Chateau de Villeneuve Saumur Champigny Vieilles Vignes 2019

Chateau de Villeneuve Saumur Champigny Vieilles Vignes, Loire, France, 2019 

Grape: Cabernet Franc, organic, from 3 parcels of vines aged between 65 and 85 years old grown on chalky soils surrounding the Chateau. Manual harvest. Bottled unfined & unfiltered.

Wine has been made here since 1577 and the current winemaker at the stunning family property is Jean-Pierre Chevallier who works with organic fruit sourced from 25ha of vines. In his youth, Jean-Pierre worked at Cheval Blanc in St. Emilion, and they know a thing or two about using Cabernet Franc grapes!

Eighty percent of the vineyards at Villeneuve are for red wine production with the remainder using Chenin Blanc for a Saumur Blanc. The reds are given part-barrel ageing in 250 litre and 500 litre demi-muids.

This "old vine" cuvée has velvety tannins, voluptuous, concentrated black fruit flavours along with smoky spices and toasted nuts. A wine which will repay up to 10 years' cellaring.

"Savoury nose. Attractive fruit. Fresh, long and harmonious. Tannins present but finely edged. Quite the complete package."

16.5/20 points, James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com, May 2022