Thomas Batardière

L'esprit Libre Anjou Chenin Blanc

9.036 ratings
9.06 pro ratings
Anjou, 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
Matt

A very well rounded Chenin that offers plenty of mid-palate and mouthfeel without sacrificing its most pleasurable assets; piercing acid and deep minerality. Nose is citrus driven, melange of grapefruit, orange marmalade, and lemon zest. Blossoms and leaves followed by a touch of redux and funkiness. Extremely inviting. Palate is focused, lime and oro blanco draped over crushed stones and sea salt. Phenolic kick on the back end to soften the acid’s blow. Showing so well today!

A very well rounded Chenin that offers plenty of mid-palate and mouthfeel without sacrificing its most pleasurable assets; piercing acid and deep minerality. Nose is citrus driven, melange of grapefruit, orange marmalade, and lemon zest. Blossoms and leaves followed by a touch of redux and funkiness. Extremely inviting. Palate is focused, lime and oro blanco draped over crushed stones and sea salt. Phenolic kick on the back end to soften the acid’s blow. Showing so well today!

May 4th, 2018
Dorit Handrus

Definitely best at cellar temp...no colder. That said, maybe the touch of neutral oak used here takes away from my personal favorite qualities of Loire Chenin. Has this 'picked late on a cold year' sensibility. Don't know...contradicting info coming through. Confused a bit I guess. Gimme a minute...

Definitely best at cellar temp...no colder. That said, maybe the touch of neutral oak used here takes away from my personal favorite qualities of Loire Chenin. Has this 'picked late on a cold year' sensibility. Don't know...contradicting info coming through. Confused a bit I guess. Gimme a minute...

1 person found it helpfulAug 18th, 2016
Mark Morgan

Crisp vouvray, enough midpalate to pair with winter veggies

Crisp vouvray, enough midpalate to pair with winter veggies

Dec 15th, 2016
Drew Summers

Sales Northampton Wines

8.9

2nd Wave -- Alongside Thai Beef Salad with Cucumber, Preserved Chili, Shrimp Paste

2nd Wave -- Alongside Thai Beef Salad with Cucumber, Preserved Chili, Shrimp Paste

Sep 26th, 2016
megan krigbaum

Senior Wine Editor Food & Wine Magazine

8.8

lighter, with more limey zip than i expect from Chenin. had it in Paris at Septime La Cave and then SURPRISE! on the list at Four Horsemen. porch sipping wine.

lighter, with more limey zip than i expect from Chenin. had it in Paris at Septime La Cave and then SURPRISE! on the list at Four Horsemen. porch sipping wine.

Jun 29th, 2016
Max Einhorn

Very well rounded and good in all aspects.

Very well rounded and good in all aspects.

Nov 1st, 2020
Scott Petrus

Chenin can be hit or miss. This chenin had amazing depth of flavor you normally don’t get. Great acid, lemon, and pallet cleansing acidity. Will get the rest of the stock.

Chenin can be hit or miss. This chenin had amazing depth of flavor you normally don’t get. Great acid, lemon, and pallet cleansing acidity. Will get the rest of the stock.

Apr 13th, 2018
Kalamota

Excellent crisp white for the price. Paired very well with fish and pasta alike. Will definitely drink again.

Excellent crisp white for the price. Paired very well with fish and pasta alike. Will definitely drink again.

Jan 8th, 2018
Michael Piaker

5 February 2017. Allswell, Brooklyn, NY.

5 February 2017. Allswell, Brooklyn, NY.

Feb 5th, 2017
Yoon Jeong Lee

gold color. light viscosity. clean. intense aroma of pear funk. low acidity, pear, peaches and barnyard.

gold color. light viscosity. clean. intense aroma of pear funk. low acidity, pear, peaches and barnyard.

Jan 19th, 2017