Couly Dutheil Clos de L'Olive 2001

Both the Clos de L’Echo and the Clos de L’Olive continue to surpass expectations with the 2001s, while the Crescendo is better than either.

The Clos de L’Olive has a very attractive, almost floral bouquet, with strong notes of dark cherry. The attack is rich and beguiling, with dark cherry again, before a blackberry middle section which rises majestically and a long, persistent finish. Not as powerful as the 89, this is a marvellous rather than an outstanding wine, but at 12 euros, incredible value.

When I bought these wines as library releases, I feared the worst, since I didn’t think that 2001 was especially known for its quality, but I have been proved wrong over and over again. Any Loire lover should grab any Coulys and run for the hills fast!