Clos des Lunes "Lune d'Or" 2023

Only 200 barrels made from this special 100% Sémillon wine, which combines opulence and focus as expressed in pulpy white stone fruit, honeysuckle, sweet herb, verbena and liquorice. A complex wine that will only gain from barrel ageing as the expression of the Sémillon is at this stage somewhat delicate and not as fleshy, but that will come over time.

The 2023 Lune d'Or contains no Sauvignon Blanc because the winemaking team felt there was no need ... and they were right. It has a little more delineation on the nose compared to the Lune d'Argent. Green apple, lime and wet pavement scents gradually open in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a fine seam of acidity. Lovely texture, hints of chamomile filter through with aeration. I like the energy in this Lune d'Or, and it has a splendid aftertaste. Very fine.

This stunner is fabulous from the initial sniff, with its showy perfume packed with honeysuckle, roasted nuts, pineapples, green apples, and honeyed spices. The palate is equal to the aromatic profile with its generous display of sweet, ripe, tropical fruits, lush, opulent, vibrant, creamy textures and minerality that shows up and lingers in the finish. This is the first vintage produced from 100% Semillon. Drink from 2026-2033.

Enjoyable, a touch of gunsmoke reduction on the first nose, opening to liquorice root, lime, lemongrass, with a well-balanced kick of personality.

Score: 91-93. Delicate aromas of linden blossom and fresh hazelnut form a very suave, elegant bouquet. The palate retains beautiful freshness, with notes of Amalfi lemon and a delicately bitter finish. The texture is broad, generous, and seductive.