Olga Raffault Les Barnabés | Chinon
2007
SOLD OUTMarvelous Cabernet Franc from one of the top Domaines in Chinon, founded by Olga Raffault—the 1st female vigneron in France—and now run by her granddaughter, Sylvie. Very pure, delicious red Loire—an exceptional wine at this price.
The Press
‘From sandy and gravelly soils in Savigny-en-Véron. Pale ruby and lovely wafts of Cabernet Franc scent. A relatively delicate Chinon, and none the worse for that since it is clearly Chinon—just not especially dense. Lovely for current drinking. 17/20.’— Jancis Robinson MW. ‘Wine of the Week: Very clear, crisp, bright and crunchy blackberry and raspberry fruit, but a decisive tang of something mineral and smoky too. On the palate, it is very fresh indeed - it is the antithesis of big, vanilla-rich Cabernet Sauvignons and Syrahs, instead being lithe and crisp, with plenty of acidity and an almost white wine-like vibrancy.’— Tom Cannavan, Wine-Pages. ‘Wine of the Week: The first of the summer’s Chinons and what a good start….. This tastes as authentic and true as wine can—with a vivid aroma of blackcurrants and raspberries and a juicy, supple palate with a gravelly-earthy character that seems to come straight from the soil.’— Joanna SimonOur tasting notes
Lightly burnt nose with lots of good minerality here from the sand and gravel soil—very fresh, well made wine that brings the summer on. Serve at slightly below room temperature—almost but not quite chilled.Wine data
Grape variety: 100% Cabernet FrancAppellation: AC Chinon
Alcohol: 12.5%
About Chinon:
Chinon is one of the most significant appellations in the Tourraine district of the Loire valley. It is renowned, above all, for its 100% Cabernet Franc red wines introduced into Chinon by Cardinal Richelieu as he considered it the finest of grapes. It does also produce a small amount of Rosé and an even smaller amount of white. These red wines, along with other Cabernet Franc wines from around the Loire Valley, are extremely popular in restaurants around France but are yet to be exported on a large scale. Grown on limestone, gravel and sand soils the wines tend to be refreshing, light to medium bodied and often heavily scented with good fruit and acidity.
Prices are all-inclusive for deliveries to UK mainland. Minimum total order is 1 case (12 bottles of 75cl equivalent) for the UK and 2 cases (24 bottles of 75cl equivalent) for Northern Ireland, Highlands and islands. Please note there is a surcharge for delivery to Northern Ireland and Islands. Please call 020 7549 7900 for more info or read our Delivery/Collection Information and Terms & Conditions. We use recycled boxes for our mixed cases to help protect the environment.
