Arnaud Lambert Saumur Blanc 'Clos de la Rue' 2018

From a 2 ha south facing site planted half 1965 and half 1990 on sandy silt over limestone. Vinified with indigenous yeast 50% in aged foudres and 50% in barrel (35% new) and aged for 2 years on fine lees. Malo is blocked naturally due to low pH (about 3.0) and aged for 12 months on fine lees. Here the wine shows virtually no impact from the extended oak ageing or the new oak, such is the strength of the fruit it shows excellent integration and comfortably rides above the elevage. This shows notable acid freshness giving great length and shape on the palate. Very long with terrific complexity and ageing potential. Bottled un-fined and unfiltered.

‘The straw-yellow 2018 Saumur Brézé Clos de la Rue opens with an intense and yeasty bouquet of ripe white-seed fruits, such as pears and star fruit, as well as notes of potted ginger, honey and a hint of light caramel and oak. Round and juicy yet also very fine and elegant on the palate, this is an intense and textural yet finessed, very long and tensioned Chenin from 30- to 35-year-old vines on the calcareous sand and limestone soils from Brézé's Clos de la rue, a monopole of the domaine. Pretty Burgundian in style yet fruitier, it's perfect for Riesling lovers who can't afford great Burgundies and would like to meet something different yet with a French accent. Stimulatingly pure and salty on the aromatic finish. Tasted in April 2021.’ 92+ points, Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate, October 2021.