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  • 98
  • Nick's Import

1997 Moulin Touchais

Coteaux du Layon, Loire Valley, FRANCE
$89. 99
Bottle
$1079.88 Dozen
Cellar: 20 - 100 Years (2030-2110)
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Cork

The wines are released after ten years in the cellar with some just beginning to reach their peak after twenty years. Many of the great vintages such as the 1953, 1959 and 1969 are still maturing, so it's reassuring to learn that Moulin Touchais are also the only winemakers in the world who give a century long guarantee on the longevity of their wines (subject to being kept under optimal cellar conditions). At frst this seems like a foolish offer and you may well ask "who'll be around to prove it anyway?" The issue can only be resolved by tasting old bottles, which we did, including vintages from 1892, 1885 and 1872. At over 100 years of age, the wines were probably still not at their peak. James Halliday attended our tasting summing up the experience in one word: ‘Euphoric'.

Tasting Note:
According to Mr Jean-Marie Touchais the 1997 is the best vintage he has made (so far) and he ranks it alongside great vintages like 1885, 1921 and 1959. While it offers immense pleasure now, it will be a wine for the next generations to enjoy. The colour of this wine is slightly deeper than the 1999 and 1998 displaying a deep straw gold colour with golden edges and pale gold hue. The nose displays good intensity with lifted aromas of honeysuckle, lemon and spice followed by a touch of butterscotch. Mouthflling viscous palate favours of honeyed apricot, lemon and peach with a spicy back palate. Superb acid balance and freshness. Clean fnish with exceptionally long aftertaste of honeyed apricot, spice and honeycomb.
Cellar 20 plus years (2030+)
Alc 13.5%

Other Reviews....
Shows the power and depth of this great vintage, with a core of still-youthful mango, guava and creamed peach flavors streaming along, backed by light heather, honeysuckle and quince notes. The long finish is creamy and pure, displaying a lovely lining of brioche and lemon curd. Drink now through 2037
95 points
Wine Spectator