6/7/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Fabulous.
This bottle was in every respect exemplary of what a dry Chenin, in the right hands, can be. An iron fist in a silk glove - a powerful, taut flavor profile wrapped in scents so seductive, soft, and powdery that the unsuspecting would be easily caught off guard. Minerality plus tart citrus which lingers on the tip of the tongue... forever it seems.

Forever also describes what I know will be my memory of Jacky Blot, who I had the privilege to meet on several occasions, and who opened the door to my experience of Chenin Sec.

Rated +3 on a scale of -1 to +3.

6/3/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Rose with just a bit of age, which seemed to give the wine a bit more weight and presence, yet didn't take away any of the freshness, the crisp acidity still present, able to stand up well to a brightly flavored mezze.

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

6/2/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Powerful, assertive flavors, with a slightly charred edge - not burnt - in the spirit of the crust of a well grilled steak. Dark and mid red fruits, with a hint of pomegranate bitterness, very satisfying.

Paired nicely with a bolognese sauce over strozzapretti.

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

5/19/2023 - IJC wrote:

Curious flavor profile, at least for one unfamiliar with the grapes.

Slightly sweet, somewhat viscous, with orange and bitter orange notes. Fascinating nose and at first taste, but the acidity seemed at odds with the syrupy consistency of the wine, or perhaps it was the 14% alcohol that left me a bit queasy. Though a good compliment to salmon roasted/ baked with orange slices, I could only drink a small glass, and as I write, wished I had drunk less.

Rated 0 on a scale of -1 to +3.

5/10/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Very nice.

more to follow

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3

5/3/2023 - IJC wrote:

Eh.

Lacks the verve (and acidity) that one would like to see (and one should expect) from a Loire Cab Franc. This is my second experience with this wine (and vintage), and I sense a lot of raw material (potential) in the grapes, which isn't allowed to express itself in the glass - rather like a thoroughbred horse only permitted to trot.

Rated 0 on a scale of -1 to +3.

4/30/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Excellent... but something's missing

I've just begun the bottle, so my notes will follow later...

Later... right out of the gate, I sensed the horse was chomping at the bit, the nose exciting, the first taste not-quite-thrilling, but definitely delightful. There was tart acidity, and there was fruit (mid/dark) and there was a touch of earthiness. But, as the "race" progressed, this horse lost its energy, and ultimately came in behind its rival (Baudry).

Perhaps it was always meant to be a long-distance runner - but at a later date. At this stage, it is hard for me to tell if the wine is headed into decline, or simply hasn't yet had enough time to fully develop. I'm inclined to believe the former, and if I had other bottles, I would drink them now.

Nonetheless, it gave pleasure, if only fleeting.
Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

Enough suspense?

4/22/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

A wonderful, wondrous bottle of wine.

Tasting notes to follow....

Rated +3 on a scale of -1 to +3.

1/26/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Delightful stuff. Refreshing, light, bubbly, wonderful aromatics of stone and soft florals, matched by mineral and tart citrus flavors.

Just right for an aperitif: it's not "serious," but it signals the beginning of a good time.

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

4/8/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

The vintage has "reawakened."

Wonderful, bright, energetic... and then multi-layered, complex yet accessible, delicious.

Rated +2 on a scale of -1 to +3.

4/25/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

It's delicious.

Fragrant, lovely bright red fruit, crisp acidity - in perfect balance.
A delight. And, even better than the last bottle, if that's possible.

Rated +1, possibly +2 for the sheer enjoyment, on a scale of -1 to +2.

4/17/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3

Details to follow...

4/11/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Solid, consistent, strong; a chardonnay of full fruit flavors, a bit buttery, a bit of oak, and a surprisingly long finish, with just enough tart acidity to beckon yet another sip.

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

3/21/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Notes to follow???

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3

3/18/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

This is a pretty straightforward Moelleux. No complexity here. Nice for a weekday/ weekend dinner party, a fine accompaniment for a tart or gateaux... ie it plays a supporting role, not the center of attention. The fruit is delicious - but the low level of acidity suggests it may not have a long shelf life.

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

3/16/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

No fireworks here, a good thing. Perhaps contrary to my expectation, nonetheless revelatory in the simplicity with which the wine expresses itself. Soft tannins, soft aromas, soft on the palate, the combination of which was delightful. The nose of darker fruit gave way to tastes of strawberry and a hint of red currant. Weightless in the mouth, it was only in the aftertaste that I sensed any earthiness, and that served as a grounding (pun not intended) to complete the cycle, thereafter oft repeated. One is drawn into this cycle unconsciously, the drinking so easy, the pleasure so satisfying that one might not realize until... none is left. This is not a complex wine, nor does it have to be to give great pleasure... and it does.

Rated +1, perhaps +2 on a scale of -1 to +3.

3/13/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Delightful.

Still holding to much the same profile as my last tasting notes, a year ago. Perhaps a shade less bite/ intensity, but the nose and floral notes holding steady.

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

3/9/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Terrific.

Energetic, strong mid red fruit flavors (what does that mean?), notes of soil, ash, volcanic mineral, soft tannins - a taste sensation akin to hearing chords played to by an orchestra to confirm all are in tune, all in concordance with one another - the wine asserts itself with this initial fortissimo, then holds itself together for ever so long, and the memory lingering for that much longer. Wonderful.

I thought this was a "simple" wine. I was wrong, and am delighted that I have another bottle in the cellar. Something to look forward to.

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

3/8/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Shape shifting.

At first, shortly after opening/ pouring, intense aromas of asphalt and petrol. Appropriate, it became obvious, as the wine opened up in the glass, as if in a drag race, and those scents gave way to raw power - expressed through dark fruit, leather, and roast meats, with flavors that mirrored, then amplified those sensations. Pedal to the metal intensity. Perfect with mushroom risotto, and I can well imagine, charcoal broiled red meats.

Rated +2 on a scale of -1 to +3.

2/12/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Delicious.
A California Cab made in classic Bordeaux style - mid and dark red fruited, scent of graphite and pencil shavings, very flavorful but not extracted, light on the tongue. As it warmed in the glass, it grew in power, but never became over powering.

Rated +2 on a scale of -1 to +3.

2/19/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Delicious.
The cherry flavor still predominates, now accompanied by a thread of darker red fruit. Cola notes from the base notes...with crisp acidity at the finish.

Rated +1 on a scale from -1 to +3.

2/24/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Chantepleure Wine Dinner
Outstanding... notes to follow

2/24/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Chantepleure Wine Dinner ... notes to follow

2/24/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Chantepleure Wine Dinner... notes to follow

2/24/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

notes to follow

2/24/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Served at Chantepleure Wine Dinner "At Home in the Loire"
Lexington Pizza Parlor, NYC, 24 FEB 2022

Beautiful... more to follow

2/15/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Fabulous ... more to follow.

2/15/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Super ... more to follow

2/15/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Classic... more to follow

2/15/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Delicious. More to follow...

2/6/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Delicious.
Opened 5 hours before drinking.
Tasted at opening:
Lighter color, some bricking at the meniscus. Taste now is ever so slightly, but not quite burnt, touch of sour cherry.
Later:
It's not burnt, it's an older Barolo, and drinking beautifully. Light in body, rich in flavor, smooth, with a remarkable finish - tart, slightly sour, long long long. Cherry, tart plum, red currant; cinnamon,

Rated +2 on a scale of -1 to +3.

2/5/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Very good.
more, to follow...

1/21/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Delicious.

Need one say more? The wine expresses the fruit, the terroir, the light hand of the vintner, and has developed and grown into an even richer experience than it was when last tasted.

I cannot tell if it will continue to mature, but it will be difficult for me to hold off drinking my last bottle for much longer.

Rated +3 on a scale of -1 to +3.

1/13/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

While still retaining the lighter red fruit profile, the fruit seems to have slipped since I last tasted this vintage, the acidity rising, throwing balance off. I think it may have needed more time to open up in the glass, and stoppered the remaining half bottle to retaste tomorrow... to be continued.

1/6/2023 - IJC Likes this wine:

Nice, more to follow...

12/29/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Dark fruit, persistent tart acidity...

to be continued.

12/17/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

This was a fine bottle - the fruit round, full flavored, textured; the acidity softly crisp - a total package beautifully integrated and a delight to drink.

Rated +2 on a scale of -1 to +3.

12/17/2022 - IJC wrote:

The condition of the cork compromised the bottle - immediately obvious to some at the table, but ultimately revealed to all - as the nose, fruit, and acidity were all diminished or disjointed.

Sad.

12/1/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Delicious.

Well integrated fruit and acidity, powerful nose of smoke, earth, and deep red fruit, and a long finish combine to make a wonderful drinking experience.

There may be many years of drinking pleasure ahead, but it's unlikely that my sole remaining bottle will see such a future - it's too good as is at present, a splendid example of all that Burgundy can be.

Rated +2 on a scale of -1 to +3.

11/30/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Delicious, and then some.

Fresh, bright, intense red fruit flavors; the corresponding equally crisp acidity acts to heighten the dimension of the taste experience, which is incredibly satisfying, as one sip invites another; a long, long finish. I am aware only of the fruit, the fruit, and nothing but the fruit.

Brilliant.

Rated +3 on a scale of -1 to +3.

11/26/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Delicious.

Over a period of an hour, the wine opened up, and became far more assertive and textured, delivering powerful multi-layered flavors, with a long lasting finish.

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

11/24/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Very fine, classic Muscadet - crisp acidity, bright fruit, delicious.

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

11/24/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Fundamentally everything one might ask of a "simple" Bourgogne - well delineated, primarily bright, light/mid red fruit flavors, balanced by crisp acidity, and a relatively light (13%) level of alcohol. Of course, what makes this bottle special is that it is 14 years old, and absolutely in its drinking window. The balance is superb, the flavors intense, yet light on the tongue. This wine is not complex, nor is it simple ... except to say it was simply delicious.

Enjoy it now, don't wait; we drank 3 bottles at the Thanksgiving table - it paired well with a wide range of foods, holding its own, and then some.

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3.

11/20/2022 - IJC wrote:

Sadly, this bottle wasn't showing well - either a flawed bottle, or more likely (I fear), past it's best.

As a consequence, not rated.

11/17/2022 - IJC wrote:

Surprisingly dull, when compared to the bottle drunk 9 months ago (and to the 2014 vintage, drunk alongside). Whatever was present before is gone -No "oomph" - lacking acidity, aromas and the flavors muted. Is it sleeping, or is it done?

Rated 0 on a scale of -1 to +3.

11/17/2022 - IJC wrote:

What's missing from this wine (second bottle tasted) is basically everything one looks for and expects from a Muscadet, beginning with a sense of energy - crisp acidity - and a nose redolent of flowers and exotic fruits. Instead, this was neutral in all respects - not subtlety of expression but an absence of one.

For a moment, I wondered if I was the one gone missing; then others at the table confirmed my observations.

Rated 0 on a scale of -1 to +3.

11/14/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Bright, crisp, tart, powerful, yet light footed.
Strongly flavored, but not pushy. A sharp attack of acidity, controlled - bracingly so - but not at the expense of the fruit or balance, all of which come to the fore for a thrilling finish.
Very fine.

Rated +2 on a scale of -1 to +3.

11/9/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

Very easy drinking, I'm debating whether this is a good thing. I missed the acidity, funk, and challenge of other Chinon - think Baudry or Raffault. There certainly is a lot of fruit - primarily dark red, plum, berry - but where is the counter balance, the tart compliment?

Rated +1 on a scale of -1 to +3...

11/5/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

in progress

11/5/2022 - IJC Likes this wine:

in process