2008 Domaine Ricard Touraine Les Trois Chênes

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  5/13/2009, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (RICARD Les Trois Chenes) 2008 Ricard Trois Chenes Dear Friends, Much has been made about this wine lately and I will add to the fire -the hype is justified (it must have received a big push today somewhere in the US because I received a number of emails asking if we were going to carry it - a few of them referenced Didier Dagueneau's Silex, which is quite a stretch in my opinion, despite the wine's excellence). This offer was slated for Friday of this week but here it is... Vincent Ricard is one of the emerging stars of Touraine and his Les Trois Chenes is the house expression that defines each vintage with aplomb. A mineral slathered, sap-laced Sauvignon that sings of its place and growing season, the 2008 reflects the vintage perfectly - bursting at the seams and filled with a Pouilly-Fume like snap of fresh acidity and stone-fruit that drinks far in excess of its price. Aged in a combination of tank and neutral quercous barrels, Les Trois Chenes is now considered one of the defining entrants in Touraine, it is an educational wine as well as an everyday wonder that can play both sides of the fence - special occasion or Monday night. Keep in mind, this wine is best after 2-4 hours of air as the pent up molecules absorb their oxygen - it is also equally good on the second day (a very good sign). A superlative value from a year that has turned out a number of creme-de-la-creme and one of a kind results that combine intensity and weight with freshness, cut and terroir in a unique way that will turn many heads. As an added bonus, this wine has a real chance to age into something magnificent (in 4-6 years). Stored in a cool cellar, Ricard's 2008 Les Trois Chenes should continue to reward for years to come. Sancerre? Pouilly-Fume? Not really - this is the heart of Touraine and the wine is certainly proud of it. ONE PARCEL ONLY at this price directly from the cellars at Domaine Ricard. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for classic and sap-filled reflection of the 2008 vintage: 2008 Domaine Ricard "Les Trois Chenes" (Touraine) Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Loire9009