2014 VDF 'Rive Droite'

Quite light in colour with darker edges. Looks like Pinot. Refined nose, lots of red cherries, red roses, faint five spice notes and macerated strawberries. In the background you have wafts of pouch tobacco, if ever so light – this is the beauty of the Meunier. It is almost musty, but it is faint and much more reminiscent of tobacco. In the beginning, the fruit is subdued somewhat – this has been sleeping. You think of Burgundy, but you can tell it’s a bit different. In the mouth it is light, with fresh strawberries, red cherries, red apple crunch, and a delicate texture. The palate is much more lifted than the nose would suggest. Very fresh in the mouth for a wine of this age, with a mineral core, and very fine tannins which add gentle structure. Quite a bit of tension from the tannins and the minerality, and a touch of tobacco on the back palate – which is what makes this so interesting. It’s fine bone structure makes it much more pleasant and interesting than a fruit bomb, and the restraint is excellent. Quite weightless really, with gentle medium acidity. Also a wine that you can leave out for a few days and watch it change. I have no doubt these will age for a long, long time, but the pleasure is there now.