2020 Domaine Masson-Blondelet Pouilly-Fume Tradition Cullus Vieilles Vignes, Loire, France

Press

Rated 96 Points Decanter
Jean-Michel and Michelle Masson took over the running of the family domaine in 1975, and their daughter Mélanie and son Pierre-François are now fully involved. Today they have 21ha in Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre. This wine is from a 1.5ha parcel on Kimmeridgian marl, the domaine’s oldest vines at 60-80 years. Fermented in 600L French oak barrels then 12 months’ maturation in oak and 12 months in stainless steel. The Cullus is made only in the best vintages. Jim Budd: Ripe stone fruit aromas, vibrant balancing acidity, good length. A powerful wine but still has freshness on the finish, with potential to age further. Natalie Earl: Crushed rocks, a toasty char and bags of honeysuckle and jasmine florals, pineapple peeping in, too. Well defined, excellent concentration, balanced by chalky minerality and an almond skin bitterness. Ben Llewelyn: Very flashy aromatics, high-toned and confident. Box, lemon verbena and thyme all make an appearance on a taut and lean and balanced palate.