Domaine des Baumard Coteaux du Layon Cuvée le Paon 2005
Domaine des Baumard
The sweet wines of Domaine des Baumard are from vineyards planted along the Layon river, which flows northwest into the Loire. The perfectly exposed vineyards in the appellation Côteaux du Layon allow the Chenin Blanc grape to ripen perfectly, often enriched by the development of botryitis. For the production of sweet wine, Florent Baumard prefers to harvest as late as the vintage weather permits, hoping for plenty of botryitis. The grapes are harvested in successive passes or 'tries' through the vineyard, and any unsatisfactory fruit is eliminated. The grapes are pressed quickly and the must fermented under temperature control. Aging is done strictly without oak to preserve the elements of fruit and terroir.
The cuvée "Le Paon" is a manually done selection of grapes from the oldest vines of Baumard's Vineyard in the Coteaux du Layon AOC. Only the over-ripe or botrytised grapes are hand-picked for this cuvée, a selection that is possible only if the vintage deserves it. Therefore, this cuvée is not released every year. The grapes are then pressed using a pneumatic press. Separation of juices is carefully monitored and controlled, as are fermentation temperatures, in stainless steel vats.
Wine Spectator
Very enticing, with quince, pear, persimmon and fig aromas and flavors. Yet this is never heavy, only pure and refined, with a lovely, caressing finish. The acidity is really buried, and this should cruise in the cellar. Drink now through 2027.
Score: 95.
—James Molesworth,
May
31,
2007.
Wine Enthusiast
Peacock (paon) cuvée is a deliciously showy wine, powered with intense sweetness, almost syrup. The counterbalance to all this sweetness is the pear, apricot and citrus elements, which go with the dry layer of botrytis to leave a wine that it has a crisp, fresh aftertaste. Screwcap.
Score: 93.
—Roger Voss,
October
01,
2007.
Wine Advocate
Candied melon and honey dominate the nose and palate of the 2005 Coteaux du Layon Cuvee Le Paon. A formidably-concentrated, admirably pure, and not at all heavy wine, its sheer sweetness nevertheless overwhelms any sense of elegance and probably blocks access to more diverse flavors that would emerge if one chose to give this 5-7 years in the cellar. But I fear that excellent though it is, this wine has too much competition from within its own ranks alone.
Score: 90.
—David Schildknecht,
August
2007.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
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