Expected Oct/Nov 2024
Our tasting impressions
This wine is aptly named - Temptation - as it is a real seductress. The glass can’t contain the beefy aromas that are nicely framed by a trace of vanilla. The first sip screams Cabernet Franc with savory red fruit and the slightest greenness that keeps things very interesting. It’s mighty tasty now but there is more Integration ahead that will result in a more complete and evolved wine.
About this wine
100% Cabernet Franc from a vineyard planted 70 years ago in clay flint soil known as "Cornuelles" from the Senonian (a subdivision of the Late Cretaceous Epoch).
Early in the growing season, unproductive buds are removed. Leaves on the vines are thinned throughout to ensure maximum nutrients and water for the fruit. Harvesting and initial sorting is by machine. A manual sort follows as well as de-stemming. Yield was 45 hl/ha.
Fermentation averages 15-20 days in tanks to add roundness and extract the fine tannins. The wine stays in the tanks for 6 months on fine lees and then ages 6-8 months in 400 liter oak barrels. About 5,500 bottles produced.
About the grape
Cabernet Franc, an ancient variety, thrives in cooler climates because it ripens best slowly. This allows its green, vegetal flavorings to be balanced and nuanced. Green bell pepper is a frequent flavor descriptor of these wines.
Cabernet Franc tends to produce lighter, softer, more acidic and less tannic wines than Cabernet Sauvignon (the latter is an offspring of the former crossed with Sauvignon Blanc). The style of Cabernet Franc wines, which are made all over the world, can range from simple and easy drinking to dark, brooding and substantial. The best can age for decades.
About the vintage
2022 was an exceptional vintage in Touraine. It was very hot and very dry but August rain enabled grapes to reach full ripeness and locked in freshness. Cyril Mary says they had only 350 mm of rain from January to October harvest. His yields shrunk but concentration increased.
Domaine Mary is an exciting new family estate run by Cyril Mary and co-owned with his father Bernard. Started in 2014, the property is on the left bank of and near the northern terminus of the Vienne River. The left bank is known for producing the appellation's richest and most powerful Cabernet Franc.
The 14 hectare vineyard is in Chinon, an appellation widely recognized for producing the Loire Valley's finest Cabernet Franc.Except for 1 hectare of Chenin, the property is all Cabernet Franc. They produce 3 reds, one white and one rosé and total bottle production is less than 15,000. Even though the estate is in its pre-teens, the vines were planted up to 70 years ago.
VDLT is the first and only source for their wines in the US and the only source outside of France. Half of the sales of their 23,000 bottles production occur at the Domaine.
Cyril, 45 years old, is committed to sustainable farming without chemicals and pesticides. He strives to produce outstanding wines that express his personality and values.
