At what age does a mid-range Loire Cabernet Franc tastes the best? A more adequate question is perhaps: if great on release, will such a wine offer that enjoyment later or dumb phases are expected, like in the case of Southern Rhone reds?
cabernet franc
Exemplary Loire Cabernet Franc: Domaine Olivier Cuvée de L’aloulette Bourgueil 2018
I simply can’t get bored of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, given that it’s well made. My experience from recent years is that the cheaper it is the better made. It rarely disappoints under 12 Euros, but the more expensive ones… I actually stopped buying them.
Serious South African Cabernet Franc: Van Loggerenberg Breton 2018
The other New World wine from the Cabernet Franc blind tasting, and the other outstanding one. All the tasters loved it.
Exciting Chilean red wine: Garage Wine Co. Las Higueras Cabernet Franc Lot #82 2016
The winner of a recent Cabernet Franc blind tasting, on which event I presented mostly Loire wines to my friends. The French performance was a disaster, featuring mostly poorly made wines (Brett, Brett, Brett). The Garage Wine Co. Las Higueras Lot #82 2016 not only won the show, but it’s easily the best and most exciting Chilean red wine I tasted in recent years.
A different take on Villányi – Rácz Miklós Tamás Cabernet Franc 2017
After the unusual Pinot noir (reviewed here), an even more surprising Cabernet Franc from young talent Rácz Miklós Tamás. A Cabfranc without oak, from the home of over-oaked red wines? I’m sure fellow winemakers think Miklós is crazy, but in my opinion this wine is as close to terroir expression and elegance as you can get, from this variety in this region.
A beauty: Domaine des Roches Neuves “Les Roches” 2017, Saumur Champigny AOC, Loire Valley
Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley is one of my favorite wine styles. And everything I love about it is showcased by this bottle. Continue reading