At its best, Chenin Blanc is the source of truly world class wine whether it be bone dry, off-dry or lusciously sweet. This particular example, from Francois Chidaine, is class personified. That it is so impressive is of little surprise as Chidaine is very much in the top tier of Loire Chenin producers and 2014 was an exceptional vintage in this part of the world.
As is the case with top Chenin Blanc, this wine is as much about texture as it is about aromatics and flavour. The wine has real palate weight and structure. It is a powerful wine with great drive. In some respects, it is a white wine that possesses the underlying structure of a red wine.
There’s a plenty of promise here. With the benefit of a decade or so in the cellar, it should be singing.
2014 FRANCOIS CHIDAINE MONTLOUIS-SUR-LOIRE ‘LES TUFFEAUX’
Producer: Francois Chidaine
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Loire Valley, France
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $65.00
Date tasted: 23 December 2016
Tasting Note:
Silvery yellow. Crushed chalk, bruised red apples and spice. Just off-dry, medium bodied, structured and serious. Brooding and powerful. Apple, crushed minerals. Very long and fine. Tightly coiled. Acidity is enveloped by the weight of the wine. Should develop well with bottle age.
Score: 17+/20
As is the case with top Chenin Blanc, this wine is as much about texture as it is about aromatics and flavour. The wine has real palate weight and structure. It is a powerful wine with great drive. In some respects, it is a white wine that possesses the underlying structure of a red wine.
There’s a plenty of promise here. With the benefit of a decade or so in the cellar, it should be singing.
2014 FRANCOIS CHIDAINE MONTLOUIS-SUR-LOIRE ‘LES TUFFEAUX’Producer: Francois Chidaine
Variety: Chenin Blanc
Region: Loire Valley, France
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural cork
Retail Price: $65.00
Date tasted: 23 December 2016
Tasting Note:
Silvery yellow. Crushed chalk, bruised red apples and spice. Just off-dry, medium bodied, structured and serious. Brooding and powerful. Apple, crushed minerals. Very long and fine. Tightly coiled. Acidity is enveloped by the weight of the wine. Should develop well with bottle age.
Score: 17+/20
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