2021 Nicolas Joly Clos de la Coulée de Serrant

The 2021 Clos de la Coulée de Serrant is a dry, floral Chenin Blanc produced from late-picked grapes, done in 3 passes with around 1/10th affected by botrytis. Grown biodynamically and vinified with minimal intervention, the resulting wine is intriguing and idiosyncratic. With a rich golden color, there's a sensation of sweetness allied with honeyed fruit and fullness of high alcohol. Low yields are reflected in the intense concentration. It is a serious, structured style with well-handled phenolics providing grip and contributing to its length, while the season's bright acidity ensures freshness and tension. It is a much cleaner, less oxidative style in 2021, and for that, you have to be thankful. This will be a long-lived wine that would need decanting.