2018 Plouzeau - Chinon Cornuelles (750ml)

Château de la Bonnelière traces its modern history to 1976, when Pierre Plouzeau purchased the family property, restored its castle, and replanted vineyards that had long since disappeared. His son Marc took over in 1999, converting the estate entirely to organic farming and refining the cellar work that has made the domaine a standout on Chinon's left bank. Today the twenty-hectare property spans three distinct soil types, each yielding a markedly different expression of Cabernet Franc.

Les Cornuelles comes from a prized parcel in Cravant-lès-Coteaux known for its high clay content and vines averaging around fifty years old, rooted in the tuffeau limestone locally called tuf. This combination of old vines and clay-rich soil gives the wine notable power and structure. The wine is aged in older barrels that allow the fruit to develop complexity without heavy oak influence, a hallmark of the Plouzeau approach to Cabernet Franc.

The 2018 shows a deep purple-ruby color, with aromas of dark plum, black cherry, and forest loam layered over spicy black raspberry fruit. The palate is full and lush, with moderate, well-integrated tannins and lifted acidity carrying through a long finish. Pair it with duck confit, grilled venison, or aged gouda.