2005 Charles Joguet, Chinon, Clos du Chene Vert

Domaine Charles Joguet is a cornerstone of the Chinon appellation, established in 1957 by a producer who pioneered parcel-specific vinification to showcase the diverse terroirs of the Loire Valley. This wine is made from Cabernet Franc grown in the Clos du Chene Vert, a steep, south-west-facing monopole characterized by shallow clay and silica-limestone soils. In the glass, it presents a concentrated profile of dark berries, blackcurrant, and graphite, supported by firm, fine-grained tannins and a distinct mineral tension. The 2005 vintage provided the warmth and ripeness necessary to build significant structure, allowing the wine to develop complexity over its extended time in the bottle. This is a serious, age-worthy bottling that offers a compelling look at the potential of the region’s traditional varieties.