Saint Veran Cuvee Unique, Domaine Guffens-Heynen 2016

Rich and ripe the nose has depth of fruit the palate ripe melon and greengage. The sweetness of the fruit fills the mid palate but there is underlying freshness lime and apple balance the back palate is leaner bright the finish though has depth a rich mix of flavours. 2019-25

Domaine Guffens' Saint Veran vines had a miniscule production in 2016 as a result of extremely small yields. Consequently there is only one cuvée in 2016 and even this has a total production of only 180 cases. It has a richness and concentration that reminds Jean-Marie of the 2015. A medium burnished lemon in the glass, this has a nose of orange rind, peach and exotic nutmeg. The palate has an edge of marmalade, with creamy, buttery layers and smoky notes from the oak. Powerful and round, this will provide plenty of early-drinking pleasure.

Guffens’s vines in Saint-Véran were heavily hit by hail, with only one to two clusters per vine surviving. Those remaining grapes ripened rapidly, attaining 14.5% alcohol, and were also beset by rot. The resulting cuvée is impressive under the circumstances, but decidedly atypical, offering up a musky bouquet of peaches, honey and ripe Meyer lemons. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, rich and open-knit and somewhat fat despite its impressively tangy acids. It's showing better than it did from barrel, but nature didn't conspire to make it one of Guffens's greatest hits.

Guffens’ vines in Saint-Véran were heavily hit by hail, only 1-2 clusters per vine surviving. Those remaining grapes ripened rapidly, and were also beset by rot. The resulting cuvée is impressive in the circumstances, but decidedly atypical, offering up a buttery, exotic bouquet of peach and tropical fruit. On the palate, the wine is glossy, full-bodied and juicy, but ultimately simple and lacking in depth.