2012BretonIvresse2012 Domaine Breton, Bourgueil “Nuits d’ Ivresse” Loire Valley Red, France.
The Domaine Breton is Pierre and Catherine Breton, it is their personality and passion for wine that always shines through in their wines, each a unique terroir wine from biodynamic vineyards, mostly done in as natural methods as possible. Their Cabernet Franc wines are legendary and age beautifully, though as with most great wines, they can be enjoyed fantastically well in their youth, especially Catherine’s La Dilettante cuvees, but even their glorious Bourgueil and Chinon too. Funny, Cabernet Franc in the Loire is also know as “Breton” so it is very fitting they specialize in it and make such sublime wine from it, like this exceptional Bourgueil Nuits d’ Ivresse from 50 year old vines that is on a mix of clay and limestone soils, it is without a doubt, along with their Bourgueil Les Galichets and Les Perrieres, offer amazing value in cellarable reds. The 2012 Nuits d’ Ivresse, only 12% alcohol, is lush and open with a mix of floral and red fruits leading the way with classic earth, green pepper, mineral and cedary notes adding complexity. The nose leans to violets and exotic spice, while the palate feels richly textured with a cherry, currant, fresh plum and mulberry fruit influence, while lifting acidity and fine grained tannins lend control and structure to this beautifully crafted wine that clearly shows both the purity of these vineyards and Pierre’s talent in the cave, this wine is impressive now, though should be at it’s best in 3 to 5 years, drink from 2015 to 2025.
($32 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive

By admin