Domaine Jourdan
2014 "L'Arcestrale" Chinon Cabernet Franc

The top cuvée, L'Arcestrale, is an homage to fine Bordeaux, made only in good years. This comes from the domain's best Cab Franc vines, which grow in two parcels on the plain and the hillside, and the wine is aged in wood, 25% of which is new. The result is pure, concentrated-yet-elegant Cabernet Franc using organic principles from average 45-year-old vines. Perfume and fruit purity are the hallmarks of Pichard & Jourdan wines.

Dark in the glass and pungent with earthy black cherry, savory graphite, earthen mineral (think fresh-turned black earth), roasted thyme and powdered rose petals. Muscular, chewy, ethereal and palate-staining, concentrated with black fruits and vanilla with dark chocolate hints and a huge finish. Still has huge aging potential but opening up nicely now - quite approachable with a good decant. An absolute WOW wine.