2018 Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Saumur Champigny Le Clos exhales aromas of blueberries, cassis, violet and smoke intertwined with carnal notes. Medium to full-bodied, layered and texture, it’s concentrated with a deep core of fruit and a firm, somewhat rustic finale, indicative of phenols. Spanning 15 parcels, Le Clos covers 4.5 hectares of profound clay soils.
Critic scores
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Maturing ruby/garnet colour. Pretty, rosy nose with some meatiness (brett?). Round and intriguing with a lightly salty note on the end of a sweet palate. A very charming drink for now. Though it finishes a bit suddenly. A cool customer. (JR)
The 2018 Le Clos is a blend of 15 plots despite being called Le Clos. It's a sweet, warm-fruited, fragrant style, with a sense of ripe fruit blossoming in the mouth. While it's relatively full, smooth and round, it doesn't become heavy. Vanillin, savory, olive tapenade and smoky bacon emerge in the glass. The 2018 is a touch drying on the finish with a clove/sticking plaster note, which gives a bit of a concern for the microbiology of this wine. To be released early 2024.
23 months in barrel (formerly Les Poyeux and Le Bourg barrels). Ruby garnet hue. Piercing fruit on the nose, caressing on the palate. Remarkably fresh. Beginning to open and already a certain charm. (JL)
About the producer
Clos Rougeard is one of the Loire Valley’s most famous producers. Based in Saumur-Champigny, it produces fine Cabernet Franc in tiny volumes – wines that are almost impossible to source.