2020 Pallus Chinon Les Pensees de Pallus

Les Penses de Palluswas the wine that launched Bertrands vision, and it remains the estates flagship expression today. Since the debut 2004 vintage, Les Penses has grown in stature with each passing vintage. It is assembled from old-vine parcels surrounding the winery, with the aim to define Chinon in a glass. It reveals classic Loire Valley Cabernet Franc aromas and flavors, but with remarkable precision and the kind of textural depth rarely seen in the appellation.

91 Points – Vinous: The 2020 Les Pensees de Pallus has a lovely sense of breadth and fullness while remaining light on its feet. It’s balanced and pure with plenty of elegance and refinement. The finest of powdery tannins coat the palate. While fullly ripe with cherry, raspberry and rhubarb flavors, it’s not overripe. This was the first year that Bertrand Sourdais adopted a long maceration inspired by his Spanish friend Alvaro Palacios. He believes it provides more precision and definition. You can approach this now, but it’s worth waiting five or more years for some tertiary characters to evolve.