Moulin-Touchais Coteaux du Layon 1982

95 points/'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$64 list] At 35-years-old, this golden wine may be old, but it is still glorious. Still honeyed, with hints of its past yellow and bitter-orange fruit still there, the wine is intense, with toast, almonds and a richness that is so concentrated. Drink now. Alcohol 13.5%. (Dec 2017)"

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.