On Tuesday, May 24th, the Sons of Bacchus, and two Daughters of Dionysus assembled at our house for a tasting of Chenin Blancs. Some of the results were interesting. Here are the top wines and my notes.

2012 Domaine Joly Savennières, Clos de la Bergerie - This was a fine rendition of dry Chenin Blanc from Anjou. It showed a brilliant gold color and a rich, smoky nose of peach and apricot and semi-dried fruit flavors and distinct minerality. 18.5+/20 points.

2010 Domaine Huet  Vouvray Sec, Le Mont - This appeared twice in the same flight, one bottle ranked first, the other third (which I ranked first) in the group's ranking. It was a fine version of the drier style. Bright gold colored, with aromas of peach, butternut, almond and slate and ripe flavors that showed distinct minerality and great clarity. 19/20 points.

2013 Domaine Chidaine Montlouis sur Loire - Montlouis is situated across the river from Vouvray and the wines are similar. This one showed a medium gold color and a classic Chenin nose of minerals and slate and well balanced, elegant ripe fruit flavors. Ranked first in its flight by me and the grouo. 19/20 points.

2012 Domaine Fosse-Sèche "Arcane" Saumur Blanc - Generally, the wines of Saumur are not as distinguished as those of Anjou, but this was an exception. Deep golden colored, it showed an unctuous nose of pear, peach and apricot, with spicy, full-bodied classic Chenin flavors. 19/20 points.

2012 Waitsburg Cellars "Cheninierres" Chenin Blanc - This was one of two Washington Chenins in the tasting. While outclassed by the Loire wines, it showed well. Light colored, with pleasant pear and peach flavors. A nice picnic white. 18+/20 points.