Coteaux du Layon

Expert reviews

Tasting notes from Wine Enthusiast

At 35-years-old, this golden wine may be old, but it is still glorious. Still honeyed, with hints of its past yellow and bitter-orange fruit still there, the wine is intense, with toast, almonds and a richness that is so concentrated. Drink now.

— Moulin Touchais 1982 Chenin Blanc (Coteaux du Layon) (95/100)

This estate, owned by the same family since 1787, has amazing stocks of old sweet wines maturing in its cellars. With red apple, honey and apricot aromas, this wine, mature and yet so fresh, is proof of the aging ability of Chenin Blanc. It is the balance between the ripe honeyed flavors and the intense acidity that keeps it so vibrant. Drink this superb wine now.

— Moulin Touchais 1996 Chenin Blanc (Coteaux du Layon) (95/100)

Now in golden maturity, this is a smooth, unctuous and ripe wine. Honey is the dominant character, a perfumed wild flower honey that is layered with intense acidity that lifts the wine in a beautiful way. A sweet wine yes, but one that is so balanced.

— Domaine des Baumard 2003 Cuvée le Paon Chenin Blanc (Coteaux du Layon) (93/100)

Supersweet, but never cloying, with acidity, pear skin tannins and delicate sweet brown sugar and honey flavors. It is a great example of how Loire Chenin manages to keep its balance and freshness while still offering long-aging botrytis character. Keep for at least 10 years.

— Domaine Philippe Delesvaux 2004 Sélection de Grains Nobles Chenin Blanc (Coteaux du Layon) (93/100)

Now in golden maturity, this is a smooth, unctuous and ripe wine. Honey is the dominant character, a perfumed wild flower honey that is layered with intense acidity that lifts the wine in a beautiful way. A sweet wine yes, but one that is so balanced.

— Domaine des Baumard 2003 Cuvée le Paon Chenin Blanc (Coteaux du Layon) (93/100)

Score & price analysis

Position in the Loire

Among the highest-rated Loire Valley appellations.

Flavor profile

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

• honey
• honeyed
• rich
• apple
• pear
• almond
• lemon
• orange

Appellation summary

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