Domaine des Baumard Savennires Clos de Saint Yves 2019

Variety:Chenin BlancCountry, Region:France, Loire ValleyAppellation:Savennires
The vines for this cuve are located between Clos du Papillon and the Roche aux Moines slope of Savennires. Shows pristine purity and great depth of fruit.
‘The vines of this clos a Baumard monopole sit behind Chteau de Varennes, on a hill of purple and brown schist between the Clos du Papillon and the Roche-aux-Moines. The fruit was pressed and the juice vinified in stainless steel. It has a nose of white almond and white flowers, with a very taut apple base. The palate follows in the same vein, with gently expressed orchard fruits, set in a controlled and modestly textured substance, with a firmly defined frame and fresh acidity. It has a good grip, the structure and poise suggesting to me this will age well, probably for a decade or two. The alcohol on the label is 13%. Under screwcap.’90 points, Chris Kissack, Wine Doctor, February 2023.

‘Florent Baumards other 7.5 hectares are contained entirely within theClos Ste Yves, and the resulting wine may be marketed either as Clos Ste Yves (particularly in foreign markets or for the on-trade) or under the straightDomaine des Baumardlabel for other customers. The soils are schist, well suited toChenin Blancwhich accounts for 6.5 hectares of the Baumard vines, the remaining 1 hectare having been planted withVerdelhountil recently. Florent says that his father acquired the vines by accident, having purchased them in the dead of winter, the absence of leaves and other distinguishing features meaning the vines went unnoticed. It was only as the following year progressed, and they displayed their many differences, did he realise he had a hectare of Verdelho on his hands.’Chris Kissack, Wine Doctor.

‘Having acquired their first vines in the appellation in 1968, todaySavenniresremains a linchpin in the Baumard portfolio. Florent has 14.5 hectares, divided almost evenly between two vineyards,Clos du PapillonandClos Ste Yves. Both plots are located just to the north and east of the village ofSavennires, between theMoulin de Guon the slope above, and theChteau de Varennesbelow, next to the railway line. They were purchased from thePiriefamily, who were inhabitants of thischteau. The formerclosis perhaps the best known and seems the most popular with die-hardBaumardfans and neophytes alike, so it is perhaps worthy of consideration first.’thewinedoctor.com

‘Florent Baumard is one of the worlds best winemakers, and you probably dont know him. Thats because he produces Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, an all-too-often overlooked region. Baumard produces a range of dry and sweet wines, topped by his Quarts de Chaume. And perhaps the best part of Baumards new wines is that they are now all under screw cap. Bravo to Florent Baumard for making this decision based on quality, not marketing.’James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, March 2007