Clos Roche Blanche Touraine Rouge "L'Arpent" 2006
This was a lovely Pineau d'Aunis, very "natural" with peppery, juicy, slightly Cornelissen-like aromas. Delicious. Light but lively and intense, interminable, sweet and pure. I love it.
Domaine du Moulin Cheverny Rouge "Le Domaine" 2009
50/50 Gamay and Pinot Noir. Lovely, sweet red fruit, perhaps a touch too candied and warm year in style if I'm being picky, but lovely aromas of Pinosity despite that. Racy, lively, "natural" (but not in the freaky end of that spectrum), and quite simply delicous and moreish.
Domaine de la Chevalerie Bourgueil "Cuvée des Busardières" 2007
At first this was all sweaty and lactic, reductive and unpleasant. The scent did open up somewhat during the evening, but it was awkward throughout. The palate was quite lovely, however, with leafy, refreshing, cool sensations, juicy fruit and pleasantly upright tannins. Possibly very nice, but a pity the scent didn't reveal much.
Domaine Philippe Alliet Chinon "Coteaux Noiré" 2007
This might be the most famous name of tonight's tasting, but it was also my least favourite. Obvious new oak aromas; soft structure; so strongly oak-led aromas that I am unable to find any grape-derived sensations. Anonymous and boring.
Domaine de Saint-Just Saumur-Champigny "Terres Rouges" 2009
An almost Gamay-like Cab Franc with lovely, bright but blood/iron aromas. Good tannins, sweet fruit, more substantial than the scent suggested. Very nice.
Domaine de Bellivière Coteaux du Loir "Le Rouge-Gorge" 2008
It seems that Pineau d'Aunis was my favourite grape tonight since this and the Clos Roche Blanche were the two I most want to buy! This was peppey, earthy, seemingly a little stemmy, but also lively and fruity. Light, perhaps, but supremely intense, crisp and persistent. Outstanding.
Domaine Saint Nicolas Fiefs Vendéens Brems "Cuvée Saint Jacques" 2005
85% Pinot Noir, 15% Cabernet Franc. This was an ok wine, but a bit boring in this company. A bit candied and mainstream in comparison, some strange ripe but tangy sensations that slightly reminded me of Super Tuscans! Good structure to counter the ripeness, but still a bit boring.
Domaine Ladoucette du Château Nozet Sancerre Rouge "Comte Lafond" 2006
Quite a lovely, light Pinot. A bit funky at first, but it cleared up to become bright and very pure Pinosity. Deliciosly crisp and light, savoury yet sexy, intense. Very nice.
Ferme de la Sansonnière (Marc Angeli) Anjou Rouge "Les Jeunes Vignes Gelinettes" 2004
100% Cab Sauvignon. Blackcurrant juice, ink. Harsh tannins. I love tannins, but this was too much even for me. I wasn't able to find enjoyment here.