Domaine Filliatreau, Chateau Fouquet Saumur Rouge 2015, Loire, France

Tasting Note: The Loire’s Saumur region is where cabernet franc and cabernet-franc-dominated blends rule supreme; so, if you’re a cab franc lover learn to read this code so you can decode and take advantage of beautiful, under-the-radar reds from this region including from this producer.

Medium-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic nose of black plum, pencil shavings, black tea and raspberry with hints of cedar.

The dry, medium-bodied cabernet franc is supple and smooth in texture with understated red and black fruit and herbal flavors on the nose continuing to the palate as flavors.

There is midpalate complexity and balance between the fruit and medium-plus acidity that lifts the wine.

A classic cabernet franc blend worthy of a shopping-list repeat.