2018 Marie-Thérèse Chappaz Grain Noir

Community Tasting Notes (1) Avg Score: 93 points

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  6/14/2021 - forceberry wrote: 93 Points

  A blend of Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) from the biodynamically farmed La Liaudisaz parcel. Fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, macerated for 28 days with the skins, aged for 18 months in a combination of new and old oak barriques. Bottled unfiltered. 14,4% alcohol.
  
  Dark, deep and moderately concentrated blackish-red color that permits relatively little light through. The brooding nose feels ripe and quite dark-toned with savory and somewhat restrained aromas of juicy dark fruits, some tobacco, a little bit of licorice root, light smoky notes of toasted oak, a hint of gamey meat and a touch of fresh blackcurrant. The wine feels clean, silky and somewhat concentrated on the palate with a medium-to-moderately full body and quite fresh flavors of juicy blackcurrants, sweet black cherries, some pipe tobacco, a little bit of meaty umami, light notes of toasty oak spice, a hint of fresh dark plum and a touch of licorice root. The overall feel is firm and textural, thanks to the high acidity and powdery, gently grippy tannins. The finish is ripe, juicy and subtly sweet-toned with gentle tannic grip and lengthy flavors of dark plums and blackcurrants, some cherry tones, a little bit of toasty oak spice, light notes of tobacco, a hint of meaty umami and a touch of mocha.
  
  A beautiful, harmonious and wonderfully silky Bordeaux blend that shows balanced ripeness and nice, firm structure. There's a bit of toasty new oak character here, but since the wine is still so very youthful and it feels like it is built to last, I have no doubts the oakier nuances will fade into background as the wine ages. Even if the wine isn't as ridiculously stunning as the best Chappaz wines can be, it still shows great sense of finesse, depth and balance. Perhaps a bit too young for now - at least if you don't like new oak characteristics - but most likely the wine will be in a beautiful spot after another 8-12 years. Priced according to its quality at 49 CHF (~45€).

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