2006 Domaine de Pallus Chinon 

BY REBECCA GIBB MW | JULY 12, 2021

Bertrand Sourdais was born and raised in Chinon but spent many years studying and working in Bordeaux and Spain before returning to the family domaine in 2005, making this vintage just his second in charge. Sourdais admits he returned with little knowledge of the vagaries of Cabernet Franc, although you wouldn’t guess that from tasting the 2006. Sourdais brought an outsider's approach to winemaking, originally producing first and second wines (Pallus and Pensées de Pallus) based on a Bordeaux-like model, although he now bottles his single vineyards separately. Those vineyards are La Rougerie which is, unusually for Chinon, pure clay that gives wines of substance and rounded structure, and La Croix Boisée, which is a mix of sand and clay on top of limestone. These two parcels as well as a vineyard he has since sold are the components of the 2006 Chinon. 

Right Bank Bordeaux lovers will find much to love in the 2006 Domaine de Pallus Chinon Cabernet Franc. At 15 years young, it is certainly maturing, adding additional mushroom and tea leaf-like layers to its sweet, red fruited profile, clear violet streak, and hint of graphite. Round and ripe yet light bodied, those chalky tannins are fine and resolved today. The finish is fragrant and long with a stream of acidity running through the wine. The 2006 is delightful to drink now but it also has the componentry to mature for at least a few more years. 93/Drink 2021-2026.