Anjou

Expert reviews

Tasting notes from Wine Enthusiast

An old-vine wine that was aged in clay amphoras, this is a ripe, honeyed, gently oxidized wine. This aging gives a lift to the pineapple and green plum fruit flavors that are shot through with acidity. It's a rich wine both from the oxidation and from the really ripe fruits. Age this complex wine until 2019.

— Domaine du Clos de l'Elu 2013 Ephata Chenin Blanc (Anjou) (93/100)

This is a rich, smoky red-fruit-flavored wine. One of three wines produced by the estate that was created by the late Anne-Claude Leflaive of Domaine Leflaive in Burgundy, it is made from biodynamically grown grapes. Wood aged, it shows spice as well as the cool fruitiness that gives the wine both its crispness and aging potential. Drink from 2018.

— Clau de Nell 2014 Cabernet Franc (Anjou) (91/100)

This is a rich, full-bodied Chenin Blanc, dry and with delicious hints of baked apple and honey. There's a definite mineral texture, taut and brimming with orange zest. It is dense, full in the mouth and ready to drink now, but better in 2015.

— Musset-Roullier 2011 Le Moulin Chenin Blanc (Anjou) (91/100)

Although this wine is labeled as dry, its honey and smooth apple character suggests a definite sweetness. Rich, full and concentrated, it brings in spice, ripe tropical fruits and just a touch of acidity at the end.

— Château la Varière 2010 Clos de la Division Chenin Blanc (Anjou) (91/100)

This is a beautiful nut and orange-flavored white wine. It has a mineral texture that is developing well into rich pear flavors that are lightly touched by honey. The wine from this estate in the Layon Valley is likely to age well. It can be drunk now, but it will be better from 2018.

— Domaine du Petit Clocher 2014 Chenin Blanc (Anjou) (91/100)

Score & price analysis

Position in the Loire

Rated below the Loire Valley median.

Grape varieties

Flavor profile

Descriptors most frequently associated with this appellation across aggregated expert reviews:

• honey
• crisp
• apple
• rich
• tannin
• spice
• orange
• plum

Appellation summary

Source: Wine Enthusiast expert reviews. Updated: April 14, 2026.