Francois Chidaine Touraine Rouge

Nice simple Loire red. Good weight, fruit, acidity, with classic Cab Franc chalky finish.

Not quite as fresh as it was when this vintage first hit the shelves, but still very fresh, floral, earthy, and all around lovely; might as well drink up!

So so. Stick with the whites.

Somm II Screening (Home (Noe st)) : Blend of cab franc, Malbec, and Pineau d'Aunis. Richer than a typical Loire cab franc. Savory and vegetal. Score: Around 8.5

Coravin 2/21/16: Blend of Cot, Cabernet Franc, and Pineau d'Aunis. Medium ruby-purple; nose is moderately aromatic with red fruit, stony minerality; palate is medium bodied, medium-plus acid, medium-minus alcohol (12.5%), lean fruit without being thin, fades just a tad through the midpalate but still had good concentration, medium finish. This is well balanced, goes well with food, easily gulpable, and a fine value for the price (~$15) but not anything to search out or cellar. 88

Lots of red fruit on the nose but with a surprising level of tannin and smoke on the palate. Cigar and campfire.

Solid QPR. Loaded with wet stones, bright red fruit, earth; nicely lean, but never thin, good balance of fruit and acid. Food friendly. Enjoyable if you like Loire reds. 12.5% abv.

PNP. Spicy and earthy palate with with ripe fruit. Back end a bit harsh. Should benefit from time.

Juicy, fresh, mineral, med + acid, low tannin

P&p; opening up nicely within just 15 or 30 minutes. Pungent floral/juicy/tobaccoy/peppery/earthy aromas, super fresh and attractive. Similar on the palate - fruit is fully ripe while staying wonderfully fresh and juicy, working well with restrained sappy/green/twig/hay and earthy flavors; balanced, cohesive, characterful, and just plain tasty. Good acidity. Discernible but moderate tannins. Stony and herbaceous finish, a touch bitter, super refreshing and moreish. Good stuff!