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Wines from the hill of Brézé have long languished in obscurity since their historical heyday- many decades past. Fortunately, there is something of a renaissance underway there. Arnaud Lambert, among others, are making riveting wines that are clean, characterful and vivid. He is vinifying and bottling wines of historical clos and lieux-dits, emphasizing the distinctiveness of particular terroirs that deserve recognition.
Arnaud became custodian, along with his father Yves, of the viticultural heritage of the Château de Brézé in 2009. Over a decade later, the vines are tended through organic viticulture with impeccable care and the wines are rendered with admirable clarity. On top of that, his cuvées represent incredible value, none more so than the Clos de Midi.
The wine issues from vines planted in 1985 on clay soils over a bed of tuffeau limestone and it is fermented with indigenous yeasts about half and half in stainless steel tank and old Burgundy barrels. The 2020 Clos de Midi has bright pear notes mingled with golden apple and honeycomb. It is nevertheless dry, bright and zippy in the palate with a beautifully pillowy texture. The finish is fine and saline. There are few wines indeed at this price point as compelling.
Cheers,
- Spencer
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