Domaine Didier Dagueneau 2023 Vin Blanc "Silex", Loire Valley

This is Dagueneau's Grand Cru, if you will. Produced only from plots high on the slopes of Saint Andelain, and only from vineyards that possess large amounts of silex. Vines here range from 15-50 years of age and are cropped to lower yields than in some other vineyards.  Farmed biodynamically.  Barrel fermented and aged mostly in 450 and 600 liter barrels, as well as some of Dagueneau's famous cigar barrels.  Designed by the late Didier, these barrels are 350 liters and aggressively elongated.  Because of the lower clay content in the soil, this wine tends to be more austere in its youth than the Pur Sang, but do not be fooled! Those familiar with older vintages of Silex will attest to the fact that if given the time in bottle, it will always rise above the rest.