Château du Bellay, Vieilles Vignes 2019 – Saumur – Champigny

The wine has a ruby color of medium intensity. The nose is reserved at first, but expresses generosity and a concentrated and ripe fruity substance. We find aromas of wild blackberry, morello cherry,  wild plum, wild strawberry, red currant jelly and elderberry syrup. Then, we find an elegant and enveloped herbaceous hint, which adds complexity and a touch of freshness to the wine : the notes of mint syrup,minty chocolate and rosemary. The notes of sweet spices (licorice, clove, nutmeg, a touch of vanilla) are delicate and integrated. The floral bouquet (violet, peony, rose), as well as a touch of fresh tobacco, completes a beautiful aromatic expression of the wine. The palate is gourmand, very fruity, even a bit jammy. It expresses notes of wild blackberry, morello cherry, red cherry jam, raspberry coulis, wild strawberry, fresh blackcurrant, as well as flowers (violet, peony, rose, lilac) and sweet spices ( licorice,clove, nutmeg), combined with a herbaceous touch of blackcurrant leaf and fresh tobacco. The tannins are firm, powerful, a bit dry and require time to melt. The finish is persistent, sapid, fruity and spicy (with notes of cumin on the finish), refreshed by a nice acidity. A wine to keep, powerful, straight and well-constructed.