Tasting note

The 2017 Chénas Vieilles Vignes comes from clayey soils and underwent an élevage of seven months in used barrel. It suffered hail damage, some 20% having been lost during the storms that year. Thevent admitted that this could pass as a Burgundy Pinot in a blind tasting, and he is correct there. Scents of iodine, blueberry and violet gently unfold from the glass, quite intense and well defined. The palate is full of crunchy red fruit laced with white pepper and sage. Delivering very good depth and grip on the finish, this feels cohesive and persistent. An excellent Chénas from the top drawer.

Score: 93

Neal Martin, Vinous.com, August 2021