WTN: Pithon Coteaux du Layon - Beaulieu

1999 Domaine Jo Pithon Coteaux du Layon-Beaulieu (Loire)
Deep dark golden honey colored. The nose is all honey and fig. It’s very creamy and full in the mid-palate with a burst of rich sweetness which quickly fades to a thin, woody, antiseptic, fino sherry finish. I liked it until the finish kicked in but it was worth trying for the $5/750ml close-out price.

I'm not at all experienced with Pithon wines. Is this finish typical of the house style? A bad bottle?

Bill, I've noticed those-out bottles for a year or so now. My undesrtanding is that it was an unsuccessful year for them (as for many) and that balance can be a concern about Pithon's wine (with which I have no direct experience).
Charles

Thanks, Charles..ya, I'd been eyeing those bottles for a while too. I also grabbed a CdL-Chaumes 500ml for $10, which from what I've read, has 120gms of sugar compared to 80 in the Beaulieu.

Lots of rain in Loire during the end of September and into October in 1999.

For the big 95-96-97 run Pithon made his name for ultra rich concentration that some called over the top and others enjoyed, in his dessert wines.

Recent vintages were in a similar vein (the 02-03-04 run), although perhaps he's working a little better and therefore a bit more elegant.

So, with that in mind I guess your 99 was rather a victim of the poor vintage.

FWIW, he got lots of fame for his sweet wines but couldn't sell enough to make it profitable (somehow people don't buy as many sweet bottles as they do dry ones) so he is now expanding his production of dry wines.

Thanks, Rahsaan. There was enough at the front end of this wine that would make me want to give his wines from a better vintage a shot. I don't mind an approaching over-the-top type dessert wine every now and again.

I have just read on a french blog that the Pithon estate is no more? They and financial partner have split up.

I have just read on a french blog that the Pithon estate is no more? They and financial partner have split up.

Yes, so reported Joe Dressner very recently.

Mark Lipton