2017 VDF 'L'écume des nuits'

Julien Pineau

Regular price $40 750ml Sale

40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Côt. The vines are 40 years old and grow on clay and silex soils. This is normally straight Cabernet Franc, but Julien decided to make a blend due to huge losses from the frosts. 12 days whole bunch maceration, then allowed to age in the same stainless steel tank for 10 months. Zero SO2.

Dark red in appearance, with purple tinges. Blackcurrant and cassis on the nose, with a charming old school feel. There are hints of forest, bay leaf and some wild florals in the background. It is balanced and shows great restraint, rather than being an in-your-face fruit bomb. There’s a deeper, more serious feel here. On the palate it shows blackcurrant and boysenberry fruit, with a hint of blueberry. The profile is linear and lean, rather than being plush. The acidity is juicy and tart, and elevates the wine before the super fine, grippy, drying tannins come into play. Very good structure here. Overall this is a more savoury wine, ideal for meals. The tannins linger forever, and beg for meat. Very cool and smooth at 11.5% too.

Loire Valley
2017
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Côt
VDF
2017 VDF 'L'écume des nuits'