2016 Saumur Champigny Le Bourg
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Le Bourg is a typically fragrant, heady and savory expression with smoky bacon characters meeting the red fruit. The clay portion of the clay-limestone soils in the vineyard tends to give a roundness to Le Bourg. There's also an innate sense of power within its mellow frame. There's a generosity here but it never becomes opulent nor heavy - this is Saumur-Champigny, after all, and it specialises in lightness. The tannins provide a relaxed, powdery veil for the mouth which suggests you could approach it now but if you're not on death's door and can wait, this has the componentry to go the long haul.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Time has jemmied open the aromatics of the 2016 Saumur Champigny Le Bourg, revealing enticing black fruit and subtle marine scents commingling with potpourri. The palate is structured with ample grip, quite sapid so that you are drawn back for another sip at once, all whilst accepting that you are drinking this wine three or four years before its prime.
This wine displays beautifully integrated oak with enticing hints of vanilla, smoke and noble spices, alongside minty and floral scents including peony and violet. The palate has a fleshy yet focused mouthfeel with a compact but polished tannic framework and an elegant finish. Patience will be required, however, as the wine’s evolution will be very slow.
This is a fine wine, but an obvious difference compared to 2015. Aromas of coffee, cigar smoke, menthol, and even leather. On the palate, there’s explosive purple fruit, edgy tannins, and lots of licorice and spice. The oak is significant here.
About the producer
Clos Rougeard is one of the Loire Valley’s most famous producers. Based in Saumur-Champigny, it produces fine Cabernet Franc in tiny volumes – wines that are almost impossible to source.