La Porte Saint Jean Saumur Champigny

Vintage: 2023

Region: Saumur, Loire, France

Grapes: Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 11.5%

Crafted by Sylvain Dittière, this flagship Cabernet Franc comes from 40-year-old vines grown on a mix of sand, silt, and limestone. The grapes are fully destemmed and fermented with native yeasts, followed by 18 months of ageing in old Bordeaux barrels. By blending two-thirds free-run juice with one-third press wine, Sylvain achieves a sophisticated structure that remains incredibly fresh and ethereal.

The nose is exceptionally expressive, offering a mix of ripe red and black fruits alongside subtle smoky notes and a hint of the forest floor. On the palate, the wine is layered and mysterious, featuring an elegant texture and a spotless finish. It is a refined, high-level expression of Saumur-Champigny that drinks beautifully now—especially with a quick decant—but has the depth to age gracefully.