Anjou 1949

A bizarrely famous winery, often releasing a large range (at very reasonable prices) of mature, sometimes extremely old, vintages. Quite a few years back, when studying in England, I picked up a 1929 amazingly cheaply (it was my dad's birth year and, even though he had no real interest in wine, we opened and drank it shortly before he passed away – it was not in brilliant condition, and that was more than likely my fault rather than the winery's, but it was a wonderful experience). This 1997 was a recent purchase.

From the Anjou in the Loire, and made from chenin blanc, these are wines that will age for many, many years. If you are used to chenin blanc from Australia, though there are not that many, then this is an utterly different wine – unrecognisable.

This one, from a good vintage, was rich, complex, quite sweet and lingering. No cloying notes at all, which can happen with this style. Balance was impeccable The flavours were a joy – peaches, figs, dry honey What a treat!

It might be a joy to drink now but it is going to age for an eternity.

96

une couleur dorée brillante un bouquet complexe,profond, avec ses notes de fruits exotiques de miel et de fleurs. La bouche et tout aussi impressionnante par sa profondeur et longueur.  Les saveurs de pêche, poire et miel perdurent. Le meilleur moulin touchais que j'ai jamais goût.