2010 Pithon-Paille, Bourgueil “Grands Monts” Val de Loire, Cabernet Franc, France.
The Grands Monts by Pithon-Paille is a wonderful expression of terroir and varietal Cabernet Franc with persistent flavors and focused detail and balance. This lovely Bourgueil shows pretty floral and spice perfume with faint hints of earth, dusty red fruit and mineral before a medium bodied palate that has plenty of dark fruits including blackberry, cherry and red currants, along with peppers, clove, violets and chalky stones. Everything folds together nicely with smooth tannins, fresh acidity and a long silky finish that hints at cranberry, bitter coco, sweet herbs and kirsch. Pithon-Paille isn’t well know, but I suggest searching them out, especially this 2010 vintage that is showing really well right now, along with Breton and Baudry this estate is making fine and beautiful Cab Franc at a very fair price.
($28 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
