PATRICK LAMBERT OLD VINES CHINON

Description

In the appellation of Chinon in the Central Loire Valley lies the humble village of Cravant les Coteaux. This is where Patrick Lambert farms some of the area’s most exciting wines rivaling the more well-known names like Baudry and Pallus. Originally belonging to his grandfather, Patrick took over this estate in 1990. As is often the case for the new generation, he began making the kind of wine that he wanted to, and more importantly, the way he wanted to. This started with reducing the size of the estate to the best plots so he might focus on quality over quantity. He reduced yields and converted to organic farming, gaining certification in 2014. His vines range from 19-60 years old, and everything is hand harvested.

This Cabernet Franc comes from vines that are 56 years in age, the oldest of Patrick’s vines. Initially the juice macerates for several days in epoxy-lined tanks underground. The wine ages for one year in used barrels. It is exemplary of old-school Chinon: notes of leather, tobacco, and dead leaves in autumn with a distinct earthy character. The primary fruit notes of predominantly red cherry is centre-stage, but reasonably reserved.