2016 Chinon l'Huisserie
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Tasting notes
The 2016 L'Huisserie makes a good comparison with 2021 in that it is racy and light in body. It's like someone's playing a triangle quickly in your mouth—ting-aling-aling. Grown on flint soils and from a cool year, this is wake-you-up drinking. I rather like it, but it is a little confronting.
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Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
I'm told that, like 2021, the 2016 vintage gave wines with high acidity, which need time and decanting but are good with food. Sharp, snippy, not up for conversation. A bit skinny. Bark and tamarind. Thick kohl and coal tannins. I’d love to taste this as advised: decanted, with food. (TC)
The 2016 L'Huisserie is starting to open up and develop some savory nuances. It gives the sense of a more classic year in that it's not opulent and has a real sense of tension; it's more conservative and demure rather than upfront like the warmer years at the end of the decade. It has a long life in it. That flint part of the terroir just keeps on carrying the fragrance in waves.
The 2016 Chinon L'Huisserie is from the upper part of the coteaux and cultivated on argile-silex soils. Fermented and aged for six months in concrete tanks, then for one year in 500-liter barrels and for another six months in concrete again, this is a very elegant and floral Cabernet Franc from 15-year-old vines. It is generously fruity, perfectly ripe and concentrated as well as gentle and charming, like cool silk on the palate, and reveals lovely nervous acidity on the finish. The tannins are clear, fine and fresh. This is an excellent Chinon with a straight yet beautifully floral, elegant and refined character. Tasted in 2019.