Lot presentation

Coteaux du Layon Cuvée Anthologie Delesvaux (Domaine) 50 Cl (no reserve) 1996

The wine

Considered as one of the world's best sweet dessert wines, the Anthologie cuvée is produced by vinifying botrytised Chenin grapes. It is made only in years where the vintage permits; that is to say, just four times in the domain's forty-year existence. It is marked by its aromatic richness, comprising notes of quince cheese, candied tangerine, pomelo zest and honey, as well as a fine mineral character lending it freshness, aromatic persistence and an excellent potential for keeping.

About the Producer Delesvaux

Domaine Delesvaux spans 11 hectares essentially planted with biodynamically-grown Chenin. Philippe Delesvaux originally hails from Paris but left the big city in 1978 to set up in the Coteaux du Layon. He decided to start making wine, with 3 hectares in the beginning. 1995, 1996 and 1997 symbolised a turning point in his life as these three vintages were exceptional for sweet wines. His wines were soon lauded by critics; he was even awarded 99/100 points by the eminent Robert Parker. In the late 1990s, his wife Catherine quit her job as a teacher so as to help out at the domain. Unfortunately, the owners are planning to retire soon and are yet to find someone to take over their work at the domain.