Bright and clear. Tangerine nose with a hint of white flowers. Crisply green-fruited, apple and lime, but also nicely rounded. (The 10% of Chenin Blanc brings a little weight). Now-2012

Product Code: BEG110

James Kinglake, ex City banker, has been ensconced at the Domaine La Begude, about 350 metres up in the foothills of the Pyrenees near Limoux, since 2003; and his wines have been getting better and better as he and his team get to grips with the terroir here.  He inherited organically farmed land, and continues to promote organic practice. He has carved out an enviable reputation for his Chardonnays: this example is enlivened by the addition of 10% Chenin Blanc. We also offer his naughty little experiment, which he names L’Exotique: this is 80% Grüner Veltliner (a strictly illegal interloper) and 20% Chardonnay, the latter from barrel fermented in old oak. We have also recently shipped his delicious 2010 Pinot Noir (from plantings of four top Burgundy and Champagne clones), a wine of great levity, purity and finesse, and only 12% alcohol.