For us, Roches Neuves Clos Romans Blanc is one of the great expressions of Chenin.

Clos Romans is a walled vineyard dating back to the 11th century.

Roches Neuves' Thierry Germain purchased the Clos in 2007 and released the first vintage in 2010. The vines sit on a thin layer of sandy clay with solid limestone bedrock underneath. Production is typically around 500-600 bottles.

This is a wine of regal grandeur. It has such presence and length, but also a powerfully firm core of acidity and minerality. Clos Romans Blanc is an ultra-clear, precise and stately expression of Chenin.

Thierry Germain has long been one of the Loire's top producers. However, over the past few vintages, it's become clear that things have clicked into high gear at Roches Neuves. While they have always produced excellent wines, the domaine is now justifiably placed on par with the region's best.

Tasting the 2015s, it’s obvious that Roches Neuves is at the top of their game. Roches Neuves produced a gorgeous cast of 2015s. They picked on the early side and the resulting wines have beautiful poise and agility along with plenty of intensity.

The 2015 Clos Romans Blanc makes its noble breeding clear. There's such finesse and an ultra-fine thread of acidity that lends levity and refinement to the wine's saturating textural complexity. As we've come to expect from Clos Romans, everything is beautifully integrated. There's a grace and subtlety that separates Clos Romans from the pack.

Along with the Memoires Rouge, the Clos Romans Blanc represents the top of the range. The 2015 Memoires was my Wine of the Year. It seemed fitting to kick off 2017 with the white equivalent. The Memoires sold out quickly. I'd be willing to bet that the Clos Romans will, too.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Joe Salamone

Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits

2015 Roches Neuves

Saumur Blanc Clos Romans