2018 Roches Neuves (Thierry Germain) - Saumur-Champigny Clos de l'Echelier

The 2018 Saumur Champigny Clos de l'Échelier opens with a deep, intense and perfectly ripe bouquet of dark fruits (mainly black berries), a hint of plums, black pepper and more crushed spices as well as underwood. Smooth, elegant and refined on the velvety-textured palate, this is a full-bodied, fresh and stringent Cabernet Franc with remarkable concentration but also finesse. The finish is intense and firmly structured with massive but ripe tannins that are well integrated and not dry at all. This is an impressive Cabernet from Saumur-Champigny that is made for the long distance. Ripe pear and even fine pear brandy flavors on the aftertaste. Tasted in June 2021.