Joly goes well in Normandy

Rahsaan

Rahsaan
Visiting Normandy a few weeks ago with my family, and had the pleasure of stopping in with Tim York (of other wine boards) to enjoy his delicious hospitality.

Tim started with 2013 Domaine de Torraccia Vin de Corse Porto Vecchio and he was very critical of the wine, which is his right as the man who purchased it. But for me, after a drive through the countryside and a wine-thirsty palate, it was a delightfully fresh, crisp and slightly-bitter (in a good way) drop to begin the festivities. Although I agree that it was not something for everyday and probably would not be something I would buy for home.

With the main foods, we moved to 1996 Nicolas Joly Clos de la Coulée de Serrant, which for me was amazing and quite a treat. The savory notes from the terroir plus age were balanced by a structure that was still juicy plus filigreed with finesse. I don't have enough experience to know what will happen with more age but for my tastes this was just lovely and on the afternoon it was in a perfect place.

We ended with cheese, dessert and the 2008 Foreau Domaine du Clos Naudin Vouvray Demi-Sec. At first, I found it difficult for the Foreau to follow the Joly, it was so much younger and risked seeming crude. But with time it opened (or my palate adjusted) and I began to appreciate it for the very fine drink that it was.

Good times.
 
Glad to hear. The strong showing of the '96 almost inspired me to track down more of the wines. Although I am always wary of the inconsistency and on my subsequent trip to Paris I was distracted by other options.
 
What do you think of these more recent Joly wines? Tried the 2014 Cloulee de Serrant I think it was (maybe 2013) at the Domaine, but found it too big (>15% alcohol I think they said). Perhaps this settles down with some bottle age, but I wonder...

Just tried the 2016 Foreau Sec recently at the Domaine and it is excellent. Shaping up as a great Vouvray vintage I think...
 
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