I recently tasted two 2005 Chinons – one from Fabrice Gasnier and the other from Baudry-Dutour – partly to see how the 2005s are developing.
2005 Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, Chinon, Fabrice Gasnier 2005 Cuvée Vieilles Vignes, Chinon, Fabrice Gasnier
I'm afraid this was a disappointment – I had been looking forward to trying this sample from The Real Wine Company. I've never visited Fabrice Gasnier but have heard of him and thought his wine would be interesting to try, especially a 2005 Vieilles Vignes (£9.99). Possibly the bottle may have been faulty, although it wasn't corked, but the wine wasn't clean – instead rather rustic and confected. The estate is currently in conversion to biodynamic viticulture – I need to try a range of their wines soon.
I'm afraid this was a disappointment – I had been looking forward to trying this sample from The Real Wine Company. I've never visited Fabrice Gasnier but have heard of him and thought his wine would be interesting to try, especially a 2005 Vieilles Vignes (£9.99). Possibly the bottle may have been faulty, although it wasn't corked, but the wine wasn't clean – instead rather rustic and confected. The estate is currently in conversion to biodynamic viticulture – I need to try a range of their wines soon.
2005 Clos des Maronniers, Domaine de la Roncée, Baudry-Dutour
This was altogether much more what I expect from a 2005 Chinon – powerfully structured , rich black fruits still with a strong tannic presence. Like many 2005s this really needs more time – at ;east another two or three years. 50% of Clos des Maronniers is aged for 12 months in barriques (aged between 5 and 15 years) with the other half in vat.
Baudry-Dutour, La Morandière, 37220 Panzoult
Tel: 02.47.58.53.01 email: info@baudry-dutour,fr
Web: www.baudry-dutour.fr
Fabrice Gasnier, Chezelet, 37500 Cravant-les-Coteaux
Tel: 02.47.93.11.60; email: fabricegasnier
Web: www.vignoblegasnier.com
