91 point

13.5% alcohol, with 80% made in tank, bottled in the autumn. La Combe Desroches has a northerly exposure by the Roche de Vergisson. Rather paler in colour, with white orchard fruit and a light yeasty note. The bouquet evolves positively quite rapidly in the glass. The white fruit shows a light citrus wash on the palate and the limestone is clearly not far away. Fresh clean apple joins in at the finish, which is both pure and persistent. Very nicely done. Worth keeping a while.

90 point

The 2023 Saint-Véran Cuvée La Combe Desroches is not supposed to be filtered, but since there was 2g/L remaining after fermentation, Bret undertook filtration to avoid refermentation. This has a crisp and tensile bouquet, the one-third barrel ageing discrete, hints of pears and gooseberry emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with a smooth texture, citrus-fresh with tangy orange rind and Satsuma notes towards the finish. Quite irresistible.