2023 Olivier Merlin Pouilly-Fuissé Clos de France Premier Cru

Olivier and Corinne Merlin's estate is located in the predestined village of Roche-Vineuse (literally: wine rock!) in the Mâconnais region. Burgundy, Mâcon, and Beaujolais form the estate's core range. Olivier studied oenology in Beaune and then worked as a cellar master in the Jura, where he met his wife, Corinne. In 1985, he moved to California's Napa Valley to vinify two vintages. In early 1987, he took over the 4.5-hectare Domaine du Vieux Saint-Sortin. The old and dilapidated estate had been in the same family since 1750. Since then, Olivier and Corinne's successful rise seems unstoppable. Olivier combines ancient wine wisdom, keen observation, and hard work in the vineyards with modern technology. An essential part of his philosophy is leaving a harvested and plowed vineyard fallow for four to five years. No synthetic pesticides or fertilizers are used; at Moulin-à-Vent, the vineyards are even worked with traditional horsepower. No trendy nonsense, just plain old common sense. The result can be summarized in four words: Balance, Purity, Complexity, and Harmony.

The Merlin Clos de France Premier Cru was only released for the first time in the 2018 vintage. The Chardonnay vineyard was planted in 1965 and 1985, so the vines are quite old and yield low. The steep vineyard (15%) faces east and has a chalky slate soil. The Clos de France has notes of pear, green apple, and fresh bread, and on the palate, this Pouilly-Fuissé is medium to full-bodied with a satiny finish and perfect acidity. A maximum of around 1,800 bottles of this superb wine are produced, making it a definite collector's item.