Clos Rougeard - Saumur Champigny Les Poyeux 2017

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Clos Rougeard Les Poyeux springs from the glass with vivacious black raspberries, morello cherries, tar, and bay leaves notes, followed by a touch of pencil shavings. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers wonderfully bright, crunchy red and black fruit flavors with fantastic tension, supported by elegantly knit, fine-grained tannins, finishing with great length and a real skip in its step."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Elegant and poised with red-berry and floral notes. As is often the case, a burgundian feel. Huge intensity on the palate, the tannins tight and firm but fine as well. Lovely balance. Should age well."

DECANTER: "The nose is more restrained than Le Clos 2017 or Les Poyeux 2018. There's a small touch of minerality in the background, and a mineral edge to the finish. Very tight on the palate, all the purity of the cuvée is hiding behind the structure; the fruits will shine through in time. This really needs time but should soften to great elegance over some years."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Bright and gourmand, the 2017 Saumur Champigny Les Poyeux exhales aromas of prune, violet, flowers and pepper, followed by a medium to full-bodied, juicy and long structure, finishing dry and rustic due to the presence of Brettanomyces. Nonetheless, it presents a fresher and more fruit-forward profile than its 2018 counterpart, rendering the finish more relaxed."