Chinon ‘Expression’ Cabernet Franc ■

The nose bursts with classic notes of fresh raspberries, accented by grilled herbs, rose petals, dried tea, and wet stones. The palate delivers bright red fruit, bacon, iron ore, fresh tobacco, and roasted mushrooms, all built on silky tannins and electrified with beautiful acidity.

Chinon is beloved within the wine industry, but it remains a bit off the radar of the wine mainstream. By far the richest of the Loire’s regal reds, great Chinons like this 2023 Expression bring a succulence and depth of flavor that is often reminiscent of Right Bank Bordeaux—and they bring it for a relative bargain. ֍