Domaine du Closel-Château des Vaults Savennières Cuvée Spéciale

Gold-orangy, a whiff of sherry. I debated whether it is mature or over-the-hill. Wife did not care for it at all. I thought the balance was there, but I can see it is not where most people would want it to be. A bit like a fino or oloroso sherry.

As one taster noted, an unfortunately oxidized wine. Jacqueline Friedrich notes in her Loire wine book (1996) that some of Closel's 93 bottlings had a touch of oxidation. It is full blown now. If you can get beyond the (very) off-putting nose, the palate is merely unpleasant. But the nose is unforgiveable.

Very oxidative, faintly sherry-like (and not in a good way). Undrinkable for those who don't like dead wines.

Light gold. Waxy, melon and candy nose. Slight petrol note. Nice dry finish. Later notes of anise and carraway developed.