Saumur-Champigny

From the relatively cool, classic 2016 vintage, the Tradition cuvée combines red and black berry fruit on the nose, as well as hints of violets and black pepper. It’s grown on tuffeau limestone soils characteristic of Saumur and Vouvray, and is raised exclusively in stainless steel. The palate is grippy and fresh, with a subtle leafy note to the finish. Young, this works brilliantly with charcuterie or hard cheeses, but there’s no rush – it will develop gracefully in bottle for up to a decade. Drink now to 2028.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (spring 2019)

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 This comes from a vineyard with sandy gravel soils in the westernmost sector of the St Nicolas de Bourgueil appellation. This is the one cuvée for which Frédéric retains a proportion of the stems. It’s then raised for four months in stainless steel tanks, to emphasise its bright, lifted aromas of red berry and black pepper. There’s real tension to the palate, and fine, grippy tannins, which will have you reaching for a plate of charcuterie. Drink now to 2022.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (spring 2019)

Les Racines 2015 has really hit its straps after three years in bottle. It hails from a relatively cool site (farmed organically), with stony soils, so takes longer to come round than the richer Rouillères. The nose is bright and engaging, with black fruit and savoury notes of grilled meat and black pepper. Expect fresh acidity but remarkably supple tannins – owing, in part, to its élevage in used 600-litre foudres. In fact, this is downright voluptuous compared to the majority of Loire Cabernet Francs. Impressive length too. Drink now to 2022.
Will Heslop, Burgundy Buying Assistant (spring 2019)