Domaine Des Baumard Quarts De Chaume 1997

A rare and beautiful release from one of the Loire Valley’s most iconic sweet-wine appellations, the 1997 Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume is drinking in a wonderful place right now. Made from late-harvest Chenin Blanc grown on the steep schist slopes of Quarts de Chaume, this vintage shows incredible purity and balance. The nose is complex with layers of honey, dried apricot, quince and candied citrus peel, alongside subtle notes of chamomile and lanolin. On the palate it is rich yet precise, with luscious sweetness carried by vibrant acidity that keeps the wine fresh and long.

The 1997 vintage in the Loire was exceptional for botrytised Chenin Blanc, giving wines of both concentration and elegance. Nearly three decades on, this Quarts de Chaume has developed wonderful tertiary notes of caramel, spice and dried flowers, while still holding its core of fruit and lively acid line. A true benchmark of the style and a wine that can still age further, though it is an absolute pleasure to drink now.