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L'Ecole No. 41 2023 Old Vines Upland Vineyard Chenin Blanc (Snipes Mountain)

Rating
91
Price
$25
Variety
Wine Type
Alcohol
13.5%
Bottle Size
750
Issue Date
12/1/2024
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It's hard to beat the aroma of an Asian pear drizzled in honey and fresh-grated ginger. Unless you add aromas of pineapple and juniper berries. This light-bodied white offers up a crisp, snappy texture and flavors like lemon curd, tart ponzu sauce and sage. The wine's acidity is bright and friendly. Michael Alberty

What Is Blind Tasting?

All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide context—vintage, variety or appellation—but never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.

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About The Scores

*Products deemed unacceptable (receving a rating below 80 points) are not reviewed.

98-100

Classic
The Pinnacle of quality

94-97

Superb
A great achievement

90-93

Excellent
Highly recommended

87-89

Very Good
Often good value; well recommended

83-86

Good
Suitable for everyday consumption, often good value

80-82

Acceptable
Can be employed


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Discover New Regions for Chenin Blanc

The Loire Valley is a complete mix. Every style of wine can be found along its 600-mile length. The best known Loire Valley wine regions are Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé: the models for Sauvignon Blanc around the world. And the Chenin Blanc of the central Loire — the sweet wines of Vouvray and Anjou — have a poise and acidity which allows them to age for decades, yet be fresh when young. The dry Chenins of Savennières are the purest expression of their granite soil to be found anywhere. Finally to complete the mix are the Cabernet Franc-based reds of Chinon and Bourgueil and the fresh, easy whites of Muscadet. Search our Loire Valley wine guide’s hundreds of Loire Valley wine reviews for more details on individual wines and for our comprehensive database of Loire Valley wine ratings.

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