Domaine du Clos Naudin - Vouvray Moelleux Réserve 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

The Moelleux Réserve, made from botrytized grapes, is the quintessence of the domaine and is only produced in exceptional vintages, and here Vincent and Philippe Foreau have sacrificed a large part of the dry 2018 for this exceptional cuvée where the 132 grams of residual sugar are absolutely energized by a very pure mineral tension. The wine has evolved perfectly since our last tasting; the shimmering aroma declines dried, candied fruit, with a touch of yellow fruit that radiates in a sovereign palate endowed with a perfectly energetic, radiant rising finish. We count the caudalies...

About the domain :

On these 11.5 hectares, which will be certified organic in 2024, Vincent Foreau takes over from his father Philippe. The dry wines, with their vibrant citrus zest finishes, become more refined with age. A vertical up to 1947 demonstrates their ability to stand the test of time. The moelleux wines are fantastic for their textural density, underpinned by just the right amount of tension, and the latest vintages of these gourmet wines have a hell of a punch. A fifth star is in order.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

A meticulous selection of botrytis-affected bunches has been made; the vintage's solar character is melted away, with magnificent nuances of spice and candied fruit. The chalky, saline feel on the palate is impressive. Already incredibly greedy, it will age with extreme elegance.

About the domain :

Tasting Philippe Foreau's vouvrays, everything becomes clear and legible in Chenin: what is complex is also greedy, what is ripe remains consequently taut, what is good early on is confirmed and amplified over the decades. Pure, long on the palate, with proverbial persistence, Clos Naudin's Vouvrays have the regularity of a metronome despite the variations in the Loire climate. The perruches (flinty clay soils) give typicity to the estate's wines, which are just as at ease with sweet as with dry; even the sparkling wines are made with extreme care. The style is often quite rich, more baroque than at Domaine Huet, and no less powerful in its persistence on the palate. The latest vintages are brilliantly led by Philippe Foreau's son Vincent. The future looks bright for this Vouvrillon estate.