Vouette & Sorbée Fidèle Magnum

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Gautherot’s 2010-based NV Extra Brut Fidele R10 – disgorged in October of last year – is memorably intriguing. Pungent crushed mustard seed, lemon, apricot, and toasted hickory nut are joined by a kimchi-like suggestion of fermented cabbage, chili pepper and tomato, all of which have their counterparts on a juicy, buoyant, vibrant and transparent palate. Moreover, there is a distinct, not to mention mouthwatering suggestion here of salted, herbed chicken stock as well as an underlying sense of crushed stone, characteristics one would point to as classic Kimmeridgian if the wine were a Chardonnay from Chablis, and arguably somehow conveyed to this pure Pinot by that underlying soil. The mouthwatering persistence, clarity and sheer energy of this wine are formidable; but I’ll simply pass on its author’s advice that you enjoy it by this time (mid-autumn) of next year.

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