DOMAINE des ROCHES NEUVES les MÉMOIRES 2023

Planted in 1904, this Cabernet Franc parcel has seen some things in its lifetime—in fact, the cuvée’s name alludes to the century of memories the vines have accumulated. It’s safe to say they are living out their old age in style, routinely pampered by biodynamic treatments from Thierry Germain and his devoted team.

The 50-hectare Domaine des Roches Neuves is run by Bordelais Thierry Germain who is regarded as one of the most respected producers in the Loire Valley and is an avowed practitioner of organic and biodynamic viticulture where from his estate near the town of Saumur he makes some of the most expressive Cabernet Franc red wines in the region.

Harvesting at the domaine is all manual and vinification is done in small batches with optimally ripe grapes which leads to wines with plump and generous Cabernet Franc fruit flavours. Wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined. His painstaking attention to detail and quality has earned Thierry an enviable reputation around the world especially with Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc obsessives.

This cuvée comes from a historic 0.7-hectare plot located in Dampierre-sur-Loire, within the Saumur-Champigny appellation. Planted in 1904, these very old vines thrive on a terroir made up of flint scree over a subsoil of Upper Turonian tuffeau limestone. This geology acts like a sponge, retaining water and releasing it during dry periods. The vineyard is cultivated according to rigorous biodynamic principles, encouraging deep rooting and an authentic expression of the site.

93/100 Vinous.com (2023 Vintage)
"The 2023 vintage of Les Mémoires is precise, delicate, and lively, yet does not lack concentration. It is a very understated yet multifaceted wine, with lovely momentum and a beautiful finish. Its powdery, lingering tannins give it a texture of great finesse. It will blossom and gain richness with age."