2024 Clos des Lunes Lune d'Argent

The Bernard family (Domaine de Chevalier) also produces CLOS DES LUNES – Lune D'Argent, made in the Sauternes appellation. We, and the first wine journalists, have tasted this wine ourselves, and it is likely one of the best white wines produced by Domaine de Chevalier. Considering the excellent price, it could well become the highest-scoring white Bordeaux. The 2023 vintage looks set to be an exceptional one for white Bordeaux wines. Clos Des Lunes is a Bordeaux Blanc (dry wine) located in the Sauternes appellation and made from old vines of Sauvignon and Sémillon. This is a very high-quality white wine at a very affordable price!

The Lune D'Argent, with its fresh and floral sweetness of Sémillon in its favored terroir, combined with a touch of Sauvignon Blanc for vibrancy and brilliance, is a unique, epicurean experience! Spring white flowers and citrus peel express themselves purely. An intense, full-bodied flavor with controlled power. The lively and flavorful acidity balances the whole. A refined finish. This wine pairs wonderfully with seafood (langoustines, scallops, shellfish), fish, cheeses (Comté, blue cheeses), and white meat.

FACT: This wine comes from an exceptional terroir and is neighbored by Château Yquem, Château d'Arche, and Château Guiraud. You'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine in the Appendix tab. We'll automatically send it to you when you order this wine, and if you pick it up from our beautifully climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, you'll also receive a generous discount.

In 2011, Olivier Bernard of Domaine de Chevalier launched his Clos des Lunes project in Sauternes, working with approximately 60 hectares of vineyards spread across five different communes, primarily Sauternes itself, Bommes, and Barsac. The fruit is harvested by hand, plot by plot, sometimes in multiple "trials" to select only the ripe bunches; pressing is a major undertaking; and vinification takes place in 50-hectoliter vats and, for the best fruit, in barrels. A selection of the best barrels is then isolated and bottled separately under the Lune d'Or label. These wines contain approximately 70% Sémillon, and while this varietal is undeniably Bordeaux's finest white grape, it also presents a challenge, as Sémillon takes time to reveal its potential, add texture, and develop its aromatic range, only with some bottle age. This Clos des Lunes terroir is a beautiful hilly vineyard planted with old Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The 33-hectare area comprises 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. The average age of the vineyard is 30 years. The vines originate from two complementary terroirs: the Sauternes terroir, composed of deep gravel with underground springs that give the wine its strength, and the Bommes terroir, composed of gravelly soils on a clay and limestone subsoil that brings freshness to the wine.

WINE AND FOOD SUGGESTIONS

• Oysters or fruits de mer plateau

  • The salty minerality and fresh acidity of Lune d'Argent perfectly enhance the briny flavours of shellfish and oysters.

• Baked scallops with beurre blanc

  • The creaminess of the sauce and the delicate scallop flesh are beautifully balanced by the freshness and light woody notes of the wine.

• Grilled chicken with lemon and Provencal herbs

  • The structure of the wine can carry the light meat and spicy elements well, while the acidity freshens the dish.

• Pasta with salmon and dill cream sauce

  • The wine's round body complements the creamy sauce, while the citrusy freshness accentuates the salmon.

• Asparagus with hollandaise sauce

  • The typical challenge of asparagus is perfectly tempered by the combination of fresh acidity and ripe notes in the wine.