A Magical Montlouis
2010 Chidaine Montlouis
Clos Habert (Demi-Sec)
Chenin for Riesling Lovers
When it comes to noble, ageworthy white grapes, the list is short - Riesling, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. And when it comes to Chenin, Chidaine (along with Huët and Foreau) is a master.
Long revered in France, François Chidaine is finally getting his due here in the States. His 2010s will only add fuel to the fire.
Chidaine is undoubtedly one of the most skilled winemakers in the Loire. You'll find his wines in the cellars of serious blue-chip collectors and die-hard wine geeks. They're undeniably impressive.
What makes Chidaine's wines stand out is their clarity. They are crystal clear, sleek and just gorgeously composed. They are Chenin Blancs for the Riesling lover.
For me, Chidaine's Montlouis Clos Habert is consistently his best wine. In 2010, Clos Habert is stunning for its pristine expression, its length and complexity.
Clos Habert is also one of the great values of the wine world.
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Again and again, customers ask us if it's still possible to build a cellar with wines priced around $30 and under.
The answer is you definitely can, and with really interesting wines at that. Chidaine's 2010 Clos Habert is Exhibit A.
Few grapes undergo the transformation in the cellar the Chenin Blanc does. Riesling does, but it pretty much stops there. Chidaine makes his Clos Habert in a Demi-Sec style and the small amount of sugar (as with Riesling) really helps the aging process in terms of longevity and the complexity it gains in the cellar. Chidaine's 2010 Clos Habert will age 15-20 years, building a depth and complexity with each passing year.
Chidaine's style is sleek, polished and elegant.This refinement doesn't come at the expense of terroir, but instead magnifies it. This really underscores just how precise Chidaine is, how shockingly clear his wines are.
The 2010 Clos Habert has that magical combination of concentration, balance and classical proportions that only special vintages deliver.
The balance and the sense of energy that the wine delivers is just lovely. There's a cut to Chidaine's 2010 Clos Habert that's reminiscent of Mosel Riesling. The interplay between acidity and sugar nails a sense of balance and overall harmony.
This is first-class winemaking and strongly recommended. For the value, for the way Chidaine so beautifully captures the energy and clarity of the 2010 vintage, this is a don't miss.
To order, please email us at offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salmaone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits
2010 Chidaine Montlouis Clos Habert (Demi-Sec)
Clos Habert is available for delivery next week!
NET | No further discount