For a long time we have, here at Berry Bros & Rudd, championed the great sweet wines of the Loire. From Bonnezeaux to Vouvray and Coteaux du Layon to Quarts de Chaume, there are dozens of producers that stand out but very few that have a history that stretches as far back as that of Moulin Touchais.
The ancestors of the estate were producing wine as far back as 1787, over 130 before Gaston Huet founded perhaps the region’s most famous estate. Since 1990 the estate’s 150 hectares have been presided over by Jean-Marie Touchais, the 8th generation to run the winery, and very little has changed viticulturally in the last century. Here the belief is that the best sweet wines are produced with traditional methods: low yields, hand harvesting and slow fermentations, aiming for approximately 70-80g/l of residual sugar in the bottle. Following the vintage the wine is bottled quickly (the following March) and then left in the cellar for a decade before release. A labour of love not an economical enterprise.
Fortunately for us the previous generations of the estate had the foresight not to sell through every year so we are in a position to offer a fantastic range of vintages stretching back to 1968 directly from the estate. All of the wines have been labelled, reconditioned and boxed at the Domaine and will be shipped at the beginning of next year. At the bottom of the offer we have included an exclusive mixed case with a bottle each of our 6 favourite vintages. Notes from Richard Kelley MW, one of the UK’s great authorities on the Loire.
2003 Moulin Touchais, Coteaux du Layon - £120 per case of 6 bottles
“The year of the heatwave. It was not difficult to make sweet wine this year, although with such and long, dry and intensely hot summer, there was little prospect of any botrytis developing this season. The resulting wine is lush and sexy. Immediately approachable, it is perhaps one of the greatest Moulin Touchais releases ever. The texture and density will ensure that this has a very long and enjoyable drinking window.”
Richard Kelley MW
1997 Moulin Touchais, Coteaux du Layon - £132 per case of 6 bottles
“Along with 1990 and 1996, the 1997 is one of the best three vintages of the decade. Rich, open and textured nose with some botrytis elements. This shows its distinction. Rich and lush on entry with great texture and poise. Excellent acid balance, focus and length. This is already approachable but will age and continue to evolve for many years to come. Top wine – top vintage.”
Richard Kelley MW
1985 Moulin Touchais, Coteaux du Layon - £144 per case of 6 bottles
“There is a noticeable difference in colour here. Very deep, old gold and clearly a wine marked by botrytis. This is evolved, but has probably been on this plateau of development for years. There are notes of caramel on the nose. Open and expressive. Delicate and elegant on entry, it builds well with a notable thread of acidity running through the wine. Persistent and powerful finish. This is drinking now but will continue to hold for many more years. It remains my favourite wine of the decade, developing savoury and a saline character once opened.”
Richard Kelley MW
1975 Moulin Touchais, Coteaux du Layon - £168 per case of 6 bottles
“Polished, deep orange-gold. The nose remains a little restrained, with hints of smoke and toffee. The palate is altogether different. This wine (considered by some tasters as the best wine in the tasting) is distinguished by its fantastic acid balance which helps carry the wine through to a persistent finish. Almost lime-juice like juicy acidity. A great wine, that whilst drinking now will continue to hold for decades to come.”
Richard Kelley MW
1971 Moulin Touchais, Coteaux du Layon - £210 per case of 6 bottles
“Deep orange-gold. This has an attractive and complex baked apple nose with hints of spice and caramel. The palate is complex, powerful and concentrated and, like the 1975, is distinguished by the high level of acidity. Highly textured, with a russet-apple and quince like presence, this is still positively youthful. It has been preserved by the acidity and will continue to hold for years to come. It deserves to be in the cellar of all true Chenin lovers.”
Richard Kelley MW
1968 Moulin Touchais, Coteaux du Layon - £282 per case of 6 bottles
“Deep gold, almost amber in colour. Initially quite closed but opens up with a few minutes in the glass. Beautiful mature Chenin nose, classic Loire notes of wet wool and lanolin. Lovely fresh, orange, marmalade and caramel on the palate. Beautiful texture. Long dry, spicy finish. Delicious!”
Gareth Birchley, Fine Wine Buyer (Asia)
Moulin Touchais, Coteaux du Layon Mixed Case - £174 per case of 6 bottles
Contains: 1 bottle each: 2003, 1997, 1985, 1975, 1971 & 1968
