Moulin-Touchais Coteaux du Layon 1976

96 points Wine Spectator: "[$156 list] Notes of smoke and spice open up in this dessert wine, while white chocolate, candied orange peel and quince paste flavors form the core. Not especially intense, but the elements show beautiful harmony and the acidity imparts amazing drive and freshness. This can age longer, but is delicious now. Drink now. 3,750 cases made, 20 cases imported. (11/15/19)"

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "As anyone who has ever gone out shopping for older Bourgueil or Chinon (that’s everybody, right?) already knows, the 1976 vintage has an excellent reputation for the Cabernet Franc reds of Touraine. It turns out it was really good for the sweet wines of the Layon too though. A hot summer led up to a harvest of richly ripe grapes, and the conditions at the end were conducive to making sweet wines. At close to fifty years of age this feels bright and appealing on the nose, although there is a somewhat high-toned note to it, with delicate praline, caramel and a touch of grilled banana. The palate is very clean and harmonious, toasted and filled with praline, black tea leaf and black bean, but with a broad presence, polished and correct, with delicious mouthwatering acidity and spicy grip. A brilliant polished style, with a fabulous energy and drive, and a great sense of completeness. Long and full of shimmering energy, this is delicious. (Feb 2023)"

On the banks of the river Layon in the beautiful Loire valley exists one of the world's largest and oldest single wine stocks. Miles of underground cellars contain wines dating back to the 1800's. These are the sweet Chenin Blanc wines of Moulin Touchais, one of the Loire Valley's most legendary estates. Their vineyards are amongst the most famous in the Anjou area, lying in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon region. Like Huët, these wines are among the most ageworthy on the planet. In fact, Moulin Touchais is the only winery in the world we know of who gives a CENTURY LONG GUARANTEE ON THE LONGEVITY OF THEIR WINES.

These are by definition sweet wines, though not in the classical sense. Over time, the residual sugar melds with the acidity and fruit, leaving the impression they are much less sweet than they actually are. They are wines of great versatility, perfect harmony and among the great hidden gems of the wine world.

Unfortunately, the wines are seldom seen on the market. For one, the wine is only produced in great vintages. Secondly, they aren't released until at least ten years after date of harvest. When they are, the vast majority is quickly snatched up by locals, leaving very little for consumers here in the US. Wines of this quality, age and provenance simply don't exist in today's market, so we encourage you to take advantage of this unique buying opportunity while you can.