2022 Domaine les Pins "Les Clos" Bourgueil

Made from 100% Cabernet Franc, or “Breton” as the grape is locally known, the 2022 Domaine Les Pins “Les Clos” Bourgueil comes from a three-acre, south-facing walled vineyard planted to 40- to 45-year-old vines on silt-clay soils. It’s fermented in stainless steel and concrete and aged for eight months in stainless steel, allowing the character of the fruit and site to take center stage. Blackberries, violets to brighten shorter days, and freshly fallen autumn leaves are all enrobed in plush, grippy tannins. Black plum, graphite, and soft, subtle hints of vanilla and aniseed round out the finish. Full disclosure: I’m a Domaine Les Pins fangirl. Their wines consistently over-deliver, offering the combination of value, honesty, and regional typicity that I admire. This is another bottle that makes a good case for keeping a few Bourgueils around for cozy days ahead.