91+ 2004 La Noblaie Chinon Les Chiens-Chiens 2/10/13 ($14)
13.5% alc
Color: Deep black raspberry garnet. Very slight browning at rim, no clearing. (3.5) Bouquet: Funky clay, radish and roasted peppers. Rich. (3.5) Body: Solid middleweight plus with excellent fruit, acidity and smooth tannins underneath. Rich mouthfeel that coats. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with lively minerality, but not quite as rich. (3.0) Finish: Excellent length with flavors lingering for 30+ seconds. (3.0)
Overall: A serious Chinon with an outstanding terroir driven bouquet of gray clay, radish and roasted peppers. Has a rich liveliness due to its combination of excellent minerality and smooth tannins supporting plenty of bitter cherry and black raspberry fruit. A very fine, fully mature red Loire. May be at its best right now, but should continue to drink well over the next few years. (16.0)
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