Domaine Guffens-Heynen Pouilly-Fuisse Cuvee Unique 2021

Tasting Notes

The quality here should not surprise, given the quality of the vineyards Guffens farms in Pouilly-Fuissé. From up to seventy-year-old vines rooted in some of the most mineral soils of the region, Guffens works with parcels covering both northerly and southerly exposures. The 1er Cru Les Roches is an idyllic, high-altitude site on the softer incline of the rock, while Les Crays is another beautifully located vineyard, sitting mid-slope on the steep belly of La Roche de Vergisson. The Carmentrant terroir shares many similarities with its neighbour Les Crays, including its high altitude (around 350 meters). For its part, the terroir of La Côte—which sits directly below the majestic rock—faces northeast and offers high, balancing acidity and cool, mineral line. Finally, there is also a cameo from Guffens’ vines in Sûr La Roche, Les Croux, and Les Petits Croux. No press wine was included in this vintage, only free run, or what Guffens calls “1er jus”. Interestingly, to boost the wine’s power, Guffen’s included some super-ripe fruit, picked as it began to turn colour (known as “levroutée” in Mâconnais).

 This has tremendous finesse and is a far smokier, more reductive wine than the two above. It is much more tightly wound and more mineral. Expect a fine, juicy wine with a cord-like structure, white florals, nectarine and struck match notes, and a long, saline close. Superb. - Importer Note