Coteaux du Layon

France
Loire
2018

Pure late-harvest Chenin Blanc from south-facing parcels bordering the Layon river. Harvested slightly earlier than most in the region to maintain freshness. Aged for 14 months in barrel.

92 points
"A plot of almost 3ha, facing south-east, with a soil of schist, silts and pudding-stone. In 2018 25% of the production from Domaine Belargus was sweet wine. This Layon has aromatic balance for its notes of pineapple, apricot and honey. Racy acidity on the palate brings focus and energy and gives it admirable clarity and precision. Fresh and delicious."
Yohan Castaing,
Decanter
January 2019
96 points
"From south-facing slopes on the schistous soils of the Loire tributary, the 2018 Coteaux du Layon Moelleux Layon shows a radiant orange color and a brilliant, absolutely beautiful and elegant nose of perfectly ripe and stewed apricots intertwined with fresh, spicy-mineral and herbal notes as well as wax notes. Smooth and delicate on the palate, this is a seamless, perfectly balanced moelleux with fine, crystalline acidity and fully ripe and sweet, highly elegant and refined fruit. The finish is sensationally long and stimulating. This is a great Layon to have for its own, with cheese or an apricot tart. 11.5% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021."
Stephan Reinhardt,
Wine Advocate
July 8, 2021
93 points
"Light gold in color, with a racy, pure and focused core of glazed apple, ginger and melon, framed by chamomile and anise. This stretches out midpalate, with great tension between acidity and sweetness, getting dryer on the finish. A very light hint of dried apricot lingers on the aftertaste. Drink now through 2035. 2,003 cases made."
Aleks Zecevic,
Wine Spectator
2020

SKU/Code: 
DB3678-18
Product Line: 
Wine
White
Varietal: 
Chenin Blanc
Farming Type: 
Biodynamic