Domaine de Saint-Just, La Coulee de Saint-Cyr Blanc 2010

Domaine de Saint-Just, La Coulee de Saint-Cyr Blanc, Saumur 2010

There once was a boy from Saint Just
Who ate apple pie 'til he bust
It wasn't the fru-it
That caused him to do it
What finished him off was the crust
- limerick

If you wanted to demonstrate the greatness and versatility of Chenin, this could be the wine to pour. It is rich, savoury, full and complex - and at 10 years old, it still has plenty of life ahead.

With high acidity and flavours of flowers, damp straw and honey, this aged dry Loire Chenin is not exactly an easy-drinking crowd-pleaser; but its savoury freshness is fascinating and compelling. It has the richness and botrytised flavours of a sweet wine, yet is completely dry.

Domaine de Saint-Just, La Coulee de Saint-Cyr Blanc, Saumur 2010 topaz colour with cidery,  bruised apple, leesy acacia blossom and a sherry-esque tang; toasted almonds and savoury beeswax with dried apricots, sultanas and yellow apple; fresh with a sharp backbone and saline minerality; complex, supple and very elegant.

Very Good.

Match with snails, mackerel pâté or lighter game, such as guinea fowl.