There are some vintages that seem to have it all. 2014 in the Loire comes dangerously close to reaching this status.

The wines are so complete - there's serious depth of concentration, vibrant finesse and terroir-accented verve.

I guess it's no surprise that 2014 marks a high point for Clau de Nell, a domaine that the legendary Anne-Claude Leflaive purchased in 2008.

 

Clau de Nell is on a beautifully situated, single south-facing parcel of sand and flint over limestone. Anne-Claude Leflaive and her husband, Christian Jacques, took over the winery from a friend who shared their interest in biodynamics.

The Clau de Nell style is deeply mineral with a saturating presence and persistent finesse. There's a regal clarity that really brings the quality of the vineyard work and sensitive winemaking to the forefront.

The 2014 vintage provided a perfect stage for Clau de Nell's Cab Franc. It's emphatically mineral with a gripping complexity. There's no getting around the staggering elegance. The delineation and driving length are undeniable.

The 2014 Clau de Nell delivers an incredible amount of intensity and breeding for the price point. I can count the recent vintages in the Loire that have impressed me as much for Loire reds as 2014 on one hand - 2010, 2005, 2002, 1996, and 1990. And I can't recall being this impressed by any other vintage of Clau de Nell.

To order, reply to this email or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Ian McFadden

Director, Fine & Rare Wine
Crush Wine & Spirits