Synopsis, Our Opinion: From the first sniff when we pulled the cork to the last sip of the perfectly aged tannins it was FLAWLESS.
Producer/Winery: Monsieur and Madame Luc Bizard; Chateau d’Épiré; Savennières, France.
Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc.
Geographic Appellation,, Region, Country: Savennières-Anjou; Loire Valley, France.
Vintage: 2015
Price: $17.10 (with a 10% mixed case discount)
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Shop; Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Paired With: BBQ pork sandwiches and coleslaw.
Tasting:
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Note: We have reviewed the 2015 vintage of this wine before (see: Epire Anjou Rouge Clos de la Cerisaie 2015); however, after two additional years in our cellar we think it has improved so much it deserves another review. We liked it in 2018, but we loved it in 2020!!!
Opened one hour before drinking. Clear, ruby color with a light purple/brown rim and oodles of sediment on the last pour. Lots of damp earth, fresh cut California Wonder peppers, green beans and ripe cherry aromas. Very smooth, dry, dusty with a fresh and enticing mouthfeel, light to medium body and a 200-grit texture. Lots of tart cherry, current, green peppers and dried herb flavors. Less than expected well integrated acidity, fine grain yet quite grippy tannins and a FANTASTIC long dusty and sweet spicy finish that ended with a mineral aftertaste. WOW, WOW, WOW this wine really mellowed since we first had it in July, 2018. Every once in a while you find a wine where all the stars lined up and it drinks PERFECTLY, well this wine at this time was one of them. From the first sniff when we pulled the cork to the last sip of the perfectly aged tannins it was FLAWLESS. And at this price point we called it an absolute steal!!!
Photo from Chateau d’Épiré.
See also our reviews of other Chateau d’Épiré wines.
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Closure: Aluminium covered 45mm Natural cork.
UPC Code: 7 61503 51562 9
Imported by: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant; Berkeley, California.
