Domaine des Baumard Côteaux-du-Layon Carte d'Or 2004

A classic Côteaux-du-Layon, the 2004 Domaine des Baumard Carte d'Or shines from the glass like the morning sun. Already, it glints of gold and the nectar within, but time will deepen this hue and bring forth a true elixir. Yet, the 2004 Baumard Carte d'Or is already brimming with flavor and is beautiful to drink now. It offers up a beguiling floral scent that smacks of clover, quince, spring flowers, and honey, but hang on for the real treat. In the mouth, the 2004 Carte d'Or truly intrigues, as it reveals an elegant, ever mounting array of flavors that dance across the palate. Marzipan, quince, sweet clover, tree nuts, and honey all line up to seduce the unsuspecting, but with only a minimum of residual sugar. Subtle like a good confection, Baumard's 2004 Carte d'Or caresses the palate and adds new meaning to the word "sweet." Some will find this wine immediately appealing, while others may remain a bit more reticent. Regardless of one's inclination, we suggest consuming the Baumard Carte d'Or with food and then only lightly chilled (50°-57° F) in order to highlight every bit of the subtle charm that Baumard and the lovely land of Anjou have to offer. In addition, we highly recommend that one allow this classic Chenin Blanc to breathe for awhile in the glass, as the great wines of Anjou tend to open slowly in the glass and reveal themselves fully only with time. And for the more patient among us, they may want to hold this bottle in the cellar for several more years: the white wines of Côteaux-du-Layon are some of the longest lived white wines in the world. Anticipated maturity: 2008- 2016. Saluté!

One could consider the usual white wine fish, poultry, and other demure, self effacing fare with the 2004 Baumard Carte d'Or, but that would not be our first choice. Instead, we suggest serving the Carte d'Or with a variety of cheeses, fruits, confections and nuts, especially when the wine is young. Almond or pistachio cookies, biscotti, and nuts offer ideal ways to finish a meal in the company of a glass of Baumard's 2004 Carte d'Or. Add some cheese to that confection or hand full of nuts and you double the pleasure. One of our favorite cheeses with this wine is Mimolette, a creamy, hard, cow's milk cheese from Normandy and Brittany. Lastly, for members who opt to savor this wine earlier in a meal, we suggest serving the Carte d'Or with a salad of organic greens, sprinkled with a mild goat cheese such as the Loire Valley Sainte-Maure de Touraine, almonds, walnuts, and perhaps even blood oranges or apricots. One could also consider Lobster Croquettes with a pineapple salsa or even mild Chinese, Thai, or Vietnamese appetizers. And as this classic Chenin Blanc ages and takes on additional flavor and weight, it will complement pâté and fuller fare, too. Enjoy!

Domaine des Baumard lays tucked away in the tiny village of Rochefort-sur-Loire, just south of Savennières, in the very heart of the ancient Duchy of Anjou. This property is an impeccably run estate that has been fashioning outstanding Loire valley wines since 1634. The historical Baumards are viticulturists who specialize in the great but now nearly forgotten Chenin Blanc variety. However, under the recent guardianship of Jean and Florent Baumard, Domaine des Baumard has soared to new heights, even as many of Baumard's neighbors have struggled to maintain their marginal vineyards. Although Domaine des Baumard has played a key role in producing great Loire Valley wines for centuries, much of the modern day lore can be attributed to Jean Baumard, Florent's father, who resurrected this family property in the 1950s and 1960s after decades of decline due to phyloxerra, economic depression, and the ever shifting tastes of the wine drinking public. For decades the Baumards, like many of their neighbors were forced to concentrate their efforts on their nursery business and the cultivation of vines rather than wine making. That is until the 1950s when Jean began acquiring several of the greatest vineyards in Côteaux-du-Layon and Quarts de Chaume and refocused the family's effort into the crafting of the greatest of all Loire Valley wines. In the past decade Florent Baumard, a brilliant winemaker in his own right, has continued the great renaissance at Domaine des Baumard. Today, Florent may in fact be the region's finest winemaker. The Wine Advocate has stated that "Baumard quietly fashions some the world's most complex dry and sweet wines . . . and if he had been born a Californian, Burgundian, or Bordelais, wealthy vineyard owners would be standing in line to employ his services as a consultant," which is high praise indeed. Presently, Domaine des Baumard has one of the most extensive portfolios of Anjou wines, including outstanding dry Savennières offerings, sweet treasures from Côteaux-du-Layon and Quarts de Chaume, a host of artful cuvées and at least three of the Loire Valleys most enjoyable sparkling wines. There are also a number of single vineyard offerings. All of Baumard's Savennières and Côteaux-du-Layon wines are produced from low yields (1.5-2.5 tons per acre). Moreover, all of Baumard's wines are hand harvested and each of the estate's wines is made in small, individual lots. Savennières, Côteaux-du-Layon, and Quarts de Chaume The Loire is France's longest and most scenic river. Moreover, it gives rise to some of the world's most distinguished white wines. The Upper Loire, above Orléans, is famous for a myriad of Sauvignon Blanc wines in the guise of Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and assorted other place names such as Quincy and Menetou-Salon. However, as one moves downriver towards Touraine and Anjou, other grape varieties come to fore. And by the time one gets to Côteaux-du-Layon and Savennières, Chenin Blanc reigns supreme and no more glorious and immortal white wines are produced in France than those of the finest vineyards of Savennières and Côteaux-du-Layon. Savennières: Situated west of Angers, Savennières produces small quantities of powerful, long lived white wines of outstanding quality from Chenin Blanc. Nearly all of its meager 12,000 case production is made dry. This splendid appellation includes two Grand Cru vineyards, Roche aux Moines and Coulée de Serrant. Côteaux-du-Layon: Situated to the south of Angers, Côteaux-du-Layon is the largest appellation for quality Chenin Blanc in Anjou. Most of its wines reflect the decadent, hedonistic side of Chenin Blanc, ranging from soft and fruity to full blown dessert wines that can improve in bottle for decades. Côteaux-du-Layon contains two outstanding Grand Cru offerings in Quarts de Chaume and Bonnezeaux. Quarts de Chaume: A 112 acre Grand Cru of Côteaux-du-Layon, Quarts de Chaume is reputed to produce the world's finest Chenin Blanc, particularly in splendid vintages with plenty of sun and a dose of botrytis. From a great vintage and in the hands of Baumard and a few other outstanding producers, Quarts de Chaume can be sublime and nearly immortal.