Bourgueil, part of the larger district of Touraine, is a red wine appellation on the north bank of the Loire river that also produces a little bit of rosé wines, but no white wines. Bourgueil wines are primarily made from Cabernet Franc, but since the 2000 vintage up to 25% of a blended wine can be Cabernet Sauvignon.
Domaine de Chevalerie looks back on a tradition of winemaking of 400 years. The 39 hectares of vineyards are run by Pierre Caslot and his family.
The 2001 Chevalerie has a ruby color with a garnet rim. Medium intensity of green bell pepper, licorice, cherry, and pepper aromas. A very pleasant, nicely matured aroma. The wine is dry, has medium alcohol and a medium body. The tannins are ripe and tamed. Medium intensity of black cherry, pepper, bell pepper. This Cabernet Franc has a pleasantly soft mouthfeel and lasts through a medium(+) length.
A well-aged wine that elegantly shows Cabernet Franc's earthy characteristics without leaning too much to the bell pepper spectrum. For $18 this is quite a good deal of a nicely aged Cabernet Franc.