Touraine, Loire Valley
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!! — 17 days ago
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!?!? 🤔🤷🙄🍷
Champalou
Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2013
Well balanced - not too sweet not to dry. Honey notes with a semi-full feel. — 17 days ago
Olga Raffault
Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2009
Drinking young — a month ago
Domaine Les Roches (Alain et Jérome Lenoir)
Chinon Cabernet Franc 1985
Among the BEST cab francs I’ve ever tasted. — a month 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. — a month 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. — a month ago
romo
Sweeter everywhere pushed me away from Chenin. Called. Non-German Riesling. — 15 days ago