Deep ruby red color. An earthy, spicy and fruity Loire Valley Cabernet Franc. Black pepper, mincemeat, blueberries, black currants, bay leaf and thyme, violets. A bold wine with good acidity. A very good match with smoked pork tenderloin.

WHWC Staff notes: "This intriguing little number recently appeared on our shelf, and since I had not tried it before I bought a bottle to have with a dinner of risotto with parmesan, sausage, chicken, peas, carrots, both green and red bell pepper, onion and basil. Talk about a match made in heaven! This wine from the French Loire region of Chinon is 100% Cabernet Franc, and I was thrilled to find it accurate to a "T." The fruit profile is a quick hit of bright tart red cherry followed by a deeper, darker, blue and black fruit core. Underneath the fruit... bell pepper, forest minerality, eucalyptus, flowers and zesty peppercorn all mingle with the traditional Chinon herbaceousness and vegetation. Tannins and acidity are balanced but there was no discernable oak on the nose or palate. Overall, a wine of great complexity and infinite food pairing possibilities for a reasonable price... you can't go wrong!." -Casey Carmichael