Trie de Spéciale – Domaine des Baumard – Savennières – 2000

A late-harvested dry wine from Savennières, a small appellation in the Loire Valley, on the north bank of the River Loire, and just south of Angers. Savennières is made from Chenin Blanc, usually in a dry style, although in the past it tended to be sweet.

Golden, if with a slightly greenish glow. The bouquet has the gripping intensity of a dessert wine, a highly concentrated perfume of melons and nectarines. The palate initially seems watery by contrast, off dry, with a surprising hint of chili on the lips. Dense minerality; it evokes a rainy day on a mountain, or a damp cellar. The intensity of the aromas make it seem sweeter than it actually is. Chalky acidity rears up mid-palate, and the combination of perfume, sugar and acid leave a long aftertaste. I’m not sure one could combine this with anything other than goat’s cheese. All the hallmarks of classic Chenin Blanc: acid, honey, and long life.

92/100