Beautifully expressive Cabernet Franc nose of red currant, sour cherry, cassis, moss, lavender, thyme and an enormous amount of rosemary. The palate initially offers glorious, creamy red fruit, excellent purity, freshness and ripe, melting tannins, with remarkable precision for 2018. That first open-bottle preview is seductive, but air brings a firmer, chewier and more tannic structure, while a small alcoholic seam becomes increasingly pronounced. Still juicy, vibrant and unmistakably Cabernet Franc, but less seamless than the opening suggested.
Day two is the better showing. The nose is deeper, with more cassis and the same nervous herbal energy. The palate has rounded out, gaining a touch of opulence and a gorgeous creamy texture, while the alcohol has largely integrated and the balance is now excellent. Beautiful wine.
Beautifully expressive Cabernet Franc nose of red currant, sour cherry, cassis, moss, lavender, thyme and an enormous amount of rosemary. The palate initially offers glorious, creamy red fruit, excellent purity, freshness and ripe, melting tannins, with remarkable precision for 2018. That first open-bottle preview is seductive, but air brings a firmer, chewier and more tannic structure, while a small alcoholic seam becomes increasingly pronounced. Still juicy, vibrant and unmistakably Cabernet Franc, but less seamless than the opening suggested.
Day two is the better showing. The nose is deeper, with more cassis and the same nervous herbal energy. The palate has rounded out, gaining a touch of opulence and a gorgeous creamy texture, while the alcohol has largely integrated and the balance is now excellent. Beautiful wine.
Aug 2nd, 2026Red currants, smoke, herbs, with laser like precision. Palate is energetic, sappy and so dense, but wow that energy. Unreal freshness and acidity. Outrageous length and complexity.
Red currants, smoke, herbs, with laser like precision. Palate is energetic, sappy and so dense, but wow that energy. Unreal freshness and acidity. Outrageous length and complexity.
Apr 30th, 2025
Truly special bottle. Blossoms, needs several hours open to reveal violets, a hint of rose petal, fantastic subtle hint of pepper. The texture is stunning, wraps around your palate like a silk nightrobe. Ripe fruit but so fresh. The finest tannins and subtle structure provide perfect tension. As it lingers the minerals are searing and beautiful, the acid ample and well judged. Could come close to perfection in 15-20 years time.
Truly special bottle. Blossoms, needs several hours open to reveal violets, a hint of rose petal, fantastic subtle hint of pepper. The texture is stunning, wraps around your palate like a silk nightrobe. Ripe fruit but so fresh. The finest tannins and subtle structure provide perfect tension. As it lingers the minerals are searing and beautiful, the acid ample and well judged. Could come close to perfection in 15-20 years time.
1 person found it helpfulNov 26th, 2021
Saumur-Champigny, Anjou-Saumur, Loire Valley, France
