Marquis de Goulaine

Chinon Le Haut Presle, Loire Valley, France, 2019. The Goulaine Chinon Le Haut Presle is a first-rate bargain, from its opaque, beautiful ruby to purple/magenta color to its alluring, promising aromas of black plum, cassis, red berries, pine forest, a hint of mint, a soupçon of chocolate, and a whisper of smoke. The reward is on the expansive, rich medium-bodied palate – at only 13% alcohol – with fresh flavors of black cherry, black plum and cassis, featuring silky-smooth tannins on the mid-palate leading to a lingering toasty, mineral finish with echoes of black and bing cherry flavors. Drop dead gorgeous.