Chéreau-Carré Chateau l'Oiselinière de la Ramée Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 2006: From a clay and schist terroir, and 40-year-old vines. There is a golden tinge to this wine, and a wonderful nose, rich in sweet minerality and citrus fruits. A brilliant, vivacious character, very much in the same vein as the 2005. The palate follows on without any disappointment, a full style with plenty of texture, a substance like liquid stone, with a slightly bitter herbal element. Fabulous vibrancy, sappy and dry, but well endowed. Great wine. 17.5+/20
Chéreau-Carré Comte Leloup de Chasseloir Cuvée des Ceps Centenaires Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur lie 2004: From 100-year-old vines planted in a single plot adjacent to the cellars, possibly the oldest vines in the appellation. A rich and soft-gold hue, and a delightful nose, full of golden crystalline fruit first of all, then a firm and minerally seam, like liquid stone. Notes of thyme too. An admirably sappy presence on the palate, vigorous and substantial, with lovely sweet and firm, crunchy-golden fruit cut through with good acidity and a bitter streak of smoke. A great presence on the palate when all is said and done, and a fine match with a crab and prawn fishcake. Firm finish. 17+/20