Domaine Les Roches (Alain et Jérome Lenoir)

Chinon Cabernet Franc 1985

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.6

Among the BEST cab francs I’ve ever tasted. — a month ago

ESF, Doug and 7 others liked this

Champalou

Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2022

Erik Rini

9.0

Crisp and citrus tones as expected. — 4 days ago

Edmond Vatan

Clos La Néore Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2002

Doug Powers

9.3

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!! — a month ago

with Jim

Ira, Dave and 8 others liked this

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!?!? 🤔🤷🙄🍷

Clos Rougeard

Les Poyeux Saumur Champigny Cabernet Franc 2005

Jay Kline

9.5

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. — 2 months ago

Dave, Jan and 15 others liked this