Vanessa

9.2

“Nothing added, nothing removed” is a phrase some use to describe the philosophy of low-intervention (or “natural”) winemaking. 🌱

The winemaker is like a vessel, carrying Mother Nature’s gifts from the land (and vintage) to your glass, where each sip can transport you to a particular place and time.

Nicolas Joly is an illustrious vigneron revered for his deep commitment to biodynamics and minimal intervention winemaking. 👏 He leads his family’s estate – Famille Joly – located in the prestigious appellation of Savennières in the Anjou-Saumur region of Loire Valley and specializes in top quality, cerebral, age-worthy dry whites made from the Chenin Blanc grape.

This takes patience, strength, and resilience for which the seahorse is a spiritual symbol (among other things). 🌊 It’s no wonder the Famille Joly features this beautiful, gentle creature on its bottle and labels.

This wine comes from ‘Les Vieux Clos’ where vines are harvested at 25 hL/ha which is HALF of the appellation’s allowance of 50 hL/ha.  👀

As a result of favorable growing conditions and these low yields, the grapes were allowed to become ripe, which explains the high alcohol at 14% ABV and round but balanced fruit expression.

This wine underwent a wild fermentation, followed by a natural malolactic conversion (MLC), and then it aged 12 months in large neutral oak with no fining or filtering before bottling.

The color is pale gold. On the nose and palate are harmonious notes of yellow apple, quince, papaya, dried orange peel, citrus blossom, chamomile, ginger, saffron, cinnamon, cream, white pepper, lanolin, wet slate …

It has power and elegance, nuance and vibrancy, with a persistent finish.  We think it pairs nicely with the baked herb & lemon salmon, asparagus and couscous.

Cheers to winemakers who share a piece of their land and heritage with the world one glass at a time! 🥂🥂🥂
— 21 hours ago

with Deked1

Herb Listen

9.6

Love this wine. Had in Bora Bora — 3 months ago

Doug Powers

9.7

Tight, backwards, and structured, dark berry, garrigue, deeply-flavored and very complex, long, lingering finish, drinking well now, but has the stuffing to easily go another 10-15 years, a great Vieux Donjon!! — 4 months ago

with Jim

Mike Evans

9.5

Leather, raspberry, and hints of minerals and dark chocolate, with fine tannin giving it support, some anise comes out with air, great depth and complexity, drinking incredibly well. — 3 days ago

heidi schlegel

9.5

Did not disappoint. Opened quickly, no need for a decanter. Pairs well with Osso Steakhouse. — 2 months ago

Paul J

9.6

1hr+ decant. Maroon color on the pour but darkish red in the glass. Aged Bordeaux on the nose with cedar and floral elements. Palate reflects the same with dark cherries, tobacco, and anise. Medium plus depth and medium finish. Right in my wheelhouse! — 3 months ago

with Brooke

Jeroen Koenen

9.3

Very nice Pomerol in this so-so vintage!
Cherries, pomegranate, brown spices and freshly cut herbs. Although the tannines still are slightly coarse, IMO, this is drinking very nicely now. — 6 days ago

Adam Gäfvert

9.2

This is the wine of Jean-Claude Berrouet own estate. He’s former winemaker and Technical Director of Petrus and made 44 vintages of Petrus. Black currants, plum, earth, bay leaf, cedar wood, orange peel and a mineral finish. Fantastic value. — a month ago

David Coun

9.2

Lovely chard. Great opening. Yes — 3 months ago

Ely Cohn

9.2

On the tail end of its prime window, but still hitting. Like a mealy yellow apple, not quite browned. Has cider notes but plenty of acid in the mouth for vibrancy. Laser lemon cleaner with toasted oak becomes candied kumquat and sweet clementine.

Theres a lot of beautiful weight and texture and raw power that comes out to play as you let it warm. — 3 months ago