiful, oily, textural richness on the palate, counterpointed by laser-like acidity. The wine is both unctuous and fruity, with great structure, power and concentration and brimming with apricot, mango and nectar-like flavours, yet is fantastically taut and refreshing. Great overall balance and finesse will see this wine age beautifully over the next decade. The 2014 was hard to beat but the 2015 stands out for its exceptional clarity and precision on the palate.
Critic Scores
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Viré-Clessé Cuvée E. J. Thevenet opens in the glass with notes of fresh peach, confit lemons, white flowers and clear honey. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, with striking concentration, lively acids and plenty of well-concealed structure. Long and penetrating, this is a Viré-Clessé with considerable potential for the long haul, and though it will be released later this year, simply because the winery hasn't anything else to sell, I encourage readers to be as patient as possible. Gautier Thevenet suggests that this evokes the 2005 vintage, but it also bears more than a passing resemblance to the 1989—which is drinking at its peak today, age thirty.
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About the producer
Domaine de la Bongran is no ordinary Mâconnais estate. Since Jean Thévenet took over the domaine in 1972, this Viré-Clessé producer has become a cult name – with Jean a pioneer of organics and minimal intervention, as well as the estate’s unique wine style.