Domaine Guffens-Heynen, Saint Veran 'Premiers Jus' 2023

Place:  Mâconnais, France

Grape: Chardonnay

Vibe: Elite

From the first presses of grapes grown in the Saint-Véran lieu-dits Les Combes, Les Carettes, and a small portion of Clos des Poncetys. Only the first, free-run juice is used before fermented with native yeasts in barrel, with a few rounds of bâtonnage. Jean-Marie describes it as “slightly reductive and downright attractive.” I'm not going to argue there. This is flinty and F***ing delicious. ABV: 13.5%