Description

We are the lucky ones, and privy to be the importer’s first choice in California to bestow us with a sample bottle of 2019 Plaimont Les Cépages Préservés. WOW!

Such an incredibly magnificent white wine value sourced from the remote and relatively unknown Saint Mont AOC about 50 miles from the Pyrenees Mountains just over the border from Basque country in Southwestern France.  Produced from a blend of three obscure and rare varieties that are organically dry farmed; Gros Manseng (60%), Petit Courbu (25%) and Arrufiac (15%).  I only recognized the Gros Manseng, but needed to reference Jancis Robinson’s encyclopedic “Wine Grapes” to learn about the other two varieties.

Whatever you do, please try at least a bottle of this incredibly compelling wine!  I can’t emphasize enough, especially for a white wine already 4 years old, just how delicious this viscous, but very lively, and vibrant dry wine performs.  No oak, all stainless steel with lees contact for 8 months.  Stone fruits like apricot and white peaches, citrus leaf, fresh herbs, and quenching, tangy salinity.  Perfectly balanced, with an extra long finish. 13.0% alcohol.

Recognized by the conservative Decanter magazine in its Top Wine Wines of 2022, and awarded 95 points. – “A jewel of a wine (Gros Manseng with Petit Courbu and Arrufiac), so particular and distinctive, showing no ambition other than singing its origin. Aromas of apple and notes of vibrant peach, mirabelle plum, dried herbs and a suave enhancement of lees. Elegant and quite delicious with a finesse and fine spine of acidity.”