1989 Chinon, Les Roches, Alain & Jérôme Lenoir, Loire

Chinon is an important Cabernet Franc appellation that, at around 2,500 hectares, represents a slightly larger zone than its neighbour Bourgueil. Part of the appellation possesses light, sandy gravel soils to give an easy drinking style, while the remainder is blessed with a tuffeau subsoil from which the wines draw a finer structure and longevity. Neither style approaches the fullness of Bourgueil.