21703 customer reviews

François Chidaine - Montlouis Les Lys 2009 (sweet)

François Chidaine - Montlouis Les Lys 2009 (liquoreux)

Montlouis-sur-Loire|White wine|Organic

4.5/5 (8 customers)

18/20

RVF

15/20

Bettane & Desseauve

17/20

Gault & Millau

95-96+/100

Robert Parker

“From several small harvests of botrytized fruit yielding five demi-muids, Chidaine has crafted this 2009 Montlouis-les-Lys, which offers floral aromas—of lily and linden—accompanied by candied grapefruit, pineapple, and quince jam. With a delicate, crystal-clear texture, it is a sweet, candy-like wine that retains a wonderful freshness, given its maturity. This extraordinary elixir promises to be one of the highlights of its vintage and deserves to be cellared for at least a quarter of a century.” (Wine Advocate 2010 – Robert Parker)

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Estate

Domaine François Chidaine

Vintage

Les Lys

Vintage

2009

Designation

Montlouis-sur-Loire

Region

Loire

Grape Varieties

100% Chenin Blanc

Regions

composed of clay and coarse flint fragments that make up Les Perruches

Viticulture

A vineyard cultivated using biodynamic methods: no chemical pesticides are used. The soil is plowed and harrowed. The preparations used are derived exclusively from processed plant, animal, and mineral materials.

Grape Harvest

manual

Wine Production

alcoholic fermentation carried out by indigenous yeasts

Livestock Farming

11 months on fine lees, in demi-muids

Alcohol content

11,5%

Residual sugars

103 g/L

Organic

Yes

Eye

shiny gold dress

Nose

hints of chestnut, candied fruit, and honey

Palate

aromatic finesse; the liveliness balances the sweetness; good finish

Serve

at 9-11°C

Open

1 hour before

Drink starting at

2016

Drink before

2030 and beyond

Food and Wine Pairings

Enjoy as an aperitif, with foie gras, a Tarte Tatin, or a square of chocolate...

More information at Domaine François Chidaine

More information at Montlouis-sur-Loire

Bettane & Desseauve

Wine rated (2012 guide) 15/20 (Very good wine)

Rated estate (2026 guide): 4*Stars (Producers of the very highest quality, the pride of French viticulture)

About the wine:

A lovely sweet wine from a challenging vintage, with a nice balance between the acidity and the 130 grams of sugar.

About the estate:

François Chidaine, one of the leaders of the Montlouis wine revival, brings out all the nuances of each vineyard plot—ranging from flint-rich clay to white Tuffeau chalk—using biodynamic farming methods. Having revitalized about ten hectares of Vouvray vineyards on the opposite bank, this winemaker—who is strongly supported by his wife, Manuela—now also relies on his children, Alice and Pierre, who have joined the estate. These great wines for fine dining improve with age.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

Wine rated 16.5/20 (Outstanding)

About the wine:

Made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, this magnificent wine offers notes of candied fruit, honey, and herbal infusions, with a subtle hint of tartness. We also appreciated its sweetness, which is balanced by a lovely lingering freshness. Ideal as an aperitif or with dessert.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Wine rated (2010 guide) 95-96+/100 (Extraordinary wine)

Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate)

About the wine:

From several small harvests of botrytized fruit—yielding five demi-muids—Chidaine has crafted this 2009 Montlouis-les-Lys, which offers floral aromas—of lily and linden—accompanied by candied grapefruit, pineapple, and quince jam. With a delicate, crystal-clear texture, it is a sweet, candy-like wine that retains a wonderful freshness, given its maturity. This extraordinary elixir promises to be one of the highlights of its vintage and deserves to be cellared for at least a quarter of a century.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide to the Best Wines of France

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

Wine rated (2015 guide) 18/20 (Great wine)

Rated estate (2026 guide): 3*Stars (These represent the pinnacle of French winemaking. The finest terroirs cultivated by the greatest winemakers. Tasting their wine is always a magical experience.)

About the wine:

The 2009 Lys is the epitome of a great, refined sweet wine, displaying remarkable harmony, elevated to new heights by a subtle, minty freshness.

About the estate:

Since his debut in 1989, François Chidaine has become a major player in the world of Loire whites, an unparalleled winemaker now revered by many other vintners. He is among those who put Montlouis—his original stronghold—on the map. In the early 2000s, he expanded his operations in Vouvray, notably by acquiring Clos Baudoin from the Poniatowski family. With the help of his wife, Manuéla, François has continuously refined his winemaking and aging techniques, carrying out meticulous work in vineyards that have been certified biodynamic since 1999. We cannot praise highly enough the caliber achieved by the wines of this exceptional winemaker. The “Vins de France” are, in fact, Vouvray wines that, because they are vinified outside their appellation zone, cannot bear the appellation name. The lineup consists of blends from various plots (Choisilles, Argiles, Tuffeaux, Moelleux) and single-vineyard wines (Clos du Breuil, Les Bournais, Clos Habert, Baudoin). The sparkling fruitiness of these wines requires a few years in the cellar to open up and fully reveal itself. An essential estate for any lover of the great Chenin expressions from the Loire Valley. The transition to his children, Pierre and Alice, is proceeding smoothly.

Customer Rating

4.5/5

based on 8 reviews

Review and rating by Mr. DANIEL R. Posted on January 14, 2024

A sumptuous wine—when it’s drinkable! Out of three bottles, two were completely corked and absolutely undrinkable. At this price, this is totally unacceptable.