Chidaine 2023 Montlouis "Les Bournais"

This is our favorite wine from François and Manuela Chidaine, long-time champions of organic and biodynamic farming in the Loire Valley. Named after the soil type "Les Bournais," a unique clay topsoil over limestone (tuffeau blanche) also found across the river in Vouvray and without the silex present in most Montlouis terroirs. First made in a sec-tendre style, recent vintages have been dry. The 2023 is a superb example of this wine with lovely aromas of lemon confit, kiwi, white peach, lime-flower, honey and earth, with subtle hints of pink grapefruit/ crushed raspberry as well. The palate is dense and creamy with chalky ripe pear and citrus fruits with a long, vibrant finish of stone, white fruits, anise and citrus with terrific acidity. (Lush but dry at only 2 gr RS/L, 13% alcohol and 3.85 gr/L acidity) This is a really beautiful Montlouis that will perfectly accompany lobster,  fish or white meats in sauce, Asian foods and goat cheeses. It's delicious now, and is built to age - it should be sensational after ten to twenty years in the cellar.  David Lillie