Domaine des Baumard: Loire Valley (Savennieres)

“Florent Baumard is one of the world’s best winemakers, and you probably don’t know him. That’s because he produces Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, an all-too-often overlooked region. Baumard produces a range of dry and sweet wines, topped by his Quarts de Chaume. And perhaps the best part of Baumard’s new wines is that they are now all under screw cap. Bravo to Florent Baumard for making this decision based on quality, not marketing.”  Wine Spectator – March 2007 – James Molesworth

“The wines from Florent Baumard’s vast domaine have become the world’s best-known ambassadors for their respective appellations” Robert Parkers Wine Buying Guide #7

Sparkling

NV Cremant de Loire “Carte Turquoise” – 40% Chenin blanc 60% Cabernet franc . Low dosage (5 gms/ltr) ensures a fine crisp aperitif style with finesse.

NV Cremant de Loire “Carte Corail” – 100% cabernet franc “Very pale, bright pink with a steady bead. Shy aromas of strawberry, blood orange, rose and spices, plus a hint of honeysuckle. Very fresh and expansive on the palate, offering pure red fruit and sweet citrus flavors and subtle minerality. A strikingly elegant, precise, understated bubbly that makes plenty of pink Champagnes seem somewhat crude. The precise, spicy finish leaves dusty mineral and strawberry notes behind.” Steve Tanzer June 2010

Dry wines

2007 Savennieres “Clos de Saint Yves” stelvin-luxe
The vines for this cuvee are located between Clos du Papillon and the Roche aux Moines slope of Savennieres. Shows pristine purity and great depth of fruit.

2005 Savennieres “Clos du Papillon” stelvin-luxe
“Plump up front, with melon, quince and pear flavors. Also has lots of buried minerality waiting in reserve, with notes of quartz and lime flickering through the medium-weight finish. Approachable, but should gain better definition with cellaring.” 91 points Wine Spectator – June 15th 2008 

2007 Savennieres “Trie Speciale” stelvin-luxe
“The apotheosis of Chenin blanc, and unquestionably a wine to rival Corton-Charlemagne and Montrachet; dense, glycerous and flavor saturated packed with honey nuts and flowers.” Andrew Jefford – The New France

 Sweet wines:
These are simply some of the worlds greatest sweet wines. Made from 100% Chenin blanc these wines will age superbly.

2008 Coteau du Layon “Carte d’Or” stelvin-luxe
“The Baumard 2008 Coteaux du Layon Carte d’Or offers lily-like sweet perfume and a vivid amalgam of quince preserves, marzipan, and really ripe red peach.  This jaw-dropping value and nobly sweet elixir of purity, refinement yet intimacy should be a delight to follow over the coming decade if not also beyond.” 92 points R.Parker #190 August 2010

2001 Coteau du Layon “Le Paon”  (cork)
“Really enticing, with quince, pear, persimmon and fig aromas and flavors, but it’s never heavy, just pure and refined with a lovely, caressing finish. The acidity is really buried here—should cruise in the cellar. Drink now through 2027. 1,000 cases made.” 95 points Wine Spectator – May 31st 2007

2002 Coteau du Layon “Clos St Catherine” (cork)
“Rich and ripe, with glazed fruit, apple tartine and fig paste notes backed by a rich texture and a long, creamy finish, where the lingering fig and green almond notes keep pulling you back. Combines power and precision. Drink now through 2027.” 96 pts Wine Spectator – May 2007

2006 Quarts de Chaume – stelvin-luxe  – also limited quantities available of 1999 Quarts de Chaume and 2000 Quarts de Chaume – both in 750ml (cork)

“High-pitched aromas of lemon, green apple and nectarine, with a floral honey quality that gains strength in the glass. Plump orchard and pit fruit nectar flavors are underscored by tangy citrus and mineral notes that buffer the sweetness and add verve. Plenty sweet but the underlying minerality contributes refreshing cut and extends the floral-dominated finish. I really like this wine’s blend of sweetness and vivacity.” 92 points  Steve Tanzer – May/June 2010