2005
Domaine des Roches Neuves
'Terres Chaudes'
Saumur Champigny
Loire Valley, France
Varietals:
100% Cabernet Franc
- 92 pts Wine Spectator -
Tasting Notes:
"Dark, ripe and driven with plum cake, tobacco, tapenade and violet notes that are then finished off with an alluring kiss of cocoa. Long finish echoes with elegant fruit and floral notes." Even better, this wine can be chilled down a touch to be enjoyed on those warmer summer days.
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Domaine des Roches Neuves
A Cabernet Franc For All Seasons
— LIMITED QUANTITIES —
[$24.75 per bottle/$252.45 per case] Last minute my wife decided to invite some family and friends over to celebrate my birthday. A nice gesture, but  it didn't leave me much time to put together an elaborate meal. In addition, the guests were a picky lot so I knew I would have to pick a wine that would work with a variety of foods and appeal to a wide range of wine drinking palates.
In the spirit of the Tour de France, I chose a Cabernet Franc from Saumur Champigny (an appellation within the Loire Valley). The color, appearance, and aroma all spoke of a luscious fullbodied red wine, but the taste, mouth-feel and finish had a finesse and peppery  perfume that screamed versatility.
Cabernet Franc is usually found in Bordeaux blends mixed with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot; however, 100% Cabernet Franc out of the Loire Valley are great introductions to the nuance of the varietal, as well as versatile in pairing with a wide range of dishes.
No one is producing Cabernet Franc like Thierry Germain, the winemaker of this fantastic red. He produces wines more Burgundian in style than a typical Loire producer. Situated in a superb viticultural location in the appellation of Saumur Champigny, Domaine des Roches Neuves has been in existence since 1850 producing wines of perfect balance. Terres Chaudes is soft and approachable enough to enjoy with fish and has just enough structure to compliment lamb. Not to mention, you could easily chill this wine down a few degrees making it a great quaffer.
On this particular night, we grill some beautiful salmon steaks, quartered chickens, and lamb chops - the wine was a hit. Drink now or feel free to set it down for 5 years. Order Here.
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