Fosse-Sèche Saumur Blanc Arcane 2022

90 points Rebecca Gibb, MW (Vinous): "The 2022 Arcane is a firm, fully dry Chenin Blanc grown on flint soils in the Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame area. There's no oak involved here, but it's left on gross lees for 12 months, imbuing hints of pastry to the citrusy fruit. It is pure, punchy and long with plenty of drive. Drink: 2024-2031. (Jul 2024)"

100% Chenin from 22-year-old vines, farmed biodynamically, and planted on a plateau of flint stone with some gravel & slight clay soils, very deep roots. Very cool climate here and the flintstones in the vineyard which capture the heat of the day and release it in the evening, are ideal conditions for slow, progressive ripening. The grapes are harvested by hand at very low yields, around 10 hl/ha. Vinification: direct pressing, and maturation on the lees for 12 months in concrete vats. Bottled at the estate in September 2023. Tasting Notes: A nose with floral, pear and honey notes. Complex, precise, and brimming of energy, with a long, lingering finish.