Domaine Belargus - Treilles 2020

JAMES SUCKLING: "A superb chenin, vivid and precise, with great tension, balance and energy. It has aromas of dried pears, spiced apples, cedar, wild herbs and exotic spices, following through to a medium body with bright acidity. So focused, with a vertical dimension on the palate. Succulent, with vitality and drive. Long finish. Drink or hold."

DECANTER: "Citric, floral and richly textured, with a soft and delicate mouthfeel despite being powerful. Very long and, like other vintages of Les Treilles, this has the potential to develop further and age for decades. Would be good with rich fish dishes and roast chicken. Vinification and ageing was in a mix of wooden casks and demi-muids with an average age of five years and barriques for 24 months, followed by a further 12 months in stainless steel with bottling in early June 2023. Loire producers were given an easy ride in 2020 – no spring frosts but plenty of rain, followed by a hot, dry summer and a little rain before harvest."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Rich, ripe, intense wine. Minerality keeps everything focused on the palate. More oak on show but the concentration of the wine is dramatic. Extremely long and complex flavours linger on the palate. Wonderful stuff."

WINE SPECTATOR: " An outstanding, regal Chenin, with plenty of concentration to the notes of creamed pear, honey and crunchy green fruit. Burgundian in profile, with salt, dusty earth and crushed stone elements adding to its savory dimension. Shows real power and complexity, with warm spice and toasted hazelnut accents playing off green almond and flint smoke. Offers a pristine, dry, long finish. Best from 2025 through 2042. 400 cases made, 200 cases imported."