2014 Clos Ste. Magdeleine, Cassis, Bel-Arme, Provence White, France.
The stylish and utterly compelling Clos Ste. Magdeleine Bel-Arme Cassic Blanc is a decedent and opulent white made from a blend of on mostly Marsanne 65% along with Clairette 15%, Ungi Blanc 15% and Bourboulenc 5% and crafted by Francois Sack, stirred on it’s lees and aged partially in concrete eggs. The 2014 is a pure and seductive example of this glorious terroir, the organic grapes come from terraced vines set into the steep limestone above the sea with a backdrop of scattered pine forests and the blinding blue of the water and sky, and this beauty is captured in this gracious white. The layers of citrus, lime blossom, white peach/nectarine and light apple tones are seamless along with subtle salty elements, clarified cream, melon flesh, wet stones, leesy richness, this is dry and vibrant wine, but there is a sensual underlying creaminess that is hard to resist, it has hidden depth of character somewhere in between a Hermitage Blanc and a Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, but remains remarkably true to itself and it’s unique sense of place. Look for this wine to develop many secondary pieces over the next 5 to 10 years, this is serious stuff, but I really like these wines young and vital, especially with seafood and or just by themselves with a warm summer day, be sure to look for this special white Cassis from Clos Ste. Magdeleine, as well as the super rare and delightful Rosé.
($50 Est.) 92+ Points, grapelive
