Francisque Lapandéry, Côte Roannaise “Vieilles Vignes” Reserve 2017, Loire, France

Tasting Note: A favorite Loire gamay of mine even though it is more restrained in character than the 2016 vintage.

Medium-intensity ruby in color with some garnet around the edges, this wine has a medium-intensity nose of black plum, raisin, raspberry, red cherry and strawberry.

On the palate the dry, medium-bodied wine has tart, medium-intensity, red-and-black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium-plus acidity and slightly-grippy, medium tannin.

The wine is balanced with some bright fruit running throughout the length of the taste along with hints of crushed velvet petal and notes of that raspy, wild quality one often experiences in Northern-Rhone syrah.