Thierry Germain - Domaine des Roches Neuves : La Marginale 2013

2013 Saumur-Champigny (Cabernet Franc)

The 2013 La Marginale, from Thierry Germain's Domaine des Roches Neuves, is 100% Cabernet Franc. This Saumur-Champigny displays a dense, concentrated ruby-garnet colour with violet and cherry beams. Though held back at first, the nose suggests great ageing potential with minty notes, red fruit liquor, and star anise. The bouquet reveals red and black fruits (cassis, blackberry, Burlat cherry, blueberry, raspberry, currant, strawberry, and Napoleon cherry) along with flowers and plants, or even spicy nuances: vanilla, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, nutmeg, cilantro, clove, and star anise. The palate offers a forward, strong, civilized attack both smooth and alluring: the texture conveys the soil's rich potential. Red fruits mark the imposing and very intense fruit flavours. The 2013 La Marginale carries a lot of young yet already round tannins which will smoothen out with time.