Domaine de la Chevalerie, Bourgueil, Grant-Mont

Started off closed, tight and lean. After a solid two hours of air, it fully blossomed, revealing depth of fruit and character. The wine gained weight and complexity, shifting from shy notes of pencil shavings and earth to a layered profile of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and a hint of cigar box. The tannins softened just enough to bring balance, acidity gave it lift and freshness. Finish is impressively long, with impressions of dark red fruit and graphite. This wine has …

Dark raspberry, violet and roses on the nose, then a beguiling blend of dark cherry, sour cherry, raspberry and blackberry, complex and deep with a lingering finish. Very yummy. Better than the 2010. Still young and vibrant.

Cabernet Franc from biodynamic farming, 100% destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts, aged in demi-muids barrels, minimal sulphites, 12.5% vol. Opened 2 hours before dinner and decided not to decant as it was already very nice. Starts with fresh red fruit and a hint of green bell pepper, gets some tertiary notes with additional air and a suggestion of funk. On the palate again fresh, silky tannin, medium bodied and a long pleasant finish. Cabernet Franc as you only get …

Dark garnet fading to punk - looks very young for a 10-year-old wine. Dark berry, smoke, and damp forest floor on the nose - absolutely enchanting. Full-bodied, medium acid, high to medium tannins, more dark berries, green pepper, and mineral on the palate. Long aftertaste. A lot of fine sediment. This is a blockbuster of a Cab Franc! I am usually more of a finesse wine guy, but I really like this. Drink or hold another five years.

Rich nose, almost port like ripeness. Some blue fruit, medicinal complexity with age; texturally lovely as with the previous wines but the fruit is starting to tire just a touch. Mind you, minor criticism, still very impressive for the age. Grippy tannins on the finish.

Not so interesting, anyway a well done wine but without emotion

Vin délicat, fin, sans vraie assise tannique qui garantirait selon ma perception un vieillissement long tel qu'indiqué sur l'étiquette, une grande déception compte tenu du prix, je préfère Amirault.