Rully Montagne La Folie, Domaine Claudie Jobard 2023

With perfectly ripe fruit from the warm 2023 vintage, Claudie Jobard has once again produced something rather special. Pulling the cork reveals a wine with real presence in the glass, as you're greeted by a seductive, pure, pale-golden hue, leading to aromas of toastiness warmth, hints of citrus, clementine and apricot with subtle notes of almond, marzipan and herb.

The palate is full flavoured and textured with a lovely weight and presence; toasted almond, hazelnut and notes of dried orchard fruit initially, evolving into more exotic fruit white peach, apricot and a touch of marzipan. There's a subtle spice and minerality that emerge as the fruit subsides with a creamy rich character surfacing, tempered by a cleansing citrus zing. The finish is lengthy, warming and complex with clove, spice and further exotic fruit emerging which intermingles with a delicate oak warmth balanced with a freshness of fruit.

As with previous vintages you start to see real evolution after just a few months in bottle and that's the case here. I first tasted this 2023 vintage back in May, and having re-visited it yesterday the greater expression of fruit on both nose, and palate is already evident, with more to come.

It's drinking beautifully now, but there's no rush to pull the cork, further evolution is assured over the next 2-5 years and probably beyond (depending on your desired style).

I find this 2023 a touch more balanced than preceding vintages, that may just be down to an extra 6-months of so in the bottle, but the texture and weight on the palate seems in perfect harmony with the ripe fruit and freshening zip that keeps everything in check.

It's a wine that will again bring great pleasure to those who enjoy the slightly bolder, more textured and rounded style of chardonnay.

13.5% ABV | Drink Now - 2027+

James Russell-Grant | FromVineyardsDirect