Hours, Charles (France) Jurancon Sec Cuvee Marie 2004
Charles Hours makes only two wines here in the southwesterly French region of Jurancon, this dry white and a sweet version which carries the name of Hours’ estate, Clos Uroulat. The Cuvee Marie is made from 90% Gros Manseng and 10% Petit Courbu, with Hours on record as saying the Gros Manseng provides the structure and fruit, whilst the Courbu brings finesse. It has quite pungent herbal nose, with nutty and nettly notes before deep, lush peachy fruit comes through. The palate is filled with fruit sweetness, with a beautiful honeyed, limpid character and plenty of apple and lemon-rind giving some real tenacity. The acidity is refined bit powerful, giving lots of cut and bite in a truly delicious wine with real vivacity and personality. 9.95 from H&H Bancroft