2002 was a watershed vintage at Domaine Huet - probably one of the three greatest in the last forty years, along with 1989 and 71...

Today we present a tranche of one of 2002's greatest: the Huet Le Mont Demi-Sec, at practically the same price as it went for on release.

For the collectors, for the Loire aficianado and the Huet disciple, the 02 vintage in the Loire is just magic - one of the shining gems of the last four decades. It's a rare vintage, not overpowering or flashy... just perfectly proportioned, integrated, elegant Chenin Blancs.

While they’ve always been regarded by connoisseurs as one of the wine world’s truly great producers, the last century has generally overlooked Domaine Huet as well as its home in Vouvray and the noble Chenin Blanc grape altogether. But the 2002s from Huet brag with dignity, poise and class so loudly – and so affordably – that on their release, those who weren’t yet tuned in sat up and paid close attention.

Demi-sec Vouvray, for those uninitiated or unsure, is ultimately one of the most versatile wines. You can drink them when they’re on the younger side, all zippy and bright, fanning out to that great lush sweetness on the back-end. But in the hands of the finest domains like Huet, these can also age for 30+ years, especially when they have the stern, elegant and poised acidity that makes much of the magic of the 2002 vintage.

Today, the 02 Demi-Secs are moving into the first stages of their prime, in kaleidoscopic form, but they've pretty much evaporated from the market, all sucked up by the smart and thirsty. In fact currently, we’re the only ones with any 02 Huet Demi-Sec in the country.

This offer has to represent one of the last chances to grab some - or grab some more - of the 2002 Huet Demis.

The 02 Huet Demi-Sec from the Le Mont vineyard site (regarded as the most elegant and graceful of Huet’s wines) gorgeously floats honey and lemon between caramelized fruits and shiny, polished rocks that Double Dutch with an acidity that's remarkably balanced.

This wine works well with anything from seafood (for me, it’s one of the greatest lobster wines out there) to rich chicken and pork dishes to pasta loaded with summer vegetables and dolloped with a touch of cream sauce. The plumpness of the fruit really sets off the startling, spine-tingling acidity.

For the price, wild ageability and versatility, these are wines to own in quantity – wines of true breed that also happen to be relatively inexpensive and also just taste really good. We'll make allocations as fairly as possible, but we expect this to fly relatively quickly. If you haven’t tried a demi-sec Huet, the window is open, and this is your chance. Act quickly: There are loads of you who are already clearing room in your cellars.

To order, please call the store at (212) 980-9463 or email us at offers@crushwineco.com.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wines
Crush Wine & Spirits

2002 Domaine Huet Le Mont Demi-Sec