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Vatan Arena

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!! — 16 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!?!? 🤔🤷🙄🍷

Agnès et René Mosse

Arena Savennières Chenin Blanc 2019

Al Doyle
9.4

Honestly I haven’t been drinking wine for a while but this has reinvigorated my interest. Mosse is underrated these days. Depth and balance and finesse beyond its price tag. — 4 years ago

Adam, Ira and 9 others liked this

Domaine André Vatan

Les Perrièrs Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Greg Helmer
9.1

Clean dry mineral and only a hint of citrus. — 3 months ago

Jean Baptiste Arena

Grotte di Sole Patrimonio Vermentino 2014

Vin d’Ottawa
9.2

Dangerously quaffable. Sweet marzipan with underlying tang. — 3 years ago

Daniel, Diane and 2 others liked this

Domaine Antoine-Marie Arena

Carco 2018

Ian Hamel
9.1

2021/12/10-11. An appealingly bright ruby, this has lots of herby cherry and some complexity from earth and a hint of spice. — 4 years ago

Richard Leroy

Les Rouliers Vin de France Chenin Blanc 2015

Ira Schwartz
9.3

A reductive nose, which blew off in about 20 minutes. In the mouth you stop for a second and ask yourself, Jura? Oxidative palate yet crazy levels of freshness. A fire hose of acidity that assaults your mouth but is joined by pure fruit. Wonderful intense finish.
Like Vatan, singular and not everyone’s taste. — 5 years ago

Tom, Max and 49 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Joe Weinberger I am going to cop-out and say I do not know. I have not had enough data points to give you a well informed answer. It has the requirements to age but I have no clue what will happen. Better not sure, different probably. I have a few of these so I will let them sleep. I do have a ‘13 Les Noels that I will probably open in the next 2 to 3 years. I wish I could be more helpful.
Would be great if someone who has tasted these with some age would chime in. @Antonio Galloni ?
P S

P S

@Joe Weinberger i’d save. Had older from Leroy and they age well.
Joe Weinberger

Joe Weinberger

@Ira Schwartz @P S thank you both for your advice—really appreciate it!

Domaine Antoine-Marie Arena

Hauts de Carco Patrimonio 2016

Pooneet K
9.1

Sangiovese by way of Corsica. Somewhat earthier, spicier, more rustic. Acid a bit less and overall less polished than, say, a Tuscan Chianti. But a quite nice restrained wine. — 3 years ago

Severn, Aaron and 2 others liked this

Domaine Vatan

La Ronciere Sancerre Rouge Pinot Noir 2020

Samuel Danthine
9.2

Cherry raspberry nose, fruity, fresh — 3 years ago

Michel liked this

Antoine Arena

Patrimoio Rosé 2017

Tom Kobylarz
9.0

Salty, crunchy, blood orange, and lemon citrus, mineral inflected attack that fans out to salt and fruit in the finish. Not for everyone but a nice change from your typical rose. — 4 years ago

Tom and Daniel P. liked this

Domaine Antoine-Marie Arena

San Giovanni Red Blend 2018

Jeremy Shanker
9.1

First time trying these varieties. What a cool wine! — 5 years ago

Ryan, Josh and 7 others liked this