Bruno Clair Marsannay Les Vaudenelles 2018

Les Vaudenelles is one of Bruno Clair’s high altitude gems. It is the most delicate of his Marsannay lieux-dits and very much a child of its terroir and position. The shallow, light-colored soils produce a wine of fragrance rather than weight, and the altitude keeps it remarkably fresh. The Clair family owns 1.6 hectares (3.9 acres) of this parcel, with vines that were planted between 1969 to 1976.

The vinification is 10–20% whole bunches; with 10–15 days maceration in wooden vats. Ambient yeast fermentation in open wood vats with punch-downs. Aged 18-20 months in barrels (approx. 25% new). A fragrant red fruit nose (strawberries, cherries) blended with a subtle perfume of fresh violets. Medium-bodied and lively. While 2018 was a hot, rich vintage, this vineyard's high-altitude clay-limestone terroir retained beautiful freshness.