Saumur, interesting. Another nice Anotonelli's Find

February 20, 2010

Found this at Antonelli's the other day. $14, so in the zone. Domaine du Pas Saint Martin, Saumur, La Pierre Frite, 2008. La Pierre Frite, the Fried Stone, intrigued.

First sniff and taste, I didn't care for it. Clearly Semillon, Muscadet and Sauvignon Blanc, but it had a distinct herbacious Botrytis nose. Oily and a bit dense. Let it sit while I made my Seafood Louis salad for dinner: Crab, Poached fresh gulf shrimp and bay shrimp with greens, red pepper, red onion, mushrooms, artichokes and Russian Louis dressing.

Went back to it. Much better. That herby Semillon nose is still there, but toned down. The Botrytis still there, now with Kefir Lime leaf and Meyer Lemon and a green copper sniff. Round palate, nice minerally acids, More Kefir Lime and Meyer lemon as well, chalky minerals. Long citrus finish with a hint of green bell pepper, but all held together wih that oily consitancy and clearly a touch of residual sugar and that botrytis.  An interesting wine. 8 out scale of ten. Might want to try it with Anontelli cheeses and charcuterie again.

Drink this wine.

Cheers,

Rob Moshein, Austin Wine Guy