WTN: 2005 Ch. Vaugaudry Chinon (Loire), Hess Cab

Dark ruby color. For such a ripe wine from a warm vintage (14% abv), this Loire Cab Franc retained its varietal characteristics nicely, with some refreshing green pepper and herb notes that complement, not overwhelm, the plentiful ripe red currant and cassis fruit. Decent acidity. Alcohol does not show on the palate, but you do feel it. This is not a C&P Breton wine (or a good bottle of Bobinet Amateus) but at much less money ($18), it is a solid 85 point wine good for a Tuesday night.

Also: 2005 Hess Collection Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon. Definitely too young and very tight, but showing nice mountain cab savoriness with a hint of herbs. Good very dry, earthy cassis fruit. Oak is balanced and handled with some restraint. Will be lovely in five years? 90 points+.

[Jenise]

Dark ruby color. For such a ripe wine from a warm vintage (14% abv), this Loire Cab Franc retained its varietal characteristics nicely, with some refreshing green pepper and herb notes that complement, not overwhelm, the plentiful ripe red currant and cassis fruit. Decent acidity. Alcohol does not show on the palate, but you do feel it. This is not a C&P Breton wine (or a good bottle of Bobinet Amateus) but at much less money ($18), it is a solid 85 point wine good for a Tuesday night.

Also: 2005 Hess Collection Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon. Definitely too young and very tight, but showing nice mountain cab savoriness with a hint of herbs. Good very dry, earthy cassis fruit. Oak is balanced and handled with some restraint. Will be lovely in five years? 90 points+.

Love the 05 red Loires.

We (my friends and I) seem to be drinking through them this week. I actually prefer the Vatan I posted today that we tried last night. It's Saumur Champigny, though.

I cannot afford it...but I am really thinking about buying one or two bottles of Breton this weekend. The Bourgeil and the Saint Louan. Newer, lighter vintage though.