2021 Anjou Cabernet Franc

The 2021 Cabernet Franc from Clau de Nell is fresh, floral and fragrant. It's certainly a cool-climate wine, with its crunchy fruit, bright energy and mouthwatering acidity. As with its Violette cuvée (a Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend), a leathery and farmyard flavor joins the aroma party, suggesting Brett has infected this wine. Its drying nature on the finish also alludes to the issue. The overall impression is rather aggressive, which is quite disappointing, as there is interesting, pure, concentrated fruit in a light-bodied package beneath the 4-EP and 4-EG compounds.

Fresh, spicy nose with lifted green peppercorn, grilled paprika, damp earth funk and a hint of charcoal and cherries. This is really juicy and bright with crunchy, fine tannins and a juicy, vibrant finish. Long and intrinsic. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Realy delicious now, but can hold, too.