Domaine Saumaize-Michelin Pouilly-Fuisse Clos Sur La Roche 2018
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Parker
Robert
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Winemaker Notes
The flagship wine of the single-vineyard efforts at Saumaize-Michelin. They own a single 1.65 hectare parcel and the oldest vines are nearly 100 years-old. It’s located on the back side of the Roche de Vergisson, a very sunny area. The wine typically has supple fruit with dazzling minerality, showing the magical energy of this site.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Offering up aromas of ripe pears, peach, fresh pastry and mandarin, the 2018 Pouilly-Fuissé Clos Sur la Roche is medium to full-bodied, satiny and textural, with an expansive attack and a round, open-knit profile. Fleshy and charming, it will drink well young.
Other Vintages
2019-
Morris
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Robert - Decanter
Owner Roger Saumaize was born amid the vineyards of winemakers parents and shares his passion with his wife Christine (her maiden name is Michelin), where the name of the Domaine Saumaize-Michelin derives. Roger and Christine Saumaize like the contact with their clients with whom they share their passion and their interest in wine. In 1977, Roger Saumaize received 4 hectares of vineyards from his Father. He completely took over the Father's Estate in 1978. The Domaine Saumaize-Michelin was built over time. For instance, in 1979, Roger and Christine bought 1.60 hectares of “La Roche” vineyards in Vergisson. Then, in 1985 the decision was made to vinify all the parcels separately. Such as the Pouilly Fuissé “Clos de la Roche” cuvée that was created at that time.
Saumaize-Michelin has followed organic farming for twenty years and they have been practicing biodynamic farming since 2005, which is quite unique in the region, where herbicide use is common. Their vines average 50 years old and the philosophy of the farming is to, in Roger's words, "capture the energy of the place". All of the grapes are hand-harvested and depending on the vintage and parcel, may be picked in several passes. In the cellar, there is a gentle and slow pressing in two pneumatic presses. After the juice has settled for a day, it’s moved right into barrel for fermentation and aging. Wines are aged on the lees with occasional stirring for twelve months.One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
The source of some of the most sought-after white wines of the Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé is produced exclusively from the Chardonnay grape and tends to be slightly richer in style than wines from its northern neighbor, the Côte de Beaune—mainly due to warmer weather. Wines from Pouilly-Fuissé have some versatility; they can be enjoyed young and can also often improve with a little time in the cellar. Pouilly-Fuissé wines are considered some of the best values for white Burgundy.
Similar to the Côte de Beaune, the soils of Pouilly-Fuissé are mainly limestone and clay. The appellation includes the communes of Fuissé, Solutré (which includes Pouilly), Vergisson and Chaintré. The richest Chardonnay comes from Fuissé and Solutré-Pouilly, whereas the Chardonnay at higher elevation, from Vergisson, expresses more minerality and finesse. Pairing Pouilly-Fuissé with lobster or King Crab will bring great joy not only to your palate—but also your pocketbook!