3-Star Loire: Two Barrels Produced
2014 Roches Neuves
Saumur Blanc Clos de l’Échelier
Roches Neuves' Thierry Germain has long been one of the Loire's top producers. However, in the past handful of years the wines have really entered the zone.
They've grown more vivid, elegant and delicate. These are wines that you can't help but take notice of.
Recently, the Revue du Vin de France awarded Roches Neuves their highest ranking (3 Stars), a distinction that they share only with Clos Rougeard in the Loire.
The highlights of Roches Neuves' line-up are two historic clos, Clos Romans and Clos de l’Échelier, which owner Thierry Germain acquired seven or so years ago. We offered Clos Romans Blanc on a sleepy Saturday. Within two hours, we had sold out and I was scrambling to find more.
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Clos de l’Echelier is a 1.8ha clos (a walled vineyard). The majority is planted with Cabernet Franc. The small amount that's planted to Chenin Blanc is sourced from 60 year old vines. The total production is just two oval casks and totals somewhere around 1,200 bottles per vintage.
The clos is on hard limestone soils. L’Échelier shows a deeply complex and ultra-finessed minerality with bright and floral tinged citrus notes and stone fruits. The persistence, elegance and clarity make clear that this is a special vineyard in the hands of a thoughtful winemaker.
The 2014 vintage for the Loire is really strong. At this point, it's looking like one of the best we've seen in years. The 2014s have real substance and crystal-clear acidity. Across the board they boast a remarkable sense of poise and completeness.
As I mentioned earlier, our last Roches Neuves offer quickly sold out. We have even less Clos de l'Échelier to offer. Please give us your ideal order and we'll try our best.
To order, please email us at offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits
2014 Domaine des Roches Neuves
Saumur Blanc Clos de l'Échelier
Special Email 4-Pack Price: $259.80 ($64.95 / btl)