2018 Domaine de Pallus Chinon La Croix Boissée
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Chinon La Croix Boissée derives from vines planted in 1974 in the southern part of the parcel on sandy-clay soil with a calcareous subsoil (tuffeau blanc) only 50 cm below the surface. 100% destemmed and matured for 18 months in Burgundian barrels, it exhales a deep, complex bouquet with aromas of dark wild berries, licorice, menthol, pencil lead and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, it's more charming and elegant than Le Clos de Pallus, with velvety tannins and a sappy, penetrating, long finish. With soft, supple tannins and good mid-palate depth, it will drink nicely in its youth but will also age gracefully.
Critic scores
Average Score
Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Mulberries, blackcurrants, coffee, salted yolks and black tea on the nose. Flavorful and dark-fruited, with a medium body and well-polished tannins. Very subtle leafy edge on the long and elegant finish. Drink or hold.
This is a delightfully textured, sumptuous Cabernet Franc that you sink into. The 2018 Le Croix Boisée is from a terroir where the limestone is only 50cm below the surface. The fruit is sweet and rich plus there's a subtle note of vanilla from the oak. Almost perfect, but the alcohol warmth just clips the finish. Despite the warm vintage, the influence of limestone seems to have imbued this with a lovely sense of freshness as well as attractively textured chalky tannins. You can enjoy this already for its charm. It's young and it will be interesting to see how it holds together over time.
This is a delightfully textured, sumptuous Cabernet Franc that you sink into. The 2018 Le Croix Boisée is from a terroir where the limestone is only 50cm below the surface. The fruit is sweet and rich plus there's a subtle note of vanilla from the oak. Almost perfect, but the alcohol warmth just clips the finish. Despite the warm vintage, the influence of limestone seems to have imbued this with a lovely sense of freshness as well as attractively textured chalky tannins. You can enjoy this already for its charm. It's young and it will be interesting to see how it holds together over time. (RG)