Sunday Lunch at Jill's in Paris (Silex and 1982 Ch. Pavie)

Am staying with my friend Jill Goodman in Paris. This is her current tipple, she loves her wine and she and her husband spoiled me rotten.

2008 Silex, Domaine Didier Daganeau

This is the first time I have tried this legendary Loire Valley sauvignon blanc. There was, and still is, a tremendous amount of hype attached to it and its wonderful character of a creator. 

Its nose has a lovely gout de vas, like an aged white Burgundy with lovely forward fruit…but it lacked acidity and the finish was short. Mid-mouth lacked texture. I really, really wanted to like this wine, but I found it clumsy and unbalanced.

1982 Chateau Pavie

This was a real treat. I have been following this chateau on and off for 20 years …one of my favourites. I have not had the 1982 since 1995. It’s on its way out…waning…but remnants of its previous grandeur are still very excitingly evident: steel, pencil lead, restrained fruit, elegant and perfectly integrated oak. A solid, perfectly-constructed wine – whole and integral and focused. Yes, the finish gets thin and a bit onto the acetates, but, wow.