Domaine de la Fontainerie Sec "Coteau Les Brûlés" 2000 AOC Vouvray 750mL

We think we're pretty lucky to be able to bring this piece of Vouvray history from the turn of the millennium to Australia. The Coteau Les Brûlés vineyard, meaning burned hills, is a tiny vineyard of 1.7ha sitting above the caves of the Domain. The vines are 45-50 years old and Catherine always uses old oak for this wine from barrels previously used for at least 4 vintages of the Fontainerie vineyard wines. 

With full southern aspect (hence the name burned hills), this is often one of the sweeter cuvées from the Domain, but the 2000 is very much a dry ("Sec") style, with just 1.9g of residual sugar. Excellent acidity means this 24 year old wine still has surprising freshness, but you should definitely expect some oxidative character (a hint of sherry flavour), which reminded us of aged cheese rind. It has wonderful complexity and roasted nut characteristics from age. The fruit flavours have transformed into honeycomb and caramelised pineapple notes. 

Having spent it's life prior to export resting in the limestone caves of the estate, it's not often you will have the chance to try a Chenin Blanc of this age and provenance, at what we think is an extraordinarily good price. Note that there will be some discolouration on some glass due to the moisture in the cave, but the labels are brand new.