WINE ENTHUSIAST – Buying guide – April 2024
Page 70
Loire Valley
White wines
95 Clau de Nell 2020 Chenin Blanc (Val de Loire). Chenin Blanc was meant to be this good. Gold in color, this wine has an alluring nose of candied golden apple, quince, baked pear, honey and orange marmalade. Creamy in texture, this biodynamic wine is fulsome and curvaceous with a generous midpalate that salons in plump, rich fruit. Wilson Daniels Ltd. Editors’ Choice. —R.S. abv: 14.5% Price: $70
Page 72
Loire Valley
Red wines
92 Clau de Nell 2020 Grolleau (Val de Loire). Fermented with native yeast, this wine has a nose of red currant, black cherry and violet blossom. Concentration dominates on the midpalate with velvety tannins that revel in black cherry, chalk and dried mushroom on the finish. This wine begs for dishes that match it in complexity and depth. Wilson Daniels Ltd. Editors’ Choice. —R.S. abv: 13% Price: $NA
Page 72
Loire Valley
Red wines
Anjou
90 Clau de Nell 2020 Violette (Anjou). This blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon opens with crushed stone, red plum, rhubarb, black cherry and red currant. Forest floor, dried porcini mushroom and red plum emerge on the palate and dominate the length of the taste. The wine is reserved, yet comfortable being in sync with its earthiness. Pair with vegetables, whitemeat dishes and any mushroom-based sauces. Wilson Daniels Ltd. —R.S. abv: 13% Price: $58