Domaine de Beausejour Chinon 2005
My notes from the 2004 say green and thin but OK if nothing else is available. The 2005 shows more fruit to smell but still has much that is green about it. In Sept. ’08 this wine has more black fruit popping out amongst a light hint of bandaid and still that herbaceousness. The mouth is still chewy but softening into a nice profile. 100% Cab Franc with stainless ferment; Gerard et David Chauveau in Panzoult 13% $12.99 at Bottle Barn in the fall of 2007 and up to $13.99 in September ’08 Beausejour
Charles Joguet Chinon Les Petites Roches 2005
Previous Joguet wines have not been up to form but a recent bottle of Rose was very well done. Tonight we try the young vine cuvee, 100% Cabernet Franc, made without any press wine. The fruit is overt and very-berry yet the green astringency is overwelming. Mis par Joquet, viticulteur a Sazilly 13.5% $17.95 at Traverso’s Joguet
Catherine & Pierre Breton Bourgueil 2003
Complex with brett yet in a manageable way that doesn’t overwhelm the wine. While tannic, this wine has the acid and extract to keep up and makes a balanced package. Grapes are organically grown at lowish yields of 32 hectolitres per hectare. The wine ferments in stainless. 12% $28 at Traverso’s