This wine is the archtype of Chinon Cab Franc. Nowhere near the best, but a perfect example.
Rustic and elegant, yes inapposite on its face, at the same time. Elegant in its modest but compelling nose, elegant in its medium weight on the palate, shear in materials. Rustic with its earth, dried red fruits, dried flowers, hints of barn, ash, crunchy bell peppers. Savory with beefstock and tea notes. A bit drying, which is the one thing that would keep me from going higher on this wine. I recall Dr. Levine saying he sits on these for a long time, so perhaps the drying tannins somehow resolve. I would compare this wine to a Raffault Les Picasses in a less ripe year.
I love this wine because it does not attempt to be more than it is. It reeks of a farm-cut product, even the packaging is old school looking. I surmise neutral, used wood is utilized, alcohol is at 12.5, just nicely in balance.
So who carries this wine these days, I cannot seem to find it?
Scandalous, how can a Norwegian not like veggies in this wine!? Lol, my wife is Norwegian, too, does not like this wine. She went ga-ga over the Bedrock Zin we also popped, which we used as well for the beef bourguignan.
I like lean, fresh reds, adore bitter flavors, am usually all about structure and acidity in wine. Loire is among my favorite regions, Chenin Bl fantastic. I’ve tried to get into the CF, but remain unimpressed or indifferent. The good ones are ok, I hardly ever get enthused or excited. Must say I’ve yet to have a top cuvee mature.
I’ll stick to Pineau, Dolcetto, Refosco, Mondeuse for my fresh and rustic reds.
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