Couly-Dutheil Chinon Clos de l'Echo 2003

Couly-Dutheil Chinon Clos de l'Echo 2003: Rich, deeply coloured wine. Typical youthful Loire Cabernet Franc on the nose, with very primary aromas of sun-dried tomatoes and green peppercorns backed up by some black bramble-jelly fruits. Fine palate, balanced and elegant, showing more bramble-jelly character with a smoky, mineral, tobacco presence. Great, almost seamless palate. Plenty of fine, structured tannin and acidity here, and a little bite of extract too. This is fine, and should perform well in the cellar, as suggested by the coating of tannin on the finish, fresh balance and welcome fruit. And it has lovely persistence. Very good indeed, excellent potential. 18+/20 (14/11/05)