Domaine Huet Vouvray Masterclass 1934 - 2007
West London Wine School
Tasted Thursday, September 18, 2014 by hadwin with 628 views
Introduction
An absolutely stunning tasting showcasing the exquisite wines of Vouvray's most famous estate, Domaine Huet, ranging from the rare pre-WW2 1934 to 1996. The tasting was led by Jimmy Smith who is an expert and enthusiastic ambassador for the complex wines of Vouvray and especially this domaine claiming that the best wine he has ever tasted was the 1947 Domaine Huet Haut Lieu. This is a great opportunity to taste the best Chenin Blanc in the world.
The tasting covered a diverse range from the long-lived Chenin Blanc grape variety including dry, medium-dry and sweet white wines and a sparkling style from vintages spanning back to 1934 and including a wine produced in Nazi-occupied France in 1943 and another produced in the final year of WW2. It is an excellent opportunity to taste an amazing range of wine styles from just one grape variety, Chenin Blanc, and also why this variety is possibly the greatest white grape variety in the world for ageing.
Domaine Huet now farm a total of 35 hectares of vines split among the three single vineyards; Le Haut Lieu, Le Clos du Bourg and Le Mont. The estate is 100% Chenin Blanc with 50% of the vineyard classed as old-vines. Few would argue that the reputation of Vouvray as an appellation producing great wines lies with the influence of a single individual: the original owner Gaston Huet. Not only was Gaston a legend within the region, but his tireless work sitting on various national committees helped shape the future of French wine culture. His quest for the highest quality Chenin Blanc has been passed on to the Pinguets running the estate on biodynamic principles. Today the estate is owned by Anthony Hwang who also has interests in the regal Tokaj in Hungary. A Sweet Wine fanatic.
Jimmy Smith (Wine School Owner) - "Possibly the most exciting tasting for me personally on our packed calender and not only as the greatest wine I've every tasted was a 1947 Huet. I love Chenin Blanc from Vouvray in its' myriad of styles - from everything from bone dry to ultra-sweet, still to sparkling and with an excellent ability to mature for decades perhaps centuries. This is contender for King of the Whites"
2007 Domaine Huet Vouvray Cuvée Huet Brut 88 Points
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Very pale, clear and bright. Lightly floral nose. Fresh, with a small mousse, apple notes, very refreshing.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
1934 Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu 93 Points
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Amber hue, clear and bright. Very perfumed with honey and a slight nuttiness. Fresh acidity, rich, with a touch of oxidation. Very, very long. A slight petillance.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
1938 Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu 88 Points
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Amber, clear and bright. Waxy nose with honey - quite ungiving. Good acidity, oily texture with a citrus twist and an apricot after taste.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
1938 Domaine Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Haut-Lieu 93 Points
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Deep Amber, almost brown. Rich nose with sugar, syrup - creme brûlée. Citrus note on the palate, glycerine, sweetness but with a dry finish.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
1943 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Le Haut-Lieu 83 Points
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Somewhat of an oddity, known as the "German Vintage" for obvious reasons. Dark amber almost brown with some suspended sediment. Strange earthiness with almost a play-do and cheese in there. Strangeness follows through on the palate - light, notes of apples. Not fine, almost like a home made wine.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
1945 Domaine Huet Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Haut-Lieu 94 Points
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Some bottle variation (two bottle tasting). Very dark amber colour. Fresh floral nose with angelica, pears and peaches - vibrant (second bottle less expressive with more honey notes). Creme Brûlée, long, rich, honeyed, fabulous balance - wow. Second bottle showed less development. The first bottle was mind-blowing, the second merely good!
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
1959 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Le Haut-Lieu 92 Points
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Deep gold colour. Touch of sulphur on the nose but citrus notes coming through. Good acidity, citrus note follows through long and well integrated.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
1989 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont 93 Points
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Golden hue, clear and bright. Honeysuckle and butterscotch on the nose. Some wet stone minerality. Sweet fruit and marmalade, good acidity. Lovely.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
1989 Domaine Huet Vouvray Moelleux Clos du Bourg 92 Points
France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray
Deep amber and browning. Clear and bright. Candid peel and intense sweetness on the nose. Big. Very sweet start, young but with good acidity. Needs more time to integrate.
Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No