Clau de Nell Clau de Nell Violette 2022 750ml

A textural blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% cabernet franc. On the nose it is flinty, tarry and minerally, with fresh berry fruit and touches of peppercorn funk, juniper botanicals and damp earth. It’s medium-bodied and linear, with fine, fresh tannins and a pristine, juicy finish. Authentic with a savory touch. Vivid and succulent, with a bright character throughout. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. So delicious now, but can hold.

The 2018 Anjou Violette is deep, rich and very intense but elegant on the pure and refined nose, with dark fruit, tea and kumquat aromas. Full-bodied, deep and generous on the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich and generous, silky-textured, refined and tensioned Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon blend that is one of the highlights of the vintage. Fabulous! A must buy! Tasted at the domaine in June 2021.

Svelte, moderate tannins envelope plum and cassis notes in this medium-bodied red, with details of loamy earth, savory spice, tobacco and forest floor. Complex and harmonious. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2031. 500 cases made, 98 cases imported. (Gillian Sciaretta)

The 2018 Anjou Cuvée Violette is full-bodied and rounded, offering a soft embrace. True to its name, it does smell of violets as well as wood smoke, spice and dark black fruits. There’s concentration here, no doubt due to the low yields off 70-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon vines and the 45-year-old Cabernet Franc. The tannins have been well handled and provide a frame of chalky structure. The merest whiff of barnyard meets the florals on the finish, but it’s kept in check. (Rebecca Gibb MW)