94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "[$36 list] The 2018 Montlouis Les Tuffeaux is explosive in the glass. Soaring citrus, floral pear and slate-infused aromatics lead into a rich, creamy palate that fills out beautifully. The 2018 is generous and so inviting, and yet remains airy, with beams of salinity that frame the subtle, nuanced finish. A wine of understatement and class, the 2018 is just gorgeous today. The balance of sweetness, acid and structure is compelling, with the sugar present and yet so well-integrated, in the wine’s magical balance. Drink: 2022-2030. (Oct 2020)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "[$36 list] There is a lot of wine here, with papaya, yellow plum and honeysuckle flavors. Shows incredible harmony where hints of richness are overtaken by the minerally edge that emerges midpalate, while the acidity runs through seamlessly, providing support. Fine purity, with great tension between the sweet fruit and nervy backbone. Best from 2022 through 2035. 1,300 cases made, 76 cases imported. (11/15/20)"
94 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "This is probably better described as sec-tendre than demi-sec, nevertheless whatever we call it the wine is certainly off-dry, with 10 g/l residual sugar, as well as 2.96 g/l total acidity and 14% alcohol. It feels classically structured for limestone on the nose and palate, the aromatics starting with scents of chalk and lemon pip, in a very precise style. There is a polish to it on the palate reflecting the generosity of the vintage, the mirabelle and vanilla-peach fruit wrapped up in chalky veins reflecting a light minerality as well as fresh acidity. The style is charming, fresh, bright with admirable energy, all bitter peach stone, with fine phenolic grip. A good job here;one for the classicists. (Feb 2020)"
93+ points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "From 30- to 90-year-old vines on clay-silex soils and vinified in 600-liter demi-muids for 11 months, the 2018 Montlouis sur Loire Les Tuffeaux opens with an intense yet delicate bouquet of perfectly ripe and healthy fruits, chalk and some flinty notes along with white honey and nougat scents. Round, intense and concentrated on the palate, with Toblerone and white nougat aromas, this is a very elegant, refined and balanced Chenin with lingering finesse, salinity and fine tannin structure. Pretty intense yet always balanced and juicy. Tasted in March 2021. Drink: 2029-2045. (Aug 2021)"
Importer notes: "Les Tuffeaux is a cuvée blended from 30- to 70-year old vines from various vineyards on clay and silex, including the Clos du Volagray and Saint-Martin. Like the Clos Habert, this is intended to be around 15-20 g/l of residual sugar, but it’s usually slightly richer and larger in body."
94 points Wine Spectator: "[$36 list] There is a lot of wine here, with papaya, yellow plum and honeysuckle flavors. Shows incredible harmony where hints of richness are overtaken by the minerally edge that emerges midpalate, while the acidity runs through seamlessly, providing support. Fine purity, with great tension between the sweet fruit and nervy backbone. Best from 2022 through 2035. 1,300 cases made, 76 cases imported. (11/15/20)"
94 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "This is probably better described as sec-tendre than demi-sec, nevertheless whatever we call it the wine is certainly off-dry, with 10 g/l residual sugar, as well as 2.96 g/l total acidity and 14% alcohol. It feels classically structured for limestone on the nose and palate, the aromatics starting with scents of chalk and lemon pip, in a very precise style. There is a polish to it on the palate reflecting the generosity of the vintage, the mirabelle and vanilla-peach fruit wrapped up in chalky veins reflecting a light minerality as well as fresh acidity. The style is charming, fresh, bright with admirable energy, all bitter peach stone, with fine phenolic grip. A good job here;one for the classicists. (Feb 2020)"
93+ points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "From 30- to 90-year-old vines on clay-silex soils and vinified in 600-liter demi-muids for 11 months, the 2018 Montlouis sur Loire Les Tuffeaux opens with an intense yet delicate bouquet of perfectly ripe and healthy fruits, chalk and some flinty notes along with white honey and nougat scents. Round, intense and concentrated on the palate, with Toblerone and white nougat aromas, this is a very elegant, refined and balanced Chenin with lingering finesse, salinity and fine tannin structure. Pretty intense yet always balanced and juicy. Tasted in March 2021. Drink: 2029-2045. (Aug 2021)"
Importer notes: "Les Tuffeaux is a cuvée blended from 30- to 70-year old vines from various vineyards on clay and silex, including the Clos du Volagray and Saint-Martin. Like the Clos Habert, this is intended to be around 15-20 g/l of residual sugar, but it’s usually slightly richer and larger in body."
| Product SKU | 337343 |
| Producer | Chidaine |
| Country | France |
| Region | Loire |
| SubRegion | Montlouis |
| Varietal | Chenin Blanc |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| ABV | 14.0% |
| Ships To |
