The 2012 Pouilly Fuissé Vieilles Vignes, whose vines date back to 1929 in the vineyard of "Le Clos" and is blended with "Vignes Blanche" and "Perrières," was cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare and vinified in new oak. It has a well-defined nose that assimilates with the new wood well (better than Le Clos) with scents of dried honey, quince, citrus peel, hazelnut and cumin. The palate is well-balanced with crisp tannins, the oak well-integrated with a gradual build to a powerful saline, quite spicy finish that lingers long after the wine has departed. Excellent.

Round and full-bodied, the wine is dominated by wood-aging flavors. That masks the fruit at this stage, leaving the impression of a wine that is still to focus and bring out the impressive ripe fruits and mineral structure. Give it until 2017 to pull itself together.

A hint of the seashore adds depth to the peach, apple and grapefruit flavors. This is opulent, if on the soft side, with a moderately long finish. Drink now through 2016. 150 cases imported.