Longing For The Loire Sydney

The Touche Mitaine parcel features Chenin Blanc vines aged 35 years, planted on clay and flint soils. It was vinified in used oak barrels of 228 litres, with an élevage lasting twelve months. Aromatically this is rich in powdered chalk, with layers of white peach and a fragrant, lifted, minty freshness. The palate matches this style, in a gently composed structure, polished and fresh, with the same minty, white peach substance. It is framed by firm acidity, which I find typifies the vintage. The alcohol is 12.8% CHRIS KISSACK

Pure and alluring, with apple and citrus cloaked in spices and salty brine. Remains racy through the smoky, vivid finish, thanks to mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2028. WINE SPECTATOR

The old La Coudraye, which changed to La Côte back in the 2018 vintage to reflect the variety of origins for the fruit. This is a sample drawn before bottling. A vibrant hue in the glass, and a beautifully pure and eager nose of black cherry, blackcurrant and damson fruits. The palate remains true to the nose, with that same sense of purity and an underbelly of soft chalk, before a sappy cherry-skin character at the end. Modestly extracted tannins, firm but not over done, with nice acidity for this warmer vintage, this should evolve nicely for some years, but should be ready to go within a year or two. The alcohol is said to be 13%. CHRIS KISSACK, Thewinedoctor.com