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+--- Thread: Seeking Info (/thread-13835.html)
- Montage - 09-04-1999
I have recently recieved a bottle of Baron de L (92'), produced by de Ladoucette Winery in the Loire Valley, however, being a novice wine connoisseur, I would like any info possible so that I can better appreciate its quality before enjoying its flavour. Thanks
- Bucko - 09-04-1999
No clue on this one -- do you have more label data?
Bucko
- Randy Caparoso - 09-04-1999
Well then, I'll take a shot. What you have is the top-of-line bottling by Baron de Ladoucette, one of the most prestigious and respected producers of Pouilly-Fume.
Pouilly-Fumes are always made 100% from the Sauvignon Blanc. Many people associate grassy, weedy herbaceous qualities with Sauvignon Blanc, but such wines in the hands of a top rate producer like Ladoucette are rarely like that. They tend to be very creamy smooth, with layers of melony or pear-like fruit flavors over lemony crisp acidity. The scent is usually flinty (like gunsmoke), with vanillin and citrus-like nuances and, at the most, a light green leafiness.
Unfortunately, I quick check of my mess of notes did not produce anything specifically on the '92 "Baron de L," but if it's according to form it should be drinking quite decently now, even though it's not a wine that one normally expects to improve after 5 or 6 years of bottle age (3-5 years is the general recommendation).
When you drink it, just appreciate it for its smooth, yet lively, palate-tingling quality; and of course, that famous Pouilly-Fume (pronounced POO-yee foo-MAY) flinty smokiness (the latter quality reflecting the interaction between the chalky soil and cool climate of the Pouilly-sur-Loire, and the natural characteristic of the grape when grown by a master producer). However, if its straw gold has turned a slight tinge of brown, and it's lacking these qualities and tasting a little tired (not lively), it could be a little past its prime.
But the bottom line would be: Is it enjoyable? Hopefully, yes! And finally, you should know that Baron de L now retails for around $50 to $60 in the U.S. So whoever bought it thinks very highly of you!
[This message has been edited by Randy Caparoso (edited 09-04-99).]