The 2019 Clos Rougeard Saumur Champigny Le Bourg is a distinguished Cabernet Franc from the renowned Loire Valley, specifically hailing from the Saumur Champigny appellation. This red wine is crafted by Clos Rougeard, a producer highly esteemed for its meticulous approach to winemaking. The wine is sealed with a cork and showcases the characteristic deep red color of its varietal.
This vintage has garnered significant acclaim, particularly from Vinous, where it received an impressive score of 95. Rebecca Gibb MW of Vinous notes an intriguing resemblance to northern Rhône Syrah, with "smoked meats and ripe red fruit plus a hint of menthol" on the nose. The review highlights the wine's "succulence" and its sense of completeness, indicating that every element is perfectly aligned.
The vintage was notably marked by frost, resulting in low yields and small berries. This condition contributed to an "excellent concentration of fruit," as Gibb describes, leading to a wine abundant in tannins with a "chalky sinew." The wine's dry finish is both long and scented, layered with festive spice and smoked notes attributed to its barrel aging.
Overall, the 2019 Clos Rougeard Saumur Champigny Le Bourg is a well-structured and complex wine, with a remarkable balance of flavors and aromas. The excellent review by Vinous underscores its potential to impress connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. This wine stands as a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of Clos Rougeard and the unique terroir of the Saumur Champigny region.