Very ripe and sweet. Brown sugar. Acidity … what’s that? Thankfully dialed down on the ripeness in Day 3 and added spicy and herb elements, but retained that powdered milk notes that was heavy in Day 1. As close in character to any (US) domestic Cab Franc that I’ve had.
Firm fruit, meaty savory notes, even some chalky Pomerol soil. As much classic Bordeaux as any Rolland wines I’ve had (not many and never liked most). Was expecting The Osmond Brothers and, instead, enjoyed the cool classic Motown sound of The Jackson Five. The Right Banker in the right vintage. At year 25, bottle is a prime drinker.
Is the 2018 Grezeaux more in line with typical Baudry? I picked some up from Envoyer and want to try one, I’ve been hesitant as I’m sure it needs more time.
I would taste first. 2018 Central Loire reds were basically the only reds from central France that I personally thought did and could deal well with the heat. Cab Franc and Pineau D’Aunis. So I’m not sure I would jump to any conclusions that 2018 Baudrys are showing even more overt ripeness or jammy than 2020s. (I thought Baudry did pretty well in 2018 and admittedly haven’t tried the 2020 reds.)
After only having tasted the Domaine and Granges, I deliberately stayed away from the rest of the 2018s by Baudry. The solar qualities of those 2 did not endear to me.
I’ll admit that I tried to purchase a few 2018 Grezeaux when a local emailed sale made its way into my inbox 3 years ago, but got an email bounce-back the next day that they ran-out obviously due to high demands (suspect that the discounted sale price enticed a lot buyers). Hope to taste the 2018 Grezeaux in the future.
I’ve had it. TN says it all. Bigger than your average Baudry, but not to be confused with the new world, and not too big for me. Sounds like the 2020 is worse.
2018 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Grézeaux - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (1/18/2021)
This pours youthfully light purple in the glass, though opaque at the core. A tad on the dark side for this cuvée from Baudry. The nose is deep, rich and complex focused on bright punchy fruit with plenty of secondary character in reserve. The moderate intensity nose shows very complex notes of violet, plum, black currant, dark chocolate, dry hay, new leather, gravel, peanut shells, and polished old furniture. The palate is concentrated replaying the punchy youthful fruit of the nose with medium plus acid, medium minus dusty tannin, and a long finish that replays much of the nose. The faintest hint of the 13.5% alcohol protrudes on the finish. All in all this is very much a Baudry Chinon. This vintage is certainly a bruiser with elevated alcohol, darker color, more extract, and concentrated fruit. For a classicist like me, this wine it still within acceptable limits and the power of the vintage is redeemed by fresh acid and notable secondary elements. In fact this is my highest rated since the 2015, so perhaps I like warmer vintage Baudry. Anyway, this is a fabulous bottle that will sit in its rightful place in the Baudry legacy. (93 points)
Anyone had the 2019 Grezeaux? I have an opportunity to buy. Only 2019 Baudry I’ve had is the Le Clos Guillot, and while labelled 14% I actually thought it was pretty nice.
Also 2020 Le Domaine? Don’t have as much hope there…
ive had 2 of the 2018 clos guillot…i thought they were BIG…but rather fantastic. i think these will mellow out and be quite outstanding. i bought some 2018 croix boisee as well but wont touch them.
Ended up trying one bottle of the 2019 Grezeaux. Wow, it’s certainly a dense, bigger styled rendition, but I absolutely loved it. In fact maybe my favorite vintage ever of this wine. Big, deep rich fruit, with all the glorious secondary notes, and no overripe character.
2019 Domaine Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Grézeaux - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (6/3/2023)
This pours medium purple in the glass. The nose begins just a tad tight, but unfurls nicely over the course of an hour to reveal a very classic style of Baudry Chinon. The nose is of blueberry, blackberry, black raspberry, green tobacco leaf, farmyard, gravel, and burlap. The palate is quite structured with medium plus tannin and medium plus acid, and while the tannin is quite drying the profile of it isn't particularly astringent. Better served with protein today. The finish replays the dark berry fruit and gravelly mineral notes, and is quite long. All in all I'm very impressed here. In fact this may be my favorite young Baudry Chinon ever. While some newer Baudry releases have crossed the line into overripeness for my palate, this Grézeaux is just fabulous and I'd say optimally ripe. Not one of the lighter and elegant vintages, but one that is bigger and structured, yet still totally classic. Simply brilliant bottle, I might be underrating if anything. (94 points)
