Anjou-Saumur

This charming, characterful wine will provide a real treat for fans of mature Cabernet Franc. It hails from two relatively early-ripening parcels (on schist soils, at the foot of a slope) which result in a wine that’s more voluptuous than most from the appellation. The nose is high-toned, with aromas of violets and cherries, while its varietal character – those leafy and blackcurrant notes – becomes more apparent with time in the glass. There’s still plenty of fruit and acidity after four and half years in bottle, although this should be drunk relatively soon (before the end of 2019). I’m betting it goes brilliantly with mushroom stroganoff. 
Will Heslop – Burgundy Buying Assistant, autumn 2018

Frédéric and Nathalie Mabileau are a husband and wife team who spend a huge amount of time and energy maintaining their vineyards, which are situated just north of the river Loire. They are firm believers in hand-harvesting and in organic farming methods. Pale ruby in colour, this Cabernet Franc displays varietal aromas of red cherry and raspberry alongside a subtle leafiness on the nose. On the palate, the concentration of these red fruit flavours really comes through, joined by sweet red pepper and all perfectly balanced by a fresh acidity and gravelly minerality. Drink now to 2020.
Adam Bruntlett, Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd

One of the most enjoyable and memorable tastings I have been to was the tasting of the wines from the Loire valley’s Moulin Touchais a few weeks ago. After a brief hiatus while available stocks were checked, I am now very pleased to offer you these fascinating and great value wines. Here at Berry Bros & Rudd, we have long championed the great sweet wines of the Loire. From Bonnezeaux to Vouvray and Coteaux du Layon to Quarts de Chaume, there are dozens of producers that stand out but very few that have a history that stretches as far back as that of Moulin Touchais. The ancestors of the estate were producing wine as far back as 1787, over 130 years before Gaston Huet founded perhaps the region’s most famous estate. Since 1990, the estate’s 150 hectares have been presided over by Jean-Marie Touchais, the 8th generation to run the winery, and very little has changed viticulturally in the last century.

Here the belief is that the best sweet wines are produced with traditional methods: low yields, hand harvesting and slow fermentations, aiming for approximately 70-80g/l of residual sugar in the bottle. Following the vintage, the wine is bottled quickly (the following March), having never seen a barrel and then left in the cellar for a decade before release. A labour of love not an economic enterprise. Fortunately for us the previous generations of the estate had the foresight not to sell through every year so we are in a position to offer a fantastic range of vintages from the estate. 

Notes from Richard Kelley MW, one of the UK’s greatest authorities on the Loire. All are drinking now and will continue to offer pleasure for many years to come and in the case of the younger wines, decades to come!
Chris Pollington, Fine Wine Account Manager


Along with 1990 and 1996, the 1997 is one of the best three vintages of the decade. Rich, open and textured nose with some botrytis elements. This shows its distinction. Rich and lush on entry with great texture and poise. Excellent acid balance, focus and length. This is already approachable but will age and continue to evolve for many years to come. Top wine – top vintage.
Richard Kelley MW