Arnaud Lambert Saumur Breze' Clos David 2018 Magnum

100% Chenin Blanc from a 1.3 ha north-east facing site planted in 1965 on medium sandy silt over limestone. Whole-bunch pressed, the free-run juice is fermented with natural yeast in 50% in foudres and 50% in barrel (2-3 year-old) of which about 15% are new, and matured on fine lees for 12 months. Blended and further matured in tank for six months. Fine and discreet, yet a notable step up in complexity and depth. Bottled un-fined and unfiltered.

'The 2018 Saumur Breze Clos David opens with surprisingly fresh and leafy/vegetal bouquet of ripe fruits, lemon and limestone as well as yeasty and tart notes. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, fruity, round and vital, finessed and pretty stimulating, persistently salty Chenin with fine grip and a promising finish. This Saumur definitely needs more time to please than the delicate and frisky Clos de la Rue. Tasted in April 2021.' 92 points, Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate, October 2021.