Clos du Boux Epesses 2020, Luc Massy

More complex than the La Crosse, more accessible than Chemin de Fer, this is an apéritif Chasselas just how we like them back in Vaud.

The 2016 vintage is amazing - it was already really good before it was bottled, when I tasted it in June 2017 at the Caves Ouvertes. But with an extra year to rest, it is now stellar Chasselas. Fruity, zingy, and very open and approachable. One to sip when it gets warm.

Ben says of the 2016 (August 2018): By chance, we opened a bottle today straight from the cellar, rather than the fridge. This was prior to reading the last sentence that Joelle wrote last year. She was absolutely correct. It is lovely to sip when warm. (Warm being cool rather than chilled, in this case.) As with many white wines, the warmer temperature leaves the aromas, flavours and potential problems nowhere to hide. This means that the full depth of aromas and flavours are very apparent. Chasselas is not known for being anything much more than neutral so this comes as a huge surprise with a boldness that belies any assumptions. This is Chasselas with serious attitude and makes you want it more and more.

(November 2018): In a wonderful development, the wine has added a lovely rush of spun sugar/candy floss on the finish.)