Domaine Huet, Vouvray Moelleux, Le Haut Lieu 1943

Bottle Size: 75cl

Region: France: Loire

Colour: White

Style: Still

Grape Variety: Chenin Blanc

Coming from "the only surviving war time vintage" (Richard Kelley), Gaston Huet's apricot-amber colored 1943 Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Moelleux shows a quite clear (though not brilliant) and still fresh and aromatic, precise bouquet of potted apricots, candied oranges, crushed stones, toast, mushrooms and Cognac aromas. Delicately sweet but by far not as concentrated as 1945, not to mention 1947, this is a Chenin of great purity, finesse, freshness and energy. However, this particular bottle is quite dry and iodine, shows a vibrantly fresh and salty finish, but is a little bit drying and not that round and free-running like the finest wines in this comprehensive rarity tasting. A touch of old Palo Cortado sherry. Drink it as an aperitif or on its own, but don't miss it. Tasted November 2015. 96 Points Stephen Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate