Domaine Jaulin-Plaisantin, Les Hauts & Les Bas Chinon 2014, Loire, France

Tasting Note: A Chinon with flavor concentration, a powerful mix of red-and-black fruit and fully absent of any of the pervasive vegetable notes that often characterize Loire cabernet franc.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic nose of black-plum compote, red cherry, raspberry puree and blossom with streaks of red currant essence.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied Chinon presents concentrated red-and-black fruit, with mid-palate complexity supported by medium acidity and ripe, slightly-grippy, medium-plus tannin.

The wine has a chalky, medium-plus finish and demonstrates balance between its fruit and tannin profile.

A Chinon to repeat, especially in mixed company where you want to have a wine that is assertive and memorable without being overpowering and offensive.