Pierre Menard Anjou La Varenne de Chanzé

An interesting nose here with a hue of wool and apricot but beneath a very prominent bitter blood orange-laden core. Very bright, very singular and very much in a take no prisoners fashion. On the palate it is medium to full bodied with powerful acidic structure but most essentially with the same blood orange profile and quite some warmth. Tension for days, this is by no means the easiest of Chenins to approach but all the more interesting for it. …

Super expressive on the nose with a clear Chenin expression. Aromas of beeswax, honey and Meyer lemon, followed by poached pear, tangerine, citrus oil, a good leesy touch, hints of butterscotch, lemon curd, candied dried apple and pear, gooseberry compote, mirabelle plum, almonds and a good chalky minerality. Mild hints of controlled oxidation. Rich and full on the palate with a high, sharp acidity, and a salt and chalky minerality. It’s dry but has a sweet expression in the flavors. …

Bright green-yellow that is highly reflective. Intense sweet lime zest, tomatillos, and minerals on the nose. Highly acidic, sour/borderline bitter, and mineral. Notes of gooseberry, lime zest, oyster shell, and very strong mineralogy. Not really my type of wine, though the real wine guy with me (as opposed to this dilettante) thought it was very good. Score reflects my preference. I suspect this will be much more integrated and improved in five-six years (though the real wine guy with me …