Charles Joguet

Charles Joguet, Chinon, Les Varennes du Grand Clos, 2000 ($17) -- France, imported by Kermit Lynch. At first I wasn't going to look up all the winemaking notes (there are none on the back label), but I quickly found the producer's website. I had first guessed Grenache with little wood from a mediocre year. It seems it is actually Cabernet Franc from a "tough" year with 5 to 8 months of wood aging in unknown barrels. I got soft barnyard aromas with a thin cherry flavor and not much finish. Try serving with food to take the edge off. Not one to sip late into the night.