Nicolas Joly

Les Vieux Clos Savennières Chenin Blanc

9.0432 ratings
8.9143 pro ratings
Savennières, Anjou-Saumur, Loire Valley, France
Chenin Blanc
Turkey, Vanilla & Caramel, Fruit & Berries, Exotic Spices, Salads & Greens, Pate, Potato, Tomato-Based, Chicken, Fruit Desserts, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Pungent Cheese, Squash & Root Vegetables, Goat & Feta Cheese, Cheddar & Gruyere, Sweet Potato, Yuca, Taro, Baking Spices, Chili & Hot Spicy, Nuts & Seeds, Soft Cheese, Salami & Prosciutto, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Quinoa, Shellfish, Sweet Potato
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 2022 “Les Vieux Clos” pours a light golden color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with white tree flowers, mandarine oranges, ginger, lanolin and just a touch mousy. On the palate, the wine is slightly off-dry with high acid that’s balanced by the unquestionable quality of the fruit. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, wooly and rich. The alcohol is medium+ but should be at all be surprised? Say what you want about Joly’s methods; his wines are never boring. I, for one, adore them. Drink now through 2032 easy.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three hours. The 2022 “Les Vieux Clos” pours a light golden color with medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with white tree flowers, mandarine oranges, ginger, lanolin and just a touch mousy. On the palate, the wine is slightly off-dry with high acid that’s balanced by the unquestionable quality of the fruit. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, wooly and rich. The alcohol is medium+ but should be at all be surprised? Say what you want about Joly’s methods; his wines are never boring. I, for one, adore them. Drink now through 2032 easy.

Aug 13th, 2024
Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

8.9

Botrytis, honey, funk. Started off slightly effervescent but that dissipated. Wild wine.

Botrytis, honey, funk. Started off slightly effervescent but that dissipated. Wild wine.

Jan 8th, 2024
Ron R
9.0

Interesting and complicated. A varietal that we rarely approach. Tropical notes on the nose and palate. It displays effervescence on the mid palate, which I find distracting. But the pineapple notes draw you in. A very sweet finale left us thinking this was somewhat of a hybrid between Sauvignon Blanc and champagne.

Interesting and complicated. A varietal that we rarely approach. Tropical notes on the nose and palate. It displays effervescence on the mid palate, which I find distracting. But the pineapple notes draw you in. A very sweet finale left us thinking this was somewhat of a hybrid between Sauvignon Blanc and champagne.

Sep 3rd, 2023
Josh Morgenthau

This is not a faithful representation of Savennieres.

I cannot think of a winemaker with terroir as good at this who has failed to live up to it to such an extent. What a shame.

This is not a faithful representation of Savennieres.

I cannot think of a winemaker with terroir as good at this who has failed to live up to it to such an extent. What a shame.

Mar 19th, 2023
Cathy Corison

Owner/Winemaker Corison Winery

8.9

Felicia Woytak/ Grandes Dames. WIW. My 4th, group 6th. Botrytis, honey. Slightly sweet

Felicia Woytak/ Grandes Dames. WIW. My 4th, group 6th. Botrytis, honey. Slightly sweet

Nov 13th, 2022
Brian S

Funky goodness

Funky goodness

Aug 13th, 2021
Matt Sterr

Oxidative with nice high acid. Saline present. Lovely.

Oxidative with nice high acid. Saline present. Lovely.

Apr 1st, 2021
Shengli Hu

notes to come

notes to come

Sep 1st, 2020
Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.7

Best bottle I've cracked in some time. Even the less savvy wine drinkers at dinner commented on its complexity and ability to pair w food. I did not decant or let it breathe, just pop and pour. Delicious w Olde Salt oysters from the Chesapeake Bay.

Best bottle I've cracked in some time. Even the less savvy wine drinkers at dinner commented on its complexity and ability to pair w food. I did not decant or let it breathe, just pop and pour. Delicious w Olde Salt oysters from the Chesapeake Bay.

Sep 8th, 2018
Matt Nason

Eating apples in a horse stable.

Eating apples in a horse stable.

Jun 24th, 2018