Domaine Des Chesnaies, Bourgueil
Domaine des Chesnaies is a mid-sized producer in Bourgeuil, with some 35 ha of vines. The wines are aged in large wooden foudres (barrels), and the best cuvées have extended barrel ageing. The older wines tasted here were until very recently stored in the Domaine's own cellars, carved into the tufa limestone that is typical of the region. I suspect it's partly because of the cool conditions of these cellars (a constant 6-8 °C) that the older wines here were showing so well. In particular, the 1976 is a real stunner. It may yet improve more. If the more recent vintages of the same cuvée are made in the same style, then it may well be worth investing in. After all, because of the Loire's semi-unfashionable status, the prices for these wines are remarkably fair.
