TN: 2008 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Grézeaux

WINE TALK
#1

Given how much I loved the 2007 version of this cuvee, this was a letdown. Definitely this is an ambitious wine with more depth, especially aromatically, than a rank and file Chinon. But right now the acidity is really out of whack to the point of eclipsing the rest of the palate. Will it come around? That’s a question for more experienced tasters. I did find it odd how high the acidity was despite the minimal herbaceousness–usually these qualities scale together.

I must admit, though, that the 2007 Grezeaux was a personal outlier in some sense. I have not generally liked gravel-based Cab Franc from the Loire, so perhaps that was the exception, not the rule.

  • 2008 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Grézeaux - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (1/14/2011)
    Great typical nose–leather, musk, underbrush and a hint of tobacco. Unfortunately, the acidity is sharp and unyielding. Light body. This is all pomegranite and grapefruit, with a bit of pith on the finish. Very angular though not overly tannic. Minimal oak influence, no heat. The herbaceousness that Chinon can have is definitely well in check, but the acidity is a few notches too high for my comfort. Much preferred the 2007 which was a fruit bomb in comparison (at least in Chinon context).

Posted from CellarTracker

#2

Thanks for posting this, Greg.

Sounds as if our experiences with the '08 Baudry line-up is similar. I’m now really curious if other Chinon estates made deeper, more rounded wines in this vintage that is getting decent praise from some quarters (i.e., the links you posted to the Chinon vintage thread, and I think, Gillman).

PS. I ended up not trying the 2007 Joguet Dioterie last night. My buddy, who’s investiture we were celebrating, is a CDP fanatic, so we went with the 2003 Clos des Papes and the 2007 Beaucastel. Talk about differing styles, wow!

#3

Maybe these Baudry wines are just too young, though it was really the lack of a mid-palate that concerns me. Very linear in flavor, all pomegranates and grapefruits. Maybe the middle was just masked, but I don’t know much weight and flavor can build with age. Probably worth the risk to lay some down given the phenolic ripeness and hints of complexity at the price, though.