Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc

9.223 ratings
9.07 pro ratings
Chinon, Touraine, Loire Valley, France
Cabernet Franc
Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Hard Cheese, Blue Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, Pungent Cheese, Potato, White Rice, Herbs, Tomato-Based, Pasta, Mushrooms, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Beef, Soft Cheese, Chicken, Lamb, Turkey, Pork, Duck, Venison
Top Notes For
Josh Morgenthau

Stunning. Such a delicate bouquet of violets and graphite, spring flowers, earth, and tart cherries. Silky and elegant on the palate, where flavors of dusty minerals and just ripe black cherries mingle with the gentle tannins. These are some of my favorite aged wines- both sensual and cerebral at the same time. The 2005 is close to perfection at 14 years.

Stunning. Such a delicate bouquet of violets and graphite, spring flowers, earth, and tart cherries. Silky and elegant on the palate, where flavors of dusty minerals and just ripe black cherries mingle with the gentle tannins. These are some of my favorite aged wines- both sensual and cerebral at the same time. The 2005 is close to perfection at 14 years.

Jan 27th, 2020
Tom Kobylarz

As you can see by the abv, this one reflects the warmer vintage that was 2005 at 13.5%. Darker, richer, 2005 is considered one of Chinon's top vintages of the 21st century. Aromas of dark red and black cherry, blackberry and dark red raspberry, red currants and cassis, with cedar and sandalwood notes, the fruit is starting to turn tertiary with shades of herbs and savory. The pepper notes are ripe and well-integrated, with the fruit the lead in this wine. The palate is med+ and concentrated, with tannin that are starting to resolve into a finer structure. This finishes fresh and long with fruit and spice, excellent!

As you can see by the abv, this one reflects the warmer vintage that was 2005 at 13.5%. Darker, richer, 2005 is considered one of Chinon's top vintages of the 21st century. Aromas of dark red and black cherry, blackberry and dark red raspberry, red currants and cassis, with cedar and sandalwood notes, the fruit is starting to turn tertiary with shades of herbs and savory. The pepper notes are ripe and well-integrated, with the fruit the lead in this wine. The palate is med+ and concentrated, with tannin that are starting to resolve into a finer structure. This finishes fresh and long with fruit and spice, excellent!

1 person found it helpfulJun 8th, 2023
Christy Canterbury MW

Master of Wine

9.1

Best decanted for an hour. Still showing lots of promise. No rush to drink through this #Chinon 2005.

Best decanted for an hour. Still showing lots of promise. No rush to drink through this #Chinon 2005.

Dec 18th, 2013
Richard Betts

Master Sommelier/Winemaker/Mezcalero Saint Glinglin, Sombra

8.4

Lovely stuff brettanomyces included. Pairing quite well w/ the blueberry pancakes I've opted for.

Lovely stuff brettanomyces included. Pairing quite well w/ the blueberry pancakes I've opted for.

Nov 14th, 2012
Ted Boydston

Lingering green peppers, onions, and meat scents give way to a dense mouthfeel, closing with peppers, tobacco, spices, and dark fruits. Medium body, tight tannin. A fine Cabernet Franc to compare against.

Lingering green peppers, onions, and meat scents give way to a dense mouthfeel, closing with peppers, tobacco, spices, and dark fruits. Medium body, tight tannin. A fine Cabernet Franc to compare against.

Apr 24th, 2016
Ira Schwartz

I confess I take this wine for granted because it is so damn consistent.

I confess I take this wine for granted because it is so damn consistent.

Sep 15th, 2015
Jake Schepps

Yum.

Yum.

Oct 17th, 2014
Devin Healey

This is only one of 3 wines we've had so far but I haven't had time to log them all. Insane.

This is only one of 3 wines we've had so far but I haven't had time to log them all. Insane.

Aug 7th, 2014
Jamie Prettitore

Perfect Christmas wine with a few hours to open up

Perfect Christmas wine with a few hours to open up

Jan 1st, 2014
Regan O'Kon

Celebrate. Taste like Chanel number 5. Aldehyde and must plus green bell pepper

Celebrate. Taste like Chanel number 5. Aldehyde and must plus green bell pepper

Apr 19th, 2013