Les Jardins de la Martiniere

The former property of Xavier Caillard, the famed Anjou chenin and cabernet franc producer has been brought back to life by a Japanese transplant, Kaya Tsutsui with some help from natural wine legend, Hirotake Ooka. They are looking to continue Xavier's tradition of long elevage, though it's hard to come straight out with 15 year old wines, so they have released some younger beginning the long aging process on new wines. The property is stunning, with 3 hectares of vibrant vineyards around an ancient house with deep tuffeau caves. Very exciting new arrival that we've been patiently waiting for for over 5 years. 

Shi Ro 2018

2018’s only chenin blanc cuvée, made from the low-yielding, 20 year old parcel situated between the trees on the tuffeau soils of the domaine. Fruit was harvested in two pickings, after which both were directly pressed and moved to barrels for two years of quiet élevage. Afterwards, the barrels were blended in fibreglass tank and left for a subsequent year of élevage before bottling.

Shi Ro brims with concentration and energy in equal measure, shrouded still by flinty, protective reduction and ample tension. At its core is a buzzing, deeply layered chenin blanc with length, structure and longevity built into its foundation and delicate, mineral ripeness that cushions its framework.