Chenin Blanc for less than $100 --- who do you go to?

[jbray23]

No mention of Collier either?

[Kevin_Porter]

Huet, Chidaine, Pinon and Sandlands have all been mentioned. (Borrowing credibility) Florida Jim has published notes in which he has extolled Leo Steen’s Chenins, particularly “The Steen” from Jurassic vineyard. It is a great chenin.

[jon_leifer]

Another vote for Paumonock…They make 2 Chenins…a basic Chenin and another one called Minimalist, both are quite good.

[Jayson_Cohen]

@Nathan V.

@Brian G r a f s t r o m

@D@vid Bu3ker

Umm…I’m not much of a Chenin fan, but…err…Huet?!

How is this even a question?

I think I eliminated Huet in the much longer / more tiresome version of my first post, but it was lost in the edit.

If it helps guide suggestions at all, I prefer the acidic style of Vouvray, but tend to appreciate Chenin from just about anywhere. Thing is, I don’t think I’ve ever “splashed out” for a bottle of Chenin. And that makes me wonder: am I depriving myself of some of the best (yet still affordable) Chenin experiences, or is expensive Chenin simply an extremely rare beast? (and is it even worth buying)

---

and in response to another post: I am in no way wanting to pay close to $100, but I think that’s probably my limit.

Also, I quite like Rene Mosse’s wines.

Me too. Especially the Savennieres.

[Jayson_Cohen]

Brian, are you only looking for absolute dry?

You can occasionally find well stored bottles of 1996 Soucherie Coteaux du Layon VV (not the Chaume) well south of $100. The well stored bottles are dynamite and don’t come off as particularly sweet. I’ve opened bottles that ended up unanimous WOTN among heavy hitter red competition. Soucherie isn’t that consistent but this wine is a home run.

[NoahR]

Richard Leroy
Guiberteau
Huet
Pinon
Roches Neuves/ Thierry Germain

I happen to like baumard’s savennieres, and I am currently on the fence about Chidaine, having had both winners and losers.

[RichardFlack]

@Peter Foster

Head to South Africa

E.g. Cartology by Alheit.

[RichardFlack]

@D@vid Bu3ker

Umm…I’m not much of a Chenin fan, but…err…Huet?!

How is this even a question?

+1

[John_S]

This conversation prompted me to try a old chenin blanc. Opened a '96 Huet Clos du Bourg Demi-Sec which just again reminded me how these wines can be nearly immortal and unique. This wine has gobbled up nearly all of the slight sweetness present in youth. With air even more so. Amazing to be able to buy these a a decent price and age them with few worries.

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

@Jayson Cohen

Brian, are you only looking for absolute dry?

You can occasionally find well stored bottles of 1996 Soucherie Coteaux du Layon VV (not the Chaume) well south of $100. The well stored bottles are dynamite and don’t come off as particularly sweet. I’ve opened bottles that ended up unanimous WOTN among heavy hitter red competition. Soucherie isn’t that consistent but this wine is a home run.

Personally, yes. But, for the benefit of others who may prefer semi-sweets or sweets, everyone should feel free to also nominate off-dry bottlings, although it would be helpful if any such suggestions are so indicated.

[Jorge_Henriquez]

Can the OP please correct the typo in the title from $100 to $10. Otherwise the Admin can do it.

Kthanxbye.

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

@Jorge Henriquez

Can the OP please correct the typo in the title from $100 to $10. Otherwise the Admin can do it.

Kthanxbye.

Smartypants.

[Benjamin_C]

A few more to add:
Anjou
Mark Angeli
Benoit Courault
Saumur
Chateau Yvonne
Vouvray
Michel Autran

[Scott_Brunson]

Another vote for Chidaine, Baumard Savennieres, and Baudry

[Edward_H_Earles]

@D@vid Bu3ker

…Huet?!

How is this even a question?

That was my first thought when I saw the title of this thread. Have you (Brian) not drunk Huet Sec?

[Drew_Goin]

@RichardFlack

@Peter Foster

Head to South Africa

E.g. Cartology by Alheit.

Is this available in the US?

[Drew_Goin]

I love Baumard and Huët!

For domestic Chenin Blanc, I am enjoying more from Mendocino than from the Clarksburg region, personally. I think that there are many solid <$20/btl Californian Chenin Blanc wines, overall.

[Gary_Schulte]

Huet- prefer Clos du Bourg sec but all are enjoyable…least favorite has been their bubbly
Guiberteau - several in lineup worth exploring ; most are dry style
Paumanok - both offerings are always enjoyable & well made
Boudignon - some(2012s) have blown me away and others(2013) have me wondering whether the acid will ever resolve and integrate.

[Pau1_M3nk3s]

Brian,
With that ceiling who do you NOT go to?

[Brian_G_r_a_f_s_t_r_o_m]

@Drew Goin

@RichardFlack

@Peter Foster

Head to South Africa

E.g. Cartology by Alheit.

Is this available in the US?

Yes, and it is very good.