"Brézé" Saumur Chenin Blanc

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2018 “Brézé” pours a light straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing…maybe even youthful with notes of mostly tart orchard fruit: apple, pear, white flowers, lemon curd and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long with saline minerals that dazzle. Technically brilliant, I get the sense this needs time before it has more to share. Better after 2028 and drink through 2040+?

This is one wine that eludes me. I don’t get the hype - it’s always so oxidative, even across multiple vintages tried and drunk in France. I’m not sure if it’s bottle condition or style, but given my lacklustre hit rate with this cuvee, I’m inclined to rate this wine down. Still waiting for that amazing bottle which at this point will only come from generous friends - I’m dumping the rest.

Seared in my memory. Perfect tertiary moment. Persistent length and balanced structure of fruit & herb.

A wine that with age, can always be argued as to whether or not it’s showing correctly. At first it seemed advanced, and it may have been, but after a short time in the decanter it gains volume, energy and focus, becoming much more enjoyable. A great match for the menu too.

Exhilarating energy, focus and concentration. It is indeed youthful, and with clear substance in this vintage to age very well. After 2 hours in the decanter is when it really reveals itself showing the true magic of Brézé and the elite winemaking of the Foucault’s. It’s multidimensional, complex and with sharp acidity balancing its lovely texture showing layers of tropical fruits, salted butter, cashew, some reduction, a touch of honey and crushed stones. There is excellent midpalate depth and intensity that gives way to a long finish with great tension and lift.

💫 Like Grand Cru white Burgundy. Phenomenal...and certainly elevated our cheese course :)

Pair with Caribbean flavors. Fantastic bottle.

Citrus and fading oak on the nose. In the mouth it reminded me of sushi as this bottle was all about texture. Sat in your mouth but then started to build like a firecracker with a long fuse. Slowly citrus flavors and nut flavors are joined by apple skins and sets up camp on your tongue. Squats there but never explodes .

Super rich and luscious - 2009

Lives up to the hype. Out of the gate, it's like if Riesling and Chardonnay had a love child. Over time it broadens to a richer more obviously chenin experience. At the end, it vascillates between chenin and chardlike. Amazing stuff.