Description

A welcome return of a wine we listed when we first openened here back in 1988!

The small AC of Savennières, 360 acres, sits in a shallow bend in the Loire river on the north side, giving the vineyards perfect exposure to the sun. This and the complex soils make for possibly the perfect expression of the Chenin Blanc grape.

The soil in the Clos du Papillon is a mix of shist, quartz and sandstone, giving real minerality and acidity to the wines, Florent Baumard owns 10 hectares most of the eastern wing and arranges several passes though the vineyard selecting only the ripest grapes, Chenin is notorious for variable ripening. The grapes are sent to his winery in Rochefort, just on the other side of the river and fermented and aged 9 months on its lees in stainless steel, Florent never uses oak.

With aromas white flowers, pears and almonds, with a rich almost honeyed palate shot through with citrus fruits, bergamot and fine mineral notes. This is drinking beautifully but will age well too.