I think this is all correct IMHO. Roche Neuves is more of what I would call, for lack of a better descriptor, a new-style Loire CF without being the more derogatory term some of tend to throw around, “modern” or “universal”. It’s definitely Cab Franc and done very well. Does not generally run the full color spectrum of some old school estates, like Raffault, Breton, Joguet, Guion, et al. The red fruit is really clean and pure. The question is whether you like more herbaceousness in your Loire CF. I do. I buy some Roche Neuves, have had some really excellent bottles, and think that some of his newly-acquired old vine vineyards could potentially produce break-through wines, but right now I do not find them compelling enough to load up every year, all cuvees, like I have with estates like Baudry, Rougeard, Plouzeau, etc. I buy them much more selectively. They can also be rather expensive.
Thanks, but me? Knowledgeable? In your dreams! I’m an imposter! Now Robert A, on the other hand…
2016 Baudry Le Clos Guillot last night made me quite happy that I purchased a solid handful.
ImPoser!
Appreciate the responses! Got into Loire only recently primarily due to that greeness. This thread has been a revelation thanks to you all.
Any thoughts on the 16/17?
I haven’t tried the 2016 yet and I haven’t seen the 2017, but basically I would tread carefully. I was quite impressed by the 2014, which is a return to a more normal, classic style, but I’m just going to buy one of each and try them before getting any more.
Sorry to derail the thread into white territory, but does anyone know much about Julien Braud Muscadet? I can only find what I can Google, but I came across a bottle of his 2014 Monnières Saint-Fiacre and bought it because it was, well, a Cru Muscadet with a touch of age and well priced.
Didn’t want to start a new thread, but any knowledge would be appreciated!
Ive never heard of the producer myself (with muscadet I kind of stick to the same few year after year). But I’d say that if it turns out to be notable, go ahead and start a thread. Even if it doesn’t generate much response at the time, someone might stumble across a bottle down the line and resurrect it.
After a couple of visits to friends in Nantes and touring the local shops, I realized there are a LOT of unsung small Muscadet producers. The tried and true imports are so well priced and such great QPRs that there’s simply not much reason to stray. If I lived in/near Nantes, I’d certainly do more exploration. Your producer is located within a 3 - 4 mile radius that includes Pepiere, Landron, Luneau-Papin, etc.
RT
I had a decent Braud Muscadet at a hip wine bar in Cincinnati a couple years ago. Maybe 1215 Wine Bar.
Tell us how it is.
Got into Loire CF thanks to this thread recently and I found myself really enjoying the ‘green’ and herbaceousness in my Loire CF. What are some of the producers that I should try that sides with such characteristics?
Olga Raffault Les Picasses, Lenoir, and Domaine Guion are classics, they may fit your bill. Sometimes it is vintage specific, with the riper vintages resulting in less herbaceousness, in my experience.
Robert, for Guion, is there a huge difference between the Domaine cuvee and Prestige?
I think so, and given the 2 to 3 dollar premium cost being so minor, I always get the prestige
Popped '18 Guion prestige tonight thanks to Robert’s suggestion and it was oh so good. Not as green as I like, but that may be because I may not have given enough air or it’s still too young? Nonetheless, very enjoyable, but 2018 Baudry Domaine that I had after won by a slim margin.
2018 is a ripe year
Robert, any insight as to how '17 Guion shows compare to '18? Seems like my local shop carries '17. Also 2014 Guion Bourgueil Cuvée Deux Monts.
I’m not Robert, but 2017 and 2014 are cooler vintages. Much higher likelihood of herbaceous characters in these vintages. 2014 possibly more green.
Haha no worries! Will definitely have to snatch some up then. Love those green notes in my Loire CFs.