Maxime Crotet 2023 Vin de France Chardonnay

“There is a vitality to the aromatic presence of the Maxime Crotet Chardonnay, which is a brilliant yellow-green with further verdant highlights in the glass. Grass clippings, green pear, firm and white stone fruit, and some quince burst from the glass backgrounded by crushed limestone, citrus leaf, and a hint of petrichor. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh with a good line of acidity and no excess weight from some discreetly evident battonage. Once again quinces and white nectarines together ripe Williams Pear form the central profile; alongside lime curd and mineral nuances. A wave of salinity and chalk provides a moreish conclusion. There is a great 'activity' while remaining (for me) fantastically pure and free of microbial elements. Charmingly eccentric; moreover and more importantly: delicious.” - David