2019 Jo Landron Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Amphibolite, Loire Valley

This cuvée derives its name from the greenish, metamorphic bedrock (amphibolite) that dominates the soils in which it is grown. Produced from vines aged between 35 and 40 years, this unique wine was vinified with only a short period on lees, as Jo Landron wanted to retain as much freshness and minerality as possible. Only minor doses of sulphur were used to block malo. Bottling occurred early (in March), and without filtration, to retain the earth-to-glass essence of the wine. 

With some lovely textural padding this year it's an ultra-pure, racy expression of Muscadet loaded with white floral notes and all kinds of citrus underpinned by the iodine minerality that is a hallmark of this cuvée.

This much-heralded cuvée shows a finely expressed style in this vintage, brimming with minty saline and iodine notes, along with softer notes of crushed chalk which give the wine a mineral freshness. There is a similarly soft style on the palate which is plush and lightly gripped, with lots of midpalate substance. I find good energy here, a bright and pure style, cool with a charming grip. This has fine promise. As usual it will be best drunk over the next couple of years.

 92-94 points Chris Kissack thewinedoctor.com