2008 Clos de la Coulée de Serrant
Dynamic Vines showed a range of wines from France as well as a few from Austria, Italy and Spain.
The 2008 La Coulée (£38) was a very pleasant surprise – easily the most convincing Coulée I have tasted for some long time. Light golden colour with vibrant rich and concentrated fruit – some honey and a touch of oxidation, which works adding complexity to the wine.
2008 Les Veilleurs, Cheverny, Domaine de Veilloux
The 2008 Les Veilleurs (£9.95) is a soft, easy drinking red although with quite present acidity, which is often a characteristic of the 2008 vintage, from a producer who has impressed me over the last couple of years. The 2008 is 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Gamay, while the 2009 version of this cuvée is a blend of Pinot Noir 65%, Gamay 25%, Cabernet 5%. Probably best served lightly chilled.
2007 Ancestral, Julien Courtois
The third Loire shown by Dynamic Vines was 2007 Ancestral (£14.10 – a blend of Gamay and Côt) from Julien Courtois. This has a quite attractive earthy character, although the tannins are a touch green in the finish but I'm sure that with food this wouldn't show. Again could be served lightly chilled.
5 comments:
Thanks for the report on the Coulée in particular. The last few I've tried have been overly heavy and alarmingly alcoholic and upon reflection I'm not surprised that 2008's high acidity level does this wine some good. What's the alcohol in 2008? I can't tell from the pic...
Thanks WP. The 2008 is 15% but it is in balance.
@WP : by and large, looks don’t help in guessing the alcoholic content, you are right !
But Jim’s sharp eye (and a tele-lens or a close-up) might.
@JB: has Nicolas Joly himself improved ? I’ve never been convinced myself for a very long time. You’re not obliged to answer, Jim. I understand you live in that area and are part of the scenery, in some way.
Luc: 'But Jim’s sharp eye (and a tele-lens or a close-up) might.' As reported 15% alc but in balance. Chenin's potential alc rises very quickly as it gets ripe.
My impression is that Nicolas is now in charge of words, while daughter Virginie looks after the wines.
Virginie .... say you ? That’s also my beloved daughter’s given name. Maybe La Loute will look after the wines, one day ....
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