2022 Domaine Diochon Moulin-á-Vent Vieilles Vignes

The 2022 Moulin-à-Vent Vieilles Vignes, vinified with 80% whole clusters, is packed with notes of juicy plums, dark cherries, mandarin oil, vine smoke and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, the wine intermingles savory flavors with a velvety concentration of fruit, supported by ripe acids and chalky tannins that daintily impart a youthful grip without any asperity, culminating in a sapid, textural finish. This is a wine to lay down for a few years. Nestled in the heart of Moulin-à-Vent, this estate traces its roots to 1935 when it was established by the Diochon family. Under the stewardship of Thomas and Estelle Patrenôtre since 2007, the domaine steadfastly upholds traditional methods, crafting a singular old-vine Moulin-à-Vent cuvée—a practice faithfully maintained since its inception. The five hectares of holdings are spread throughout the appellation, with vines dating back to the 1920s. The vineyards are managed sustainably, with a growing emphasis on organic practices, and only using mechanical cultivation methods. The grapes undergo a semi-carbonic maceration lasting one to two weeks, after which the wine is aged in foudre for six to eight months. The 2022 cuvée is showing quite nicely, rich, balanced and complete, of course, with its signature plushy texture of fruit.(KW)