We tend to think of the Loire Valley as a white wine region, but the mid-valley, especially Chinon, produces noteworthy Cabernet Franc.
This is a small yet attractive, well-knit wine that manages to be both delicate and sinewy.
Black cherry and pomegranate dance with pretty floral notes, slight cinnamon and hints and feints of freshly turned earth play against a graphite core. Green aromas never make an appearance.
The palate is delicate up front, with modest juiciness resting on a stony midpalate layer. The tannins come on early so the midpalate shows some pleasant graininess, but they fade early leaving lots of high-toned mouthwatering freshness on the finish. A bit underweight but textured throughout, at 6 years past vintage date it’s quite integrated now
Certainly not overly generous and nothing showy, it’s charm is quiet but resolute, and nicely dialed in to the strong pulse and delicate vocals of Paul Simon’s One Trick Pony
Technical Notes: Extended maceration on this wine, up to 30 days, aged in mostly second use barrels. Pallus is a hillside plot on sand and limestone.
Score: 90
Price: $24 (imported by Rare Wine Company)
Alc: 12.5%
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