Cuvée Ortolan Cabernet Franc

2018 vintage. Cuvée Ortolan, 100% Cabernet Franc aka Bouchet. If anyone should know about the heights perfectly ripe Cabernet Franc can achieve, it would be Pierre Lurton,also the manager of Cheval Blanc where Cabernet Franc is the most planted grape variety (52%). This minuscule production (5297 bottles) of pure Cabernet Franc at his own estate Château Marjosse is a sheer delight. Very attractive nose with raspberry, flowers, a hint of fresh rosemary and a subtle dash of pepper. In the mouth it is all about finesse with a Burgundian-like velvety texture, with layers of predominantly red fruits, fresh acidity, refined tannin and a long finish with retronasal fruit and a delicate spiciness. The 14% abv. alcohol goes unnoticed. Beware: this is very hard to resist, be prepared to finish a whole bottle by yourself. Very impressive.

Truly interesting and elegant Cab Franc. It its dense and elegant medium bodied, no new wood here, with the classical peppery notes at the end. Curious to see how it ages and trying to buy a few more bottles.