Danielle and Jean-Louis Robin, Domaine Robin-Diot (2004)  

The families of both the Robins and the Diots have made wine in Anjou for the past five or six generations. Until recently, Jean-Louis and Danielle’s main vineyard holdings were in and around Chaudefonds-sur-Layon which is where the cellar is situated; however they have just sold off 15 hectares to Philippe Fournier, owner of Domaine Jo Pithon, keeping just half a hectare of Coteaux du Layon for themselves. Instead, their focus has switched to a two hectare holding of vines in Le Clos de Petites Coulées in La Roche aux Moines, a project that Jean-Louis refers to as his danseuse (mistress), a euphemism for the amount of money he has so far invested.

On the Robins retirement in 2010, Le Clos de Petites Coulées has been taken on by Damien Laureau. 

Wine Overview:  
The first two vintages here were barrel fermented using indigenous yeasts. The 2006 was raised in tank and bottled in September 2007. Malolactic fermentation has so far been avoided.

The Wines:  
There is no doubt this is a rare and privileged site although it is still a little too early to pass judgment on the wines. Having been initially impressed with the 2005 at the cellar, a subsequent tasting with other wines from the same vintage showed it to look sweet, simple and a bit clumsy.

2006 ‘Clos des Petites Coulées’ Savennières – Roche aux Moines  
Polished. Pale straw. Attractive honeyed nose; brioche and pain aux raisins. Good weight and structure on entry. Clean and very fresh. Delicate style. Good fresh acidity to the finish. Juicy. Good length. This is still very youthful, although approachable. It would certainly benefit from time in bottle. (02/08)

2005 ‘Clos des Petites Coulées’ Savennières – Roche aux Moines  
Polished. Mid-pale. Green/yellow. Obvious wood on the nose. This is ripe and produced in a modern style. The palate appears a little too sweet and clumsy at this stage. Hopefully it will ‘dry out’ a little with age. (02/08)

Jean-Louis Robin  
Domaine Robin-Diot  
Chaudefonds-sur-Layon  
T: +33 2 41 78 68 29  
Robin-diot@wanadoo.fr  

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