The Vouvray Cuvée Constance 1997 from Domaine Huet is a legendary benchmark for the excellence and near-immortal longevity of Chenin Blanc from this historic Loire appellation. Crafted only in the greatest vintages from botrytised fruit across the estate's three biodynamic vineyards (Le Haut-Lieu, Le Mont, and Clos du Bourg), it gleams in a deep golden amber with burnished reflections. On the nose, it immediately unfolds breathtaking aromatics of ripe apricots, dried plums, quince paste, and candied citrus peel, complemented by complex nuances of blossom honey, beeswax, and exotic spices such as saffron and ginger. Beneath lies the signature chalk-tuffeau minerality in fine, almost saline notes of flint and limestone.

On the palate, the wine dazzles with the extraordinary finesse for which Cuvée Constance is revered. Its luscious botrytis sweetness is effortlessly counterbalanced by a vibrant, electric spine of acidity that imparts weightless freshness and razor-sharp precision. Velvety and dense in texture, it unfurls layers of candied stone fruit, honey, dried flowers, and warm spice with aeration, culminating in an endless, profound finish accented by roasted nuts and crystalline minerality.

A majestic Vouvray without peer in its harmony and complexity. While the Cuvée Constance 1997 is in a glorious drinking window today, it possesses the constitution to evolve over many more decades—a true masterpiece from Domaine Huet.