15% abv, Saumur, imported by Rosenthal Wine Merchant, New York, NY. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: leaf day.

As far as the red wines of the Loire Valley go, the villages of Saumur-Champigny in the Saumur district always seems to reach for the stars. Blends of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, somewhat traditionally, many vignerons now focus exclusively on creating barrel-aged wines from 100% Cabernet Franc that capture the complexity, and balance of this great variety while taming some of its more wild herbacious tendencies. The Château de Chaintres is a charming property with a small castle and old vines raised over the area’s famous tuffeau chalky limestone soils. The 2018 VV was aged half in steel and half in large oak barrels. The power of the vintage is on display here for a wine that seems to reach the full potential of this appellation and variety.

Tasting note: The Chaintres VV is deep ruby in color with a nose of pronounced intensity showcasing aromas of ripe raspberry, red plum, graphite, leather, horse sweat, olive tampenade, tobacco leaves, and a hint of capsicum. On the palate this wine is dry, with medium+ acidity, medium+ tannins, full body, high alcohol, medium+ flavor intensity and a medium+ finish with flavors of raspberry, blueberry, leather, fennel, cedar, charred wood, dried tobacco leaves, cola, caramel, and dark chocolate. It really is a massive wine; there is a lovely core of secondary and tertiary flavors already for the young 2018 vintage, so much complexity and intensity and with an almost perfect balance and length; drink now or through 2035. This wine is outstanding: 9.8/10.