From the top section of the Haut de la Garde vineyard. Glowing deep gold. A brooding nose of honey and caramel leads into a huge rush of flavours from petrol through to Christmas cake. Viscous and mouthfilling, but a bright acid spine maintains balance. Very long. Now-2017

Product Code: CPB105

Claude Papin, described by Simon in last year’s list as “a true Stone, Vine & Sun man”, is a master of Chenin Blanc in all its guises from bone dry to lusciously sweet. His focus is to produce wines which truly reflect their individual origins alongside their varietal character. This year we offer three dry wines from Savennières and four sweet wines: 3 from the superb but tiny 2007 vintage and one that has been held back from the botrytis rich 2005.