Vegetal, olivey nose, (reminds me of my winter stews) with some cooked raspberry. Dense and powerful on the palate: Sour cherries, olives, wood, leather (I've never actually eaten leather but I bet it tastes something like this). Nothing subtle here. The opposite of plush and ripe. Very savory and austere. Tons of tannin. This is clearly not a prime Chinon (I'm looking at you Couly Dutheil '05). I can't really recommend it, but I have to admit to liking this thoroughly masculine and rustic wine. Like an old man it smells odd, is imperfect, but is honest and has a unique character. Long finish.

The wine was inky dark, still ruby red with minimal garnet on the meniscus. Light aromas of raspberry wafted off the glass, followed by darker scents of mocha, earth, and smoke. On the palate the wine still had grippy tannins, a dry medium-body, and balanced acidity. Little fruit was left, but what was there had plum notes, complimented with soft earth and tobacco flavours. Good finish.
Tasted March 2012.