Domaine des Liards Montlouis Sec 2008 (£9.95 Yapp Brothers)
Nutty, green apple, also some more mature bruised apple flavours, plus a slightly metallic edge too, rich yet dry, with typical prominent Chenin acidity, but just a touch short. B

Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvray Sec Silex 2008 (£12.96 Colchester Wine Company)
Slightly nutty/stony aromas, lots of fruit, apple and citrus, with some exotic passionfruit edges behind, but all kept in check by rapier-like acidity and earthy minerality. It’s best is still to come. S

Domaine FL Anjou Blanc ‘Le Chenin’ 2007 (£13.99 DeFine Food & Wine, Liberty Wines)
Oily richness, peach and pear but still classic apple edge of Chenin – apple charlotte, with a touch of just-undercooked sponge. Rich but still has a steely backbone. S(-)

Château de Pierre-Bise Coteaux du Layon Beaulieu Sélection des Grains Nobles L’Anclaie 2007 (£16.50/per 500 ml Lea & Sandeman)
Exotic apricot, peach kernel and pineapple, cooked apple, very voluptuous and unctuous, then mouth-tingling acidity to keep it all fresh, rich and yummy. S(+)

Domaine FL Coteaux du Layon ‘Les 4 Villages’ 2007 (£21.99 Noel Young, Rannoch Scott Wines, Liberty Wines)
A touch of smoky oak here? Certainly there on the nose, but overall this is fresh and vibrant in style, rich yet delicate, with the wealth of pineapple and peach flavour kept in check with appley freshness and lithe mineral finish. Lovely wine. G-

In Part 2, three wines from Savennières