LOUIS BENJAMIN - DIDIER DAGUENEAU Buisson Renard 2022 Bottle

Description

This exceptional wine has garnered significant acclaim, earning impressive scores from top critics. It boasts 94 points from Vinous, which praises its dry and tense profile, emphasizing its fleshiness derived from the clay-flint soils, coupled with lemony notes and a distinct flint character. The wine retains excellent acidity, line, and length, culminating in a long, refreshing finish. Additionally, it has received 93 points from The Wine Advocate, highlighting its complexity and precision, and 92 points from Decanter, which emphasizes its structured texture and vibrant character. The meticulous craftsmanship behind this wine results in a delightful experience, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate the elegance and terroir-driven nature of fine white wine.

*****

VINOUS 95 points
I'm a bit of a fan of the Buisson Renard. At the bottom of the hill below the winery in the village of Saint-Andelain, there's a greater proportion of clay to flint, giving a broadness to the wine's shape that envelops the whole mouth. In 2022, you can smell the warmth of the vintage and experience its richness and yet its sense of lightness. There's an appealing chew to the wine, and on the finish, a salty residue that makes you want to continue drinking. It retains acidity, line and length and provides precision. Its maker, Jean-Philippe Agisson, believes 8-10 months in stainless steel after being in barrel plus filtration gives the wine this tightening belt. - Rebecca Gibb MW

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Didier Dagueneau, affectionately dubbed the ‘Wild Man of Pouilly,’ was a transformative figure in the Loire Valley wine scene, tragically passing away in 2008 at the age of 52. Renowned for his revolutionary ideas about winemaking, he radically shifted practices in Pouilly-Fumé, an area known predominantly for its Sauvignon Blanc. His commitment to quality led him to halve his vineyard yields and implement horse tilling, which promoted healthier soils and enhanced the expression of the terroir.

Dagueneau's meticulous approach extended from the vineyard to the cellar, where he applied biodynamic practices starting in 1993. His devotion to detail redefined the reputation of Pouilly-Fumé, allowing it to regain its status as a source of age-worthy wines that showcased depth, complexity, and a unique character.

Today, the estate is led by his son, Louis-Benjamin Dagueneau, a fifth-generation winemaker who worked alongside his father for years, absorbing both his methods and his perfectionism. Louis-Benjamin continues the legacy of high standards and craftsmanship that Didier established. The wines produced under his stewardship are exceptional: pure, intense, and focused, capturing the essence of their terroir while reflecting the family’s rich heritage in winemaking. Each vintage expresses the unique characteristics of the grapes and the land, offering wines that are not only enjoyable when young but also possess remarkable ageability, staying true to Didier Dagueneau's vision for the estate and its products.