Domaine de la Motte 2005 Tasting Notes

Coteaux du Layon Rochefort 2004
Anjou blanc Clos des Belles Mères 2004
Anjou-Villages rouge 2003

Gilles Sorin and his parents, André and Monique, have been extending a warm welcome to 3D Partners for over twelve years. During that time the domaine has built a strong reputation, and Gilles has become established as one of the region’s finest winemakers. He has won a multitude of awards both here and in France, culminating in his Gold Medal at The International Wine Challenge in 2004.

Although that medal was awarded for his sweet Coteaux du Layon, all his wines show the same commitment to quality. One of the peculiarities of Anjou is the fact that so many winemakers produce an amazing diversity of wine styles. Gilles is no exception; from his twenty hectares of vineyard he produces half a dozen wines covering the full spectrum of styles. Our Option wines represent a good cross-section of Gilles’ production.

His flagship wine is undoubtedly his Coteaux du Layon Rochefort. The 2004 vintage is a classic example of this noble, sweet wine, made from botrytis-affected Chenin Blanc. The botrytis concentrates the sugar and the acidity within the late-harvested grapes and produces wines which, while being intensely sweet, also have tremendous balancing acidity. Gilles’ 2004 has a lovely honeyed nose, which is followed by rich sweet fruit on the palate together with delightful, pithy acidity. This is an amazingly versatile wine, equally well suited to rich foie gras, sweet desserts or blue cheese.

The Cuvée des Belles Mères (mother-in-laws’ wine) is also from the 2004 vintage. This represents a return to normality after the blazing heat of 2003. This is an unusual Anjou blanc as it contains almost 15% Chardonnay and only 85% Chenin Blanc. The Chenin provides soft flavours of melon and apricot, while the Chardonnay adds white peach aromas and flavours. All this succulent fruit is matched by fresh citrus acidity. This is a wine that is light enough to be enjoyed on its own as an apéritif, and yet full-bodied enough to match white meat and poultry dishes.

Gilles’ red offering this year is his 2003 Anjou-Villages. This exceptionally hot vintage was extremely difficult for producers, but those who reacted to the conditions, and adjusted their winemaking have produced some great red wines. The ripeness of the year has allowed Gilles to increase the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend by 20% (up to 80%) and this has resulted in a wine with a deep, rich colour and a soft, warm bouquet. On the palate, it has juicy, plummy fruit with a good backbone of ripe, velvety tannins. Its opulent fruit makes it attractive now, but it has the tannic structure to allow it to develop and improve for the next five or so years. It makes an excellent partner for roast meats and pasta.