Brett happens

We ended our visit at the oenopole stand with one of the top wines of a favourite Loire producer.

Bourgueil 2011, Clos Sénéchal, Catherine & Pierre Breton ($34.00, private import, 12 bottles/case)
100% Cabernet Franc from organically farmed vines between 30 and 45 years old. The grapes are manually harvested and, after destemming, fermented with indigenous yeasts for three weeks. Matured one to two years in large foudres. Unfiltered. 12.5% ABV. Quebec agent: oenopole.
Closed but beautiful nose that’s already giving up some mineral and floral overtones. Medium-bodied. Tightly wound but impeccably balanced, silky textured and clearly full of potential. Red fruit, green leaves, slate and spice, fine structure (medium tannins, sleek acidity), hinted-at depth and a long clean finish. Delicious and, as the French say, digeste. Approachable now but will probably be singing in three or four years. (Buy again? Yes.)

Next stop: Vinealis.