WBW French Cabernet Franc

WBW French Cabernet Franc – Episode #435

April 2, 2008

I am super honored to be hosting this months Wine Blogging Wednesday, I choose Cabernet Franc from France and so here we go! Please make sure you check out the link below and see ALL the wine Bloggers efforts!

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Comments on this episode(217) Leave a comment ›

“How come Mott doesn’t always link it up?…” by Ben118
“Hey Gary! GREAT SHOW! You’re the man when it comes to wine!…” by Siyoung
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Wines tasted in this episode:

2005 Gasnier Chinon Vieilles VignesChinon
2005 Domaine De La Butte Mi PenteBourgueil
1990 Olga Raffault Chinon Les PicassesChinon

Links mentioned in todays episode.

217 Responses

April 2, 2008

Eli2Tyree
Hey I think I am First!!! yes… just brought a chinon to a tasting! it was WS 92 rated. all dirt iron and sheeps ass. everyone hated it….I loved it! great experience for the pallet
April 2, 2008

Chris Bertolotti
Never dreamed I could actually make the top 10- time to stop lurking!
April 2, 2008

Scott EJ
Top 5 I do believe. I’ll chime in later after the show with a *real* comment.

(GV…thanks for the recommendation on the Ken Scelfo book yesterday. I’m on the hunt for it as we speak.)
April 2, 2008

Fingerlaker
nice and early today…
April 2, 2008

Corrado
Very early. Love the Cab Franc episode! Only had one, would like to have more!
April 2, 2008

ryan
Too bad Spain doesn’t sell french wines, so we have a Spanish Cab Fran. It was damn good, Thanks for hosting Gary…
April 2, 2008

NC Carl
TOP 20?
April 2, 2008

Loweeel
Top 10!
April 2, 2008

*/^_^\*
lovely lovely loire
April 2, 2008

Palmer
bring on the veggies
April 2, 2008

GrapeStuff
11
April 2, 2008

NC Carl
Great show, and my favorite local wine store doesn’t carry Chinon. Boooo
April 2, 2008

KenP
top 15!
April 2, 2008

Genghis
What a great episode, Gary. “Never lose that youthful jubilance.” THAT should go on a shirt. And it’s not poop wine, it’s -farmhouse matured- wine. My time in the UK’s taught me that one.
April 2, 2008

Alfredhayes
QOTD: No Cabernet Franc experiences from France for me. My reason; LCBO. BIG store (provincially owned and operated). Only buys big labels.
April 2, 2008

Eli2Tyree
hey I was at the flemington fair every year for 10 years! and chinon does just smell just like that!
April 2, 2008

crank
I’m in. Twitter me up @benkearney
April 2, 2008

mrzitro
Cool beans. I’m currently drinking the Caves Des Vignerons Reserve Des Vignerons Saumur ‘05 (100% Cab Franc). I got the Domaine De La Butte Mi Pente ‘05 and can’t wait to see what you think of it. I can’t watch it here at work.
April 2, 2008

Don Reynolds
I will try a Cabernet Franc this week. As always great episode!
April 2, 2008

jseeds
QOTD: Filliatreau Saumur Champigny Grand Vignolle 2005 – about six months ago – loved it.

Unfortunately – didn’t get a chance to participate in WBW this time…
THANKS
April 2, 2008

David Dadekian
I was also addicted to the clown-balloon-squirt gun game. Funny how some things are generational (like your 35-year-old gamer example from yesterday’s gv.com) and some things are timeless.

QOTD: I don’t recall my last Cabernet Franc from France. I know I’ve had it from other regions recently. In fact, my most recent may be from winery nearest to me in Conn., Stonington Vineyards.
April 2, 2008

Lawrence Leichtman
So, why aren’t more people drinking Cabernet Franc? Especially Chinon. Well, with descriptors of turnips and poop that may explain a lot. I, for one have lots of them as I love the vegies. Right now working on some older Zindfandels that I have stored that go back to ‘90 and probably need drinking.
April 2, 2008

Sassodoro
Top 30?
April 2, 2008

Marshall
QOTD:I had a samur champigny recently and it was awesome combo with pizza. Thanks for the sugestion GV. I’ve had Bourgueil also. I like cabernet frac from the loire they’re like the antithesis of austrailian shariz.
April 2, 2008

Brad
QOTD: Never had Cab Franc but it’s on the list.

I’ve found that I’ve started playing a game trying to guess what you’re going to score each wine. Because you admitted that the first was really an 89 I went 3 for 3 today!
April 2, 2008

Dr. Debs
Thanks for a great theme, Gary! Here’s the link to my WBW #44 entry. I loved my Cab Franc!

http://tinyurl.com/2ks3td
http://goodwineunder20.blogspot.com/2008/04/wine-blogging-wednesday-44-french.html
April 2, 2008

Robin C
I’m glad you’re comparing cab francs. Very informative and helpful.
QOTD: L’Esthete chinon. Odd experience. Didn’t like it; didn’t actively dislike it. Unsweetened chocolate with iodine. Need to try some more cab francs.
April 2, 2008

wrc105
I haven’t has a french Cab. Franc, just one that I enjoy from California, never caught english peas on the nose, but the next bottle I open I am going to see if it’s there.

-Wayne
April 2, 2008

Deano
Gary i am back from vacation and have caught up on the episodes finally. Goop episode and the first two wines sound great.

QOTD:
-I haven’t had one I will try to seek one out
April 2, 2008

BargePlus
Once again, I enjoyed the show, wishing I had a Cab Frnc to go along with my viewing.

Since you touted a novel that featured the wine business yesterday, you might enjoy Virgile’s Vineyard documenting Patrick Moon’s one-year stint in the Languedoc helping Virgile with his wines. It’s a little historical, a little wine educational as he works through the different varietals & their blends as dictated by AOC regulations, and a lot of fun.
April 2, 2008

Rajiv a
Awesomeness!!! Haven’t watched this yet, but I can’t wait to. I’m so glad you pushed me to try another Cab Franc. I hadn’t liked previous ones, but as you can see from my blog – it totally won me over.
April 2, 2008

RichardA
Here is my Cab Franc review for WBW #44
http://passionatefoodie.blogspot.com/2008/04/wbw-44-french-cabernet-franc-ugh.html
April 2, 2008

Sonnenuhr
Got to try different stuff and these wines are such bargains – we loved the Noblaie Chinon Rouge you reviewed last year, super QPR!
April 2, 2008

Orion Slayer
I was not able to find a 100% Cab Franc, so I had a Fronsac meritage. I’ll have to get one of those Chinons
April 2, 2008

J.R. Young
QOTD: 2005 Baudry-Dutour Chinon CuvÃ©e Coteau des Chenanceaux just lastnight. I love cab francs, they make up about 15% of my cellar, 10% of those being from the Loire. Loire CF and some funky cheese please.

Virgils is the shit.
April 2, 2008

Taster B
Didn’t get a great bottle this time but did some other stuff in Gary’s honor…enjoy

http://smellslikegrape.blogspot.com/2008/04/wbw-44-loire-lovefestor-not.html
April 2, 2008

redfrog
GV – I am root beer freak. Get the root beer show going. I would be happy to help. Virgil’s is the shiznit, but there must be more great stuff out there.

Loved the show, thanks again for everything you and everyone at WL do to put this on.

Cheers!!!
April 2, 2008

Anthony L.
Never had much luck with CAB Franc. Then again, I could have just be dealing with low end wineries. But I’m always open to and will keep trying.

No McFadden in the draft huh…so who will be the Jet’s first round draft pic?

Shout out to the Yankees who had a great opening day yesterday. Gotta crow while I still can, Mussina is pitching tonight.
April 2, 2008

Dr T from N. Carolina
You may be right, as it’s been a long time. I plan to order one to give it another chance never week, actually!
April 2, 2008

Carol B.
Very interesting show, Gary! I tasted an ‘02 Olga Raffault for Wine Blogging Wednesday. So cool to see how wines vary from vintage to vintage and over time.
April 2, 2008

laurie in VT
QOTD: None! I think Cab Franc could be the choice when it’s our turn to host the Third Thirsty Thursday (er-Friday, actually) tasting in May. Time to do some research first!

Loved Mott’s reaction to the Olga Raffault nose. He even gave a rousing ’sniffy-sniff’ at the beginning. What does this man have to DO to get a ‘Link It Up’ T-shirt made?!
April 2, 2008

Neil
QOTD: Ch de Vaugaudry Chinon ‘05. Good QPR.
April 2, 2008

Kev and Ams
QOTD: I’ve had three or four Cab Franc’s from the US, but none from France. I’ll change that this weekend, I promise.
April 2, 2008

stephen
Not a big fan of French Cab Franc, too many barnyard aromas, I enjoy the new world wines more.
Sounds like the third wine on todays show was Brett infected, might be nice to talk about flaws in wines [some might say terroir]
Interested in that Bourguiel though, might give French Cab Franc another go
April 2, 2008

TWalk
a little Meeker Cab Franc…..not too shabby
April 2, 2008

Ed Salonia
QOTD: I don’t know what I’m waiting for. I have a couple in the rack but haven’t touched them yet…
April 2, 2008

GrapeStuff
QOTD: Wow, dont think I have ever had a 100% cab franc, from france or anywhere else. I really should, even though I still consider myself a wine n00b and my PAL hasn’t exactly reached vegetal speed yet.
April 2, 2008

Nick
you should guzzle down a little hidden valley ranch while you sip some of the cab franc. it would go good with those radishes. lol good show!
April 2, 2008

redfrog
QOTD: Not sure if I have ever had a Cab Frac from france, but I had one from Napa and a few from Long Island. Looking forward to trying one.

Thanks everyone.
April 2, 2008

Kirk (AKA: slave2thevine)
QOTD: I had a Chinon Rose in the fall of 2007. I just haven’t been feeling Cab Franc lately…and I drink for pleasure. I’ve been on a big BIG rose kick lately…rose, and sparkling wines…mmmm
April 2, 2008

Michael Mohammadi
Great show, Gary.

QOTD: My last French Cab Franc: 2005 Manoir de la TÃªte Saumur Bagatelle
review for WBW: http://foodandwineblog.com/?p=371

I paired it with grilled Salmon and Tuna and it was great.

Another pairing to add to your list for Cab Franc + Food!
April 2, 2008

Nick
had a few long island cabernet franc that were just awful. paumonok cabernet franc was like drinking jug wine that had been watered down. yuck!
April 2, 2008

Zinny
Great show – I’ve been waiting for this one since it was first announced. My last French Cab Franc – Joguet Cuvee Cure from Chinon – perhaps 2 months ago now. I didn’t like it but my girlfriend is more into earthy – ahem – poo-smelling wines and liked it alot. I have a 2005 Philippe Alliet Chinon waiting for – maybe this weekend.

Personally I don’t get it but I guess that’s why they make all different kinds of wine!
April 2, 2008

Michael M
Great shout out to the rolling ball Horse racing game at the exhibitions… that definitely ruled.
April 2, 2008

Lurker
Love the recent anthropomorphizing of vino. Haven’t tried anything dominant in Cab Franc. Will definitely get some real soon.
April 2, 2008

Stephen
QOTD…yeeeaaaaahhhhhh boooyyyyyyy
April 2, 2008

Terrance
GV, a man after my heart. Love the CFranc, love it! The last two Francs I had were Bourgueil and Chinon, but I also like Anjou. Where’s the Anjou Gary?
April 2, 2008

Chippewamike
QOTD: Had a Chinon Cab Franc a couple weeks ago when you last did a CF on the show. My wife is a big “old world” fan so I thought I would let her try it to see if her pal was true to her word. IT WAS. She loved it. For me, it took a little getting used to– the longer we left it open the better it got for me. Having a tasting with friends in a couple weeks. I am going to slide this in and see what the consensus is. . . they will not know what hit them. Will be interesting to hear their thoughts and impressions.
April 2, 2008

daverdude
A ROOT BEER SHOW ? “HELL YEA”

Enough of the Wine
( My liver is killing me )

Always liked Old School A % W Root Beer Float’s
Served in a FROSTED Mug at the counter
or roller skated right to your car

Those days are Long Gone ~~~~~~~~
April 2, 2008

Carol B.
Sorry! Forgot to leave the URL for my post: http://pourmore.com/blog/?p=68 Can’t wait to see what everyone has tasted!
April 2, 2008

John Farrin
Gary,refined? Sophisticated? Oh yeah, like that’s going to happen

QOTD: 04 â€“ Domaine de la Noblaie Chinon â€˜Les Chiens-Chienâ€™
April 2, 2008

Syrahhhhhhhhh
I loves me some Cab F baby. People either love or hate it, no middle ground.

No French for me though, so now I have some ’splorin’ to do. Thank you GVNC.

Washington Cab F is really goooooood. Try Lost Mountain or OS.
April 2, 2008

Omallley
QOTD: 2005 Charles Joguet Chinon Cuvee de Terroir a couple months ago. This was the first Loire Valley CF that I had ever had – and it was fantastic.
April 2, 2008

Origin
QOTD: NONE! Adding to the wishlist now!
Fun show – it was awesome to see Mott get involved!
April 2, 2008

Orion
QotD: Just had a bottle of 2005 CuvÃ©e Alouettes Domaine de la Chanteleuserie Bourgueil last night. Quite good, but I should have waited a couple years. It was way too tannic to drink by itself. But I did fall in love with the nose. I will be getting more bottles next time I get to the store.
April 2, 2008

JC
I think you inspired me to go go open one right now. QOTD: Have one to five in the cellar, not sure. I don’t think they’re optimum yet.
April 2, 2008

JF
Loved this ep! Cabernet Franc has always been a favorite of mine!
April 2, 2008

amgryger
QOTD: Might have had one at a tasting somewhere, but haven’t bought a bottle for myself yet. And to answer the second part, why not, I’ve trying other things and my wine budget is only so big.
April 2, 2008

Randy
Gary!!

Here’s the submission from Wine Biz Radio: http://winebizradio.com/articles/winebizradio-20080402-wbw44/

Thanks for hosting WBW, and weâ€™ll be seeing you!
April 2, 2008

BobbyTiger
NNNEEEVVVEEERRR had a Cab Franc. (yet)
After all we are talking about the French. Can I see myself breaking down? You betcha. The Gasnier and the Bourgueil Domaine sounded great, and as soon as I get a raise in salary, I’ll enie-menie-minie-moe a bottle. So much drinking, so little time.
April 2, 2008

JordanW
QOTD: Last cab franc experience was not a french wine, it was Canadian…Inniskillin 2005 Cabernet Franc. The nose smelled EXACTLY like Cool Ranch Doritos.
April 2, 2008

Bill Weye
Okay Gary, long time viewer (over a year), just a long lurker, and you finally asked a question that made me come out of the bushes . . . one of my favorite varietals . . . cab franc.

Oh, THE MEAL! Hell, I’ve even got a photo of part of the meal!! I shared a bottle of cab franc with my ex and had a great meal at Chez Albert, and nice little French restaurant in Amherst, MA.

The photo is of one of our appetizers, sweet breads with potato, mustard sauce and bacon. With the wine, all of these flavors rocked my ass off!

Keep it strong, Gary.
April 2, 2008

Dan Fontaine
Had my first cab franc a few weeks ago at Stonehome Wine Bar in Brooklyn. It was a wine library “weekend assignment” I think, around Valentine’s Day. We dug it…lots.
April 2, 2008

Bobby Wino
Stephen’s idea in the comments of having a show about flaws is a great idea…let’s do it Gary!

QOTD. Never had a French cab franc…I’m waiting for my next paycheck!
April 2, 2008

Tony Vette
QOTD: Very last Cab Franc (this past weekend) was Noblaie Chinon Rouge.
April 2, 2008

Rajiv a
QOTD: The last memorable Cab Franc was the same one I rated for WBW. I brought the ‘96 Taluau to the the Basilico’s party (actually, I think I gave you a glass!). I knew that without decanting, and in the noisy atmosphere, it probably wouldn’t live up to my 97-point epiphany, but still it was very nice, and familiar – sort of like a hazy view of a famous portrait. I’d say 87-88 points, tasted casually. Easily the strongest cab franc on our end of the room that I tasted.

Several times since then I’ve caught a whiff of pyrazine from the dining hall or someone else’s food, and it suddenly took me back to the wine, which tells me that I won’t forget that experience for a while .
April 2, 2008

E
Okay, that kicked several different kinds of ass. As soon as I get my charity wine shindig out of the way, I am totally sending some root beer along. Pity about the Raffault, but I got some anyway.

QOD: 2006 Marc Ollivier La Pepie and 2000 Joguet Clos du Chene Vert Chinon, which were two completely different kinds of wonderful. I don’t have a blog or anything so I can’t really expound, but trust me. Oh, and the 2003 Noblaie we’re popping for the guest winemakers tonight (figured I’d be gentle and give them the ripe one vs. the ‘04, but it really is an incredible pizza wine).
April 2, 2008

brorjace
Joguet Cuvee from Chinon for me too, not too long ago. Fruitier than I thought it would be actually, I was ready for all the funk.

I can definately see you playing the horse game at the fair, yelling at the horses too i bet!
April 2, 2008

Rani Haykal
Great Show!!!

QOTD: Last cab franc from France was actually from Chinon. I had it about 3 weeks ago or so. I don’t remember the actual producer, but it was in the $15-$20 price range and was quite good. I tend to hang out in the more vegetal/earthy aspects of wine and it definitely met any expectations I had for the wine. I actually went out and bought like 3 more bottles of it to try out over the next few years, I’m just too lazy to get up and go see who the producer is.

–RH
April 2, 2008

KVolk
QOTD: none haven’t bought any from WL yet.
April 2, 2008

bh
i had an olga raffault, but not the bottle on today’s show. it was about $14, and it was fantastic. really, truly tasted like jalapeno peppers. if anybody sees it around, check it out.
April 2, 2008

Taylor
Another good show!
QOTD Ive never had a Chinon before, but I dont see a reason not to try it!
April 2, 2008

Matt W
Love the shout out to the Flemington fair (my home town)! Killer show Gary

QOTD: Never had a cab franc, but will definitely have to pick one up.
April 2, 2008

sharon
I haven’t tried Cabernet Francs but will keep my eyes open.
BTW a root beer tasting is a great idea! Try an IBC if you haven’t already.
April 2, 2008

Johnnyutah
Big ups to barnyard and real big ups to copy cats!
April 2, 2008

Len
I never had a Cab-Franc from France…not sure why. Will have to give a try.
Good show GV.
April 2, 2008

BringTheNose
Perhaps I missed it, but I think it’s long overdue for a Spanish wine (i.e. Grenache) show that showcases some of the real ballers, such as Aquilon.

Gary, HOOK IT UP!
April 2, 2008

WBW #44: French Cabernet Franc at StrumErika.com
[...] to Wine Blogging Wednesday #44, hosted by Gary Varynerchuk of WineLibraryTV. Gary selected a wine theme which proved to be more difficult than I had imagined: French Cabernet [...]
April 2, 2008

Strumerika
Hey Gary–

I tasted 2 Chinon and was pleasantly surprised. Here is my WBW contribution:
http://www.strumerika.com/2008/04/02/wbw-44-french-cabernet-franc/
Thanks for hosting!
April 2, 2008

thefanjestic
Good energy – enjoyable episode – I would be curious to try the first 2 wines.

Qotd: Not good – I’m not into the vegetable flavors if they overpower or dominate the wine. I need them to be supporting characters not the main attraction!
April 2, 2008

Brandon Eley
Great show… might want to turn the ringer off next time
April 2, 2008

Tim
Great episode. Thanks for making me snarf the wine I was drinking when you said the last one tasted flat out like poop.

By the way, at 45 seconds you told people to go to the WBW website to see what the other wine bloggers had to say… you do know that as the host, YOU are supposed to do the summary of the other wine blogs? Did you just delegate that chore back to Lenn? LOL
April 2, 2008

Andrew H.
CKC in the house!

QOTD: None so far. Only cab franc blend. I’m waiting to get home from college, where I have a better selection of wines at the local wine shop.

I would order wine from GV but I live in Michigan and am unable to order
April 2, 2008

manonthemoon
Great show as always.

QOTD: None, I am afraid of the veggie monster that lives in the old world style cab francs, but I did love the 2005 Owen Roe Mystia Rosa Cab Franc from Walla Walla I had on vacation in Oregon, it was actually the best wine I had all trip. The wine had it all, awesome nose, great fruit and quite the backbone at the tail end.
April 2, 2008

James Marinello
Big fan of the cab franc. Just did a tasting of WA and CA cab franc last saturday!

qotd – never had a 100% french cab franc…..so I guess the search is on!! Thanks GV!
April 2, 2008

Lenn Thompson
Gary! Thanks for hosting my friend…you know I dig these wines too, so it was particularly cool for me.

As it turns out, I tasted the 2006 vintage of that Gasnier…and loved it.

http://lennthompson.typepad.com/lenndevours/2008/04/wbw-44-french-c.html
April 2, 2008

BobMac
QotD: I don’t think I’ve ever had one of those wines, but I’m so glad to hear you’re doing a show on root beer. My fave: Henry Weinhard’s.
April 2, 2008

Glenn
Thanks for the great response from Wine Library today. Really enjoyed the show. Am slowly weaning from the Austrailian fruit bombs and developing a taste for old world. Am really starting to enjoy bugandies and am excited to try a Chinon Cab Franc as the only Cab Franc I have had was from Cali and not impressive.
April 2, 2008

Blake
QOTD: As a CKC, who’s tight on cash and the local wine store is HORRIBLE. I sadly admit that I have yet to try a Cab Franc.

Great episode, i felt the passion!
April 2, 2008

pete c
QOTD- so far, not a cab franc fan.
April 2, 2008

brent
QOTD: Pierre & Catherine Breton “Franc a Pied” Bourgueil 2005. Awesome! Nose evolved from stinky socks to ripe cherries…
April 2, 2008

tuscanbob
Another excellent show. So what’s the deal with the rotary dial phone ringer you got going on in your office? Sounds like you’ve got a pay phone in there or something. Also, you caught me with a mouth full of grenache when you deadpanned the “this smells exactly like….poop”. Would you stop doing that please?! Have you ever snorted grenache? It’s painful.
April 2, 2008

EvanR
QOTD: I actually had my first cab franc a few weeks ago. It was really good, sadly I can’t remember who it’s from
April 2, 2008

Marcus
What a great show this is! I say that because Cab Franc is also my favourite red wine. And while reading winebloggers gush about it, seeing Gary taste what I have tasted is edifying, entertaining and because of this site’s stature it gives me hope about getting Loire wines the exposure I think they deserve. I hope it also gets Gary more play (though I doubt he needs it) — his style is unique and might seem harsh compared the next one, but then so is Cab Franc. Once you switch you’re likely hooked. Total success!

I’ll be posting what I drank for this event here shortly. (Excited) Thanks Gary.
April 2, 2008

jahlove
QOTD – I love Cab Franc from the Loire, Chinon especially. Here is the last one I had, which definitely “brought the thunder.” From the same producer as Wine #1.

2005 Fabrice Gasnier Chinon CuvÃ©e Fabrice
3/12/2008 rated 91 points: A beautiful Chinon. One of the ripest Cab Francs I’ve ever tasted. Nice concentration of fruit but still with the vegetal elements that are so typical of Cab Franc. Very well balanced with a super dry finish. Great short to mid term cellar potential.
April 2, 2008

Chris in Tulsa
I’m so surprised by reading all the comments of other commenters on WLTV that they haven’t tried a Cab Franc. You have stressed in the past months how good they are and I have had several thanks to you GV! Love them and most are great QPR’s!
QOTD: Reserve Des Vignerons Saumur 2005. ONLY A LITTLE OVER 11 BONES TOO!!!
April 2, 2008

ZJK
Big shout out to me Gary…CKC right here! The rustic color of the Chinon Les Picasses was crazy cool! As for the root beer.. I would have to agree with Sharon 100%! If you haven’t tried IBC it is by far my favorite root beer!
April 2, 2008

Kdawg
QOTD: if we are talking about a wine with significant Cab Franc in it, a 78 Beausejour-Duffau when the chicago crew tore it up at LFF’s place. For a pure Cab Franc, it was a Samur-Champigny and it was solid
April 2, 2008

laposte
QOTD:
After a trip to the Loire Valley in the early ’90’s I have had many Cab Franc, always a delightful wine.
April 2, 2008

Phil G
QOTD – Abby and I were fortunate enough to get to drive through the Loire in 2006 and tried a whole bunch of Chinon… I really like the sour cherry component!
April 2, 2008

Tom (vtjones)
QOTD: I have just started to dip my toe in this style of wine and I have to say I am liking them a lot.
April 2, 2008

Marta Strickland's blog - recentlyconsumed.com - digesting technology and vinology
[...] Vaynerchuk (that is with a K, not a CK) of WineLibraryTV is hosting. His energetic entry is posted here. I had the pleasure of meeting Gary Vaynerchuk at Future of Web Apps in Miami this winter, and was [...]
April 2, 2008

Michael Perricone
Just the other day i was sipping on a bottle of boylan root beer thinking how awesome a show on root beer would be. And then today you mention it. Crazy stuff.

Me being under the legal drinking age i enjoy myself a good root beer.

Ill grab a bottle of boylan and mail it to you. They are readily available but id like to see what you think of it. It doesn’t use corn syrup for the sugar content, but instead they use cane sugar.
April 2, 2008

Sergio
Gary you turned us on to Cab Franc. We love it. We have had several Bourgueil’s and cant wait to try some from Chinon. You changed our wine world. Dont forget the impact you have.
April 2, 2008

NathanN
Last week we had the Noblaie Chinon Rouge â€™04. We only have 2 more left downstairs and they probably wonâ€™t see May. We always pair Chinon with supreme pizza it is awesome!
April 2, 2008

Hamid Z
QOTD: I’m waiting on drinking some for my current stash and getting a steady flow of income so that I can purchase the wines I want. CKC represent.

I totally understood your pick up basketball comment; I play with those guys all the time… one guy we call The Professor because he actually is a professor and plays pick up basketball with students!
April 3, 2008

J Crazy
QOTD: Can’t remember my last from France but had one recently from Heller Organic Estate (organically grown wines, NOT organic wines) and a Weisinger’s of Ashland wine that had a heavy dose of the CF.
April 3, 2008

Marc - Irvine
You’re saying that cab francs are still at reasonable prices because they do not get too much attention… but if you keep having them in your show, bye bye to good QPR cab francs!!

QOTD: I had the Amirault Bourguiel that you tasted in the show few months ago. As you said, loaded with dirty vegetables. It’s one of the rarest wines I have ever tried (I guess I’m still relatively new in the wine world…). It had a very long finish… (by long I mean I could feel it until next morning!!). It was a bit funky, but I look forward to trying more cab francs from Loire valley
April 3, 2008

jonnyA
english peas? really? my dad used to feed me peas and i’d gag cause i hated them so much, then he’d fill me up on applesauce. then do it all over again. no peas for me.
April 3, 2008

Manytrees
Gary Vee–
Speaking of foods…
Silver Falls Creamery goat cheese
This cheese is what heaven is like.
It is ridiculous.
And I think it is from Oregon(Think Origen, with the i pronounced like the i in will, and a hard g, and the emphasis on the first syllable)
April 3, 2008

Paso Robles
I’m so hooked on your show. Keep it up!!!
April 3, 2008

Oklahoma Michael
QOTD- I have Recently had (the weed of bourgueil) Cab Franc as a barrel sample from a highly respected vineyard in Napa, where it is primarly used to fill in the MID palate of the lacking cab/merlot blends. The wine had a hand written label and a huge tannin profile. AHHHHHHHHH no fun!! high-toned Thunder. I am not sure I will ever like it on its own merit. Sorry GaryV ps. I still love the vegetable wines.
April 3, 2008

rick
North Carolina Cab Franc is very tasty. Pick some up today! Nice episode Gare…rrrrrrrrrr..ah!
April 3, 2008

damien
2005 st-nicolas de bourgues les malgagnes from loire valley. it was excellent, lots of veggies. this show was up there as one of my favs of all time, nice stuff gary
April 3, 2008

MattyO
man i wish i wasn’t a CKC! i want to try this stuff sooooo bad!

great show gary and mott! love the passion, love the serious, love the blend of it all. really good!
April 3, 2008

TonyStro
c’mon Gar, you gonna ruin my gig & cause the CF prices to go up.
Luv the 2003 Amirault Bourguiel, only $13 where I get it. Just had Ian hook me up with a couple cases of Irouleguy. I may have some Chien Chien kicking in the cellar, I forget.
April 3, 2008

Yoni Rabkin
Great energy on today’s show.
April 3, 2008

Oregon Jim
Really good words tonite Gary! Thanks for being fresh and impassioned!

I Donâ€™t have a wine blog. I did open an 05 Domaine De La Chanteleuserie from Bourgueil tonight in honor of the Cab Franc fest Gary has created. So, not that I am an expert, but here are my notes :

Color deep garnet, very dark and opulent looking. Did not get a chance to let this bottle breathe, but the nose is of a freshly opened sack of chemical lawn fertilizer. Another sniff and I think itâ€™s Scotts Turfbuilder III. After a while that has gone away a bit and given way to some nice cassis and frozen peas. The dryness is huge! This thing has what seems like massive tannins, however it is a bit hollow in the midpalate. It does have a long finish and is very expressive of a place. No stinkyness, very clean, but intense almost like a hot pepper sauce on the finish. This wine has real character. 90 points.
April 3, 2008

Michael R.
QOTD: I’m waiting to turn 21 this Sunday.
April 3, 2008

Mike
Gary, The g-d of Chinon Joguet. Please include him in the future. Also Canon La Gaffaliere in St. Emilion is largely Cab Franc and is almost a cult wine. Only those truly in the know appreciate it. Spread the word.
April 3, 2008

Chris Phillips
Virgils Bavarian Rootbeer fot the win!

My favorite…
April 3, 2008

Joe G.
How do you know a wine can age 3-5 years or 5-7 years?? What is the determining factor?
April 3, 2008

countnoncount
Terrific episode, Gary â€” love the cab franc.

QOTD: Last weekend, opened the first bottle out of a case of 05 Charles Joguet Chinon La DIoterie that I’m cellaring for the next 5-10. It was crazy good, and I expect will only get better and better.
April 3, 2008

salvatore
Never had Cab Franc.

Stop knocking Pinot Noir !!!! It has more health benefits than any other wine; because it contains high amounts of the antoxidant reservatrol.

You have convinced me to expand my pal….. and continue exploring!
That’s the most important and interesting stuff I’m learning from a little piss ant like you! And I’m turning 65 on the 15th.
April 3, 2008

torquey
QOTD: I’m waiting for space to open up in my wine rack.
April 3, 2008

fred c.
chateau de la grille Chinon 97′..bought in France a few weeks ago….magnificent! Keep going in promoting wines from the Loire valley..This is such a fascinating wine region .Great show, Gary !
April 3, 2008

Adam J
QOTD: I have had (and enjoyed) quite a few Cab Francs from NY state, but guilty of not having any french ones yet. I am a huge veggies fan so I do not know what I am waiting for- I am for sure going to start looing for them.
Freakin awesome show today- I am pumped for a beautiful day!
April 3, 2008

Andrew
Right Gary

Here’s my entry for WBW – http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2008/04/thierry-germain-saumur-champigny-2005.html.

I had a sip on Thierry Germain Saumur Champigny, an interesting wine. For me as a resident of Hong Kong the biggest challenge was finding a bottle of French Cabernet Franc – it was near impossible!

ANdrew
April 3, 2008

Andrew
For some reason that link didn’t work …

try again

http://eatinghk.blogspot.com/2008/04/thierry-germain-saumur-champigny-2005.html

Andrew
April 3, 2008

Tom
I just watched this episode on the way to work this morning — and was amazed as I just had a great cab franc last night — Catherine & Pierre Breton Bourgueil Nuits dâ€™Ivresse, 2004 — that I finished writing about this morning.
http://personalwinebuyer.wordpress.com/2008/04/03/catherine-pierre-breton-bourgueil-nuits-d%e2%80%99ivresse-2004/

Awesome show once again Gary V.
April 3, 2008

Caleb
QOTD: Never bought a cab franc. I will now! Thanks for the nudge GV.

BTW “link it up” is my new favorite saying. It applies in so many situations. Pretty soon, it will be the most popular phrase in the Silicon Valley. With a LOT of GV, we are changing the hip phrase fad world for the next short while, LMAO.
April 3, 2008

Chris
Never had cab franc yet, and will give it a try soon.
April 3, 2008

Cephalopunk
Man, I love Cab Franc – it’s amazing how many places in NYC have started pouring Bourgeil and Chinon by the glass. I guess they’re ahead of the pack for the US, but Loire reds have long been the meat and potatoes of many Parisian bars. I can’t remember my last one, but this stuff is my go-to red these days – the Amirault Bourgeil killed it, and I’ve had the ‘90 Raffault “Les Picasses”, as well as the ‘89. The bottle of the 1990 I drank showed quite a bit of pencil shavings and a little muted wild strawberry in with the manure.
April 3, 2008

mcj
QOTD: An invitation?
April 3, 2008

Lurker Guilt
Long time, first time. Never left a comment, so I thought I’d bring the thunder with a little haiku. That’s right, a code 5-7-5 up in your grill piece:

emerging lurker
delightfully good cab franc
expanding palette

Keep up the good work Gary, and keep calling out us lurkers…It works!
April 3, 2008

Colin
GV – great show. QOTD – The last major Loire/Cab Franc moment was the inaugural session of my wine club: (http://prentissstreet.blogspot.com/2006/12/loire-wines-session-date-december-2nd.html). I still consider it the best session – very few were familiar with Loire and many were surprised by the quality and price happening.
April 3, 2008

JeffC
Pen Ink?? Have you really tasted pen ink? QOTD: I have had a couple Chinon’s this past year and will continue to seek them out. Thanks for another great show.
April 3, 2008

Harry
My last Cab Franc moment was with the Gasnier Chinon, and I wasn’t so into it. It wasn’t so vegetal to us as it was a hollow sour cherry disappointment. It was a couple months ago, so my recollection is fuzz. Intense black fruits on the start with some funky rotten veggies on the bone dry finish. Then again, I’ve been growing to like veggies more and more in some Bordeaux’s I’m drinking, so maybe I’d feel differently now, but I think I have some other things to drink first.
April 3, 2008

Shawn
I don’t know what it is, but Cab Franc is just not popular in Denmark. I don’t think that I’ve actually ever seen it in a supermarket. I’ve actually only ever tasted it in blends, like Chateauneuf de Pape. But I must mention how stoked I am that you liked the Mitolo the other day. You’re aren’t what I would call an Australian wine fan, but Mitolo kicks ass. You should try some of their good shit. G.A.M. is good, but it’s not the flag ship.
April 3, 2008

wayno da wino
Grrreaaaaat Episode, Gee!!!! Mooochoo Thanx!!!!

QOTD: Might of had a French Cab Franc looooooog time ago, not sure.
Kinda got into a “zinfandel/pinot noir/syrah/chardonnay/gewurtztraminer/
sauv blanc/viognier rut”…………. Gonna have to seek some of those
French CB’s out…… Thanx for another interestin’ Episode!!!
April 3, 2008

Victor Caballero
Gary – You are a wine and marketing rockstar!
April 3, 2008

Donna Marie
QOTD: The last one I had was the Olek-Mery, wasn’t totally thrilled with a lot of the flavor characteristics. I went back to it later in the day and felt the same way. I do appreciate vegetal, earthy, meat juice qualities–just not in this particular wine. It was “meh” for me—even though cab franc is one of my favorite varietals.
April 3, 2008

Raphael S
Gary,

I noticed that when you were trying to compare the color with the Chinons, that it doesn’t easily come across on video. However, I can see it while you swirl the wine. Try swirling the wine in front of a light background. That way the color difference will be more obvious to your viewers.

Watching and lovin’ the show since episode 112!
April 3, 2008

Jay
Poop is such a great descriptor. Everybody gets it.
April 3, 2008

Faramarz
Hey Gary! Great videos!! i just discovered the site and i’m starting fresh from the very beginning.

one thing i would ask of you, when and if possible is to mention the complimentary food or snack that would go with the presented wine. i think it’ll add a great element to an already informative show.

all the best from toronto

cheers
April 3, 2008

JerseyGirl turned CNY vayniac
QOTD: really not sure. i’m sure it’s in my notes at home though

Great show today Gary!
April 3, 2008

Kristen
nice episode GV. You had me laughing in the airport!

QOTD: I’ve had a few, still need to get used to the earthy smells, but it goes very well with food!
April 3, 2008

Jordan M.
The Young Winos of LA

Check out our Cab Franc review http://www.youngwinosofla.com
April 3, 2008

DerekH
QOTD By pure chance popped the cork on a St Nicolas de Bourgueil Les Rouilleres 2005 by Frederic Mabilleau before opening this episode. It’s bringing the thunder!
April 3, 2008

DaveyDonut
I LOVE root beer, and yes, Virgil’s root beer totally rules. One of my favorites!

QOTD: 2005 Damien Laureau Anjou Clos FrÃ©mur (which I guess is only 50% Cab Franc, but from the Loire:

2/13/2008 rated 83 points: Three hours open. Nose shows crushed red peppers, fresh bell peppers, model airplane glue, bubble gum, and some rosemary. Much more interesting than first opened; quite nice now, really. Light to medium bodied in the mouth showing cabbage on the palate, finishing with lots of fresh yellow bell peppers, brussels sprout, green beans, and actually quite a lot of metallic notes (like grinding nails down with your dremmel). Finish is actually quite short (under 10 seconds), and lacking complexity. This is a well made wine, and would do a lot better with food, but really just not my style right now (my mom should have made me eat more vegetables). Despite Spectator’s window, I think this will probably hold for a couple more years, and it will likely be that before I drink the last bottle.

David
April 3, 2008

Chris
I love Cab Franc, and was just going to go pick one up after work tonight. Perfect timing Gary!
April 3, 2008

The Corkdork
Here’s a link to my WBW entry, Gary. Thanks for hosting!
http://corkdork.typepad.com/corkdork/2008/04/wine-blogging-w.html
April 3, 2008

Sam Paes
nÃ£o estou com vontade de deixar um comentÃ¡rio hoje…
mas uma curiosidade, o Brasil jÃ¡ teve a CF como a uva mais plantada, hoje ela Ã© plantada apenas para integrar o corte dos vinhos mais finos (Ãcones) das vinÃcolas.
April 3, 2008

David McDuff
Well blow me down. Here I thought few if any other people would feature one of the wines from Gasnier. Yet here one is, right in Gary’s lineup.

In any event, here’s my post:

http://mcduffwine.blogspot.com/2008/04/wbw-44-french-cabernet-franc.html

It features the 2003 Chinon “Cuvee Fabrice” from Gasnier and the 2005 Chinon “Beaumont” from Catherine & Pierre Breton.

cheers,
McDuff
April 3, 2008

DAVe A
Good show. I’ll try a Cab Franc – agree it normally has a manure smell… or is that taste? hmm.
April 3, 2008

Sev
I don’t know too much about cabernet franc, but your Bourgueil tasting a few weeks back inspired me to do a Cab franc tasting. So far I have;
Pellegrini Vineyards Cab Franc (Long Island), Dr. Konstantin Cab Franc (Upstate NY), Rosenblum Cellars Cab Franc (Napa), Langlois Chinon and a Bourgueil which I forget the name of. Very excited…anyone have any other regions that need to be represented please send me an email.
April 3, 2008

DeltaS
I really don’t care for alcoholic drinks, not even if it’s a wine rated 97 by Gary. But I heard the mention of a root beer episode!! Please, please, please, Gary (or Mott), when you do a show that features local brand root beer, link up all the producers and retailers (preferrably with online stores) that carry them! Better yet, make a new domain “rootbeer.winelibrary.com”!
April 3, 2008

Michael DeFino
I just had a Bourgueil 2 weeks ago at our wine group and loved it. Love the flavor profile. One of my favorite wines in the last year. Keep em coming Gary.

Michael
April 3, 2008

Louisiana George
QOTD: 2004 Le Noblaie Chinon Chiens Chiens, from you, after you turned me on to the 2003, which my wife and I love – thanks, Gary V
April 3, 2008

Andy & Edie
Never had a pure cab franc and we’ve tried a lot of different wines so there is really no excuse. Other than wanting to avoid tasting something that smells like poop of course! Thanks for another great episode Gary!
April 3, 2008

Sassodoro
QOTD. Working my way through the cases of 2003 Bourdin Saumur-Champigny that I bought for a family reunion at the beach. I thought the family would really go for it, but not so much. Since I bought it, it has really gone green pepper reduction sauce. I like my wine to smell/taste like dirty socks, tar, poop, various veggies, but I can’t seem to get into the green peppers. I have a lot of old Bordeaux that has also turned green pepper. What’s a non-green-pepper-fan to do?
April 3, 2008

Ben F
Great Show buddy… Got to get into more Cab Franc…
QOTD my last was a blend Beragerac Haut Bernasse… Very good very dry…
April 3, 2008

Thanks to our Vets!
I remember the Flemington Fair!!! Only, I was at the racetrack watching the races!
April 3, 2008

ben
Hi Gary,
here is our entry, I’m sure that some have been talked about already, and we are a day late – still- great theme, fun stuff
Thanks,

Ben
http://www.67wine.com/main.asp?request=Blog
April 3, 2008

Brandon B
QOTD: I had a Chinon at Ubuntu restaurant in Napa. It went amazingly well with the veggie courses. I am lucky enough to live near Napa, but all the Vayniacs coming out here have to try Ubuntu for dinner. You have never experienced vegetarian food that is so fresh and makes you forget about meat.
April 3, 2008

Kevin
2001 Philippe Alliet Chinon Vielles Vignes. Defined it as ‘rotting vegetable’, as it had celery salt, compost heap, diaper, anise, manure, and scrambled eggs on the nose. Floral and dry, with some rosy-watermelon.

I’m on the hunt for some solid Loire. Love the stuff.
April 4, 2008

Denise and Lenny
We posted in time but I do not see us listed …. ahh! We wanted to share our wine with you, too!

Here is the original posting ..

We just posted our WBW 44. It is on our old site â€¦.http://chezdeniseetlaudalino.blogspot.com/ and our new site â€¦. http://www.chezus.com – we are going live with our new site tomorrow, April 2nd.!

Great event, Gary, Thanks!
April 4, 2008

Scott Breffle
I had a wine from the Saumur region when out to dinner a few weeks ago at Tinderbox in SF. It was great!
April 4, 2008

italianwinelover
LOVE LOVE the Cab Franc and now that you pointed a less expensive one out I can budget that!!! Never can get enough…last experience was with my 6 girlfriends splitting the bottle with alot of laughter!!

Have a good one!
April 4, 2008

mjr
gary
u kick it on video, daddyo
good on ya
keep it coming bro
mjr
April 4, 2008

Wednesday
One from Cahors. Nice structure and pickle notes. More than I expected for $10.
April 4, 2008

M
QOTD: The 2005 Domaine Gasnier Chinon Vieilles Vignes sells for $16.50 nearby. I’m going to get it soon. I’ve had other Cabernet Francs but I can’t remember when, at least 2 years ago.
April 4, 2008

Joshua E.
I’ve had a Chinon before and loved it, probably a Bourgueil too, but can’t remember when or which one. All in all, Cab Franc = A o.k.
April 4, 2008

Kathleen Lisson
WBW post from my blog!

I picked up a piece of St Maure Chaput from the Honest Weight Co-op in Albany, NY last week.

This is a cheese from Quebec made from raw goat’s milk and coated with vegetable ashes. I found this cheese mild and tangy. My coworkers found the cheese’s smell more intense than I did.

To serve the cheese, I sliced it widthwise and separated out the ashes with a knife. I served a slice on a cracker and drizzled it with a little honey. Served plain, this cheese could pair well with a light, refreshing Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc wine.

Last night I purchased, on the good advice of my blogging friend Alex, a wedge of Taleggio Caravaggio, a washed rind cow’s milk cheese from Italy.

I paired it with the rest of my dinner and a glass of 2005 Fabrice Gasnier Chinon (the first wine Gary tried), a Cabernet Franc based wine from the Loire Valley in France. The cheese is gooey and thick, and brought out the tanginess on the Cab Franc.

I also paired the Cab Franc with rice flavored with white truffle butter, steamed broccoli and sesame oil and sauteed oyster and shitake mushrooms with a dash of pepper.

The vegetal tasting broccoli with the toasty sesame oil topping and the Cabernet Franc were a great match.

The mushroomy taste of the shitake mushrooms also matched well with the Cabernet Franc.

The Cabernet Franc caught the earthy undertone of the Truffles, but the overall delicate flavor of the truffle butter was overpowered by the wine’s stronger flavors.

In this Youtube video, Scott from Fox Run Vineyards in Penn Yann, NY shares food pairing tips for his winery’s Cabernet Franc.

He says that steak, pizza and burgers are perfect matches for this red wine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAT4_2ovnnQ

On Twitter – Kathleenlisson

Kathleen Lisson
April 4, 2008

normanzo
Last Cabernet Franc: in Paris! It was a Chinon recommended by a guy at the wine shop at Galleries Lafayette. I got this wine for a dinner with my Parisian friends that evening. However, myself and one of my friends were down with colds, so we weren’t in good shape for tasting –nevertheless, we finished off the Chinon AND a bottle of Cotes de Castillon that they had bottled-up from the barrel when visiting family in Bordeaux this year.

The next day I met you –Gary Vaynerchuk– in Charles de Gaulle, as we were on same flight back to NYC. Nice meeting you, man!
April 4, 2008

chenrys
Didn’t get to watch this until Friday…but great show.
We’ve had Cab Franc from California and Georgia.
April 4, 2008

John Skupny
GV = incredible energy you created with your theme, thanks for being a franc-fan!

In honor of the challenge, and with the boyz at home, I opened the 2005 Bernard Baudry ‘Les Grezeaux’ Chinon. The persistent beam of pure Cabernet Franc fruit just kept me jumping up and down [ala GV] and shouting, this is it, this is it, don’t forget this!… pretty tightly wound and wanting at least a few more years, we had to open a second bottle in hopes of leaving a glass or two to test the next day. No luck – decanter was empty before lights out.
let them drink franc!
April 5, 2008

Greybeard
Here’s the R.O.T. links for WBW 44, http://reignofterroir.com/2008/04/01/cabernet-franc-wine-blogging-wednesday-44/ for Ken & mine’s efforts, and http://reignofterroir.com/2008/04/02/how-professionals-taste-wine/ for Donna’s excellent tasting interview.
April 5, 2008

Karl Laczko
Nice show Gary, even with the manure! Good choice for WBW 44.

QOTD – see my WBW 44 post on Reign of Terroir! Here’s the summary of the Reign of Terroir contributions, for some reason it’s not showing my “Greybeard” post linking these in….
http://reignofterroir.com/2008/04/01/cabernet-franc-wine-blogging-wednesday-44/
http://reignofterroir.com/2008/04/02/how-professionals-taste-wine/
April 5, 2008

Dan-o
I am a big fan of Cab Franc and therefore this show hit home.
I do not know the producers in Chinon that well, but I always have 3-6 bottles of Chinon or Saumur in my cellar.

I sent you a note a while back about a Cab Franc from CA that was really good – like drinking a glass of vegetables – I think it was called Glaeser.
April 6, 2008

pawncop
At last I can respond in positive fashion. Wrote you back in February regarding a Couly-Dutheil Chinon 2005 I found after another earlier episode and loved it. Pairs well with hot Italian sausage grilled with peppers, onion and garlic.

Bought another bottle shortly after that and will try it a little later.

Good episode as always.
April 6, 2008

Harley Stan
WOW, great epsiode, lots of energy.
QOTD- I don’t remember the last Cab Franc but I am sure I have had one, I guess it means I need to have another one.
April 6, 2008

DJB
Haven’t had Cab Franc from France. I am waiting for the money to start rolling in! I have had an Australian Cab Franc from Wine settlement company that I loved, and I recently had a Cougar Crest Cab Franc that I enjoyed as well.
April 6, 2008

AVP
QOTD: Chinon La Baronnie Madeleine by Couly-Dutheil 2001. Quite funkee.
April 6, 2008

Tyler
Here ya go Gary

Thanks for hosting

Wine Blogging Wednesday #44 French Cabernet Franc
April 6, 2008

Derek
Great show gary, I love Cab franc.
April 6, 2008

agentorange
Gary,

Just catching up now.

“it’s nice to like everything”

particularly

“youthful juberance”

We love you man.
April 7, 2008

Allison
Gary – love Cab Franc??? How about doing a nod to your Seattle trip?

Take your fav Cab Franc and put it up against Walla Walla Vintner’s 2005 Cab Franc. Would be interested in hearing your thoughts.
April 8, 2008

john witherspoon (J DUB)
loving cab franc
here is my post – better late than never!

http://anythingwine.wordpress.com/2008/04/08/wine-blogging-wednesday-44-french-cabernet-franc/

J DUB
April 8, 2008

Kevin C
Its not hard to find good cabernet franc from the Loire here in Brussels, but I was recently blown away on a trip to Saumur last summer. It was an unexpected wine paradise with fantastic reds on top of stunning whites and roses. Add in super nice unpretentious winemakers for a rare combination. I do find the emphasis on vegetables and rotting carcasses a bit strange as I tasted not a single wine like this. Plenty of dry, woody, and tannic wines, but also some great pure fruit. Incredible values too. Domaine Filliatreau was a favorite visit. Their Chateau Fouquet at â‚¬15.00 is a steal.
April 9, 2008

charlie berg
that was a fascinating episode. I’d love to try some loire cab franc…
April 9, 2008

Collin
QOTD – A wise man once said, “The harder I work, the luckier I am.” I think that may at least partially answer your question.
April 10, 2008

wannaBconnoisseur
Interesting, not had many of these wines.

Q-Not sure what i am waiting for??
April 11, 2008

SJR
have not yet tried a bottle from France… got a bottle of 2004 Inniskillin Cab Franc last Christmas that I really enjoyed (made from Canadian and imported grapes) Just picked up a bottle of their 2005 vintage that I will be opening tomorrow – hope it is just as good or better.

Gary – I think your taste in wine is similar to my own in that I prefer the vegetal flavours over the fruity flavours any day. Some of your descriptions of manure smell reminded me of my first experience with Marachal Foche, wonder if you have reviewed any of that style…?
April 16, 2008

E-Dub
Last Cab Franc experience was Chinon Pere du Leonce – Opened the bottle and the room was filled with the smell… and I mean filled with the smell of ROASTED PEANUTS! Outrageously interesting. Blew off after 24 hours and wasn’t nearly as interesting on the second day.

Would try it again if I see another value.

E-Dub
April 18, 2008

The Wine Nazi
I absolutely adore cabernet FRANCS; which may come as somewhat of a surprise because I absolutely hate cabernet SAUVIGONS. Just can’t stand them. Yup, I know, it is a personal thing. Gary said that Bordeaux lovers can appreciate cabernet francs. That is so true, because there is an obvious similarity. But the amazing thing is that even Bordeaux haters such as me can LOVE cabernet francs. Perhaps the main reason is that because of the latitude, the Loire valley wines bring a lot more acidity to the game: these wines quench my thirst, whereas the typical Bordeaux red makes me want to drink A LOT OF beer to quench my thirst.

Anyway, feel free to disagree!

Bring on the Bourgeuil! (The one Gary had was quite expensive, there should be a lot of simpler ones that cost a fraction of the price – in France/Europe they typically cost $6-$8)
April 19, 2008

Ryan
Gary,

Question for you. Have you ever tasted manure?
April 19, 2008

Anne
We (husband & I) discovered you this spring and asa result have spent the last few months seeking wines we’ve never had…including Cab Franc, which turns out to be the epitomy of what I love in wine…earthy and mineral. We’re pretty new to the wine world (hey, some newbies DO like old world wines!) and big fans! Now I gotta get on line and get your book…
April 24, 2008

Michael H
QOTD: Last Chinon I had was at a local restaurant. A little too one-sided with the vegetables. A big time roasted bell pepper nose with a tomato juice flavor profile…
April 27, 2008

Tommy Vernieri
I had the 2003 Lucas & Lewellen Cabernet Franc Santa Barbara County a couple months ago (got it from wine.woot). It was decent.

Had some rotten vegetable aromas initially that blew off quickly. Lots of berries on the palate. The alcohol is somewhat contained but you know it’s there.
November 2, 2008

Ray Barnes
I have seen this review twice and it is one of my favourites, partially because it is devoted entirely to the (IMHO) great Cabernet Franc, but also because it encapsulates the strengths and distinction of Gary’s very personal approach to wine evaluation. I almost fell off my chair laughing when he decided to classify the manure bouquet in the last wine from the 1960s in PA – guess each state and decade supposedly has vintage manures.

With respect to the Domaine de la Butte Mi-Pente (pron. roughly me-punt not pen-tay) or Mid-slope, this came from a 5 hectare parcel of average age of 50 year-old vines on superior Turonian calcareous soil, covered with quartz, mica and a little clay. In typical Burgundian fashion, it is vinified and bottled separately from the releases emanating from the top (haut) and bottom/foot (pied) of the slope. I find this has something in common with Domaine Weinbach’s handling of the different sections of the GC Schlossberg. All harvesting is manual and the yield is 25 hectolitres/ha. It is matured in 1/3 new oak barrels, 1/3 in barrels of one year and the rest in barrels of 2/3 two years, and was bottled, without fining or filtration, in 2007. It has cellaring potential of 20 years but should be hitting its peak in 8 to 10 years. This information was kindly provided by email from the winemaker M Blot – who was regarded in the 2008 Wine Report as the top wine maker in the Loire.

This is a true vin de garde, especially the 2005, and if you like cabernet franc, it is worth seeking out. I feel it deserves as much respect as most of the fine 2005 Bordeauxs, but costs quite a bit less.
December 23, 2008

Daniel P
Hi,

Last year, I was on a business trip in France (Tours region, just beside Bourgueil vinayards) and I brought back from France a Vouvray and one of theses Bourgueil bottles: Domaine de la butte, Mi-Pente, 2004 (instead of the 2005 rated on this blog). I drank with friends that Bourgueuil bottle 2 weeks ago and the taste was simply:

IN CRE DI BLE!!!!!!!

Perfect match with red meats with vegetables! Dry, sophisticated and a burst of flavors and far different from these fruity wines.

Moreover, I think that wine has an incredible maturing potential.

However, local people in Tours advised me that the “St-Nicolas-de-Bourgueuil” (AOC just beside Bourgueuil, but different) is even better. Ummm, I think that I will try it when I’ll have a chance.

Unfortunately, it seems that Loire Valley’s wines are under rated by most of wine “specialists”. Perhaps only related to the fact that Bordeaux appelations have far more budget to promote their wines than smaller producers you may found in Loire Valley.
January 10, 2009

Dessert Wine Nerd
A root beer show!? Cant wait! Ive had that root beer and it ROCKS! Along with the Henry Weinhards its my favorite. Canned rootbeer? Dont bring that fake trash in here!!! Its all about the bottles and the pure ingredients, baby! QOTD: You keep asking what Im waiting for and I keep having to answer “For you to tell me to drink it.” Baaaaaaaa
January 12, 2009

CBone
I may have commented on this when I first watched it, but I want to do so again if I have already. I love Chinon wines, and have been introducing them to friends and family whenever I can. They have been a bigger hit with the latter than the former. I can’t really get enough of them. I have also tried a few Cabernet Francs from Virginia, which have been decent to good, but seem fruitier to me then the Chinons. I love the vegetable flavors, the more bell pepper the happier I am. I honestly never would have tried them were it not for these shows. So…thanks for that.
March 20, 2009

ben from boston
I’m watching this episode for the second time, unwittingly at first, and I’ve never commented on a non current episode, but I must say, this may be the best, most classic “Gary” episode that I’ve seen, and by that I mean this is the episode I would link someone to who hasn’t seen the show. If your not down with this episode your not down with the thunder show.
April 24, 2009

Siyoung
Hey Gary! GREAT SHOW! You’re the man when it comes to wine!
November 20, 2009

Ben118
How come Mott doesn’t always link it up?