K&L Loire/Alsace tasting

Overall a good tasting. I loved the sparkling rose, the reds were solid values, and some of the whites were very enjoyable. I was expecting to like the two sweet wines more than I actually did. Something didn't click for me. My conclusions haven't changed: The Loire/Alsace region appears to be a solid bet for budget but excellently made old-world styled reds and good for moderately priced whites to drink young.

• NV François Chidaine Touraine Pétillant 89 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine

  Strawberry, a bit too carbonated, fresh, very fruity, dry. Simple but excellent value. 89

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• 2009 Domaine Bechtold Pinot Noir 87 Points

  France, Alsace

  Very fruity, spicy red berries, lighter style but has meaty flavors; very good now, many not age well. 87

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• 1976 Couly-Dutheil Chinon La Baronnie Madeleine 84 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon

  Browning, bricking, still has some fruit, caramelized, brown sugar; palate is lacking vibrant fruit. Over the hill. Not flawed, just old. 84

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• 2007 Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Clos des Capucins 91 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon

  Brambly, stemmy, red fruit; good structure, nice fruit, medium-bodied; nice finish. Young, solid, enjoyable. Wait 1-3 years. 91+

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• 2009 Pithon-Paillé Bourgueil Graviers 90 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Bourgueil

  Bright full ripe red fruits, no stemmy notes as in the previous chinon; balanced, riper, fuller bodied. I prefer the Raffault, but this is no slouch.

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• 2009 Martin Schaetzel Pinot Blanc Cuvée Réserve 82 Points

  France, Alsace

  Fresh, simple. Some fruit, but not that interesting.

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• 2009 Domaine Stoeffler Riesling Mühlforst 87 Points

  France, Alsace

  Subtle white peach fruit; mineral, white fruit, dry, balanced acidity but isn't biting acidity. Ready now, but I have a strong preference for the german style of riesling over this style. 87

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• 2010 Jean Pabiot Pouilly-Fumé 87 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Pouilly-Fumé

  Floral, blooming, hint mineral; nice fresh palate. 87

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• 2007 Alphonse Mellot Côtes de la Charité Blanc Les Pénitents 89 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Côtes de la Charité

  Mineral, fresh fruit, very high acidity, lovely finish. A Chablis-style chardonnay. Excellent. 88-89

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• 2008 Marc Tempé Gewurztraminer Zellenberg 80 Points

  France, Alsace

  Golden-green color, ripe sweet white fruits, peaches, strong rose water, floral; dry, full bodied, oily. For my palate, I'm not a fan. I've yet to find a dry gewurztraminer that is truly enjoy.

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• 1995 Domaine du Viking Vouvray Cuvée Aurélie 89 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray

  Slight oxidation/sherried; slight petrol notes, nice sweetness, good balance; nice pleasant finish. Without that much experience in vouvray, this is hard to rate. It is enjoyable, but I wouldn't pay $50 for it. 89

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• 1985 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Clos du Bourg 90 Points

  France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray

  Slight petrol, apple, pear; nice acidity, mouthwatering, subtle fruit; good finish but short. Enjoyable to drink, but I'm not sure it's worth the price.

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