Loire
672. Domaine Philippe Gilbert, Menetou-Salon, 2010
A gift for conference speaking, and it turned out to be the best producer of this Sancerre-alternative appellation. A good, clean, clear Sauvignon Blanc, …
601. Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau, Blanc Fumé de Pouilly, 2008
Another one out of chronological order – should be flipped with the Gruner Veltliner that accompanied the first course of Saturday’s Booker Dinner – …
598. Domaine Huet, Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Sec, 2007
My first Huet wine, and my first Vouvray for 10 years and more. And a success, for sure. Pretty complex, rich, and fulfilling, without …
350. Domaine Laureau, Savennières Cuvée du Bel Ouvrage, 2000
So, the official ‘first wine’ from the Second Optimor Wine Club case! Savennières was chosen to represent the Loire Valley and Chenin Blanc, and …
210. Domaine des Petits Quarts, Côteaux du Layon Village Faye, 1990
Kinda weird. Overall slightly disappointing, given the quality of the Domaine’s Bonnezeaux. Mid-gold with some green glints. On the nose is where I got …
207. Domaine Dhommé, Côteaux du Layon Sélection de Grains Nobles, 2001
A regular Côteaux du Layon bought on the same trip as the Dom des Petits Quarts wines. A Guide Hachette recommendation, and certainly an …
195. Domaine des Petits Quarts, Bonnezeaux Le Malabé 1er Tri, 2001
Second 2001 from this producer, from a selected hillside within Bonnezeaux. Similarly a little low in acidity, but similarly a very good wine! Deep …
167. Domaine des Petits Quarts, Bonnezeaux, 2001
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 …
5. Côteaux du Layon St-Aubin “Les Varennes”, 1997
but was recommended to balance a tiramisu – and this sweet white wine did – not cloyingly sweet, but matched up to the flavour …