Finally got around to trying the 2021 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Le Clos Guillot.
Of the big three, I still put Grezeaux in first, Boissee in second, and Guillot in third. Not sure yet where Les Mollieres slots in, it’s new to the fold.
This is a solid Guillot, really well balanced. Not as aromatic, or as exciting as the Grezeaux, but I also mean that it is not as funky and feral as the 2021 Grezeaux. This is a very elegant and precise Guillot. Florals and red fruits on the nose. Tangy, sappy on the palate, closing with a more rounded fuller feel as Guillot often shows. Not that buzzy minerality of the other two cuvées. Deep wet earth and pipe tobacco. Sweet tannins. Really a lovely wine. (92 pts.)
Do you think the 21’s will age with beauty? I have a serious space issue (), so I only bought a few 21’s and a keeping them far away from me for now. But is it a waste not to drink them young?
OK, the 2021 Les Mollieres just impressed the hell out of me. Like big time. And like a dumb squirrel that always finds a nut, somehow I happened to have ordered a whole case of this stuff. I popped the bottle on Thursday and drank about 2/3 of it, really enjoyed it, but here I am on Saturday finishing the remaining 1/3 and it is fabulous. Everything I want in a Chinon, including that grainy mineral reality and unfiltered presence. And 2021 continues to shine for me as the best Chinon vintage since 2014.
I’ve never tried the Mollières cuvée yet - it’s on my list, and you do make it sound really tempting! I’m not surprised you like 2021 in general - me too, but then again there aren’t many vintages I don’t like! But yes, that crisp acidity does tick my boxes. 2016 is quite similar actually.
I give the edge to 2014, but I think I pretty much do that with any Loire red, but I am definitely liking very much what I see here. Classic Raffault where the fruit is subservient to the savory elements. Really lovely stuff.
Went through probably three bottles of this 16 when they were the current release, and have been trying to keep my hands off the remainder. Really nice stuff.
I know the Loire and Bordeaux are not the same thing, but I have to ask, given your love for 2021 reds from the Loire, what do you think about the 2021 reds from Bordeaux.
Are you really going to stick to that when you get to taste 2022s? I have not bought 2022s - if I get tempted I just get a 2016. AND, I have no business buying 2016s. I am too old for them. Does it help that I did not buy any 2009s or 2010s (unless we discuss how much 2010 Burgundies I bought).
), so I only bought a few 21’s and a keeping them far away from me for now. But is it a waste not to drink them young?
