Domaine de la Noblaie Les Chiens-Chiens Chinon 2012

The Chinon rouge from the property is a case study in the balance between power and elegance, spice and softness, and fat and acidity. Jerome’s rouge is produced from a single block called “Les Chiens-Chiens:” 40-80 year old Cabernet Franc vines. Aged12 months in 2- and 3-year-old barrels, this Chinon is lovely and perfumed, with tremendous length in the mouth.

Domaine la Noblaie is one of the oldest family estates in the Chinon appellation. With 18 hectares of holdings on hillside vineyards in Ligré, the property sits at almost the highest altitude in the entire AOC with commanding views over the river and the 600 year-old Chinon fortress. To say that Noblaie is a magical place doesn’t even come close to doing it justice. The property is owned and run today by François Billard, an oenologist and former professor of viticulture. Many of today’s hottest winemakers were his former students including the immensely-talented Vincent Ogereau. However, after his son Jerome wrapped up the afore-mentioned internships in Bordeaux, California, and Australia, François has handed over most of the winemaking responsibilities to his extremely able son.