The Wines of Loire
Timed Online Auction, 1 - 8 May 2023
Session 1
About the SessionThe Loire Valley is a large region that follows the longest river of France. The Loire is an exceptional place to find lean, racy, white wines, including those of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadet. Red varieties include Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Cot (Malbec), which produces herbaceous, rustic reds.
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
About this Item
Established in 2008, owner and winemaker Donovan Rall is one of the driving forces behind the South African fine wine revolution. His philosophy is a simple hands-off approach, with each parcel allowed to mature and ferment naturally in order to reflect the character of each vineyard. Today his wines have a cult following and sell on allocation around the world.
A superb Chenin Blanc from two Schist driven vineyards, the product of 2.40 hectares and twenty year old vines. Miniscule yields resulted in just 1,200 bottles in 2018. Named after Donovan’s daughter Ava. Ripe yellow fruit, salted limes and prickly pear with a phenolic twist and bristling acidity underlying.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Oak seems a little more evident here than on the 2018 blend, in creamy, mealy spice. Seductively deep fruit balanced by zippy freshness. Effortless concentration of old vines. So fresh it’s almost salty on the finish.’ - Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Sep 2019)
‘"It's all about expressing schist," says Donovan Rall of this remarkable Chenin Blanc, which was sourced from two growers in 2018. The only drawback is the volume - just 1,200 bottles from 2.4 hectares - but the quality is sublime. Subtle, racy and aromatic, with finesse, subtle citrus and tangerine flavours and scented oak. 2021-28’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 96/100
‘The 2018 AVA Chenin Blanc explodes from the glass with the depth of expression that you only get from a fine wine. Generous aromas of orange spice, apple, muskmelon and Meyer lemon all come together with a very pleasing and dusty liveliness on the nose. The palate of the wine shows precision with an elegant weight that has great complexity and focus. The AVA Chenin Blanc ends with impressive and complex florals tied with vibrant citrus expressions that invite a second and third sip. This wine is very pleasing and is worth every penny. Yum!’ - Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Oct 2019)
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