Bernard Baudry "Les Grezeaux" Chinon 2021

Bernard Baudry was instrumental in making Chinon such a well-respected appellation. In the 1970s yields were high and quality was low, but Bernard went in the opposite direction when he began in 1975. He gained a reputation for highlighting the texture and serious qualities of Cabernet Franc in the region, and they are now known around the world for making the best examples of Chinon. The estate is certified organic, they use their own composts, harvests are all done by hand, and sulfur levels are low. They aren't going for massive extraction but their wines have a lot of depth and develop extremely well with age. Even their top wines are still relative values compared to Clos Rougeard and other highly sought-after Loire producers. Though Bernard is technically retired and his son Matthieu has been working with him since 2000, Bernard hasn't really stopped being involved.

Les Grézeaux comes from their oldest vines—more than sixty years old—planted in gravelly alluvial soil near the Vienne River, which yield a simultaneously concentrated and silky rouge that is very much ready to drink today but will age beautifully over at least the next ten to fifteen years. With perfectly integrated tannins and notes of blackberries, forest floor, and stones, Les Grézeaux offers an ideal match for a lentil and mushroom shepherd’s pie or a simple roast chicken.