2018 Chinon Les Varennes du Grand Clos

The 2018 Chinon Les Varennes du Grand Clos is a supple, mid-weight Cabernet Franc sourced from a northeast-facing vineyard on clay-limestone. This is a rather quiet wine; its youthful aromatic fruit characters are tempered by maturation in 15% new barrels for more than a year, imbuing a vanilla-like, spiced nuance to the pencil lead and cherry fruit. While it’s elegant and gentle, there is a warmth to the fruit and elevated alcohol, reflecting the warm season.