From one of the top red producers in the Loire Valley. 2005 was a strong vintage and allowed the Cabernet Franc to get ripe. This was a great showing for this wine. It was identifiable as the Loire with everything good about it. Deep ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is great. Earthy, slight barnyard, cherries, slight black cherries and an interesting clove note. With air, a fresh tobacco note comes out. On the palate, this is soft. A nicely layered and complex texture. Layers of cherries, slight black cherries, fresh hay and slight earthiness. There are still light tannins. This has a contemplative quality. It drinks well on its own but is more suited to food. Worked well with BBQ potato chips actually, but would be great with a roast. It probably should be consumed in the next five years or so, but depending on your tastes, it will go longer. This was $35 on release, money well spent.
