WTN: La Grange

[David M. Bueker]

2004 Luneau-Papin / Domaine Pierre de la Grange Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie Le "L" d'Or - France, Loire Valley, Pays Nantais, Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Maine (10/14/2015)
Once again I am reminded why people buy and age top Muscadet, and why I should do so more often than I have. This is just gorgeous now, with a developed richness overlaying the salty/mineral base that the wine has always had. The bit of chalkiness/drying that the wine once had is gone, and that may be what translated into the additional overlying richness. Who knows. While more developed than my last bottle a few years ago, it shows no signs of being fully mature, so no rush whatsoever. Drink now for its deliciousness, or hold without concern.

Nice. I remember when you were skeptical about aged Muscadet.

I used to drink more Muscadet but have focused my buying in recent years. But this reminds me of the joy of the wines when they really sing.

[David M. Bueker]

I am still skeptical, except for a very few top wines.

I've tasted just a couple of aged samples, assuming ten year olds count as such, but from that, I think your description nailed it.

I am still skeptical, except for a very few top wines.

Well, I don't think anyone is saying age Barton & Guestier, Batardiere, or Chesnaie. When anyone I know talks about aging Muscadet they mean L-P L d'Or or Excelsior, Pepiere Briords or Clisson, Bregeon Reserve, etc.

Anyway, nice notes. CT says I have only one of these. Now to think on holding or trying (luckily I still have several '04 Briords)

[David M. Bueker]

The Excelsior has gotten pricey for Muscadet.