2010 Domaine Francois Chidaine, Montlouis “Clos du Breuil” Loire Valley, France.
Francois Chidaine’s flagship Chenin Blanc from Montlouis is a lovely and savvy wine that shows terroir and vivid flavors. Chidaine, like Nicholas Joly, is dedicated to Biodynamic wine growing and his passion shows in his wines that always highlight rich fruit and vibrant acidity. The depth and roundness of his wines set him apart from most of the pack and I find his wines tend to age well, even though I like them a bit more fresh and young. Chiadaine also does a value line from Touraine, featuring a beautiful Sauvignon, a sharp Rose and a Pinot Noir, as well as a wonderful line of Vouvray, but it is this Montlouis “Clos du Breuil” that I love best, especially this 2010 vintage. The year brought near perfection for the Loire, wines that were ripe, but with sublime balance and life, these are amazingly pure wines and Chidaine does not disappoint with this one. The 2010 Montlouis “Clos du Breuil” has a mouth filling burst of peachy fruit and a tangy citrus freshness, while the nose shows liquid mineral, pear skin and hint of honey. White peach, a touch of tropical fruit, chalk, lime and green apple all play parts and linger on the finish.
($30 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
