Dom Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Les Picasses (75cl, 13.5%)

Dom Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Les Picasses is a red wine made entirely from Cabernet Franc, from Chinon in the Loire Valley. The Les Picasses vineyard sits on a plateau overlooking the Vienne River, on stony limestone and clay soils. Grapes are destemmed and fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts; malolactic fermentation takes place in cask, followed by 18 months of ageing in three-to-ten-year-old barriques on fine lees, in caves carved into limestone cliffs. The nose is intensely perfumed, with black cherry, kirsch, wild blackberry, crushed florals and anise, plus a mineral undertone with light smoke and dried thyme. The palate is focused and structural, with medium-plus body, dark plum, red currant, bitter cherry, red licorice and pimento, framed by chewy tannins and bright acidity. The finish is long and energetic, with peppercorn, rosemary and mineral salts.