We bring to you one of the most esteemed wineries in the Loire Valley. Didier Dageuneau is a pioneer in the Pouilly Fume region of the Loire who has received a cult following for his exquisite Sauvignon Blanc wines. Didier tragically died in September 2008, in a plane crash in the Cognac region of France. His son subsequently took over the 30 acre vineyard as well as the winery. Dageauneau has a variety of different cuveés, including Buisson-Renard, Pur Sang (French for "pureblood"), Asteroïde, and Silex ‘Flint’. An ex-motorcycle racer with no formal enological training Dagueneau clashed with other winegrowers about typicality of the varietal. His vineyard practices were a combination of the exacting very low yields with using as using horses to plow the soil between vines.
The most recent release that I sampled was the highly compelling 2014 Didier Dageuneau ‘Silex’ Pouilly Fume (WWB, 95). This wine shows insane terroir, tension and minerality. The weight and texture of this wine is remarkable. If I were to blind this magical wine I would struggle with the combination of mid-palate weight and terror. There is nothing like the ‘Silex.’ Here is the scintillating new release by Didier Dageuneau.
2014 Didier Dageuneau 'Silex' Pouilly Fume- From an enclave just outside the cuverie in Saint Andelain, the Dagueneau Blanc Fume de Pouilly Silex is produced by Didier Dagueneau’s son Louis-Benjamin (whose name now appears on the label). Benjamin Dagueneau oversees the estate’s 11 hectares (27 acre) vineyard. The smoky accents aromatically are immediately expressive. Ash, Serrano pepper, Bosc pear and cantaloupe aromatics impress. The palate shows incredible weight and plush texture. Smoke, white peach, Gravenstein apple, and gooseberry character complete this astringent and mineral driven wine. You have to admire the stony comportment here. The downright oily texture beautifully coats the mid palate. This has the tension to cellar well past the next decade. Drink 2017-2028 95