2007 Domaine du Collier Saumur Blanc La Charpentrie

2007 Domaine du Collier Saumur Blanc La Charpenterie

The force is strong with this one…..son of Charly Foucault from the stellar Clos Rougeard in Saumur-Champigny, Antoine Foucault is fast making a name for himself as a star in the region. After some time working with his father at Clos Rougeard, Antoine purchased his first vineyards….4 hectares in the commune of Brézé in the lieu-dit of La Ripaille and in 1999 Domaine du Collier with partner Caroline Boireau.

The estate now consists of 6 hectares of Chenin Blanc & Cabernet Franc…..farmed biodynamically with strict sorting after the grapes are harvested by hand, wild yeast ferments, deft oak artistry and minimal sulphur use. The Chapentrie hails from Chenin Blanc vines between 100 & 110 years of age.

Pale yellow gold in colour with enchanting aromas of vibrant citrus and white peach fruits….vital and pure smelling with a curious resinous, sappy lilt….deeply etched with minerals, stone and soft spices with just a touch of custard apple and white flowers.

In the mouth the wine is poised beautifully with a measured weight and lovely tension between the fruit and the minerally, vivid acidty. Juicy white peach and citrus fruits of head-spinning purity with a filigreed web of minerals, spice, distant sappy herbal tones, petrichor, almond blossom and beautifully judged oak use that imparts just a memory of meal on the long, persitant finish.

A enchanting wine of great concentration that will only improve with time and an estate destined for big things…..again….a wine showing a great level of detail and I know I’ve already mentioned the lovely suits of Nudie Cohn but they are worth another look…..this time Gram Parsons modelling the rad “Gilded Palace of Sin” suit….that sums it up quite nicely.

Price: $90

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 13%

Lookin good Gram