Vicinity of Tours, France
Tasted Monday, October 22, 2012 - Wednesday, October 24, 2012 by drwine2001 with 1,132 views
I must say that this was a disappointingly variable range compared to the many great wines I have had from this domain. In particular, the set of 2011 secs was mediocre, lacking intensity and concentration.
Tasting with the engaging, generous proprietor was a pleasure in and of itself, but the wines themselves were revelatory, perfectly displaying the attributes of their respective vintages and sites, and possessing textural allure that is unusual for Loire reds. The range of 2010 Chinons is nothing short of brilliant. This visit was clearly the highlight of our swing through the region.
It was interesting and instructive to taste the difference between the Vouvrays and Montlouis of the same year, with the former wines generally showing more concentration and interest. Elegant style overall, many good 2007 wines in the range.
From the wines we tasted, we could only conclude that this is not one of the top flight producers in Touraine. Again, the 2011 wines were rather slight.
**Addendum-It's been brought to my attention that the Bourgueils appear under the Domaine de la Butte label rather than Taille aux Loups. My apologies for the confusion.
As below, a very limited sample, but the quality and purity of the wines at each level of sweetness were striking. This visit did nothing to reduce the extremely high esteem I have for this estate-bravo!
2007 Domaine Huet Vouvray Pétillant Cuvée Huet Brut
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray Pétillant
(10/22/2012)
Slightly sweet, strong brioche aromas. Lots of fresh cut citrus, mineral finish. Youthful and very good.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Domaine Huet Vouvray Pétillant Cuvée Huet Brut
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray Pétillant
(10/22/2012)
Darker color and lower pitched than the regular Petillant. Deeper pitched, less fruity, more obvious wood. Today I preferred the first wine rather than this methode traditionelle.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
(10/22/2012)
Slightly bitter impression despite low acid. Dilute mid-palate. Not good, reminiscent of some 2006s.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Clos du Bourg
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
(10/22/2012)
A huge step up from the Haut Lieu. Livelier, more complex pear fruit and a tad of residual sugar to give it some flesh. By far, the best of the 3 sec wines from this year.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2011 Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Le Mont
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
(10/22/2012)
Well behind the Clos du Bourg. Tart, less gracious mouth feel and the earthiest of the 3 wines with somewhat muddled fruit. This really needs to sort itself out.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Domaine Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Haut-Lieu
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
(10/22/2012)
Full yellow. Ripe with some pineapple. Much rounder than the 2011 secs which preceded it, yet lovely acidity and earth on the finish. Excellent and beginning to enter its window, I think.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2006 Domaine Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Mont
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
(10/22/2012)
Light golden-a bit of a shock for its age. Some sulfur. Orange rind and grapefruit. Dry and frankly bitter. The finish in particular lacks any harmony or charm. Disappointing.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2007 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Clos du Bourg
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
(10/22/2012)
Deep yellow. Clean and rich fruit, but it seems simpler and a little duller than the '07 Haut Lieu Demi-Sec. Hard to predict where this one is going.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2009 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Le Haut-Lieu
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
(10/22/2012)
Obvious botrytis. Interesting mix of grapefruit and herbal tones. Not terribly sweet. Lowish acidity. Underwhelming compared with some of their other sweet wines from this vintage.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2003 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
(10/22/2012)
Golden. Sultanas and figs. Syrupy for Vouvray and too sugary. Ironically, the acid level from this freakish vintage is okay, but the wine is still an aberration and not my idea of well balanced late harvest Chenin Blanc.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue
2010 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux 1ère Trie Le Mont
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
(10/22/2012)
This followed the flabby '03 and was the wine of the tasting. Not botrytized. Fabulous, pure Chenin quince. Rich, moderately sweet, yet perfectly cut by strong acidity and a long, lemony finish. This should be one for the ages-fantastic potential. Immediately as impressive as some of the great '09s produced here.
Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue