2022 Montlouis-sur-Loire Hauts de Husseau, Domaine de la Taille aux Loups, Jacky Blot

2022 Bourgueil Mi-Pente, Domaine de la Butte, Jacky Blot Dry | Red | Still

This is the sweet spot of Domaine de la Butte - from right in the middle of the slope - and as such, produces the most complex and ageworthy of this triptych. Jacky and Jean-Philippe hold the wine back for an extra six months in the cellar before bottling as they know: this wine needs time. Its huge concentration and tannic stature are matched to slightly more new oak than the other wines. The density of fruit is more than a match.

Young: 2026 - 2038

2022 Bourgueil Pied de la Butte, Domaine de la Butte, Jacky Blot Dry | Red | Still | 13.5%

This is juicy, lightly peppery, bright and elegantly smooth Cabernet Franc which is wonderful in its youth. The fruit comes from the bottom part of the slope, hence 'Pied' - foot. This is in contrast to the mid-slope fruit goes into the age-worthy, denser 'Mi-Pente' cuvée. Some vines at the bottom are as old as 80 years, so although the wine is juicy, upfront, and invitingly drinkable, the finish is sustained and persistent with old vine intensity taking this above a simple easy-drinking wine. It’s got a wonderful sour cherry note, with lightly smoky notes.

Ready: 2025 - 2029

2022 Montlouis-Sur-Loire Rémus, Domaine de la Taille aux Loups, Jacky Blot Dry | White | Still

This is as good an introduction to Montlouis as you’ll find, and a top class example of great Chenin Blanc that shows well from early on. The charming nose shows crabapple blossom, followed by the tart bramley apple acidity typical of Chenin Blanc on the palate, along with a lightly phenolic grip. Rémus might be the domaine's entry level white but its quality is not to be underestimated. It’s simply made in a style that Jacky knew would drink well from youth, so don’t hesitate to pull the cork. Smoky, expressive, and precise. It is the final vintage that Jacky made before passing away in summer 2023.

Ready: 2024 - 2031