Arbois Blanc, Chardonnay, “Vieilles Vignes”

Aged for 2 years in small barrels that are not topped off, this is a classic example of Chardonnay from the Jura, very clean with a citrus-leaning nose. It is not especially nutty or wild and shows only a subtle influence of the voile--with only 2 years of aging, there not enough time for the veil to fully develop. The fruit is impressively compact, and the nose has a slightly bitter orange-peel note and flavors of white flowers and aromatic herbs. This wine leans medicinal and has the expressiveness of an artisanal vermouth. It is a truly pleasurable wine to drink now or lay down for a few years.