Couly-Dutheil Chinon Clos de l'Echo Crescendo 2003

Couly-Dutheil Chinon Clos de l'Echo Crescendo 2003: This vintage has a more dark and glossy hue than the 2002. And wow! The first aromas that rise from the glass also indicate that this is a special wine, with stylish and yet vibrant mineral, smoky, tobacco leaf character. You can sense a tense nervousness in the wine. Having said that the palate has a lovely freshness, and although quite precisely structured isn't as edgy as the nose might suggest. It is warm, ripe, not voluptuous but full and creamy, backed up by a fine acidity. Ripe, slightly grippy tannins, cigar and tobacco-edged fruit, overall finely structured. A great example of Cabernet Franc from a great vintage. Excellent. 19+/20 (28/11/05)