Quite a few forumites seem to be in the Muscadet mood this month, so happy to post some notes on a couple from the very hot vintage in `03.
WTN: `03 Pepiere (Marc Ollivier) Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine.
My second bottle as we wait for the tugboat to bring us the latest vintage! The colour was quite pale with a very watery rim. On the nose, I found apple some herbs and the typical sea-shore stones.
The `03 is as ripe and tropical as I expected from this abnormal vintage. More of a summer sipper than a serious shellfish coupling. Good acids and quite minerally, some citrus but lacks true typicity. Needs more steelyness and that oyster shell quality.
This would be a nice wine for those new to the Loire/Muscadet, more approachable than others out there. Lets be honest, true examples have more acidity and a dry minerally steel quality to them (in my book anyway).
WTN: `03 Chereau-Carre Muscadet de Sevre-et-Maine Cuvee des Ceps Centenaires Ch.de Chasseloir.
Historic vineyards with vines 100 yrs old. The Cuvee des Ceps is known as one of the better Muscadets around. 12% alc and nicely chilled, was great with shrimp tossed in a lemon garlic butter sauce.
Colour. Lively looking light straw, hardly any legs here.
Nose. Flinty, oyster shells--seems true to form! The grassiness reminds me of a SB found you-know-where.
Palate. Slight spritz on initial entry and just love the un-zippy acidity here. Yup, its ripe but nice one. Crisp, nice balance, memorable aftertaste. Pear, apple, juicy lemon finish. I really like the mid-palate, slight herby streak and big finish. Fruit purity was remarked on by fellow tasters. One taster found it a tad un-typical so we had to explain the vintage conditions. "Leesy" character not understood by some present!
** after 24hrs, and vacu-vin, no downturn for this one. More gavelly on the nose, palate has some melon on the finish. Must try again, I`m hooked. Cost was $20.00 Cdn.
I see from my cellar book, I have the regular `04 offering. Up next with more shrimp.