When I dropped in to see Denis Jamain in Reuilly (Domaine de Reuilly with 16ha) during the vendange I also picked up some samples which I have been trying over the past week or so. Here are notes on four of them.
2007 Reuilly Rouge (100% Pinot Noir)
Once again shows what can be done in a difficult vintage for reds. This 2007 is light but has deliciously vibrant red fruits, which will be best enjoyed when young. Like Jacky Preys' Touraine Pinot Noir 2007 this demonstrates that light doesn't mean weedy. Equally not all light Loire Pinot Noirs are good, some are just dilute and acid.
2004 Cuvée de la Comtesse, Reuilly Rouge
This is altogether a more serious and ambitious wine (100% Pinot Noir) – deeper in colour, more concentration, body and length. It has attractive black fruit flavours with a hint of Pinot Noir earthiness and some of the edgy quality of the 2004s. Drinking well now, especially if decanted an hour or two before serving. Could also be kept another three or four years possibly more. The Cuvée de la Comtesse was an excellent match for the find takeaway couscous from Epeigné's Le Lézard Vert specially prepared by Nacer.
2008 Reuilly Pinot Gris Rosé
Pinot Gris Rosé is a speciality of Reuilly, although it is becoming increasingly rare. In colour they tend to be more a vin gris – barely coloured – than rosé. This 2008 is a delicate is very vibrant, with light red fruit and citric flavours and an austere finish.
2008 Reuilly Blanc
White Reuilly is always made from 100% Sauvignon. Denis Jamain's 2008 Reuilly has none of those gooseberry, grassy notes that characterises a number of Loire Sauvignons. Instead grapefruit and lemon flavours are to the fore with some weight on the palate and a precise, long mineral finish. 'Tonique!' as some French might say. Both Denis Jamain's Pinot Gris and Reuilly Blanc have austere, clean finishes that amateurs of Loire wines will probably enjoy – others may find them too austere for their taste.
Denis Jamain, Domaine de Reuilly, Chemin des Petites Fontaines, 36200 Reuilly
Tel: 02.38.66.16.74
Email: denis-jamain@wanadoo.fr
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