2020 Chinon Coteau de Noire
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Tasting notes
Aromas of dark wild berries, cherries, licorice, cedar and pencil lead, a hallmark of this site, introduce the 2020 Chinon Coteau de Noiré, a medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless wine, with a multidimensional, textural core of fruit and a layered and perfectly balanced structure. It is framed by powdery, structured tannins and has a long, penetrating and mineral finish. I like its overall balance, but it's certainly one for the cellar. I wouldn't touch bottles for at least 7-8 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Côteau de Noiré is round and supple—very satisfying and inviting, with the most delectable tannins that coat the mouth like powdered chocolate. Black olive, tapenade and black fruit combine to make a gorgeous and seductive Chinon.
Limestone. Mix of old and young vines, averaging around 30 years old. Caraway, red plums, intense and vertical. Beautiful cumin notes spliced with sumac and dark, dark flowers. Mouth-watering. The tannins are supple, curlicue; punctuation directing the fruit from phrase to phrase. There is something about the structure and nuance of the oak which reminds me of right-bank bordeaux, but that's not to say it doesn't retain its Chinon identity. A superb wine. (TC)
The Côteau de Noiré is a 2.5ha vineyard on a steep slope with a base of clay limestone. The 2020 is an almost unctuous Chinon with its rich strawberry and black cherry fruit as well. It's smooth, supple and has its act together with delightfully chalky tannins that will leave you licking the inside of your mouth. Excellent, fragrant and long.