Domaine André Vatan

Edmond Vatan

Clos La Néore Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2002

So, this Sancerre is one of those IYKYK wines that I purchased nearly 20 years ago and lost in my cellar — Edmond Vatan (who I believe has been deceased for some time, his daughter is running the tiny estate these days) made around 500 cases of this amazing Sancerre, but the dumb ass typing this note thought it’d easily last 20-25 years (2002 being a fine Loire vintage) — obviously I significantly miscalculated, as this should have been consumed 10 or more years ago. With that said, with fresh grilled tuna steaks, the wine is standing up well, very nice richness, still excellent acidity. but any freshness has long ago faded. Yet, my admiration for Monsieur Vatan is only enhanced by the fact this shows pretty darn well for a wine not likely intended to be aged as long as the dumb ass typist thought it should!! — 7 days ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Ira, Dave and 8 others liked this
Doug Powers

Doug Powers

So, as further defense for my stupidity, I was introduced to Vatan Sancerre in the late 1990s by an online wine mentor who said you HAVE to age them AT LEAST 10, and preferably more, and onna visit to my mentor in DC around 2002 or so, he pulled out a few bottles (likely 1989 & 1990), and I was blown away!! Also, like Raveneau and their golden waxed bottles that screamed “age me, a LONG time, or you will never be worthy”, Vatan also waxed his bottles in those days (puke green in Vatan’s case), so I of course deduced that these bottles should be aged!?!?
Of course, Randy Dunn used (uses still??) red wax, and even though I purchased some of my early Dunn Howell Mountain Cabernets while still less than 30, most of them will last until I’m nearing 130, which I concede ain’t happening!?!? 🤔🤷🙄🍷

André et Michel Quenard

Vin de Savoie Chignin-Bergeron Roussanne 2024

Surprising, but beautiful. Quince, ananas, caramelised pear, fruit candy. — 3 months ago

André et Michel Quenard

Chignin Gamay 2023

2023 - Vintage - this may be the best vintage of this that I’ve had -violet rim, big raspberry fruit, kinda cranberry, minerality, subtle spice, rose petal medium plus acidity-13.5%ABV — 4 months ago

Tom, Daniel and 4 others liked this

André Clouet

Silver Brut Nature Champagne

bone-dry finish mellowed by the ripe-apricot character, plus hints of toast and melted butter. — 19 days ago

André Perret

Chery Condrieu Viognier 2020

Delicious, tropical fruits and florals, great richness and acidity, even a little nutty. Developed nicely 2 hours after opening, lots of layers — a month ago

Vieux Château Saint André

Montagne-St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2022

Lyle Fass
9.3

Nose is minty and spicey. Palate is deep and rich with terrific mineral spine and wonderful structure. Ripe but substantial tannin. Nose has notes of ripe plum, peanuts and a saline element. Really good energy and depth. Not the most elegant wine but this has tremendous material and its own grace and charm. This needs air but I really like it. — 2 months ago

Jay, Zach and 8 others liked this

Château Saint-André Corbin

St. Georges-St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2019

Excellent 2019 served with pasta and heavy meat sauce. This didn’t need long to breathe. — 3 months ago

Les Cailloux (Lucien et André Brunel)

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2019

I’ve been so eager to open the 2019 Les Cailloux, the first of a case that I bought a couple of years ago following a visit to C9DP during which I first tried the wine. This is an exemplary wine for the region, predominantly old-vine Grenache with around 30% (I think) other varieties, which is both powerful and pure, striking a lovely balance between a modern, terroir-driven style and the natural rusticity of the appellation. I enjoyed this so much I made no notes, so can’t say much more other than that I’m delighted to have a case of this and would recommend it to anyone interested in fresh, pure and ageworthy examples of Châteauneuf. — 14 days ago

Peter and Steve liked this

André Clouet

Grande Réserve Brut Champagne Blend

One of the better champagnes I’ve had in a while and I don’t usually like champagnes. — a month ago

André Clouet

Rosé No.3 Brut Champagne Blend

Somm David T
9.1

The only Champagne in their flight. First time having this producer.

It has gentle, micro bubbles. Soft mousse. Again, a touch sweet. At least for me. Seems more than 9g. It is interesting to me that with all of France’s rather strict wines laws, I have seen extra brut over 6g & brut over 9g.

Full cherries to kirsch quality, strawberries, pomegranate and raspberries. Gentle dry herbal notes, moist, crumbled chalk & limestone, yeast notes, some white spice, sea fossil/spray, crumbled grey volcanics, pink & red roses, pleasant round acidity, nicely polished finish that is more fruit than earth as it sets and lasts 45 seconds to a minute.
— 3 months ago

Ming, Tom and 9 others liked this
Ming L

Ming L

Lovely! Their V6 Experience is outstanding as well and offers one of the best QPR for a NV Champagne IMO. Cheers @Somm David T !