Aromas of confit citrus, lemon oil and fresh peach mingling with notes of almond paste and honey introduce the 2018 Saint-Véran Lieu (Inter)dit, a medium to full-boded, ample and satiny wine with excellent concentration, a lively spine of acidity and a penetrating, elegantly saline finish. It's another superb rendition of this routinely excellent cuvée. Drink 2020-2033.
Like the Saint-Claude, generous wood serves as a less-than-neutral backdrop for the fresh aromas of apple, pear and citrus zest. The slightly rounder and equally concentrated middle weight flavors possess a highly seductive palate feel where the lemon-tinged acidity keeps the balance on the impressively persistent finish. Again, this is woodier than I personally prefer but this is a high quality effort.
As in previous years, this wine comes mainly from the plot La Côte Rôtie from the village of Davayé but also Les Terres Noires which is certainly one of the most beautiful terroirs of Davayé. Les Terres Noires produce rich and opulent wines. La Côte Rôtie brings a tension and a minerality to the wine. As usual, the density is exceptional. This wine, produced only with free run juice, was fermented in barrels with 25% new oak. The alcoholic fermentation took place until the end of November. The elevage lasted an additional 8 months with some batonnage. Tight and mineral on the nose, this needs coaxing from the glass at this early stage. With time, cinnamon, clove, cream and pure citrus come through. The palate reveals the true potential. Texturally rich with dry extract and creamy due to the batonnage, this has great power and depth. Pure peach and ripe lemon peel build through the mid palate, refreshed by zesty acidity that holds everything together. Powerful, taut and yet ripe, this is an outstanding iteration of a Farr favourite.
