2017 Arnaud Lambert Saumur Breze Clos de la Rue

Arnaud Lambert is considered to be one of the most talented winemakers in Loire, regularly producing what are amongst the best wines in and around Saumur. Arnaud studied in Dijon and has bought that Burgundian approach to his winemaking and to expressing each vineyard site. Bio-dynamic viticulture is practiced in the vineyards, and the goal is to highlight each individual terroir and realise each vineyard sites potential.

Clos de la Rue is sourced from a 2 ha south facing site planted half 1965 and half 1990 on sandy silt over limestone. Vinification occurs with indigenous yeast 50% in aged foudres and 50% in barrel (35% new) and aged for 2 years on fine lees. Here the wine shows virtually no impact from the extended oak ageing or the new oak, such is the strength of the fruit it shows excellent integration and comfortably rides above the elevage.

Other Reviews....
The 2017 Saumur Brézé Clos de la Rue is deep, intense and fresh yet also pure, refined and wonderfully fruity on the complex and authentic nose that exhibits ripe white fruit aromas intertwined with notes of brioche and chalk. Lean, lush and finessed but also intense and with a persistent purity and mineral structure, this is an impressively light yet tight and sustainable Chenin with a stimulating chalky purity with lemon fruits and lingering salinity. A fabulous, lean and straight Brézé! Tasted over 14 days in April 2021. Drink 2021 - 2036.
92 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Oct 2021)