The 2018 vintage for the Loire Valley was exceptionally successful, marked by a fantastic spring that ensured successful flowering and fruit set without the typical issues of rain, hail, or frost. This Ladoucette Pouilly-Fumé, made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, is a benchmark for the appellation, known for its elegant and classic style. It's crafted using a unique process where only 'free run juice' is used, extracted by gravity to avoid harshness from pressing skins and pips. The wine is matured on natural lees for three to six months and stored in glass-tiled tanks, with no oak aging, to preserve its freshness and aroma. Tasting notes reveal a delicate and complex olfactory expression with aromas of white flowers, exotic fruits like lychee and mango, green apple, gooseberry, and lime. There's a distinct minerality, often described as flinty or chalky, which gives the appellation its 'Fumé' name from the smoky bloom on ripe Sauvignon Blanc grapes. On the palate, it's bright, full-bodied, and complex, with crisp, fresh acidity, citrus-lemon characters, and a long, beautifully balanced finish. Wilfred Wong of Wine.com rated it 93 points, calling it one of the best examples of Sauvignon Blanc he tasted that year. 【Exceptional expression of Sauvignon Blanc from a stellar vintage】 🍴 Food pairing suggestions include meaty and oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, swordfish, monkfish, and tuna, as well as oysters, goat cheese, and other seafood dishes. It would also pair superbly with a piping bowl of freshly-steamed clams and mussels. 🥂 This wine is perfect for a weekend treat, a dinner with friends, or a thoughtful gift. It's drinking well now and has the capacity to age and improve for another 4-5 years. Serve chilled at 8-10°C in a white wine glass.