2005 Damien Laureau Savennières Le Bel Ouvrage , $32, Jon-David Headrick Selections, Imported by European Cellars. That's to be expected from 2005, but it was also very floral and mineral with an almost powdery sense to it, and with great poise and balance. I'm starting to believe in the influence of lunar cycles on wine.

Many people consider these to be the finest Chenin Blancs from the Loire Valley and in the world. also love the Chenins of Montlouis and Savennieres, but I don't want to quibble - there is no question that the wines of Domaine Huet are among the very best Chenin Blancs in the world. We loved this wine.

It's also an egalitarian system - the host who feels flush can select 2002 Vosne-Roman é e 1er Cru wines as the theme. Recently it was our turn to host wine group and I chose Loire Chenin Blancs as the theme. The exceptions for me were the Pinon wines - the Brut was fine but the 2002 Vouvray Tradition was just no good.

went for the Bubbles, the Beaujolais, the Cab Franc, and the Chenin Blanc. The Blanc de Blancs was opened as I was standing there and needed time to come together. Right near the Bubbly table sat two unattended bottles of Dard et Ribo white wine, both from 2006, a Crozes-Hermitage Blanc and a Saint-Joseph Blanc.

began in a French table area and tried some Sancerres (made from Sauvignon Blanc), some white Burgundys (made from Chardonnay) and some white blends. wine I really loved and found quite unique was the 2005 Domaine de Roally Vire'-Clesse' from the Macconnais, France. An under appreciated grape here in the Western world is Chenin Blanc.

BrooklynLady and I went to France together for the first time in October of 2005. The white is called Breze and is 100% Chenin Blanc. have never tasted this wine - it retails at over $70 and I just haven't gone there yet on a Chenin. And I am happy to report that we were successful on all fronts. This goes for about $55.

2002 Sylvan Cathiard Vosne Romanee , $25 (secondary market). 2005 Belle Pente Willamette Valley Pinot Gris , $17. 2005 Domaine de Belliviere Jasnieres Les Rosiers , $28. White grape is still the eloquent and majestic Chenin Blanc, appellations are called Coteaux de Loir and Jasnieres. Buy carefully in 2001.

Most are from 2005, a wonderful vintage. White: 2005 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine , $10 (so far, my case is the same as Lyle's). 2005 Thomas-Labaille Sancerre les Monts Damnees , $21 (Our cases diverge here). Sancerre, the darling of wine bars everywhere a few years ago, is made from Sauvignon Blanc.

have mentioned Huet Vouvray before and I love their wines, all made from the chenin blanc grape. 2005 Domaine Huet Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu , $26. Mike cracked open a 2002 Barton & Guestier Sauternes to serve with dessert. Jess and Mike hosted Wine Dinner last night in their lovely South Slope townhouse.