2005 Marc Bredif Vouvray "Riche"

Amazing how a single word changes everything. Two weeks ago I tasted the 2004 Marc Brédif Vouvray, a lovely ever-so-slightly off-dry Chenin Blanc. I nearly walked past tonight's bottle (identical label to the 2004) until I noticed the word "Riche" - and from the celebrated 2005 Vintage, no less.

Well, the label is where the similarity ends. The 2005 Marc Brédif Vouvray 'Riche' sported a white gold hue, with a beguiling nose of apples, pears, lemon and vanilla. On the palate this was, um, "Riche"? VERY off-dry (ok, sweet), but with nice underlying acidity and oily, full-bodied, tongue-coating fruit. Decent balance, but with a slightly odd, bitter, aftertaste. Not a bad pairing with crab claws off the grill (yes, we do have a stove), but perhaps a better match for Chicken à l'Orange?
12.8% alcohol
Score: 16/20
Price: C$20.60 (SAQ, which just lowered the price...)