Domaine Didier Dagueneau Vin De France Clos du Calvaire 2022

Only three bottles shipped and only the third time we have had an allocation in over 20 years! Obviously something very rare and special, this unicorn comes from a unique, walled vineyard, Clos du Calvaire, on the top of the Saint-Andelain hill. It's a tiny 0.2-hectare vineyard that Didier Dagueneau planted in the ’90s. It was always expected to become a top vineyard due to its ideal location and densely planted, ungrafted vines; and indeed, it produced some incredibly powerful, structured wines. However, the vines struggled, especially in warmer years, forcing a rethink and, eventually a replant. Following the 2008 vintage, Louis-Benjamin removed the vines, leaving the land fallow for three years, before replanting in 2011 at a density of 10,000 vines per hectare and in a north-south direction. The tiny allocations and the price (both here and online!) tell you everything you need to know. Deep, chiselled and something very, very special.