Baudry, Bernard 2023 Chinon Le Domaine

The Baudry Chinon "Domaine" is always one of our favorite reds from the Loire Valley and it's a sensational value as well.   All Cabernet Franc of course, a new blend, mostly from a parcel in St. Louans near "Les Mollières" where the thin sand and clay over limestone soils give earthy well-structured wines, with the balance from similar soils on the lower part of the Clos Guillot. Organic farming, wild-yeast fermentation, aging 15 months in 5 to 10 year-old wooden vats and cement with almost no added SO2. While we miss the old-fashioned earthy style of previous vintages, there is no doubt that this new version is superior wine, with a profile more akin to Les Mollieres. Tasted Feb 3rd in Angers, the wine showed elegant berry, stone and herbal aromas with supple, fresh, very elegant red fruits and mineral flavors on the palate, making it delicious now but probably best in 5 to 10 years. Lovely wine!  DL