Bonnezeaux, Anjou Saumur
Nicolas Joly
Les Vieux Clos Savennières Chenin Blanc 2019
Presented to me blind at Tasting Group. The wine appears bright yellow with medium viscosity; no signs of sediment, gas or particles. On the nose, the wine is developing with ripe orchard fruit: stone fruits, lemons, white flowers, lanolin and minerals. On the palate the wine is off-dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and full of character. The alcohol is medium+. Initial conclusions: this could be Chenin Blanc, Riesling or Chardonnay from France, Germany or the United States. But I didn’t get any petrol so I eliminated Riesling and I don’t think you could get the balance of fruit and high acid from California Chardonnay (and the oak would probably be so pronounced). So I called Chenin Blanc from France, from the Loire, Vouvray Demi-Sec. Well…I should have known this could be Joly! Close…but some miles away from each other and I’d like to have the confidence to call producer in this case. Drink now through 2034. — 3 months ago
Nicolas Joly
Clos de la Coulée de Serrant Savennières Chenin Blanc 2011
Opened prior to dinner and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2011 pours a bright gold color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of ripe and tart orchard fruit: bruised Golden Delicious apple, lemon drop, marmalade, white flowers, a whiff of clove, Marcona almonds, lanolin and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the texture is wooly. Weeeeeee!!! A special bottle that’s drinking so well at the moment. Drink now with patience through 2036. — 5 days ago
Thibaud Boudignon
Anjou Chenin Blanc 2022
Chiseled acidity mixed with stones and citrus oil. — 2 months ago
Jay Kline
Poured into a decanter about 30min prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2005 “Les Poyeux” pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of ripe and tart red and black fruits: currants, blackberries, dark cherry, tons of violets, horse blanket, tobacco, some pyrazines, some leather, fine warm spices, and ferrous minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and overwhelmingly sanguine. It’s incredible how much character can be packed into a 12.5% ABV wine. A stunning bottle. Drink now through 2045. — 5 days ago