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Saumur Champigny

Saumur

Tasted April 4, 2013 - April 26, 2013 by WDSteers with 96 views

Introduction

After visiting and tasting throughout Condrieu, Cote Rotie and Burgundy ended by a stay in Saumur. As a grower of cab franc wanted to taste a range of Bourgueil, st Nicolas, Chinon, and Saumur cab francs over 5 days. Mostly 2008-2010 vintages. As expected a huge range of quality and styles. The biggest epiphany were the producers in Saumur Champagny. Some reminescent of our Virginia cab francs with better finish due to riper grapes and older vines. Low yields, high concentration and use of new oak barrels. Best tasting at Bistro Les Tonton with Gerard the proprietor. 12 local cab francs over one evening with duck confit pot pie dinner. He arranged to have my favorite la Paleine delivered by the winery to bring back to the states.

Compared to the elegant chinons and fruit forward bourgueil the saumur champigny fit my preference by big but not overly ripe cab franc. If you can find these two producers, they will stand up to top St Emillion bordeaux for several times the price, Think budget Cheval Blanc with less aging potential.

Best:
2009 Château de la Fessardiere Saumur-Champigny l'Admiral- new oak , vanilla, spice, cocoa and bosenberry. some pencil lead and subtle cherry. long finish. tasted at the winery with madame. Local affectionado stated L'Admiral a real stunner and he was correct.

2008 Domaine la Paleine Saumur-Champigny Tamino- graphite, tannin, Ranier cherry and cola. long finish. Owner of Bistrot Tontons could only get two bottles for me so high demand and low production.

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