I put in a CT request for a data correction on the Les Dares late last night and they’ve already made the fix. Impressive. I don’t think it’s possible to easily sort out the regular bottlings of the Saumur-Champigny, because both producers release one and it’s hard to know which entries are errors. I had my bottles entered incorrectly so I just deleted them and re-entered correctly as Domaine des Sanzay.
I am in the same boat. A shop near me has quite a bit of Baudry so picked up a few bottles after reading about it here. They also had 08 Olga Rafflault Les Picasses so I bought one and cracked it open last night, absolutely loved it! Was reading a little this morning about the vintage and it sounds like '08 was a tough year but not sure if that was the case for Chinon. Will be heading back today to pick up some more if they have any left.
Something old, something new:
Clos de L’Echo - Couly-Dutheil - Chinon - 1990
Very fresh, vibrant aromas of dark cherry and raspberry, fresh spring flowers too, with a hint of nutmeg. The attack is bright, crisp, full of cherry, raspberry and blueberry, before a second section moving more into blackcurrant and a long but crisp finale. Amazingly youthful, if anything it was too zesty, the fruit is still quite primary - tasted blind I would have said this was a Roches-Neuves cuvée from 2014. Not a hint of green and no brett.
Not at all what I was expecting, slightly disconcerting, but absolutely delicious. Made in the same style as the 96, totally different to the 89. I have one more which I’m going to wait another 5 years for.
Réserve du Pigeonnier - Château de Fosse-Sèche - Saumur - 2010
My first bottle from this domain, about which I’d heard a lot, especially in this thread. I’m not sure but I think this is a blend of Cabernet Franc with a little Cabernet Sauvignon added (the 2018 is 100% CF but at the time, I think they were still blending).
I started with that because it would help explain the atypical taste.
Powerful notes of wild strawberry and spring flowers, just a hint of red cherry in the background. In the mouth, much the same - a strong wave of wild strawberry, quite sweet, which rather obliterates the blackberry in the second section and finish. The red cherry does get a look-in, but only later.
Impressive, in that the fruit, although sweet, is pure enough to probably avoid going syrupy in the future. There is a little crispness to the finish, but I would have liked more of it. A little lacking in body and depth.
Very enjoyable but I wonder how well it will age further.
I never experienced a hint or taste of Campari in a wine and certainly not in Pineau d’Anuis. Lots of crazy variations for sure and sometimes a feeling of sweetness.
I think that Campari note must have something to do with brett, since I can pick it up only in natural wines, but the varieties don’t seem to make much difference. I’m quite sure I’ve even had a naturalist Pineau d’Aunis with a subtle nuance of Campari. I just wonder what might the compound behind this fragrant, citrus rind note reminiscent of chinotto and where it comes from (from a chemical point of view).
I was very lackadaisical about acquiring Clos Rougeard during the period (admittedly pretty short) when my collecting overlapped with its affordability. If there was a thread on regrets that was focused on the Loire, that would certainly be my first post.
Anyway, while I haven’t sampled a wide enough variety of the top wines to make any big pronouncements, I can easily understand why folks would grant Rougeard benchmark status.
2006 Clos Rougeard, Saumur-Champigny
Amazing nose that features practically every berry you can name along with violets and an inky, savory note. On the palate, the fruit is complemented by loamy flavors and, with air, a background aspect of caraway and other spices. While the basic dimensions of both the aromatics and the palate seem similar to those found in other S-C wines, the combination of purity, elegance, and length is not. Very good wine, and evidence in favor of a sometimes-maligned vintage, as well.
Sounds excellent - lucky you, Elliot! I was even more lackadaisical than you and have completely given up on the idea of ever buying any, unfortunately.
Aside again, but - popped it tonight and it was darn good! A really nice lees-y, saline, somewhat lactic/cheesy (in a good way) nose, and a nice oily mouthfeel with lovely crisp acidity. Easy-drinking but enough to chew on. If you see his wines, give 'em a shot!
Had a very good Savennières Domaine Belargus Gaudrets 2018 yesterday … a discovery for me.
Having not much experience with Loire Reds the worked out classifacation is really helpful for me.
Being influenced, I have just bought the new 2019s Memoire and Franc de Pied of THIRD GROWTH Th. Germain.
Thanks, that’s good to know, it’s going to be an address to follow - although not all that cheap, I fear.
Glad it has been useful and hope you enjoy those. I’m going to buy one of each myself to try soon, before buying any more - my cellar is full!
I’ve got 2019 Les Memoires in my cart now …
Any comments on the 2019 vintage for Cab Franc? Based on the relatively recent Vinous article, yields were severely down in some parts due to frost, but what about the remaining quality? TIA.
before buying my 2019s of Roches Neuves I checked the available comments of the vintage. The few I found (Johnson, Wine Spectator) judge 2019 as a good vintage.
Thanks Jorg.
PSA: 15% off all Loire Valley wines at Astor Wines.
Thanks for the reminder. Time to revisit Lenoir Chinon Les Roches.
Excellent, classic stuff for sure, but damn has it gotten pricey in a very short period of time.
Excellent, classic stuff for sure, but damn has it gotten pricey in a very short period of time.[/quote]
Haven’t seen it for sale other than at the winery. Great cellar experience too!
If you are new to Olga- Les Picasses ages beautifully in good years, can go for decades.
There are library releases of '85, '89, and '90 floating around. I think they just released some '83 too (haven’t tried that one yet).
The 1989 in particular is one of my very favorite wines out there.
Julian- not sure I count as a connoisseur, but for me, Les Picasses really becomes something with significant age. I’ve tried it young a couple times, found it good-but-not-great, and now I let my recent vintages sit in the cellar. I like their lighter wines for younger drinking- Les Peuilles, Les Barnabes.