One of the Loire’s most lauded producers, Florent Baumard has courted controversy by pursuing his own ideas and challenging the status quo.
In a deeply traditional region, Florent's early adoption of screwcaps and different vine trellising systems marked him as the maverick of Savennières. His mantra encompasses a belief in the individuality of each vintage. He believes in minimal intervention and allowing the wine to reflect its unique character. The 2018 Clos du Paillon is one of those wines you won’t forget! Baumard’s sought-after bottlings are in high demand and can be hard to get.
After tasting the 2018 Clos du Papillon, this wine rocked my Loire world! Wines of this caliber and collectability cost triple digits. The 2018 Domaine des Baumard Clos du Papillon is a shining example of why Savennières is a favorite category for savvy wine-collectors. Domaine des Baumard is one of the renowned producers from this region.
In the glass the color is a vibrant, light gold. The aromas are complex revealing floral notes of lilac along with a hint of white pepper, marshmallow and ginger. There is a generous undertone of minerality. The flavors are equally complex with fresh cut pear, citrus elements and fresh acidity the builds through the finish. To sum up, the 2018 Clos du Papillon is rich, complex, dry, and built on a core of vibrant acidity that builds to a crescendo. This wine pairs joyfully with a myriad of foods, especially fried foods, spicy Thai, Chinese and Indian fare. It packs enough longevity to evolve for at least a decade and a half in the cellar.

By Perry Miroballi