2001 Serge Dageneau et Filles Pouilly-Fume Clos de Chaudoux -- Serge is the uncle of Didier Dageneau, the controversial bad boy of the Loire, and the wines are now made by his 2 daughters, both of whom appear to be talented winemakers. Friends brought this back from a recent trip to the Loire region where they had spent a lovely afternoon tasting and chatting at this winery. This comes from grapes grown in one of the best vineyards in Pouilly-Fume (according to the Dageneaus) and is left on the lees up to 18 months, the time varying by vintage. The '01 was sur lie for 12 months.

Shows a nice polished gold color; slightly reticent nose with mostly mineral scents at first, opening more after a short while to reveal honeydew melon; dense, creamy texture, much richer and more weighty than most Loire Sauv. Blancs; very deep flavors of pear, melon, mineral, with hints of orange zest and lemon, all swirling together in a long, full finish. A bit lower acidity than I anticipated from this wine, not in a flabby way, but adds to the fullness in the mouth. Beautifully balanced, on a par with their cousin's wines. App. 91-2 pts., and well worth looking for.