2021 Vouvray, Le Clos, Domaine Vincent Carême, Loire

Clay-limestone soils. 50-year-old vines. Certified organic.Intense but discreet nose. Impressive volume of fruit on the palate. Caressing mouthfeel but lots of focus and drive. Needs a bit of time. Drink 2025 - 2035james_lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com (March 2023)

The 2021 Le Clos is a round, serious, structured Chenin sourced from old vines on a chalky hill behind Careme's home and winery. Dry, intense and almost chewy. The freshness keeps giving and giving. There's a hint of salty sea and a touch of reduction. You can drink this now, but this is also one for the long haul.Domaine Vincent Carême is one of the appellation’s leading lights. Starting in 1999, Vincent Carême was a member of the younger generation implementing what was viewed as artisanal ideas in the early 2000s, including organics and low sulfur regimes. Carême is now part of the Vouvray furniture, and these seemingly new ideas are now integral to the appellation’s ascendancy. Both a traditional method and a very successful pét-nat are in the domaine range. When it comes to still wines, Carême’s taste preference is for dry styles, and that’s what you’ll mostly find in his chalky cellars. The winery cat recently died, but a dog, Tarzan, has now installed chez Carême.Drink 2025 - 2038Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous.com.com (October 2023)