2015 Francois Chidaine, Montlouis Sur Loire, Clos du Breuil, Loire Valley, France.
The latest Chidaine Chenins are wonderfully open, opulent and vibrant expressions of place and varietal, from the warm 2015 vintage these wines show a richness without losing their vibrancy and vitality, especially charming and compelling is the Montlouis sur Loire Clos du Breuil. Chidaine, certified biodynamic is a follower of Nicolas Joly, but with a more hedonistic style, his wines always seem to have a bit more raciness and body, in particular this Clos du Breuil always feels luxurious, textured and exotic, though vigorous with energy and mineral tones. Grown on Silex and clay soils, the Clos du Breuil is from vines between 40 and 80 years old, it was hand harvested and native yeast fermented and then raised in a combination of stainless vats and neutral (used) demi-muid French oak cask, it’s a Sec or Dry style that is given to gracefully layers and subtle aromatics. This 2015 really does it all with stunning length and detail, it shines bright, golden in the glass with light white flowers, citrus notes, peach and flinty/chalky stones leading the way with a touch of tropical notes and good density without being heavy, there is none of the honey and hay character you can find in Montlouis wines here, this Clos du Breuil focused, succulent and pure with delicate steely liquid mineral and a hint of quince and key lime. These 2015 Chidaines are lovely and impressive wines, some of the best I can remember with this Clos du Breuil Montlouis leading the way, drink over the next 5 to 10 years.
($32 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
