Looks like I`m hooked on Muscadet (BP).

[David M. Bueker]

Remember Bob that 2004 is "classic" compared to vintages around it. Back in the '70s people would have declared 2004 a vintage of the century.

OK David, I understand that and brag to folks about `04 Musky/how under-rated etc. What I do not get is this fat, almost ripe feel about the wine. If a classic, where is my bracing acidity?!!

If a classic, where is my bracing acidity?!!

I'm no expert on 04 but some of the wines from further east (Touraine) were a bit heavy and dilute at the same time, some sort of rain/rot combination was a problem I believe. I don't think it was as bad out east in Muscadet, but then it also depends on the producer and some are trying to soften Muscadet's bracing acidity in any vintage.

Yeah, well that is what I am thinking Rahsaan. So are we looking at a different style of Muscadet from certain folks? Very interesting.
Guess I had better post my notes! I just want to try another glass (after 24hrs).

[James Roscoe]

In Paris they seem to drink a lot of Muscadet with their seafood, especially oysters on Christmas Eve and New Years. There is certainly a better variety there than here.

Ok that does it. Moving back to Paris asap. I worked there in the early `70s, George V. Not when it was Four Seasons of course!

http://www.fourseasons.com/paris/photos_and_videos/

Ok that does it. Moving back to Paris asap.

Never a bad idea. For any reason!

And from what I hear, Paris may be the best place (outside of Chambers St) to enjoy the diversity of Muscadet. From my experiences in the Western Loire the locals are so accustomed to thinking of Muscadet as a cheap forgettable 2euro wine to drink with seafood that many of the more interesting 10euro versions don't sell and must go to Paris for the more 'enlightened' clientele.

[James Roscoe]

We had a great Muscudet with Lobster Christmas Eve. Don't ask which one. I got it at the local Nicholas store which are as ubiquitous as patisseries.

Goodness me, just checked their website Rahsaan. 80 wines from Loire.
If we take Tim York in there for a browse, we will be there all day!!

Goodness me, just checked their website Rahsaan. 80 wines from Loire.
If we take Tim York in there for a browse, we will be there all day!!

Pretty serious place. They are Big Loire Believers.

WTN: `04 Muscadet Comte Leloup de Chasseloir Cuvee des Cepes Centenaires, Chereau-Carre.

2nd time tasted, 100 yr old vines. Good natural cork, 12.5% alc, $22 Cdn, opened half-hour. Typical wire cage for this cuvee. Cellared around 2 yrs I think.

Color. Medium straw, cannot describe as brilliant, more faded perhaps.

Nose. Classic and has the grassyness of the `03. Flinty but less oyster shell. Taken on some spice here, flowery too. As it opens more minerally tones blast out of the glass. Very big nose here.

Palate. No spritz this time around, has some hint of ripe fruit mid-palate. Finish has excellent length, dry, minerals. Shows the signs of the leesy character, acidity is not that bracing. More pink grapefruit than lemon, fellow taster thought " has a riper character than I expected......remember that `03?". Interesting wine, bring on the `05s from this stable.

Food was shrimp in a light garlic butter sauce with lemon.

Resurrection time, I am about to open the `05 Coing de St. Fiacre so stay tuned. Guess I should post over on Wine Focus eh.