2018 Pouilly-Fuissé Optimum Hauts de Crays Eric Forest

📌 Description

Pouilly-Fuissé Optimum 2018 – Les Hauts de Crays by Eric Forest is a Chardonnay of remarkable intensity, crafted from old vines planted on steep limestone slopes. This terroir-driven wine expresses the finesse and power of great Pouilly-Fuissé, with deep aromatic complexity and precise minerality.

🍇 Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay.

The emblematic Burgundy grape shows richness, tension, and complexity here: white and yellow stone fruits, flowers, brioche notes, and mineral touches.

🌍 Region / Country

Burgundy – Pouilly-Fuissé (Mâconnais, France).

From the Les Hauts de Crays climat, planted on very stony limestone soils with full southern exposure. This terroir gives the wine concentration, ripeness, and elegance.

🌡️ Serving Temperature

Serve between 11 and 13 °C (52–55 °F). Decant for 30–45 minutes to reveal its full richness and mineral character.

⏳ Ageing Potential

10 to 15 years.

• 2023–2026: fruit-driven, energetic and fresh.

• 2027–2032: peak maturity, perfect balance of richness and tension.

• After 2033: evolving towards toasty, honeyed, and truffle notes.

👁️ Appearance

• Color: bright gold with golden highlights.

• Clarity: crystal clear and luminous.

• Legs: fine yet dense, revealing richness and maturity.

👃 Nose

• Aromatic intensity: expressive and complex.

• First nose: peach, pear, apricot.

• Second nose: white flowers, brioche, hazelnut, mineral and lightly smoky notes.

👄 Palate

• Attack: ample and fresh.

• Structure: fine mineral tension, elegant roundness, well-balanced.

• Dominant aromas: ripe yellow fruits, citrus, dried fruits, buttery notes, and wet stone.

• Overall balance: rich yet precise, with a saline, persistent finish.

• Length: long, subtle, and vibrant.

🍽️ Food Pairings

• Noble fish (sea bass, turbot, sole).

• Pan-seared scallops, langoustines, lobster.

• Bresse chicken with cream sauce.

• Aged goat cheeses or young Comté.

⭐ Overall Impression / Style

Pouilly-Fuissé Optimum 2018 – Les Hauts de Crays by Eric Forest is a grand Chardonnay from the Mâconnais: generous, refined, and vibrant. A gastronomic wine, combining ripe richness with precise minerality.