From 70-80 year-old vines in "Petits Monts" and "Grand Monts" towards the top of the slope above Benais, facing roughly south-west, clay over Turonien limestone (tuffeau, craie micacée). 18-month élevage; 40% in cuve inox, 20% in one new 400 liter barrel, 20% in one-year and 20% in two-year old barrels, assembled two months before bottling. This is the terroir giving the most elegant and age-worthy Bourgueils. The 2019 is certainly elegant and approachable on release, with pretty red and black fruit along with subtle vegetal and floral aromatics that intermingle seamlessly - warm, complex and inviting. The palate is lush and velvety, with gorgeous black raspberry, cherry and blackberry fruit, quite deep and elegant. There are hints of spice on the back end and a long persistent finish, with plenty of structure for long-term aging but a certain energy and tension that make it particularly enjoyable early on. That said, it will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 10-20 years so be sure to hold some back if you can. Beautiful wine!

Domaine Guion

There are few properties in France that can boast such a great pioneering legacy in organic farming as Domaine Guion. In the 1950’s, the Guion family established their farm in the heart of the Bourgueil appellation, a stone’s throw from the banks of the Loire River. Since it was a polycultural estate, the family was able to live almost entirely off the land. By 1965, they began farming organically, with a holistic understanding of its effects far ahead of their time. Since taking the reins from his father in 1994, Stéphane Guion has a put a much greater emphasis on viticulture, managing 8 ½ hectares of land. Quiet and curious, he is a respected member of the vigneron community in Bourgueil and is often consulted by other growers eager to adopt organic farming practices. While Stéphane rarely appears at tastings and tradeshows, it is clear that the extra time in the vineyards and cellars is well spent.

- Percy Selections