Clos Rougeard 2019 Le Bourg, Saumur Champigny, Loire Valley

“There's something of northern Rhône Syrah on the nose of the 2019 Le Bourg with its smoked meats and ripe red fruit plus a hint of menthol. There's always a succulence to this cuvée, showing completeness–everything is in its place. Excellent concentration of fruit from a frost-affected crop. Low yields and small berries also created plentiful of tannins that display a chalky sinew. Dry, long, scented finish with festive spice, smoked notes that come from the barrel.”--Rebecca Gibb, Vinous