Les Celliers Des Terres De Loire

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!! — a day ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
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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!?!? 🤔🤷🙄🍷

Domaine Vacheron

Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Stocked up when Costco had it for less than $40. Below my cost! — 6 days ago

Clos Rougeard

Les Poyeux Saumur Champigny Cabernet Franc 2005

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. — 20 days ago

Dave, Jan and 15 others liked this
Douglas Braun

Douglas Braun Influencer Badge

So good love them

Domaine Les Roches (Alain et Jérome Lenoir)

Chinon Cabernet Franc 1985

Jeremy Shanker
9.6

Among the BEST cab francs I’ve ever tasted. — 10 days ago

ESF, Doug and 7 others liked this

Champalou

Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2013

Well balanced - not too sweet not to dry. Honey notes with a semi-full feel. — a day 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. — 20 days ago

Dave, Tom and 15 others liked this

Domaine Huet

Le Mont Demi-Sec Vouvray Chenin Blanc

Perfect balance of mild sweetness and acidity. Drinking wonderfully six years after harvest. $47 purchased in December 2020. Does anyone make better chenin blanc? — 4 days ago

Domaine Huet

Clos du Bourg Sec Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2021

Jan A
9.4

Round and mellow — 19 days ago

Rene, Dave and 10 others liked this