Domaine Belargus Anjou Noir 2020

The sample of the 2020 Anjou Noir is an intensely yellow colored regional cuvée that "results from a blend of the domaine's vines not being vinified from a single plot, providing a synthesis of the terroirs that gave rise to it (schists, pudding stones, etc.)," as Ivan Massonnat explains. Produced for the first time in 2019, this cuvée is aged in vats and barrels for a minimum of one year and represents the quintessence of Chenin cultivated on black schist. The 2020 needs a bit of time in the glass to open up, to refine and to exhibit its subtle, pure and refreshing schist aromas intermixed with ripe but delicate fruit (pear) aromas from white and yellow-fleshed fruits. On the palate, this is a light and beautifully balanced dry Chenin with a serious structure and lingering tannin grip and salinity. The wine is juicy but not overly fruity and already complex for the first wine of the range. A fabulous, rather delicate and finessed Chenin! Tasted in June 2021. Drink 2022-2040. 92-93 Points. Stephen Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate.