(2020) From Vaillons, one of the largest of Chablis' Premier Cru vineyards, this is not the most expressively 'mineral' renditions of Chablis terroir. It's a subtle wine, some gentle floral aspects to fairly straightforward orchard fruits on the nose, a background hint of something peachier comes through, and yes, just a hint of something flinty. In the mouth it is quite a substantial wine, generous acidity edges fairly fleshy, ripe, but focused fruit; there's tension here but also weight and substance.
(2020) Made from the Mendoza clone (with its hen and chick tendency), and low-cropped. Part wild yeast fermentation in barrel. The oak is subtle, again a little Jack Daniels note, but then mouth-watering juiciness with lemon and fennel, apple fruit and the acid line playing against a little soft nougat or almond. Price and stockist quoted at time of review is for the previous vintage.
(2020) Pink Port is all strawberries and cream, hint of Parma violet and a touch of red liquorice. Full sweetness again, with the spirit sitting under the creamy summer berry flavours. An innovation from Croft a few years ago, works as a long drink/cocktail base too. Quite widely available, price for a 75cl bottle, but also comes in 50cl size.
(2016) Very high, perfumed, more Muscat character coming through but also a touch of plump juicy sultana. The palate has a striking citrus and mineral acidity that is quite pithy and dry against cappuccino and sweet fruit. Lots going on, a punchy example. 160g/l residual sugar.