Domaine des Roches Neuves (Thierry Germain)

La Marginale Saumur-Champigny Cabernet Franc

9.013 ratings
9.33 pro ratings
Saumur-Champigny, Anjou-Saumur, Loire Valley, France
Cabernet Franc
Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Hard Cheese, Blue Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, Pungent Cheese, Potato, White Rice, Herbs, Tomato-Based, Pasta, Mushrooms, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Beef, Soft Cheese, Chicken, Lamb, Turkey, Pork, Duck, Venison
Top Notes For
Ian Staub

Comparing a couple 2011 Loire Cab Francs this weekend. Was lucky to grab a half case of back-vintage Thierry Germain from Kermit a year or two ago. These wines (whites and reds) have without fail all been very very reserved, closed, and speaking very quietly. This started off quite mute but after an hour or two in the decanter started to call out with some very pretty notes of star anise, Chinese five spice, mint, fennel, and really lovey berry notes. Elegant and expressive once it opens up. These wines need TIME and then they need AIR. I’ve got a couple more reds that I’ll probably forget about for a few years. Enjoyed with NY Strip and thyme-roasted root veggies.

Comparing a couple 2011 Loire Cab Francs this weekend. Was lucky to grab a half case of back-vintage Thierry Germain from Kermit a year or two ago. These wines (whites and reds) have without fail all been very very reserved, closed, and speaking very quietly. This started off quite mute but after an hour or two in the decanter started to call out with some very pretty notes of star anise, Chinese five spice, mint, fennel, and really lovey berry notes. Elegant and expressive once it opens up. These wines need TIME and then they need AIR. I’ve got a couple more reds that I’ll probably forget about for a few years. Enjoyed with NY Strip and thyme-roasted root veggies.

Mar 30th, 2020
Max Kelly

Nice blackberry fruit with pleasant green tobacco note. A little soft on the finish for the ($40) price though.

Nice blackberry fruit with pleasant green tobacco note. A little soft on the finish for the ($40) price though.

1 person found it helpfulSep 10th, 2016
Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.2

Lovely nose. Mineral, light cherry, cotton candy. Not herbal at all. I likey. Good acid and amazing soft yet tannic grippy texture. Juicy and giving. After air acid balance becomes out of wack.

UPDATE - gorgeous on day 2. From 8.9 to 9.2 as it became fully integrated.

Lovely nose. Mineral, light cherry, cotton candy. Not herbal at all. I likey. Good acid and amazing soft yet tannic grippy texture. Juicy and giving. After air acid balance becomes out of wack.

UPDATE - gorgeous on day 2. From 8.9 to 9.2 as it became fully integrated.

Sep 17th, 2015
Delectable Wine

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This is a prime example of why Saumur Champigny is hallowed ground for Cabernet Franc.

This is a prime example of why Saumur Champigny is hallowed ground for Cabernet Franc.

Jun 6th, 2015
Gregory Knaps

From Les Poyeaux. 40-yr-old vines. After about 20 minutes or so really spreads its wings. My last bottle but this has years of development left. Clos Rougeard who??

From Les Poyeaux. 40-yr-old vines. After about 20 minutes or so really spreads its wings. My last bottle but this has years of development left. Clos Rougeard who??

Aug 5th, 2016
Matthew Cohen

Outrageous producer. So well made. So delicious. Just stunning great fruit. Amazing internal aromatics. Silky tannins. Needs another 2 year to be optimal but great now. Great finish.

Outrageous producer. So well made. So delicious. Just stunning great fruit. Amazing internal aromatics. Silky tannins. Needs another 2 year to be optimal but great now. Great finish.

Sep 10th, 2015
Wine ATL

It's very, um...clean. One does wish for something rather less polished & cleancut from Loire cab franc, no?

It's very, um...clean. One does wish for something rather less polished & cleancut from Loire cab franc, no?

Jun 10th, 2015
roland benedetti

las sweet as the Brie I'm eating it with.

las sweet as the Brie I'm eating it with.

Jun 6th, 2015
Andrew traughber

Singing on day two. Pretty good on day one out of a solo cup on NJ transit.

Singing on day two. Pretty good on day one out of a solo cup on NJ transit.

Dec 6th, 2015
Mo Cherry

Mo had this 10 years ago

Mo had this 10 years ago

Jul 10th, 2014