Further evidence of the uneven quality of these vintages.
Pascal JANVIER
2018 Coteaux du Loir
Smooth and round, but with good acidity and mild lime fruit and enough supporting acidity. Perhaps not so attractive on its own, but very good with food, especially Asian cuisine with some spice. Lot L01. 13.5% stated alcohol. 87/A-
2018 Jasnières
With global warming, the vineyards of the Loir River (no e at the end; it is a tributary from the north that empties into the Loire) are justly gaining increased notice. This wine, from Chenin Blanc, has fresh floral aromas. The body is round and soft, but not flabby, with light citric fruits. An excellent wine for aperitif and outdoor dining. Lot L 03. 13.5% stated alcohol. 89/A
Jo LANDRON
Certified organic.
2019 Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie La Louvetrie
This isn’t a bad wine to drink, but it is a little stretched and seems to have a little bit of of residual sugar, making the wine just barely sweet to my palate. The wine is medium-light in weight and has some floral and lemony aromas and flavors. The relatively high alcohol in this wine contrasts with the, to my palate, clearly superior Amphibolite below. From the labelling, it does not appear that this is an estate wine. Screw cap closure. 13% stated alcohol. 85/C
2019 Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie L’Amphibolite
Classic Muscadet with sea salt nose, freshness and a good acid attack in the mouth, light body, and nervy. Intended for drinking in the next year. Certified organic. 12% stated alcohol. 90/A
Jacky MARTEAU
2019 Touraine Sauvignon Le Coeur de la Reine
This is ripe, but not overripe, with pear, apple, and just a hint of pineapple fruit in a smooth, medium-weight body with a touch of salinity. Less grip here than one usually has from Sauvignon Blanc in the Touraine appellation, but still not deficient or flabby. Closure: composition cork except for a thin disk of cork that interfaces with the wine. 14.1% stated alcohol, but I think that may be an exaggeration to avoid US tariffs; maybe about 13.8%? 85/C
Franck MILLET
2019 Sancerre
A bit low in acid, rich, no cut, not much chalkiness -- a wine of no interest. DIAM 5 closure. 13.5% stated alcohol. Lot L 0319. 85/C-
Roger NEVEU
2018 Sancerre Côte des Embouffantes
Not an ideal vintage for Sancerre, but well done with classic chalky grapefruit aromas and flavors. Acidity is sufficient and this is perhaps a touch bigger and less nervy than ideal, but still worth considering. 13% stated alcohol. 88/B+
Domaine de la PÉPIÈRE
2018 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie Briords cuvée vieilles vignes
This wine has more density of texture than I normally expect from Muscadet to go with rather intense lemon fruit, and enough acidity to tie it all together. Certified organic. 13% stated alcohol. Lot 218B. 87/B+
Domaine du SALVARD/DELAILLE
2019 Chéverny
Refreshing, light, nervy, clear, herbal with grapefruit and fig flavors. Exactly what one wants from the appellation. Excellent for aperitif or with light fish, poultry, and cheese dishes. 85% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Chardonnay. Composition cork closure. 13% stated alcohol. 88/A