Domaine des Forges, AOC Coteaux de Layon Chaume, Loire, France, 2010
Varietal chenin blanc, natural cork closure, 11.5% abv, 375ml, widely available, about £9 (£20 for 75cl).
WSET style tasting note
Appearance: clear and bright, medium intensity gold, showing tears.
Nose: clean on the nose, with a pronounced intensity, developing, with a hint of complementary volatile acidity, lifted aromas of fragrant orange marmalade, ripe pineapple, then warm honey, spicy honeysuckle and a hint of quince.
Palate: a sweet wine, with medium (+) acidity, a slight gummy grip, medium alcohol and a full body owing to residual sugar, with an oily texture, of pronounced intensity, with flavours of warm orange marmalade, over-ripe pineapple, stewed yellow peach and warm honey. A long length with a clean slightly grippy finish.
Quality: a very good quality wine, with balanced fresh acidity with alcohol + residual sugar, which are harmonious with the intensity of flavour. A wine with a good level of complexity and concentration of flavour, evidenced in the long, long length. This wine is ready to drink now, and has the balance, concentration and complexity to improve with cellaring over 5-10 years.
