Without doubt Marc Bredif's 'Classic' Vouvray Chenin Blanc is one of my all time favourite whites. It was the first wine I ever tried over 50yrs of age (the 1959) and I have enjoyed vintages from the 70s and 80s over the years. We have assembled 10 different vintages (2006 through to 2024) and these are available for purchase via the Slow Beer & Wine website. All things considered these wines are remarkable value.
We also have each vintage available at our neighbourhood wine bar (The Grape & Hop in Montmorency) via drink in bottles or takeaway. We will honour the online price for takeaways.
Great article from Huon Hooke regarding super old Vouvray here.
FWIW here are some of my notes on a number of older vintages:
2020 - "An easy drinker at 6 years of age. In some respects quite a simple wine; front loaded with (nearly) off-dry fruits and low acid impact, at least to my tastes. Tails off but is ultra pleasant drinking." (April 2026)
2019 - "Remains, undoubtedly, one of my favourite all time white wines. I’m not full bottle on the “classic” tag but I do know this is super likeable as a youngster. Nothing jumps out; rather a proper sum-of-the-parts job. Soft lemon early but does get darker but never hard." (Sept 2021)
1986 - "A classic 'eye opener' wine. Massively interesting nose with truckloads of bitter forest fruits and varnish (the latter in the best possible way), and throw in some old furniture store aromas as well! Very authoritative. Spicy aged fruits to taste; clean flavours and good drive." (Dec 2007)
1959 - "Oldest wine I have consumed to date. Intriguing nose of sweetbreads and heaps of old lemons and daggy old fruits. Old wood too. Lots happening. Palate shows incredibly fresh fruit and weight. Lemons and citrus, some bitter fruit. Amazing depth of fruit for the age. In supurb condition and currently available in Australia through the official importer so highly likely to have only recently been released from the winery's cellars (fresh label)." (May 2009)
