Domaine de la Noblaie Chinon Pierre de Tuf France Loire Chinon Biologique / Organic 2015 (13% ABV) — 92.7
SF | A touch of brick at the rim, betraying age. The fruit cedes savoury notes, leathery and with a hint of ash and pumice. Volatility is evidenced, but only in a positive sense, billowing to bolster, uplifting in every sense. Tannic support is composed, just drying a little at the finish. The edifice had neo-classical grandeur, with only the slightest hint of rococo insubordination. Finely tapered finish. 93
DW | The oldest of the Loire line-up, and so, in this context, it must alone shoulder the burden of displaying Loire Cabernet's ability to age. And it does this rather nicely, with softened blackcurrant and macerated cherries, dark chocolate tannins and bittersweetness in the long finish of a wine that retains the delightful Loire CF trademark of northern acidity which, even in a warm vintage, continues to distinguish it from contemporary Bordeaux.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2030. 93
AR | Distinctly evolved and shading to garnet in the glass after nearly nine years of age, the initial aromas are invitingly sweetly nutty and spicy with a hint of pepper bringing a degree of evolved complexity; there's a joyful sweet ripeness of dark red fruit when you taste, with the light oak veneer now full integrated into the wine for a layer of texture not seen in similar more youthful reds; very much a wine for secondary fruit lovers but should be drunk within the next year or two to maintain that balance.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2026. 92