SF | Straw pale; subtle nose , almond and sourdough, a chalky undertow and a hint of white pepper. Palate fans out pleasingly, and is riper than expected with citric tension providing counterpoint. Moderate concentration, however, and forecloses its promise without much by way of progression. Atypical for the region but not without interest. 88
DW | Chenin-esque apple on the nose, the palate is initially bracing and taut, but there is some fleshy apple on the bones of fine acidity, which is pleasingly, mouthwateringly linear and fine, with just a hint of green apple sweetness on the dry finish. Gastronomic dry Loire white.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2030. 89
AR | The only white wine in the tasting, and something of an anomaly, this is pale lemon in colour with a pleasing freshness that mingles with a twist of rather classy, lightly smoky oak in the aroma; the texture is enhanced by the oak which is not excessive but rather adds a minor white Burgundy-esque character (Ladoix? Savigny?) to a wine which is quite complex and food-friendly, but hard to place if looking for either terroir or grape variety, given that it lacks the punchy acidity of Chenin Blanc.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2027. 90