WTN: Savennieres "Clos du Papillon"

[David McDuff]

WTN: Savennieres "Clos du Papillon," Domaine du Closel 1999

A light golden to dark straw color suggests maturity (not sweetness, in this case), which is echoed in the nose with just a hint of oxidative quality. Still bright aromas, though, of apples, quince and honey. On the palate, acidity is softer than average for the wines AOC but is perhaps typical for the vintage. Flavors are carried through from the bouquet, along with good minerality, lime oil and a touch of herbaceousness. Much more open than when last tasted, about a year ago.

[MikeInSacto]

WTN: Savennieres "Clos du Papillon," Domaine du Closel 1999

A light golden to dark straw color suggests maturity (not sweetness, in this case), which is echoed in the nose with just a hint of oxidative quality.  Still bright aromas, though, of apples, quince and honey.  On the palate, acidity is softer than average for the wines AOC but is perhaps typical for the vintage.  Flavors are carried through from the bouquet, along with good minerality, lime oil and a touch of herbaceousness.  Much more open than when last tasted, about a year ago.

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Thanks for the note! Any thoughts on how much we might expect this to improve over the next few years?

Mike

[David McDuff]

Mike,

"Improve" is a very subjective concept when it comes to aging wines. If you prefer your wines to have plenty of primary fruit then this may already be past your ideal stage. That said, the wine is still showing nicely and should continue to do so for another two, maybe three, years. Savennieres can be quite long lived. Given its soft acidity, and relative to its fairly high alcohol (13.8%), this '99 is a mid-termer only. If you're holding several bottles, I'd say continue to enjoy them one or two per-year. If you're down to your last, drink up and enjoy.

cheers!