Roche Bleue 2022 Coteaux du Loir L'Oree de la Berterie

This is a beautiful Chenin Blanc from Sébastien Cornille at Domaine de la Roche Bleue, from 30+-year-old vines on slopes (80%) and terraces (20%) in the lieu-dit "Le Haut Perray" in Chahaignes, Coteaux du Loir. Thin red clay soils over limestone and deeper clay soils with silex giving yields of about 30 ha/hl. The grapes are harvested late to counterbalance the vibrant acidity normal in this terroir. The 2022 L'Orée de la Berterie shows lovely ripe aromas  - honeyed pear, peach and kiwi with almond,  floral and mineral notes, elegant and pure. Dried pear, citrus peel, almond, stone and herbal notes on the round and ripe palate with terrific density and a long, quite firm citrus and mineral finish. This is an outstanding young Chenin that will open up over the next five to ten years, and it's a superb value as well. Serve with ceviche of fluke, fish in sauce, roast chicken and mild cheeses. DL A true expression of the warmer 2022 vintage, round and plush with honey  and quince balanced by vibrant acidity typical of this northerly terroir. -GH