Cabernet Franc, Anjou AOC – 2018
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Vineyard Profile
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Pruning: Guyot Mixte pruning system
- Cultivation: Covering the vine stock with soil in autumn, plowing-down in spring, tilling and allowing natural grass to grow between the rows; biodynamic practices include infusions and plant decoctions applied to the vineyards according to the lunar calendar. DEMETER Certified 100% Biodynamic
- Size: 5 hectares (12.35 acres)
- Vine Age: 35-45 years
- Soil: Silty-clay terroir, consisting of sandstone grit and red flint on tuffeau (limestone)
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Vintage Report
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The year began with a drier than average winter. Low temperatures in early spring pushed budbreak back to the second half of April. Record amounts of rain were seen in May and June, putting strong mildew pressure in the vineyard. The use of biodynamic preparations helped to keep the vineyards in good health. Summer was bright and warm and water reserves from spring assisted the fruit in developing evenly.
- Harvest Date(s): Cabernet Franc harvested between October 1-4, hand-picked in 12-kilogram (26-pound) boxes and sorted in the vineyard
- Yields: 40 hectoliters/hectare (2.9 tons/acres)
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Vinification
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Destemmed grapes were fermented using native yeasts; average of 30 days maceration without extraction; gentle cap punching; limited pump-overs; and infusion techniques at temperatures of 18 C to 25 C (64 F to 77 F). Slow and gentle pressing in a pneumatic press.
- Aging: 12 months on fine lees in French oak casks, used five times before, aged in ancient troglodyte cellars cut into the limestone hillside on the property, followed by six months in a stainless steel vat.
- Bottled: Bottled without filtration or fining on April 28, 2020, a “flower day”
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Franc
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Tasting Notes
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Recent Video
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Images
Reviews
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Clau de Nell Cabernet Franc, Anjou AOC — 2018 – Vinous – 90 Points
The 2018 Anjou Cabernet Franc is serious and structured, showing the ripeness of this vintage in its breadth, ripe fruit and slightly heady aromas. Produced from 45-year-old vines that yield 35–40hl/ha, this is soft and tender on entry, but the tannins build like a square frame, leaving a structured finish. Integrated use of oak is evidenced by a hint of vanilla from a small percentage of new barrels (less than 10% new). The finish is fragrant with lingering violets and savory notes.
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Clau de Nell Cabernet Franc, Anjou AOC — 2018 – The Wine Advocate – 93+ Points
The 2018 Anjou Cabernet Franc is from sandstone and red silex soils and opens with a deep, intense and concentrated dark berry and cherry aroma intertwined with iodine and some plummy notes with crystalline sugar notes and baked blueberry aromas. Silky, rich and intense on the palate, this is an elegant, deep, refined, long and complex Cab Franc with a tight tannin structure, and kumquat and somewhat brutish aromas. The wine has great aging potential, but it's very individual, with dense fruit but ripe and elegant tannins.
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Clau de Nell Cabernet Franc, Anjou AOC — 2018 – Vinous – 90 Points
The 2018 Anjou Cabernet Franc is serious and structured, showing the ripeness of this vintage in its breadth, ripe fruit and slightly heady aromas. Produced from 45-year-old vines that yield 35–40hl/ha, this is soft and tender on entry, but the tannins build like a square frame, leaving a structured finish. Integrated use of oak is evidenced by a hint of vanilla from a small percentage of new barrels (less than 10% new). The finish is fragrant with lingering violets and savory notes; there is a question over the light barnyard element and the slightly drying finish...
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Clau de Nell Cabernet Franc, Anjou AOC – 2018 – Jancis Robinson – 16.5 Points
Mid crimson. Notably spicy nose – riper than many an Anjou Rouge. Supple, with the undertow of ink and pencil shavings of pure Cabernet Franc but notably ripe. A luscious mouthful that is definitively varietal. Very satisfying.