Château de Coulaine - Chinon La Diablesse 2015

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The new generation at the helm of Bonnaventure—Jean and Tatiana—is taking this historic estate to new heights in the finest possible way. The age of the vines and the shift toward organic farming are contributing to the growing success of this estate, which offers excellent value for money. A highly recommended selection from a reputable producer.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

This north-facing Cabernet Franc, which boasts great concentration, is entering its maturation phase. A pronounced chalky character will emerge within thirty years.

About the estate:

The estate has been in the Bonnaventure family since the Middle Ages, when the vines of the historic vineyard at Château de Turpenay were first planted. In 1988, Étienne and Pascale de Bonnaventure undertook the expansion of the estate. They revived the spirit of the great wines of Beaumont, the first step of the Chinon appellation on the Loire side, where the Cabernets, under a more oceanic influence, gain delicacy and finesse of fruit compared to those from the eastern part of the appellation. Château de Coulaine now produces a brilliant range of organic Chinons that combine fresh fruit with elegant texture. The vintages do not obscure the expression of the terroirs: the suppleness (Beaumont clay and silica) in Château de Coulaine and the slender freshness of the clay-limestone soils in Les Picasses, the sunny density in Clos de Turpenay (south-facing), and the chalky character of La Diablesse (in its old-vine version, north-facing). In place since January 2017, Jean de Bonnaventure, the son of Étienne and Pascale, has provided new momentum to define these meticulous and precise wines while retaining a unique soul and sensibility. The faithful expression of the latest vintages deserves a second star.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Dating back to the 14th century, this estate is now farmed organically. Dense and richly fruity, this is one of the estate’s finest wines, with abundant tannins that complement the flavors of ripe cherry and blackcurrant. The wine’s still-fresh acidity suggests it will benefit from further aging, so wait until 2020.