From goblet-trained old-vine Clairette in Lirac (vineyard was “planted before 1870) on a hill overlooking the Rhône on the west side of the river, this lovely white wine shows honey and minerals, also some very nice acidity to balance, Clairette (which I adore) rarely shows the more viscous textural notes I get from southern Rhône Blancs that are mostly Roussanne and/or Marsanne (the latter mostly found in the northern Rhône), very good finish, lovely wine!!
I have actually walked this vineyard (6 years ago), the gnarled old vines are a pretty cool sight!! — 3 months ago
Near perfect — 5 months ago
2005 drunk in 2025. Delicious even though the cork crumbled. Gorgeous color, full body, a bit grassy and green apple. — 21 days ago
Sweetness trumping most finish notes. Cider-y in the best way. — 2 months ago
This was even better on day 2 Notes from K&L, 88-acre estate, Château de Montfaucon sits just across the Rhône River from the esteemed vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is owned and operated by Rodolphe de Pins, a UC Davis graduate and former member of the winemaking staff at Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. Over the years, Château de Montfaucon has developed a HUGE following among both our staff and customers.The vines for the Mme la Comtesse vineyard were planted in the 1870s (that's not a typo). These old gnarly vines with their highly restricted yields produce some of the richest most concentrated Clairette in the entire Rhône Valley. Planted on a mix of sand, clay and pudding stones, this wine is the essence of sleek minerality. A touch of barrel fermentation adds volume and structure. The flavors resonate with ripe stone fruit flavors and white flowers, a touch of fennel pollen rounds out the finish. This reminds us of Château de Beaucastel's Châteauneuf Vieilles Vignes Blanc which sells for well over $100 a bottle. This is just as limited and just as cool for under $50. — 2 years ago
Pooneet K
Drinking very nicely and a surprisingly good value on the list at Polo Bar. The age has been very good to this, it’s still quite primary but the tannins are pretty seamless and the fruit and earth express nicely. Just enough acid on the finish to keep it together - could have used more but this is 2015 Bordeaux after all. Nice wine. — a month ago