2010 Clos Rougeard, Saumur-Champigny, Bourg 1x750ml

Robert Parker 96

The 2010 Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg exhibits a dark red color and a deep and polished, smoky bouquet of black berries, rosemary, espresso and cedar wood. Intense and sweet, with persistent black berries and mocha aromas and an almost nutty enamel this noble, full-bodied Cabernet Franc is enormously dense and concentrated. Though still severe and far away from being developed, it is extremely well balanced and full of elegance and finesse and packed with everything a great wine needs for the next 20+ years. This Saumur-Champigny from the one-hectare cru Le Bourg, which was planted in 1948, challenges the world’s finest Cabernet Francs. Although it is not easy to grab a bottle or even a case it’s worth every effort. [Stephan Reinhardt, 25/05/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040

Vinous 92+

Deep ruby with a blackish core. Black raspberry, dark chocolate and toasted oak on the alluring nose. Rich and slightly chunky, with ripe, smoky flavors of kirsch and boysenberry complicated by the sumptuous thrust of new wood on the palate. Finishes long, on redcurrant, woodsmoke and a note of cinnamon. With substantial but discreetly sweet tannins that will require time in bottle to soften, this cabernet franc is a long-distance runner at the starting gate. [Joel B. Payne, 12/01/2014]