Couly-Dutheil Chinon Clos de l'Echo 2001

Couly-Dutheil Chinon Clos de l'Echo 2001: A decent colour, although not showing a lot of depth. Quite delicate and floral on the nose, showing some lovely black cherry blossom with a tarry edge and a note of tobacco. Medium weight, attractive, with an elegant presence developing through the midpalate A very fine, firm structure of chalky-dusty tannins and nice acidity, with some more black cherry and bramble fruit. A little flourish of tannins on the finish suggests this will improve in the cellar over the next two to three years. Right now it needs four hours in the decanter before it begins to really open up. Not a great vintage for Cabernet Franc, but this is very good. 16.5+/20 (7/11/05)