Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc

Riper & more dimensional than previous ‘ young’ vintages I’ve had from Raffault, & no cork taint obviously. A note to self that these can be delicious & reasonably priced when bought upon release. Plenty of bright red fruit, a brambly rose petal layer in secondary notes, & enough snap crackle pop in its low tannin body to keep it delicious. I didn’t go deep with Baudry but I did with Raffault despite its rep for faulty wines as they age- but I am excited by the promise here. May my ‘07s age gracefully…

In a sweet spot. Open them if you got ‘m.

Infanticide.

Pretty. Lovely quaff

First go with the ‘16 and it’s got the blackberry, plum, tobacco and mineral that just goes on and on. A silky 12.5% it rivals any previous vintage. Drunk over 3 days and it’s still elegant at the last sip.

At first this is very mellow, but over time the perfume of light sweet red fruits, purple flowers and fresh sugar snap peas appears. A truly balanced and elegant wine, this has all the signature Raffault nuances; violet, spring rain, cedar and the prettiest manure scent I’ve ever smelled in a wine; unique to this vineyard, the smell of soil and flowers and new growth. Not quite as aromatic, tart and lean as the 2014 but just as powerful and riper. A little step up from the 2015 I think.

A week in the fridge and this is prettier than when it was opened. A definite keeper and maybe 9.5+ with time.

Austere. Nose starts pretty reticent - Wood and spice and a little fruit- then blossoms with some elegant purple florals after several hours. This will become wonderful with time and be a keeper based on balance and concentration at this point.

With tagliatelle and meatballs in vodka sauce

Why do I not buy a 3 pack every year to put away? Incredibly aromatic, very typical, quite deep. Acid a smidge less than I was hoping but still a very nice cab franc.

Dark garnet center pulled to a lighter rim. Strong pepper, cedar, and worn leather on the nose. Full body with lovely balance of tannins and acidity. Hints of a Brandy cherry. A true expression of a French Cab Franc. Would pair nicely with steak frites on a bistro sidewalk.