2006 Saumur Champigny Breze
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Tasting notes
Honeysuckle, lanolin, honeydew melon, and bittersweet floral perfume rise from the glass of Clos Rougeard 2006 Saumur Breze, which displays a cooling as well as soothing palate wreathed in high-toned herbs and floral essences; tinged with bitterness of quinine; and brimming with juicy melon. Alkaline and mollusk-like suggestions of things mineral lend mystery to a long finish. I would never have expected a wine with this almost Muscadet-like sense of buoyancy from its vintage. The Foucaults Chenin from 40-50 year old vines in a clay-rich site continues to be in a class by itself in the Saumur appellation, deserving of the long elevage it receives and of time in the cellar. (Notes on the estate’s recent reds can be found in my parallel report on “Central Loire: King Cabernet.”) I lacked the opportunity to taste the 2009 or 2008 from barrel, but the imminent and current releases did not disappoint. Importer: Louis/Dressner Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 334 8191
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David Schildknecht, Vinous
David Schildknecht, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The Clos Rougeard 2006 Saumur-Champigny smells of game and lightly-cooked black fruits, with hints of narcissus, decadent lily, and machine oil. Round and rich on the plate with hints of cocoa powder, mocha, brown spices, and almond extract complimenting its rich fruit. A bottle open for a day had sweetened even further; lost most of its gaminess; and displayed a lovely sense of lift to accompany its subtly creamy texture. This long-finishing beauty will probably best be enjoyed over the next 3-4 years. Aug 2010, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Clos Rougeard is one of the Loire Valley’s most famous producers. Based in Saumur-Champigny, it produces fine Cabernet Franc in tiny volumes – wines that are almost impossible to source.