Ok, after all recommendations here, I bought two bottles of the 02 Baumard Clos du Papillon. I saw some TNs here, but I have a question...

I have almost no experience with Savennieres, so in terms of ageing, is this like a good white Hermitage (after a while it really closes down and you shouldn't try one for 10 years) or more like a Grüner Veltliner (you can open one now, next year or in 10 years - it won't be closed at any time; it will only be better/different as it ages)? In short, can I open one now or will it be a waste of good wine and I should rather wait until 2012?

They age for a very long time if stored properly, and I have never ran into a closed one. Every vintage I have ever had has always been approachable. The same cannot be said for most of the Hermitage Blancs I have had. Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in.

I have had experiences where Chenin Blanc has been shut down. Nevertheless, the wines that are shut down tend to be far more enjoyable than when Bordeaux or Burgundy are shut down. They are just a lillte less expressive. Additionally, I think it is more rare.

Anyway, that wine is great and I would buy more than two bottles. Buy six, try one now and another every other year. It is a beauty!

jb

Thanks, Jason and Joe! Both of you helped me a lot. I'll do as you say and won't be afraid to try one soon and age them as well. I'll probably have to go after a couple more bottles too. Between this and all the 04 Chablis I'll be buying, I'll have a good amount of whites for some years to come.

I like Savennieres young and aged. Buy 'em young and drink them all along the way.

The Clos du Papillon is very good year-to-year.

I picked up 6 of these and they are in storage. I like my Savennieres after a decade of age and am enjoying some of the wonderful 1996's now.

The WS seemed upbeat on the 2004's as well, and pricing is still reasonable for the quality and uniqueness of the wines.