Clos du Chene vert 2004 Charles Joguet Chinon

Clos du Chêne vert 2004
Chinon
France


Description
The attack is straightforward and ample; the mouth, somewhat austere for the moment, reveals a well present tannic structure, with fruit masked by the imposing structure.
The still biting tannins need training time.
Impressive presence and persistence in the mouth, with a spicy finish complete with hints of menthol.
Some time in the oak will refine this robust substance.
Dated April 29, 2005

Tasting advice
Keep it quiet in a good cellar until 2010-2012.
Will keep until 2015.

Comment on the vintage and the 2004 harvest
Rarely has the word “balance” described a vintage so perfectly as it does the 2004: the sugar/acid duo reached what is almost an ideal level, thanks to a very generous month of September that excelled itself, as it often does, to make up for a very rainy August.
For the Cabernet Franc, the 2004 harvests kicked off on October 1, ending on October, 18.
Harvesting took place in excellent conditions the first week, although some sporadic cloudburst followed, making life a bit harder for our fifty harvesters, who finished their work in rather difficult conditions!
The quality of the harvest remained intact: it was even almost perfect, with potential degrees oscillating between 12° and 13.5°, depending on the plot.
The harvest is uniform, with yields around 48 hl/ha (or 1 950 litres per acre), appreciably more than last year.
Overall, the harvest is thus significant in volume and of excellent quality: it brings to mind 1990 in terms of quantity and maybe even 1996 for balance, with doubtless more density than these last two great vintages.
The Chenin Blanc of Clos de la Plante Martin was harvested on October, 18, the very last day, and in one pass, as the weather was deteriorating, leaving no hope for any over-ripeness. This will thus be a traditional dry wine, a lovely and classic Loire Chenin.