Here is a classical example of Loire cabernet franc and another one made in a bit funky style. Both very good to great wines. Just like my previous bottles (see here, here, here and here), all rated (and liked) similarly. It cannot be coincidence, the region is on the roll in recent years.
Couly Dutheil Les Chateliéres Chinon 2019
Warm year character. Quite ripe fruit profile and a bit of alcohol warmth, yet it retains the typicity. A spicy nose, graphite infused cassis, a touch of strawberries. Medium-bodied yet dense, smooth and creamy on the palate. Elegant and skillfully extracted. Very good, 89 points. Good value at €12, highly recommended. Drink now – 2027.
Domaine Grosbois Chinon Gabare 2019
Funky, a bit naturalistic, but not overtly so. Earthy and animalistic, but clearly varietal with leafy and cassis notes. Stunning intensity, it jumps out of the glass. Bay leaves, coriander, there is complexity here. There is also an extra juiciness, liveliness to it, something that good natural wine can offer, yet at the same time it manages to be a classically structured, tannic cabernet franc with proper weight. Big on flavour and character, a really enjoyable wine. 90 points. €20, stockist is Vinatis in Europe and UK. Ready to drink, I can’t see a reason to hold it.