2020 Domaine Didier Dagueneau, Les Jardins de Babylone Sec, Jurancon

After Didier Dagueneau's passing in 2008, his son Louis-Benjamin has continued to manage the estate, maintaining the focus on quality and terroir expression. This vintage is in an optimal drinking window and can be enjoyed now or laid down to age gracefully over the coming years. The fruit for this wine comes from a 3-hectare vineyard in the Jurançon appellation in South West France. This vineyard is planted entirely with the native Petit Manseng variety. The site is quite special, forming a natural amphitheater at the foot of the Pyrenees mountains. This unique topography, along with the clay and rounded limestone soils, contributes to the distinct character and minerality of the wine. There is an incredible play between rich fruit and vibrant acidity that reminds me texturally of white Burgundy. Didier Dagueneau himself was drawn to this site, finding its panoramic views reminiscent of the mythical Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which inspired the wine's name. Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau works closely with Guy Pautrat who farms the 7.4-hectare vineyard in Jurançon where the Petit Manseng for Jardin de Babylon is grown.