From a single north-facing vineyard located just above the village of Rochefort-sur-Loire, providing a stark contrast to the richer fuller wines from the south-facing Quarts de Chaume. As a result the acidity here can be more marked and give exceptional ageing capacity and greater finesse and depth so that in some years it challenges the very best of Quarts de Chaume.
”Things become considerably more interesting with the Clos de Sainte Catherine, a much richer, deeper and more cerebral style. It is sourced from a single vineyard with sandy soils just outside Rochefort-sur-Loire.”
“Plump, ripe and full, featuring a slightly exotic edge to the guava, mango and creamed peach flavors, before a racier side of green plum, honeysuckle and plantain moves in behind. Still youthfully raw, with the fruit bouncing rather than gliding for now. The finish is long, revealing an echo of green almond that bodes well for cellaring.”
94 pts Wine Spectator - Feb 2013
“..there is no doubt in my mind that the Quarts de Chaume from Domaine des Baumard remains, in many vintages, one of the finest examples of the appellation. The methods behind the wine are unique, and seem to me to be at odds with the Quarts de Chaume's proven capability of producing naturally botrytis-dried, wind-dried grapes of complex flavour, and as such they should certainly be put up for debate. But we should not judge purely on methodology, but also on results, as we cannot ignore the finished product. Judging solely by what is in the glass these taut and vibrant wines, with their remarkably crystalline and minerally-quartzy character, usually countered by their soothing, polished sweetness, are delightful examples of the Quarts de Chaume appellation.”