Ch. Rives-Blanques 2019 Cuvée Dédicace Limoux

17++ punten Jancis Robinson
100% Chenin Blanc grown at 350–380 m on Eocene molasse with marl, sandstone, schist and pebbles. In conversion to organic. Vines 20–50 years old, yields 45 hl/ha. From three parcels, vinified separately. Hand-sorted, only the best free-run juice used. Fermented and aged in seasoned oak barrels. Coarse filter. RS 1.4 g/l, pH 3.19, TA 4.75 g/l. Bottled 6 June 2020. 4,600 bottles.

Tasting this blind in a line-up of about 10 Languedoc whites, I wrote, 'Fab! I can smell and taste the oak, but this is a very young wine with a long life ahead of it and is bursting with potential. The structure of the acidity, as complex and as beautiful and as fascinating as a snowflake, gave me goosebumps.' Spicy oak and the heady spicy floral scent of viburnum flowers on the nose. Dried pears on the palate, crushed cardamom, a tingle of white pepper. You could easily drink this now but it would be a great shame. This wine has so much structure and depth. Grit your teeth and pop it in the cellar for another year at least. It deserves it and you will be glad you did it.