Raffault 2008 Chinon "Les Picasses"

The Domaine Olga Raffault Chinon "les Picasses" is one of the most famous wines in the region - a wine that is delicious young but that often takes twenty years to drink at its best, even longer in a good vintage. Under the direction of Eric de la Vigerie and Sylvie Raffault, quality here has been maintained, and improved, with the adoption of organic farming. The vines averaged about 40 years-old in 2008, a vintage that was cool much of the summer but after a sunny and warm September the grapes were harvested on October 10th with beautiful maturity and concentration, combined with the firm acidity found in this vintage. The wine shows a slightly mature red/black color with aromas of ripe blackberry, strawberry and prune with, orange rind, earth and musk. The palate is supple and deep with ripe blackberry liqueur and hints of pepper, cocoa, licorice, earth and minerals. The finish is long and sappy with firm acidity. This great Chinon in mid-life cries out for a nice steak, coq au vin  or pork ribs. Drink now after decanting or cellar for ten  more years. (2020 review)