The 2023 Viré-Clessé “Vieilles Vignes” bottling from Domaine Pascal Bonhomme is nicely ripe, coming in at 13.5 percent octane, but exuding all of the vibrancy and freshness inherent in this lovely vintage. The nose hops from the glass in a mix of apple, pear, chalky minerality, almond, fruit blossoms, a deft framing of vanillin oak and a topnote of orange zest. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, focused and vibrant, with a gorgeous core of fruit, lovely soil signature, an excellent girdle of acidity and a long, complex and impeccably balanced finish. This is great Mâconnais chardonnay! (Drink between 2025-2035)