Delmee, Philippe 2023 La Vieux de La Vieille

"Les Vieux de la Vieille" is a French film about 3 mischievous old pranksters who move to a retirement home, much to the joy and relief of their village. Hilarity ensues when they grow bored of the retirement home and return to the village to cause havoc. Philippe is a fan of the film and likes the idea of these 3 old men who love to drink, eat and joke their way through life. Not so easy to compare the theme to the wine, but I do love the dark and more concentrated (old man) expression of Cabernet Franc that's balanced with energetic lift and "natty"/wild (mischievous) aromatics. Vines for this cuvée are about 40 years old, grapes are destemmed and see a bit more of a traditional maceration, with some pigeage (pumping over), albeit gentle. There are some characteristic vegetal Cab Franc notes alongside bright and juicy fruit that gives tremendous lift. It's a wine that's full of energy, delicious at cellar temp alongside roasted duck, beet salad, or simple cheese and charcuterie.