2009 Charles Hours Jurancon "Clos Uroulat" Moelleux

Wines from Jurancon (a region in southwestern France) have been celebrated since the middle ages. A drop of Jurancon moelleux is said to have moistened the lips of the infant Henry IX at his baptism in 1553. And the French poet Colette was an ardent admirer of the wines, writing "When I was a teenager, I met a prince, imperious traitor, like any great seducer: the Jurancon." Charles Hours on his Clos Uroulat estate makes only two wines, and they are both outstanding. For the "Clos Uroulat" moelleux, Monsieur Hours makes several "tris" or passes through the vineyard, carefully selecting only those petite manseng grapes that have been partially dried on the vine. Elevage takes place in oak barrels, 25% of which are new, for eleven months. The "Clos Uroulat" is textbook Jurancon, elegant and grand, with exotic flavors of acacia, quince and pineapple supported by a fine underlying acidity. Enjoy this wine now or put it away for five or so years.