About This Wine:
A single-vineyard wine of unusual authority and texture, but unmistakable origin, from schist-grown vines over 60 years
old. A Muscadet for those who appreciate fruit as well as the authentic saline minerality of the genre
The wines of this property have changed quite markedly since we first brought in the 1993 vintage – but whose in Bordeaux have not? The one constant has been Rémy’s immutable sense of style that does not permit him to submit to
vulgar temptation, even in a prodigal year such as 2005. This wine is sumptuous to a fault, but the use of wood is discreet,
and the hallmark iron tones and sense of locale lurk under the surface for those who look. This should go down as a
landmark wine on a par with his great 1990 vintage.
We waited a very long time until importing our first Muscadet, but now believe that we have found a winner. The Chon
brothers practice organic viticulture in a patchwork of crus that show the subtle but clear distinctions of terroir that exist
in this popular but little-understood area. They make impeccably clean, vividly expressive wines at reasonable prices, and
have been hailed by David Schildknecht as offering exceptional quality and value.
Ratings & Reviews90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Gilbert Chon’s 2009 Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie Clos de la Chapelle Vieilles Vignes – as has been the case with previous bottlings from him – somewhat suggests Riesling in its evocations of peach, black currant, iris, and lime, which extend not only to a perfumed nose but also to a palate that marries density with levity and delivers a scintillating interplay of fruit, salinity, and seemingly crystalline mineral notes in its long, succulent finish. Intriguing suggestions of shrimp shell reduction, iodine, and meat stock emerge with air. This terrific value is a must-try Muscadet even for someone who doesn’t generally find that the genre hits his or her sweet spot. It should be mouthwatering to follow for at least the next couple of years. (Incidentally, Chon is among the few Loire growers to employ screwcap closure – or at least, for the exported portion of his portfolio.) - David Schildknecht (Aug 2010)
