The 2023 Cellier Saint Benoît Arbois Pupillin Viandris Ploussard is a beautifully deep and textural expression of Jura Ploussard from one of the region’s most exciting young producers. Crafted by Benjamin Benoit in Pupillin — the spiritual home of Ploussard — the wine comes from the domaine’s oldest Ploussard vines, now approaching 70 years of age, planted on deep grey marl soils with a cool northern exposure. The humid site and naturally low yields give Viandris greater density and structure than the more ethereal Chambines or La Rouge bottlings, while still preserving the transparency and delicacy that define great Ploussard. Vinified with a low-intervention philosophy and aged from a single 600-litre barrel, the 2023 combines remarkable purity with subtle reductive complexity and mineral depth.
The nose reveals wild strawberry, redcurrant and rose petal layered alongside gunflint, toasted sesame and delicate earthy spice, giving the wine remarkable aromatic lift and complexity. On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with silky tannins, vibrant acidity and a beautifully supple mineral core. Layers of sour cherry, pomegranate and savoury herbal nuance unfold with saline freshness and fine ferrous tension, finishing long, tender and beautifully persistent with exceptional finesse and drinkability. Critics have praised the wine’s tender mouthfeel and distinctive mineral character, noting its old-vine depth and gentle reductive energy.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Cellier Saint Benoît Viandris Ploussard is a superb Jura red — delicate, mineral and beautifully layered with outstanding purity and old-vine complexity. Perfect lightly chilled with charcuterie, roast chicken, trout, mushroom dishes or alpine cheeses. Enjoy now through 2033+.
