Luneau Papin Excelsior 2007 Goulaine

Domaine Luneau-Papin is one of the benchmark estates of Muscadet. Located about 20 kilometres from Nantes in Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, the domaine represents the union of two centuries-old winegrowing families and is now led by ninth-generation growers Marie and Pierre-Marie Luneau. Today, its vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, with a particular emphasis on expressing the dramatically different geological sites found throughout the Pays Nantais.

Excelsior is one of the estate's most important wines and a pioneer of the Goulaine cru. The 2007 Excelsior is 100% Melon de Bourgogne, sourced from the family's historic vineyard at La Chapelle-Heulin, planted in 1936.

Tasting Notes
Colour: Clear golden-yellow, now showing the deeper golden tones expected after almost two decades of bottle development. Contemporary notes described the wine as pale with golden reflections.

Nose: Exceptionally complex and evolved. Baked apple, citrus, honeycomb and plum mingle with hazelnut, toasted nuts, anise and savoury notes of truffle and mushroom. With air, the mature 2007 has also shown intriguing lactic, herbal and earthy nuances.

Palate: Richer and more textural than its age or grape variety might suggest, yet still driven by remarkable freshness. Orchard fruit and citrus are layered with lemon curd, apple, toasted nuts, white pepper and earthy complexity, all carried by a sleek mineral backbone and vibrant acidity.

Finish: Long, energetic and distinctly savoury, with mature orchard fruit, citrus, mushroom, nuts and mineral tension lingering well beyond the initial sip. The contrast between developed flavours and persistent freshness is arguably the most fascinating part of this wine.