François Pinon Vouvray Cuvée Tradition 2008

ST: 92 Points

While I have not yet had a chance to taste Pinonandrsquo;s 2009andrsquo;s andmdash; which include at least one selectively-picked, nobly sweet cuvandeacute;e andmdash; his 2008 Vouvray Cuvandeacute;e Tradition represents a succulent, subtly-sweet success. Notes of snuffed candle wick, moth balls, and lanolin mingle with quince and pineapple in the nose, anticipating the smoky, bittersweet palate impression that follows, supported by judicious sweetness and ample fruit juiciness. Nut oils, chalk, and wet stone add further complexity to the also faintly bitter finish of this compact yet immediately appealing Vouvray that will likely hold up well for at least half a dozen years.

Ripe pear and fig fruit flavors lead the way, but the feel is nice and crunchy thanks to lively acidity. Hints of quinine, quince and fresh green melon all chime in on the lively finish. Drink now through 2013.

Bright yellow. Sexy aromas of white peach, tangerine, honey, dusty minerals and flowers. Tangy on entry, showing spicy citrus character, then gains sweetness and breadth in the middle palate. Lush but nicely focused orchard and pit fruit flavors are underscored by subtle minerality and pick up a touch of bitter orange on the back half. This already-complex Vouvray finishes with excellent breadth and juicy persistence.

Monsieur Pinon never puts demi-sec on the label for this particular bottling, but it is a very rare vintage when this is not finished off in the classic demi-sec style. The 2008 has turned out really lovely, as it offers up a complex nose of bee pollen, sweet grapefruit, lanolin, chalky soil tones and dried flowers in the upper register. On the palate the wine is fullish, deep and very complex, with gentle sweetness on the attack, lovely mid-palate depth, crisp acidity and a nice closing note of citrus peel on the long finish. Classy juice. 2009-2020+. - John Gillman, 92 Points ** Only 15 in Stock **

Toasty, waxy notes of white peach and candied citrus are forward and fragrant, with a slightly nutty, oxidative richness that makes this feel open and accessible.

While I have not yet had a chance to taste Pinonrsquo;s 2009rsquo;s mdash; which include at least one selectively-picked, nobly sweet cuveacute;e mdash; his 2008 Vouvray Cuveacute;e Tradition represents a succulent, subtly-sweet success. Notes of snuffed candle wick, moth balls, and lanolin mingle with quince and pineapple in the nose, anticipating the smoky, bittersweet palate impression that follows, supported by judicious sweetness and ample fruit juiciness. Nut oils, chalk, and wet stone add further complexity to the also faintly bitter finish of this compact yet immediately appealing Vouvray that will likely hold up well for at least half a dozen years.