90++ points
Chinon, Loire, France. 14%
Loire reds have long been dismissed as light Summer picnic wines. Indeed Cabernet Franc has this reputation in general even though some very substantial long-lived Bordeaux feature Cabernet Franc as a substantial part of their blend.
I suspect that the Loire has been producing serious reds for some while but I first came across a 2005 in France when they had just been released. Densely coloured, with tonnes of tannin and acid, with ripe red fruits incredibly vinous. Headache inducing.
This Baudry wine was obviously like this too. Now at 7 years old it has calmed down, a little. I’m sure this will last to 20 years old the question is whether it will shake off the friskiness of its acidity and develop complexity and depth. It certainly has tonnes going for it.
I once thought that it was best left deep in the cellar until 12+ years old. Now I’m hedging my bets and removing 6 for drinking over the next 3 or so years.
Stay tuned for updates.
