2002 Olga Raffault - Chinon Les Picasses Cabernet Franc - France - Loire Valley - Touraine - Chinon - Red

A true rendition of this oft overlooked grape from a fine vintage in the Loire, from a stand out producer. This has come into its own with time, still fruit aromas of rhubarb and bing cherry and hints of red leaf and cracked pepper. On the palate it is medium bodied and dry, with fine moderate tannins and nice acidity for an overall balance that speaks of being a food wine, with more rhubarb, red leaf and cherry flavors accented by wood notes. I give this another five years, though probably won't improve (i.e. become silkier), yet the concentration and balance imply it won't drop off a cliff either.

Beautiful colors of decay. Nose continues that theme - earth, dirty leaves, rotting red fruit, damp tobacco and a fair helping of barnyard. I love it. Taste brings more red fruit, but the emphasis here is on earth and leather. This tastes like liquid guanciale, so it's a good thing I drank it with guanciale pasta. Herbal notes develop over time. Not much fruit and perhaps a little low on the acid, but for anyone searching for a wine that tastes like the ground it came from (and the animals and people who helped it along the way), stop here.