2018 Saumur-Champigny, Clos de l'Echelier, Domaine des Roches Neuves, Thierry Germain, Loire

Clos de l'Echelier covers nearly 2ha inside a walled-in clos of terraces with clay-based soil on limestone bedrock. The 2018 is made from beautifully ripe grapes and has an enchanting nose of raspberry and blackcurrant. The palate is mouthwatering, with a crystalline texture undergirded by fine tannins.Drink 2022-2032Decanter (Feb 2019)

Dark, brooding, muscular style. From 40-year-old vines surrounded by a 300-year-old wall. Aged 12 months in 12-hectoliter barrels. The nose is full of dark mineral aromas – asphalt, struck stone, smoke – along with lovely notes of rose. Expansive on the palate, featuring an attractive, rich bloodiness in the mouth, with lots of black fruit and pepper. Very intense on the finish. Incredible wine that walks that thrilling line of rusticity and elegance that can be challenging to achieve with Cabernet Franc.Drink 2022-2043Jason Wilson, Vinous.com (Jul 2020)