Analog Wines For the Digital Age

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Francois Chidaine wines from Loire highly rated in Wine Spectator

Chidaine Sheep

Francois Chidaine

Some great ratings for a top producer imported by Beaune Imports

Wine Spectator Insider Dec. 16, 2009

François Chidaine Vouvray Clos Baudoin 2007

93 points | $31 | 475 cases made | White

This is loaded with ginger, warm brioche, white peach, chamomile flower, honeysuckle and quinine notes that all ripple through the long, concentrated finish. Ripe, but steely and dry. A beauty. Should age nicely. A three-hectare parcel of 70-year-old vines. Drink now through 2017.-J.M.

François Chidaine Montlouis Sur Loire Clos du Breuil 2007

92 points |$26 | 1,415 cases made | White

Dry in style, with delicious green almond, fig and dried pear notes waiting in reserve, while hints of biscuit, heather honey and orange blossom flitter throughout. The finish is racy. Best from 2011 through 2013.—J.M.

François Chidaine Montlouis Sur Loire Les Tuffeaux 2007

92 points |$28 | 1,690 cases made | White

Still a touch tight, with a core of pure Bosc pear and Jonagold apple notes waiting in reserve. Hints of orange blossom, quince, cardamom and green almond chime in on the lengthy finish, which has latent depth. Should open nicely with brief cellaring. Drink now through 2012.—J.M.

François Chidaine Vouvray Le Bouchet 2007

92 points |$29 | 865 cases made | White

Very bright and floral, with lovely, racy honeysuckle, Jonagold apple and chamomile notes that course from start to finish. Long and mouthwatering, with the fruit offset wonderfully by riveting acidity that offset the 15.8 g/l of residual sugar wonderfully. Drink now through 2014.—J.M.

François Chidaine Montlouis Sur Loire Clos Habert 2007

91 points |$29 | 958 cases made | White

Lovely, focused pear and quince flavors glide along, while honeysuckle and mineral notes extend through the pure, mediumweight finish. Just off-dry in feel, with 12.1 g/l residual sugar. Drink now through 2012.—J.M.

François Chidaine Vouvray Les Argiles 2007

91 points |$26 | 1,680 cases made | White

Though broad, with a wide swath of blanched almond, brioche, dried lime peel and pear flavors, this white is also taut, with an underlying lanolin note that leaves a firm, dry feel on the finish. Drink now through 2012.—J.M.


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