The 2020 Arnaud Lambert “Coulée de St-Cyr” is one of the standout Chenin Blancs from Saumur, produced by one of the Loire Valley’s most respected growers. Sourced from a tiny 1.7-hectare parcel in Saint-Cyr-en-Bourg, the vineyard is planted with approximately 70-year-old Chenin Blanc vines rooted in a shallow layer of clay and sandy loam over limestone. Arnaud Lambert farms organically and biodynamically, with a meticulous focus on expressing individual vineyard sites through minimal-intervention winemaking.
The wine is vinified with indigenous yeasts and matured for around 20 months on fine lees in a combination of older barrels, foudres and tank before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. This extended élevage gives the wine remarkable texture and complexity while preserving the precision and mineral character of the site.
The nose is deep, layered and intensely mineral, showing lemon zest, grapefruit, pear and quince alongside crushed limestone, white flowers, beeswax and subtle smoky reduction. There is a distinctly Burgundian quality to the wine’s aromatic profile, combining richness and complexity with remarkable freshness and purity.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with exceptional concentration and tension. Citrus, orchard fruit and saline mineral notes are framed by vibrant acidity, chalky texture and a powerful limestone-driven backbone. The finish is long, focused and intensely persistent, carrying notes of lime, wet stone and subtle savoury complexity. Critics have highlighted the wine's combination of richness, freshness and saline precision, with Wine Advocate awarding similar vintages 93 points and praising their energy and ageing potential.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is one of the finest examples of dry Loire Chenin Blanc and a serious alternative to white Burgundy for collectors who appreciate minerality and terroir expression. Compared to Vouvray, it is drier and more structured; compared to white Burgundy, it offers similar texture and complexity but with higher acidity and a more pronounced limestone character. Coulée de St-Cyr is one of Arnaud Lambert’s most compelling vineyard expressions, showing the depth and pedigree that have made Saumur one of France’s most exciting white wine regions. The 2020 vintage combines concentration with freshness beautifully and has all the structure needed for long-term cellaring. Drink from 2025 onwards or cellar comfortably for 10–15+ years. Perfect with lobster, scallops, roast poultry, aged goat’s cheese or refined seafood cuisine.
