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Here’s a new wine for (or from) Ce Soir Wine Importers from Aoc Touraine. I’m starting to see reviews of their portfolio cropping up all over the place. Indeed, I see this month’s AGT wine features a review of the excellent 2004 Les Léonides in the best imports $25 and under section. I’m told this particular wine will be available under screwcap, rather than the dodgy old synthetic that was in this bottle. I’m writing the note from memory because I don’t know where I put my note for it, but I only tasted it yesterday, so it’s as fresh as the wine. I’m the consummate professional.

It’s fairly subdued with gentle aromatics of light fresh tropical fruit (something along the lines of pineapple/green melon/kiwifruit), creamed honey and subtle grassy herbal character. On the palate it’s mid weight with a subtle creamy lees texture, balanced unobtrusive acidity and a little bit of flinty grip. It’s entirely pleasant and lovely to drink with nothing abrasive or obnoxious sticking out to annoy you. Finishes with decent length and a bit of flintiness on exit. Very attractive wine. I recommend it. I should probably give it 90 points.

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I was browsing the Terroir France website the other day and noted in the Loire Valley section that Sancerre was described as a “nervous dry white wine”. It must have got a terrible shock in the press or something like that to make it so disposed.

Well this was another one from the bargain bin, like the Hugel I had recently. A medium yellow in colour. A delicate and grassy nose, also showing white asparagus and lemon. The palate was herbaceous, with green peas, lemons and a bit of spice. For all this, it does seem a bit underweight and watery on the palate, especially considering it was such a hot vintage. Average length. Perhaps not representative.

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This tasty Rosé is from Bourré in the Loire Valley. Sorry about the battered wine label. The winery is owned by David Levin and the winemaker is Thierry Merlet. Thierry has a diverse past, having received training at Château la Tour Blanche in Bordeaux and in Burgundy, and has worked in Australia with Brian Croser at Petaluma, in Oregon too.

A light red blush. Macerated strawberries, cranberries, red cherries, a bit of spice. The palate shows honeyed cranberries, savoury notes, old cinnamon quills, and a touch of minerals. It has crisp acidity, a drying finish and pretty good length too. A refreshing summer drink, with a full-ish mouthfeel. Don’t serve too cold.

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This wine was sent in by the importer - Monsieur Olivier Gallut of Old Bordeaux Wines (03 9625 1101) and I must admit that I am not very familiar with the style. It is from the Loire Valley - AC Sevre et Maine and made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape. The ’sur lie’ refers to the fact that it is kept on lees for a period before bottling. Anyone who loves bottle aged Hunter semillon would be instantly familiar with the style. In fact, they should be all over this wine like a nympho on a plate of oysters. It’s wonderful stuff.

Pale yellow green. Aromas of green apple, citrus, hay, soap and funky salty minerally overtones. On the palate it is light and bone dry with flavours of citrus, toast, apple, dirt and minerals. Distinctly salty and savoury too. Soft acidity and excellent slightly soapy texture. Finishes nutty dry and long. Delicious stuff. One of the most interesting wines I have tried in many a month.

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I have not been on the old Vouv for quite some time. This is the current release. The cork was unbelievable. Tight as. It must be re-corked.

Pale gold colour. Aromas of candle wax, cumquat, apple, butter and flowers. On the palate there is sweetness balanced by crisp acidity and flavours of tangerine, apple, cumquat and more waxy toasty flavours developing. Crisp but sweet finish. For those not familiar with the style - this is not a dessert wine but does carry a fair amount of sweetness. Medium sweet. I am not sure we have any white wines in this country made in a similar style.

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This wine originates from the slopes of the Loire Valley called the “Jardin de la France”. Quite pale in colour. On the nose, it shows white asparagus, gooseberries, lemon, a vague greenness, but this is complemented by a savoury oyster shell saltiness – very nice. On the palate, zesty acid, lemon and gooseberries but not too herbaceous. Medium bodied with some lively acid. Very enjoyable but not a wine I could drink a lot of.

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Pale gold colour. Aromas of fresh pineapple, quince, cordite and sweet blackcurrant buds. Slightly nutty. On the palate flavours of fresh pineapple, gooseberry, quince and a sweet grassy character - but not the hard green grassy character found in many sauvignon blancs. Could be a bit tighter on the palate but the finish is terrific - dry, flinty and herbal with good length. This is really delicious and very hard not to drink quickly. If you are not familiar with Pouilly Fume or Sancerre then I recommend you grab a bottle to experience the European face of this grape variety.

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From the Loire Valley, made in the traditional method. A big chunky bead, quite vigourous, and a nose of lemon and brioche. The palate is pleasant, with the lemon peel, yeasty notes, a bit of spiky acid and average length. Competes well at its price point.

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