2017 Les Noels de Montbenault

Past interactions with this estate didn't leave me particularly impressed, especially their 2015 vintage, which felt uninspiring. However, previous disappointments aside, the 2017 Les Noels de Montbenault is a pleasant surprise, evoking compelling aromas of ripe pear, spices, herbs and orchard fruit, complicated by a mineral character and revealing a lovely and well-balanced wine, medium to full-bodied with a long, flinty and racy finish. It should see its 10th anniversary in fine form.