Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishlong
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2019: best 2027 to 2044.
vintage8 yrs25 yrs27 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2020201894/100
Vinous reviewed 2022201993/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: blackcurrant, crushed limestone, violet, fresh tobacco

Palate: cassis, chalk, fine tannin, long mineral grip

Walled single-vineyard from tuffeau-limestone soils. Thierry Germain's flagship cuvee blends old oak and amphora ageing for a perfumed, mineral Cabernet Franc with serious cellar potential.

What it pairs with

  • Roast wild boar with juniper
    Game and the wine's tobacco-and-violet register align directly.
  • Beef cote de boeuf grilled over vines
    Charred beef and the wine's chalky tannin grip are mutually flattering.
  • Mature Comte 30 months
    Crystalline nutty cheese sharpens the wine's mineral length.
  • Truffled poularde
    Truffle and the wine's iron-and-chalk register align elegantly.

History

Clos de l'Echelier is Thierry Germain's walled single-vineyard cuvee from old-vine Cabernet Franc on tuffeau. The wine blends old oak and amphora ageing under Demeter biodynamic farming.

  1. 2000: First vintage of Clos de l'Echelier

Facts

Producer
Domaine des Roches Neuves · visiting guide
Grapes
Cabernet Franc (100%)
Classification
Saumur-Champigny AOC
Oak
16 to 20 months in oak demi-muids and amphora, around 15 percent new
ABV
13.0%
Price
EUR 50 to 90 at retail
Drinking window
8 to 25 from vintage
First vintage
2000
Biodynamic
Demeter Certified
Organic
DEMETER
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Clos de l'Echelier

What does Clos de l'Echelier taste like?

Blackcurrant, crushed limestone, violet and fresh tobacco on the nose; cassis, chalk, fine tannin and a long mineral grip on the palate. Full-bodied with firm tannins and high acidity.

When should I drink Clos de l'Echelier?

Drink between 8 and 25 years from vintage. Decant 60 to 90 minutes for young vintages.

What food pairs with Clos de l'Echelier?

Roast wild boar with juniper, beef cote de boeuf grilled over vines, mature Comte 30 months, and truffled poularde are all canonical matches.

How long is Clos de l'Echelier aged?

16 to 20 months in oak demi-muids and amphora with around 15 percent new oak, then bottle-aged before release.

Tags

biodynamic biodynamic certified cabernet franc cellar worthy dry firm tannin full body high acid iconic mood contemplative mood elegant occasion cellar occasion special old world organic pairs with aged cheese pairs with game pairs with red meat pairs with truffles price premium single vineyard still red vegan

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