The Monk Stone is a complex Chenin Blanc matured in a combination of handmade clay amphorae and neutral French oak barrels. The bouquet of guava and quince is enhanced with notes of crème brûlée. The palate is fresh, and the finish is long with persistent minerality.  I believe this to be an age-worthy Chenin.

Monk Stone gets its name from the large boulder which punctuates the organically-grown, high-altitude vineyard block at Stark-Condé. This bush-vine Chenin vineyard is planted along dramatic terraces which were sculpted to prevent rain erosion. The wave and ripple patterns formed by these terraces, together with the large boulder, recall a traditional Japanese rock garden, and hence the name “Monk Stone.”