2003 Domaine Huet Le Haut-Lieu Vouvray, Moelleux

From: Vouvray, Loire Valley, FranceVarietal: Chenin BlancTaste: In the glass, the wine shows a rich golden hue with amber reflections. The nose opens with ripe stone fruit, baked quince, and acacia honey, followed by dried fig, orange marmalade, and subtle notes of spice and lanolin. On the palate, the wine is lush and mouth-coating, with layered flavors of apricot preserves, poached pear, and pineapple tart. The sweetness is generous but tempered by moderate acidity and a light mineral edge that runs beneath the fruit. As it opens, more complex notes of chamomile tea, saffron, and beeswax emerge. The finish is long, rounded, and honeyed, with a warm, vintage character evident in its depth and softness.

Pairing: This mousse from the heat-driven 2003 vintage is well-suited to dishes with richness, depth, or subtle sweetness, especially those that feature earthy or spiced elements. The wine’s lower acidity (relative to cooler years) and complete texture call for ingredients that offer s