Maison Ventenac
A touch of pepperiness to the fruit, and more concentrated berry juice, a touch of damson amongst the raspberry. The tannins are grippy but superfine, extending the pure, deep, ripe fruits into the finish. A little touch of grassiness gives away the variety. Very well balanced, very well made, seductive and pure, ripe Cabernet Franc. Age a few bottles if you can - they deserve it.
Domaine Fournier Longchamps
Fresh pear, fresh green apple and a touch of honey on the nose. Decent weight on the palate, a touch of richness and perhaps a tiny hint of residual sugar that helps counteract the bristling acidity. Medium length, well balanced, classic and focused.
Château des Tours
Slightly cloudy ruby. Sandalwood, cedar, red cherry and strawberry. Touch of raspberry and raspberry leaf. Full-bodied, but only just, with lovely Provençale herbs and bright acidity on the finish. Not long, touch of pepper on the finish. The Rayas winemaking touch is clearly there. Touch of fine tannin, but not much. Lovely harmonious, fairly well-balanced style, with some complexity of expression.
Vilmart et Cie
Disgorged June 2017. 45-year-old vines, family owned since 1890. 10 months in 228l oak barrels, no malo. Vanilla-flecked apple compote on the nose, very fresh. A fairly light, direct, precise style, with lovely fresh mineral sheen on the palate. A wine of great elegance and class, stylish, sophisticated, harmonious and satisfying. Very drinkable. Impressive.