2017 Saumur Rouge Les Arboises, Domaine Guiberteau

The 2017 Saumur Brézé Les Arboises, from the south-facing monopole that was planted on sand and silt topsoil over limestone bedrock in 1957, opens deep, intense and toasty on the concentrated and refreshing mineral, smoky and bloody nose that needs a lot of time to integrate its fruity aromas. Fermented in concrete and aged in barrels (80% new, 20% one year old) for 18 months, this is a full-bodied, silky, fresh and unadorned Cabernet Franc from 60-year-old vines. The finish is dry and clear but not extraordinarily complex or long. Honestly, I find this style too oaky, and on the finish, I miss a certain intensity, complexity and length, but I admit I don’t have experience with older vintages. Tasted in May 2021. - 92 Points - Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate.