2002 Chateau de Chamboureau Savennieres Roche aux Moines 14.5%
Was curious to try this because it is made from botrytized chenin blanc grapes vinified dry. Notes from two years ago (from Rahsaan and others) suggested it wasn't ready at the time, but I figured that by now it would have woken up, so I overcame the fear of travel shock.
Color is honey gold, consistent with a botrytized dessert wine. Aromas of dried apricots, almonds, light botrytis and a hint of oxidation (good thing we were having it with a chunk of Comte). The palate confirms the multiple layers, and it is indeed dry, something that would have generated considerable perplexity had we not been expecting it. The acidity and sweetness are in good balance, but Marcia remarks that they taper off somewhat suddenly, leaving a considerably longer wake of pleasant bitterness. Becomes more integrated with food and air. A peculiar, idiosyncratic wine, which appealed more to the desire for exploration than to the pleasure endorphin generators.
If I had I ordered it at a local restaurant without knowing anything about it, I would have sent it back. The sommelier would have said "but, sir, it is meant to be this way," to which I would have said "excuse me, but do you think I am some kind of idiot with no wine experience?" Thank goodness this never happened, but it is amazing how important a role expectations play.
