2005 Frédéric Mabileau, St. Nicolas de Bourgueil Les Rouillères:
100% cabernet franc; a wine that reflects its place as well as any with an herbaceous streak cutting through full black fruit aromas and dark earth scents; the same in the mouth with a worsted texture, good depth, lots of flesh, some complexity and grainy but sweet tannin; long, grainy finish. Some may find this too “green” but I do not as I think it strikes a nice balance between racy and rich. 13% alcohol, imported by Jon-David Headrick and about $13; I’d buy it again.
Best, Jim