Menetou-Salon Rouge, “35 Rangs”

“35 Rangs” is produced from 35 rows of Pinot Noir planted by Philippe’s grandfather in the early 1960s in the iron-laced Kimmeridgian soils of the Champaloin vineyard. He employs 40-50% whole clusters in the vinification, which lends the wine an upper register of savory spices that beautifully complements its ripe, tangy cherry fruit. Aged for 18 months in well-worn 600-liter barrels, the “35 Rangs” offers surprising depth for a Pinot Noir from this zone, with rippling energy that speaks of ultra-healthy fruit, and enough lurking power to suggest at least a decade more of upside in the cellar. Only 20 cases are available for the US market.