by Ray Johnson | Dec 3, 2008 | Chenin Blanc, France, Late Harvest White, Loire Valley, Vouvray, White Dessert
Domaine Huet, Vouvray, Clos du Bourg, Moelleux, Premiere Trie 2002 The nose sports minerality and citrus and the mouth is vivaciously alive, singing with acidity and joined in a chorus with flavors of tangerine and pineapple. This is certainly not as sweet as many...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 5, 2008 | Chenin Blanc, France, Loire Valley, Savennieres
Domaine des Baumard, Savennières, Clos du Papillon 2004 This nose lights up with minerality and matchstick as the sulfur works it way into the air. There’s lanolin and a hint of green as well. The nose is full-on, intense acidity yet not acid alone. There is a...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 4, 2008 | Chenin Blanc, France, Loire Valley, Montlouis sur Loire
Francois Chidaine, Montlouis sur Loire, Clos Habert 2006 In the nose there is a complex mix of minerality and honey while the fruit flavors flow in the mouth from citrus to tropical with comparable acidity – very nice. The estate’s vineyards are certified...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 15, 2008 | Chenin Blanc, France, Late Harvest White, Quarts de Chaume, White Dessert
Chateau Pierre-Bise, Quarts de Chaume 2004 Honey is the signature smell that jumps out of the glass with caramel and some noticeable but tolerable VA. When you think of the Sauternes model, it works just fine. There’s also citrus, like fresh orange and orange...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 19, 2008 | Chenin Blanc, South Africa, Western Cape
Sebeka, Western Cape, Chenin Blanc 2008 This is a softer version of Chenin than you might expect from South Africa. While the Chenin produced at Mulderbosch and Thelema have electrifying acidity, this has a softer touch of the acid hand and 6.5g/l of RS to round out...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 15, 2008 | California, Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, Italy, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Leo Steen Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2007 This wine was excellent in ’06 and even better this time around. There is the mineral nerve that we associate with Savennieres and the ripeness of fruit that we associate with California sunshine. You can...
