Moulin Touchais Coteaux du Layon 2005

Wine Spectator

94 / 100

The actual product may vary from the images shown on the website.

CountryFrance
RegionLoire valley
AppellationCoteaux du Layon
Varieties
- Chenin Blanc - 100%
BrandMoulin Touchais
Volume0,75 L
Alc.13,5%

59,00 €

Description

One of the Loire Valley’s most renowned and long-lived sweet wines, this cuvée is made from 100% ‘Chenin Blanc’. Moulin Touchais is distinguished by its unique winemaking philosophy: wines are typically released only after at least ten years of ageing in the estate’s cellars. As a result, the 2005 vintage remains remarkably youthful today and still possesses tremendous ageing potential.

The bouquet reveals aromas of quince, dried apricot, peach, acacia honey, beeswax, and subtle hints of saffron that have developed through extended bottle ageing. On the palate, the wine is rich yet never heavy. Layers of ripe peach, mango, guava, and citrus fruit are beautifully balanced by the vibrant acidity characteristic of ‘Chenin Blanc’.

The wine is produced from hand-harvested ‘Chenin Blanc’ grapes picked in several passes through the vineyard. Moulin Touchais traditionally harvests part of the crop earlier to preserve high acidity, while the remainder is picked later, when the grapes have reached optimal ripeness. These components are then blended to create an exceptional balance between freshness and concentration. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, and the wine is bottled relatively early to preserve its fruit purity and vitality.

The 2005 vintage is regarded as an outstanding year for sweet wines in the Loire Valley. The remarkable longevity of this wine is driven not only by its natural sweetness but also by its exceptionally high acidity, allowing it to evolve gracefully for decades. Experts believe it will continue to develop beautifully through 2040 and beyond.

Serving recommendations

We recommend serving it at a temperature of 10–12 °C. It pairs perfectly with foie gras, blue cheeses (such as Roquefort), and apple or other fruit-based desserts.

Rating

94 / 100

Wine Spectator

Ripe and unctuous in feel, featuring creamed peach, mango and guava notes gliding throughout. Stays bright and defined thanks to well-inlaid chamomile and salted butter accents. There's a flattering feel through the finish, with a light marzipan hint starting to creep in. This is just beginning to open up and should cruise for quite some time. Drink now through 2040. 1,500 cases made.

About brand

Moulin Touchais – A Legend of Coteaux du Layon and Master of Chenin Blanc

Moulin Touchais is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the Loire Valley. The estate was founded in 1787 in Doué-la-Fontaine, in the Anjou region, and has been owned by the Touchais family for more than eight generations. It is a true example of tradition and longevity. The winery is renowned for its exceptionally long-aged sweet Coteaux du Layon wines made from Chenin Blanc grapes.

Moulin Touchais wines are aged for a minimum of 10 years in underground cellars before being released to the market, while the best vintages can age gracefully for 30–50+ years. This philosophy allows the wines to achieve remarkable harmony, complexity, and incredible freshness even after several decades.

Terroir and Vineyards

The vineyards are situated on the best slopes of Coteaux du Layon (in Tigné, Martigné-Briand, and Maligné areas) on clay-limestone soils. The autumn microclimate, with morning mist and sunny afternoons, creates ideal conditions for the development of noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). The winery works exclusively with selected plots and follows sustainable viticulture practices.

Winemaking Style

Moulin Touchais produces classic, elegant, and extremely long-ageing sweet Chenin Blanc wines. They are distinguished by a perfect balance between acidity and sweetness, along with rich notes of dried fruits, honey, nuts, and minerality. These wines pair beautifully not only with desserts but also with foie gras, blue cheeses, or as a meditative wine.

It is one of the few wineries in the world able to offer such an extensive collection of old vintages, perfectly illustrating the legendary longevity of Chenin Blanc and the greatness of Loire Valley terroir.