2012 Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Clos des Carmes Monopole - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (11/11/2019)
– popped and poured –
– tasted non-blind over 2 to 3 hours –
NOSE: honeysuckle; wooly mineral; mango – sweet potato combo; expressive.
BODY: medium-light maize color; medium bodied.
TASTE: mouthwatering acidity — high acidity; lots of mineral — cross between wooly and salinic; green grapes, lemon, and a hint of mango; my gut impression score is 92, Ashley’s gut impression score is 90. Obviously, I enjoyed this a lot, but I’m not sure the price premium over the Breze is worth it. Drink or Hold.
Do not see that many Saumur Blanc in my area of Alberta. Reds more readily available.
2012 Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Clos des Carmes Brézé - France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (1/28/2022)
– popped and poured –
– tasted non-blind over approx. 1 hr. on Day 1; revisited on Day 4 –
NOSE: very light on Day 1. Day 4: more expressive than Day 1: rich, and slightly buttery with some noticeable oak; slightly sherried, high-toned, pear/apple mix.
BODY: moderately dark golden yellow color; medium bodied.
TASTE: Day 1: advanced on the palate, with high acidity; more advanced than I would expect/hope for, but see Day 4. Day 4: rich, with high acidity — somewhat intense; concentrated: papaya/pear/apple; I’d say probably better on Day 4 than on Day 1, and now I’m less convinced than I was on Day 1 that this is more advanced than it should be. Gut impression score: 91 - 92. Drink or Hold.
I’ve run into quite a few wines that seem to freshen up overnight(or two nights). Most recently a Pierre Moncuit Delos that was much fresher after 24 hours open.
It’s a vexing phenomenon.