Chinon AOC, La Singuliere, Domaine Olga Raffault, 2018

The Chinon AOC La Singulière 2018 from Domaine Olga Raffault carries a remarkable history. The estate gained cult status under Olga Raffault, who took over after her husband died unexpectedly just before the 1947 harvest . This is unquestionably one of the benchmark producers for traditional Chinon, now run by her granddaughter Sylvie . La Singulière is a small selection from their most solar parcels in the renowned Les Picasses vineyard, sourced from a single south facing slope with 40 year old certified organic vines planted on clay limestone soils . The wine is aged for 24 months in smaller 500 litre oak barrels, a longer élevage than their other cuvées .

The taste is an intensely aromatic symphony of ripe black fruits, including blackcurrant, cherry, and plum, with elegant spicy, peppery notes and a hint of smokiness . On the palate, it is full bodied and velvety, with fine tannins, crisp acidity, and a long finish with notes of bitter chocolate and tobacco leaf . The 2018 vintage was a bold, solar year, yet the estate handled it beautifully, delivering a wine of classic proportion and balance .

To fully appreciate its character, we recommend serving this wine between 15 and 17 degrees Celsius . This refined red pairs magnificently with grilled red meats, roasted lamb, or duck breast with cherry sauce . It also shines alongside aged cheeses and earthy mushroom dishes. A wine of this structure will age gracefully, making it a superb addition to any cellar .