Domaine des Baumard - Savennières Clos du Papillon 2021 (750ml)
Price: $48.99
| Producer | Domaine des Baumard |
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire Valley |
| Varietal | Chenin Blanc |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Sku | 207597 |
| Size | 750ml |
 |
Domaine des Baumard Description
Domaine des Baumard’s masterful wines span a range that is highly unusual in France. More specifically, Baumard is recognized for producing some of the most extraordinary dry white wines in the Loire and in France, namely endlessly nuanced Chenin Blanc from Savennieres. And Baumard is the single most famous producer of Quarts de Chaume, the greatest appellation for sweet wines in the Loire Valley and an appellation that has been recognized for its special quality over 1,000 years. The wines, especially today, are a study in purity and nuance. No oak is used in their vinification or aging, and gentle, precise care is the guiding philosophy in the vineyard and the winery. If you take the time to pay attention, you will be left speechless.
Baumard’s Savennières are enthralling. The piercing minerality offset by a deep ripeness, the distinct flavors of stone fruits, spices and honeyed notes. The fabulous pleasure they offer when young, and their ability to age seemingly forever: these are special wines, appreciated at the most basic level, and revered by the most knowledgeable.
Savennières is a tiny region located on the northern banks of the Loire River, just across from the town of Rochefort Sur Loire. The entire appellation consists of fewer than 360 acres of vines, all planted to Chenin Blanc. The South/Southeast facing vineyards are planted on unique soils composed of schistous volcanic debris mixed with sandstone and granite, imparting a strong, intensely original minerality to the Chenin Blanc grape. The average yields for the appellation are well below permitted levels, and actually the lowest of any dry french white wines; the resulting wines have stunning concentration and perfume. The combination of this concentration with the naturally high acidity of the Chenin Blanc grape results in wines capable of lasting and improving for decades.
Domaine des Baumard produces some of the finest examples of Savennières, including the single-vineyard “Clos du Papillon” from a site along the Loire noted for the presence of volcanic rock in its schist soils. The vineyard gets its name from its particular butterfly shape. Florent Baumard owns the eastern “wing” of this famous vineyard, and produces what must be one of the most under-appreciated great white wines in the world.
Tasting Note: The sheer intensity of the orchard fruit, floral, and earthy minerality notes emerging as the structure of the wine builds – nothing short of thrilling.
Vinous: 93 Points
The 2021 Savennières Clos du Papillon is bottled, but the 2020 hasn't yet been released on the market at the time of this tasting; so, this is a bit of a preview of what's to come. While there are creamy apple flavors on the concentrated, focused mid-palate a result of low yields, the 2021 is rather closed, structured and firm at the moment. A couple more years in bottle will allow it to throw off its shackles, open up and provide satisfaction rather than restriction.
| Quantity: |
