Here’s a nerdy one… Clos Rougeard means a lot to connoisseurs, but not much to average wine drinkers. It’s regarded as perhaps the finest red wine producer in the Loire Valley and enjoys a bit of a cult status due to their extremely low production (~2500 cases annually). The estate was owned by the same family for over 100 years, but in 2017 was sold to the owners of famed Chateau Montrose from Bordeaux.

This “entry level” bottling is pricey in its own right (current releases go for ~$200 USD retail), but they also make even more coveted single-vineyard bottlings (Les Poyeux and Le Bourg). The juice is 100% Cabernet Franc and very low-intervention (no chemicals, hand-harvested, only natural yeasts, unfined and unfiltered, etc.), outside of some pretty extensive 2-year oak (20% new) aging. Alcohol is pretty restrained at 12.5% ABV.

Tasting Notes: Intense nose of red berries, blackberry, plum, cigar box, wet leaves, and peppery spice. Bone dry, with medium+ body and lovely acidity. Tannins are present but well-integrated. Long, earthy, and complex finish. My favorite expression of Cab Franc to-date, but I think it can age and improve further. It makes me excited for some additional bottles I have in my cellar (both this cuvee and the Poyeux).