Producer | Clos des Lunes by Domaine de Chevalier |
Country | France |
Region | Bordeaux |
Varietal | Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon |
Vintage | 2018 |
Sku | 760290640542 |
Size | 750ml |
In 1983 Olivier Bernard, from an old Cognac producing family bought the Domaine de Chevalier, the great Pessac-Léognan estate that was ranked among the Crus Classés for red and white wine in the Classification of Graves wine of 1953 and 1959. But after nearly 35 years of doing the same thing, he also took on winemaking duties at the great Chateau Giraud, the well-known Premier Cru Classé producer of the sweet white wine in Sauternes (where he is also co-owner). But then in 2011 he decided to take on a vanity project – something that would shock the wine world: Clos des Lunes. With it, his mission is clear: create the best dry white wine in Bordeaux, or don’t do anything at all. His plan, take grapes that were destined to easily craft some one of the most desirable dessert wine in the world (Sauterne) which easily fetches three figures – and instead create a white wine masterpiece for less than $25?!?!
The property previously made undistinguished, sweet wines under the name of Chateau Haut Caplane. That is no longer the case, now that Olivier Bernard and his son, Hugo Bernard began turning things around at Clos des Lunes. Today, Hugo Bernard is essentially managing Clos des Lunes. The 45 hectare estate is planted to 70% Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. The vines are old, with an average age of 30 years. Lune d’Argent is the heart of Clos des Lunes’ production, as the estate refers to this wine as their “La Grande Cuvee”!
All work in the vineyards is organic, with the goal of moving to complete, self sustaining, vineyard farming techniques.
"In Sauternes, respect for nature is inextricably linked with the region's viticultural heritage. The development of botrytis, or ‘noble rot’, can only occur in a vineyard where the environment is protected. Reconversion to organic agriculture is relatively straightforward. A traditional, natural, manual approach in the vineyard and winery has been passed on from generation to generation." Olivier Bernard.
This is tightly coiled now, but the range of juicy tangerine, white peach and white ginger notes should unfurl soon enough, carried by a mouthwatering quinine note and ending with a light orange blossom hint on the finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2026. 12,500 cases made. James Molesworth, 3/31/2021.
Tangy aromas and flavors of lemon zest, fresh green pear, yoghurt and hints of beeswax. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity. Flavorful and concentrated with a sleek, phenolic texture. Crushed stones on the finish. Drink or hold. Barrel Sample.
Beautiful white peach, honeysuckle, white flowers, and a touch of toasted almond emerge from the 2018 Lune d'Argent Blanc, and it's medium-bodied, with a balanced, elegant texture, nicely integrated acidity, and plenty of fruit and depth. A blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon, it's going to be even better with another year in bottle and keep for 7-8 years.
The 2018 Lune d’Argent has a perfumed nose of white flowers and honeysuckle, subtle frangipane scents patiently waiting in the background. The palate is well balanced with a slightly honeyed entry, plenty of tropical fruit (passion fruit and guava) and a concentrated, almost viscous finish that lingers in the mouth. Yes, it does come across as a bit heady, but it’s still thoroughly enjoyable.
Full of bright fruits, this offers clear interest with its sparkling notes of citrus and a rich, textured mid-palate. It's rearing to go and a good early drinker. Drinking Window 2019 - 2025.
Tasted by Jane Anson, at Bordeaux, 27 May 2020. Part of Best Bordeaux 2019 wines: Best value whites
The Lune d'Argent comes from the lieu-dit Cap Lanne in the parish of Sauternes. After fermentation in cement tanks, a portion of the new wine was aged in 25% new French oak barrels. The wine was aged on its lees with regular bâtonnage during the six-month aging regimen. A blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc with 13.5% alcohol, the 2018 Lune d'Argent is scented of fresh grapefruit, lemon zest and lime leaves with touches of chalk dust, white pepper and dill seed. Medium-bodied, crisp and clean in the mouth, it has a lovely pure citrusy nature and chalky finish. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MV, 4/23/2019.
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