13% abv, Rochefort sûr Loire, imported by Vintus LLC, Pleasantville, NY. Cork closure: stelvin. Biodynamic calendar: root day.
Here on the steep south-facing slate river slopes of the Anjou district of the Loire Valley in the appellation of Savennières, Chenin Blanc can make some fo the most age-worthy and intensely complex Chenin Blanc wines in the world. These are, undoubtably, great wines of immense potential and the Baumard estate is well-known for being a leader in this appellation with some of the best vineyard sites. The family’s wines are sustainably farmed and they are proud of the terroir: “schistous volcanic debris mixed with sandstone and granite, imparting a strong, intensely original minerality”. 100% Chenin Blanc is fermented in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures and aged on their lees for around 10 months.
Tasting note: The 2018 Baumard is pale gold in color with with a clean nose of medium+ intensity with aromas of lilac, orange bloom mandarin orange, satsuma zest and almond skin. On the palate this wine is dry with medium+ acidity, medium alcohol, medium body, medium+ flavor intensity and a long finish with flavors of orange blossom, raw almond, mandarin, white peach guava and almond butter. This is really enjoyable and will drink nicely through 2028; there may be a lack of complexity, but it is balanced nicely and has a real purity. This wines is very good: 9.2/10.
