Domaine des Hauts de Sanziers, Saumur 2016, Loire, France

Tasting Note: A Saumur cabernet franc that fits the Loire mold with ripe fruit yet with cooler-weather undertones that keep it honest to its terroir.

Deep-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of black plum, graphite, pencil shavings, forest floor, raspberry, hay, dried cherry, mushroom and blossom.

On the palate the dry, medium-bodied cabernet franc has medium-plus-intensity flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and medium tannin completing with a medium-plus, hay-infused finish.

There are hints of chalkiness in the midpalate that complement the aromatics.

Delicious cab franc.