2006 Jo Pithon "Les Bergères" Anjou Blanc (Previously $26)

I can't get enough of this little dry Chenin. Aromas hint at stone fruits, green apple, and honey, but the palate, though layered and fleshy, is still dry as a bone. It makes a refreshing apertif, be it solo or paired with with strong cheeses and cured meats, and has the acidity to stand up to heavier dishes like fried chicken, pork chops, and creamy pastas. I am hesitant to promote it further because I want it to last as long as possible for my own personal consumption, but I can't resist the desire to sing its praises in hopes that you get to enjoy it too!

This is one of the last vintages produced of this wine. Jo Pithon established this domaine in 1978 but due to debts the domaine was purchased in 2005 by Philippe Fournier. Jo Pithon was kept on but he resigned in 2008 starting Pithon-Paille. The Jo Pithon holdings are now under the Domaine FL label. Out of this story we get our hands on a Chenin Blanc with some bottle age that normally retails for $26 that we are able to sell for only $11.99. On the nose is a candied citrus peel and spice with a slight nutty oxidative aroma. The slight oxidative note is evident on the palate but still showing a bit of bright apple along with spice and more of the candied citrus. The acidity has mostly integrated but there is still enough to clean up the palate and finishes with more nuts, spice and citrus. This is a wine that still has the body and enough acidity to pair with lighter food and cheeses or just open and relax with it by itself.

This is what I want to be drinking all the time. For those who know dry Chenin Blanc well, this will feel like the most familiar and deeply satisfying glass of wine you've had in a long time. For those who don't know the noble grape of Vouvray and Savenniere, this will be something incredibly new and exciting. Not at all tired this 4 year old wine from the heart of the Loire Valley, shows a lot of depth for the price. It begins with an intense nutty aroma backed by spice and caramelized pear. As the bottle aerates, the nut takes a back seat and the more vibrant citrus comes forward. Versatile and complex at this new price, this is one of my favorite wines in the store right now.

There is more oak in this chenin blanc than I like, although the fruit and mineral stand up pretty well.