This highly allocated, under-the-radar tête de cuvée has been a “back room” sales favorite of ours for decades. However, because of its tiny (5000 bottle) production, we have never had enough to feature it, that is, until now. “Fleur de Passion” is made from an array of old-vine (45 to 90-plus years) Chardonnay parcels in “Les Buzons,” a steep hill in the Grand Cru hamlet of Cramant. It was entirely fermented and aged (six months) in small oak barrels with no malolactic fermentation or filtration. It was disgorged in February 2025 after nearly nine years aging on yeast in the cellar. The vine’s naturally low yields enhance the supple fruit texture of the Cramant Chardonnay which is nicely melded with the subtle spice inflections of barrel fermentation. The old-vines also provide a resolute structure and drive an enduring palate parade of white peaches, citrus, nectarines and brioche that finishes with a haunting stoniness. Fleur de Passion is one of the age-worthy benchmarks from 2015.
ANTONIO GALLONI 93 POINTS - "Passion is a pure Chardonnay picked in Cramant. The base wines were fermented in oak but did not go through malolactic conversion. Notes of smooth, untoasted wheat and rye crumb on the nose suggest suppleness and smoothness. The palate shows slightly loose foam swirling over a svelte, bright, lemony body. This is fresh, with lovely tension and chalky depth, though it is looser than usual. Dosage is 4 grams per liter"
ANTONIO GALLONI 93 POINTS - "Passion is a pure Chardonnay picked in Cramant. The base wines were fermented in oak but did not go through malolactic conversion. Notes of smooth, untoasted wheat and rye crumb on the nose suggest suppleness and smoothness. The palate shows slightly loose foam swirling over a svelte, bright, lemony body. This is fresh, with lovely tension and chalky depth, though it is looser than usual. Dosage is 4 grams per liter"
