Charles Joguet Chinon Les Varennes du Grand Clos Loire Chinon Chinon Biologique / Organic 2020 (13.5% ABV) — 92
SF | Deep ruby, nose of wild strawberry and violets, the warmer year making an immediate statement, but not to the detriment of either wine or varietal. The tannins are persuasive at the moment, which, allied to the firm acidity and oaky embrace mean that today precocity holds court, the innate balance and generosity of fruit underwriting a healthy development over the next three to five years. 91
DW | Super ripe nose, but not, crucially over-ripe to the point where it would be stripping any Cab Franc character, this has a lovely harmonious summer pudding/compote nose that gives way to a slinky rounded palate which still comes with a lovely crunchy contrast of fine chalky tannin and berries and currants both ripe and just-ripe: a wakeful tartness underscores and enhances the fleshier components. Lovely, harmonious, true-to-type Chinon.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2032. 94
AR | Medium ruby in colour, this is youthfully fresh and bright in its aromas and distinctly inviting; to taste, there's a n enjoyable suppleness of texture to the cherry tomato-like fruitiness and while there are tannins present, they are supple enough to bring a juiciness of texture and the mildest of refreshing bitter finishes to what amount to an enjoyable medium-bodied and tohroughly approachable,elegant red.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2027. 91