More evidence that the Catherine and Pierre know their breton. Catherine & Pierre practice organic viticulture and vinify most of the wines in stainless-steel vats so that the wines can express their terroir and vintage. Their wines are highly regarded in France and are just starting to get more attention in the U.S. — and it is worth seeking out their wines to understand why.

Chinon produces more than 6 million bottles of wine annually. 100 years ago, wine from Chinon was regarded with the same esteem as Margaux. Though Chinon is still popular in France, its charms have been diminished in the United States — and we seem to be fixated on Bordeaux, the Rhone valley and Burgundy.

The 2005 Les Perrières is deep, dark red in color verging on deep purple to black. On the nose, dark fruit with violet, black cherry, black licorice and graphite — as well as a spice and game. Ripe, dark fruit (blackberry, black cherry and some blueberry) on the palate with marked minerality and some toast. Well balanced with impressive purity of fruit. Soft and silky, this is actually a bit lean, though it certainly seems larger than the sum of its parts. Many consider this to be the top cuvée from the Bretons and a great candidate for the cellar, though this is showing extremely well right now. 13 percent alcohol. Imported by Kermit Lynch.

Strongly recommended. I would certainly buy this if you can still find it as it just might be the best red wine I have had from the Loire 2005 vintage.

Other wines from Catherine & Pierre Breton:
Catherine & Pierre Breton Chinon Beaumont 2004
Catherine & Pierre Breton Bourgueil Nuits d’Ivresse, 2004