2016 Saumur Blanc Clos des Carmes

Guiberteau’s monopole 2016 Saumur Brézé Clos des Carmes is from a south-facing, two- to six-hectare plot planted in 2004 and 2005 on clay and silt. Aged for 18 months on fine lees in barrel (new and one- to two-year-old oak), the golden-yellow 2016 Clos de Carmes displays a very intense and chalky/yeasty bouquet with roasted almond, tropical fruit, discreet oaky and fascinating flinty, even iron-rich aromas. Silky and immediately rich but elegant on the palate, this is a full-bodied, round and complex, very fine and salty Chenin with fine tannins and a long, dense and tonic but also settled and textured finish. I dare say this is a pretty Burgundian, textural Saumur with refreshing lemon and vibrant mineral notes, fine tannins and a very long, intense and tensioned finish with lovely toast flavors. 13% alcohol. Tasted in May 2021.