Domaine du Clos Naudin - Vouvray Moelleux Réserve 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

The Moelleux Réserve, made from botrytised grapes and the true quintessence of the estate, is produced only in exceptional vintages; for this exceptional cuvée, Vincent and Philippe Foreau sacrificed a large portion of the 2018 dry wine, where the 132 grams of residual sugar are absolutely invigorated by a very pure mineral tension. The wine has evolved perfectly since our last tasting; the shimmering aroma features dried and candied fruits, with a touch of yellow fruit that shines through in a majestic palate, culminating in a radiant, perfectly energetic finish that builds in intensity. We’re counting down the days…

About the estate:

On these 11.5 hectares, which will be certified organic in 2024, Vincent Foreau has taken over from his father, Philippe. The dry wines, with their vibrant finishes of citrus zest, gain in refinement with age. A vertical tasting dating back to 1947 demonstrates their ability to stand the test of time. The sweet wines are fantastic for their dense texture, supported by just the right amount of tension, and the latest vintages of these gastronomic wines possess remarkable vitality. A fifth star is well deserved.

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

About the wine:

Meticulous care was taken in selecting the botrytis-affected clusters; the sunny character of the vintage is well-integrated, with magnificent notes of spices and candied fruit. The mineral and salty notes on the palate are impressive. Already incredibly rich and full-bodied, it will age with extreme elegance.

About the estate:

When tasting Philippe Foreau’s Vouvrays, everything becomes clear and evident in the Chenin; what is complex is also rich and indulgent, what is fully ripe remains, as a result, taut, and what is good from the start is confirmed and deepens over the decades. Pure, long on the palate, and with legendary persistence, the Vouvray wines from Clos Naudin are as consistent as a metronome despite the variations in the Loire climate. The Perruches (clay-flint soils) lend distinct character to the estate’s wines, which are equally at home in sweet as in dry styles; even the sparkling wines are crafted with extreme care. The style is often quite rich, more opulent than at Domaine Huet, yet no less powerful in its lingering finish. The latest vintages are brilliantly crafted by Vincent, the son of Philippe Foreau. A bright future lies ahead for this Vouvray estate.