Cab Franc for all the Loire-heads here. Bravo Roulerie!!!

WTN: `04 Cabernet Franc Chateau de la Roulerie, Vallee de la Loire.

Chateau de la Roulerie has been mentioned here in the past so was delighted to find this `04 split in my local fave winestore.

14% alc, $15 Cdn, good natural cork, some sediment noted, splash decanted, allowed one hour to breathe.

Color. Very nice ruby, no red showing. Medium intense centre, watery rim but no sign of any age.

Nose. Nice aromatics at first with lead pencil, black fruits, blueberry. Closed down after a while but no green peppers!

Palate. Initial entry thoughts were warm, dry, soft tannins, earthy lengthy finish. I chilled just a little, very good fruit balance here with solid plum, cherry and blueberry. No weedy tones here.
Some herbal quality on the finish after an hour plus hint of earthy metallic which was tempered by some braised lamb leg. I was quite happy with this choice, think I will try again in a couple of years.

**** http://www.vgas.com

its a nice place to visit as well. nice people in a nice setting. i believe that wine was made at des fesles by thierry germain - brother in law or something. i bought the '05 there as well as a sweet white.

David, so you were fortunate to visit. I just PM`ed you.

I have just opened another split of the `04. Not much change from my April note. Color shows a lot of depth still, great aromatics with dark brooding black fruits. Still has excellent tannins, plum and berry. No food this time around but nice.
Would like to visit this winery next year!