2022 Brendan Stater-West Saumur Blanc "L'Ardillon", Loire Valley, France
ABOUT THE WINE
L'Ardillon is crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc sourced from organically farmed parcels in Saumur, grown on classic tuffeau limestone soils. The 2022 vintage brought moderate ripeness and strong natural acidity, ideal for Brendan Stater-Westâs precise, mineral-focused style. Grapes are hand-harvested, then gently pressed and fermented with native yeasts in used barrels, followed by aging on the lees for added complexity.
This cuvĂ©e reveals subtle aromaticsâpear skin, lemon balm, white tea, and flintâwith a palate that is linear and saline, marked by freshness rather than opulence. The wine is vinified without malolactic fermentation or excessive oak influence, maintaining a cool, stony character and firm structure.
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Brendan Stater-West, a former sommelier from Oregon, has quickly earned acclaim in the Loire Valley for his focused, mineral-driven Chenin Blancs. Based in Saumur and mentored by Romain Guiberteau, he produces wines from limestone-rich soils with a hands-off, transparent approachâorganic farming, native yeast fermentations, and aging in neutral barrels. His wines are known for their quiet energy, precision, and sense of place, with L'Ardillon offering a more accessible, early-drinking lens into his refined style.
Description
ABOUT THE WINE
L'Ardillon is crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc sourced from organically farmed parcels in Saumur, grown on classic tuffeau limestone soils. The 2022 vintage brought moderate ripeness and strong natural acidity, ideal for Brendan Stater-Westâs precise, mineral-focused style. Grapes are hand-harvested, then gently pressed and fermented with native yeasts in used barrels, followed by aging on the lees for added complexity.
This cuvĂ©e reveals subtle aromaticsâpear skin, lemon balm, white tea, and flintâwith a palate that is linear and saline, marked by freshness rather than opulence. The wine is vinified without malolactic fermentation or excessive oak influence, maintaining a cool, stony character and firm structure.
ABOUT THE PRODUCER
Brendan Stater-West, a former sommelier from Oregon, has quickly earned acclaim in the Loire Valley for his focused, mineral-driven Chenin Blancs. Based in Saumur and mentored by Romain Guiberteau, he produces wines from limestone-rich soils with a hands-off, transparent approachâorganic farming, native yeast fermentations, and aging in neutral barrels. His wines are known for their quiet energy, precision, and sense of place, with L'Ardillon offering a more accessible, early-drinking lens into his refined style.
