167. Domaine des Petits Quarts, Bonnezeaux, 2001

€13; 13%

From a “not great”, early maturing year in Côteaux du Layon, this is excellent VFM. Bought at the producer’s hard-to-find vineyard shop on an unexpected diversion to the Loire. Deep bronze. Bruised and caramelised apple, preserved fig and quince aromas. Very sweet, intensely fruity caramelised palate. Good length, though a little lacking in acidity perhaps. Nevertheless, an excellent match for quince jelly and blue cheese, as well as caramelised apples. Can’t wait for the better 2002 to mature!!