Arterra Wines Canada Le Clos Jordanne Le Grand Clos Chardonnay 2020

The Le Grand Clos Chardonnay is undeniably the most noble yet reticent of the Le Clos Jordanne set once again, exhibiting the least ‘warm year’ characteristics of the bunch. A chalky, lime-tinged, almost granitic, quarry-dust quality permeates every layer of the wine. These notions mingle together on the nose with a touch of the just slightly waxy, lightest of acacia honey aromas. The texture is fine and refined with slight ‘tilleul’ (perhaps even chestnut) tones on the midpalate and finish. Impressive in its understatement, even the savoury minerals are in check: nothing is out of place.

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“From the warmer 2020 vintage, a rare artistic vintage in which the dry autumn let winemakers make unhurried, considered choices.’’ Both the Le Grand Clos Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines happen to come from specific blocks on the western side of the vineyard: a

happenstance of aspect and geology. The Le Grand Clos parcel defines itself in juxtaposition to the Claystone Terrace, only several hundred metres away. The reluctant purity here is unbelievable: the terroir wants to be chalky-lean, but carries the regal breadth and weight of a Grand Vin with poise. A further word on the common traits of the Le Grand Clos terroir, evident in both red and white versions: both display a very fine chalkiness – quite apart from their bracing acidity – that weaves throughout and informs, and refreshes the considerable weight and unctuous texture of the wines.