Domaine Guiberteau - Saumur 'Bizay - Les Chapaudaises' Rouge - 2019

100% Cabernet Franc. Les Chapaudaises is located in Bizay terroir, in the small village of Épieds, within half a kilometre of Saumur’s prized hill of Brézé. It’s next to Guiberteau’s monopole Clos de Guichaux, on the same sandy tuffeau limestone, the vines a mix of Chenin Blanc and old-vine Cabernet Franc. One hectare of the Chenin is leased to Romain’s right-hand-man, Brendan Stater-West, with the remaining Chenin finding its way into the Saumur Blanc. But it’s the 1948-planted Cabernet Franc that is Guiberteau’s prize here. The fruit was destemmed and wild-fermented in concrete, then aged in conical Rousseau vats for one year before resting in tank for six months. Even in warm years, Guiberteau calls Les Chapaudaises a “terroir for freshness”; the soils are very acidic and the deep roots benefit from the strong water retention of the underlying limestone. It’s the most elegant red in this release, flowing with lithe, crisp raspberry and cherry fruit with hints of tobacco and spice. The tannins are wispy and fresh, bringing Pinot-like shape and structure to the finish. There’s more purity and detail here than in 2018, and that’s taking nothing away from last year’s release! Importer Notes