Two middle-aged Savennieres

[Kay Bixler]

Unearthed my last bottle of 1997 Baumard Clos du Papillon to find a thin, harsh, apple pit and lactic acid tasting wine. Short and odd. Then a day later it was wonderful chenin blanc full of wax and quince and tasting as it did a decade ago but bottle sweet and with more body. Good on a hot summer evening.

It must be the high season for Savennieres. After that we dug out another family heirloom: 1996 Chateau D'Epire Cuvee Speciale is better than it has ever been. Along with all the usual honey, wax and bee related aromas there is a fascinating forest floor quality. Again the full bodied white stands up to the summer heat and even refreshes with a long finish that evaporates slowly like morning fog.

Who knew these were summer wines?

Best,
Kay

 

[Don Rice]

Oh... Kay!

Many thanks for posting this.

Drinking strategy noted for the 97 Baumard, but I may have only a couple remaining.

I bought the better part of a case of 96 Epire but have not had the courage to test any of them yet... this gives hope for at least a few more summers.

 

[SFJoe]

K&L assured me today that Baumard is the best producer of chenin blanc in the world.

I am weary of generic hype, and may someday rouse myself from my summer languor to crusade against vintage generalizations.

But I have a nice glass of 2006 Jalousie in my hand and I can't be bothered right now.

 

[Kay Bixler]

Don, it's worth noting that the d'Epire benefited from a day in the fridge too, but it didn't need it like the Baumard.

Joe, please inform K&L that the Coulee de Serrant vineyard is the best producer of chenin blanc in the world.