While we are undoubtedly big fans of Chenin Blanc, it has been quite a few years since we have had an example from the home turf of the grape, the Loire Valley. Shame on us. The Loire Valley, and, specifically, the central Loire Valley, where Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc are the historic grapes, is the darling of people in the wine industry, producing age worthy wines of character for a relative bargain. And in this hallowed territory no winemaker is held in higher esteem and has come on more quickly than Arnaud Lambert. Returning to the family domaine relatively late in life, he was then thrust into the driver's seat by his father’s untimely passing a few years later in 2011. He completed the estate’s organic certification and has since moved on to biodynamic practices, all of which serves to accentuate the subtle differences between the numerous clos, vineyards enclosed by ancient stone walls that certify the historic recognition of subtly different terroirs in the region, a la Burgundy. This wine, incidentally, is labeled as a Vin de France due to the severe frost in 2022 that forced Arnaud to use some fruit from vineyards he owns just outside the Saumur appellation. Classic flavors of yellow apple (fresh, sauce and core) pear, musk, jasmine, green tea, and dried flowers. Highly acidic yet approachable, this is fantastic with a chicken in cream sauce.