2013 Coteaux du Layon 1. Cru Chaume Château de la Roulerie

This is one of the Loire Valley's finest dessert wines. The appellation is located in and around the village of Chaume. This is so far the only Premier Cru appellation in the Loire. Made from 100% Chenin blanc. The grapes come from old vines planted on poor soil with clay, pebbles and slate. These vineyards are close to the small Layon river (some would call it a stream). There are fog banks from the Layon, which promote the development of botrytis (noble rot). All grapes are late harvest and hand-harvested and vinified in 400 L oak barrels "sur lie". The wine's colour is dark yellow with hints of glittering gold, the bouquet is engaging with very ripe, exotic fruits. The flavour is very full-bodied with a lovely underlying acidity, a wine in perfect balance between the sweetness and fresh acidity.