Coming from a long ancestry of 11 generations of father-to-son winegrowers, François Raquillet took over the estate in 1990 with his wife, Emmanuelle.

The produce of 70 year old vines. From a three year old barrel. François likes to pick this early so it doesn’t get too ripe, with millerand grapes. Beautifully balanced, he has got this right, though the oak shows at the back and I would not want more influence from the barrel. Delicious for those in search of opulence. A little bit of barrel spice to finish.

A more floral and more elegant nose is comprised by notes of citrus confit, acacia blossom and a dollop of wood toast. There is a more attractive and finer texture to the medium-bodied flavors that also flash evident minerality on the balanced and notably drier if not really austere finale. This is a quality Mercurey blanc and worth a look. Date: Oct 2024; Drink: 2027+; Issue: 96; Rating 90 Points; Allen Meadows; Burghound