2004 Savennieres: Drink or Hold

[jasmurph]

In my further exploration of all things Loire, I picked up a 2004 Domaine du Closel Clos du Paipillon yesterday. I've had other Loire Chenin Blancs, but never a Savennieres. A little investigating has suggested that they need to be held for 7+ years, or at least some do. Does anyone know if this is the case with the Closel?

[jasmurph]

Now that I drank this bottle I thought I'd reply to myself: All the comments above were right on. It's a big wine (14.8%!!), maybe too big right now, and fairly acidic still. It's also delicious--honeysuckle, bitter almond, persimmon and a little slate. All in all, while it's a great drink now, I would have liked to have held on to it for a couple more years, when I bet it'll be fantastic. I think I'll go get another bottle and do just that.

[winebard]

This is an excellent wine. Im a sommelier here in the city and its one of my favorite wines to turn on customers to. It would definitely get better with a little age but its just so delicious at the moment. Either way you're cool.

[RicRios]

This is Wine Spectator's take on the 2004 Closel Papillon:

Big wine, but with excellent definition and purity, this sports ginger powder, unsalted butter, white peach, honeysuckle and persimmon notes. Nice bracing finish has a hint of bitter almond. Drink now through 2012. 300 cases imported. –JM
Score: 93 | Price: $26
Country: France
Region: Loire

Issue: May 31, 2006

[zin1953]

2004 was a good but not great vintage for Savennieres. Although it's only three years old, you can certianly drink it now and over the next couple of years. 7-10 years of aging (or more) applies to the best vintages.

(Remember, these are all generalizations -- what you prefer may be different.)

[MOREKASHA]

They can hold for many years. I had a '90 Baumard that I drank in 2001. Great,just amazing. Though I can't tell you anthing 'bout the '04's or Closel.