"The special old vine bottling of Vouvray Sec, “Buvez du Bon Pinon”, made its debut in the 2020 vintage. Readers may remember that Julien Pinon made this wine in hommage to his greatgrandfather, Camille Pinon, and the wine is made from vines planted by Camille in the immediate aftermath of World War II in 1945, in a parcel of Silex Noir soils. The wine is barrel-fermented and raised in the same old casks, which happen to be the oldest that the family still owns. The 2022 follow-up to the brilliant 2020 version is also outstanding, offering up a deep and complex bouquet of apple, quince, beeswax, flinty soil tones, white lilies, iris blossoms and a touch of citrus peel in the upper register. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, young and complex, with a rock solid core of fruit from these ancient vines, great soil signature, zesty acids and superb balance on the long, vibrant and very promising finish. The 2022 version is a touch more reticent out of the blocks than the 2020, which wore its heart on its sleeve upon release, and tucking this beautiful bottle of Vouvray in the cellars for a handful of years before pulling corks would be well rewarded."
John Gilman - View From The Cellar - 94 Points
Chenin Blanc is a grape that generally flies under the radar screen, which to me is baffling given its charming character and pleasant drinkability. Father and son Francois and Julien Pinon work exclusively with Chenin Blanc on their 15 hectare estate in the Vallée de Cousse. Their work in the vineyard is in complete in harmony with natural and they have been certified organic by Ecocert since 2003. The 2022 Vouvray Buvez du Bon Pinon sports a gorgeous bouquet reminiscent of a walk through an orchard field during spring blossom. Aromas of white stone fruits, peaches, pears, wildflower honey and quince emerge from the glass with lively fanfare. Energetic and effortless in the mouth with refreshing lift and well balanced vibrant acidity, with a long and tangy delicious finish. This is a wine that will add cheerful accompaniment to chicken, seafood, salads and vegetable dishes.
Bart Hopkins
