2018 Coteaux du Layon
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Tasting notes
Full bottle 1,601 g. From a 6.5-ha vineyard on south- and north-facing slopes. Schist soils. Beaulieu and Val du Layon. Apple pie. Pear jam. Bay leaf. Too young. Very much on the peach-jam-sweetness side of the spectrum right now, but there is so, so much here tucked back for the future. A hint of spice and, as on the nose, a hint of bay leaf. Beautiful, but don't go near it now. (TC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
From south-facing slopes on the schistous soils of the Loire tributary, the 2018 Coteaux du Layon Moelleux Layon shows a radiant orange color and a brilliant, absolutely beautiful and elegant nose of perfectly ripe and stewed apricots intertwined with fresh, spicy-mineral and herbal notes as well as wax notes. Smooth and delicate on the palate, this is a seamless, perfectly balanced moelleux with fine, crystalline acidity and fully ripe and sweet, highly elegant and refined fruit. The finish is sensationally long and stimulating. This is a great Layon to have for its own, with cheese or an apricot tart. 11.5% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021.
About the producer
Domaine Belargus rocketed to fame after receiving a perfect score for one of its very first releases. The Anjou estate was created in 2018 by French financier Ivan Massonnat and is dedicated to celebrating the special terroirs of this special corner of the Loire through the lens of Chenin Blanc.