These wines were all similar in profile and quality, with the Joly being the best of the lot. They are hit and miss at the best of times, but the old school Joly wines are so unusual, so indescribably mineral rather than fruit based wines, that their true uniqueness is incredible. But they are very much a love/hate producer, although I hear the recent wines, now made by Joly's daughter I believe, are less 'extreme' wines. I guess that is a good thing?
- 2002 Nicolas Joly Savennières Le Petit Clos - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Savennières (2018-06-23)
Apart from the usual fears with chenins about oxidation, I was worried this was a little over the hill. Both worries were not an issue with this bottle. A fascinating, intriguing wine which is very hard to describe. The normal fruit or floral notes just do not fit with this wine: it was more a stoney impression. Powerful in the mouth, with concentrated, minerally, nutty flavours and a long finish. On day 2 it became a little oxidized. But I'd drink 'em if you got 'em. (A-) - 2005 Château Gaudrelle Vouvray - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray (2018-06-16)
I held on to this to see what some age would do. Or maybe I just lost it in the cellar.. at any rate, it was time to drink up. Light golden in colour. Lovely nose of rotten fruit, pear and funky nectarines. The medium bodied, slightly off dry palate is slightly oily and viscous, with the same funky rotten, nutty fruit (in a good way), wool, butterscotch, oats and a chalky note. This has definitely changed with age - has it improved? I think so, if you like the aged, nutty flavours on display, which I do. It still clearly speaks of its variety and still has the acidity to match the rich flavours. Quite impressive for a 13 year old entry level Vouvray, but I wouldn't wait too much longer. (A-) - 2005 Champalou Vouvray Le Clos du Portail - France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Vouvray (2018-06-13)
Maybe I left this a little long in the cellar. Some oxidation here, but also lovely quince, pine and smoky nectarine notes and still some oak notes too. There’s a plush, smooth texture to the slightly off-dry wine as well. I quite liked this, but I’m OK with a little oxidation. But drink up now if you still have some. Edited to note this improved on the second night, and, strangely, the oxidative notes had decreased, which should not happen... (A-)