2023 Verget Pouilly Fuisse Le Haut De La Roche - 750ml

Thomas Parker MW - 93+ points

When the "Sur la Roche" vineyard was awarded Premier Cru status, vines at the top of the Roche de Vergisson were excluded because of their altitude. A decision that Jean-Marie Guffens finds absurd - particularly bearing in mind global warming and the public's thirst for fresher wines with lower alcohol. So this wine is cheaper and a little more mineral that the Roche itself. It neverless has excellent richness and length. This is a personal favourite - the tension and lithe, sleek profile make this such a drinkable, refreshing style despite its depth. Struck flint, citrus peel and mandarin oil form the nose, which has a lightly sweet spice to it. The palate's backbone is built on acid, cutting through the core of ripe citrus fruit. Intense yet with a sense of delicacy, there are notes of white flowers and just-ripe pears. Crunchy, with a hint of pithy texture, the finish is very long. This is a linear, steely wine but it still packs a punch of flavour.