TN: Who's cross?

[Florida Jim]

2005 Baudry, Chinon La Croix Boissée:

When I was in CA last, I tasted a Napa cabernet franc that really tasted like good Chinon – but then, there is good and there is . . .; this is fantastic Chinon – the nose is expansive, penetrating and all encompassing – tobacco, seasoned plum compote, Baker’s chocolate; rich but firm in the mouth, super fine tannins that are ripe but not sweet, classic black fruit, some mineral – this seems to morph as it slides across the tongue – worsted texture, precise balance; endless, nuanced length.

Much as I loved that well-made CA cab. franc there is no substitute for the real thing; this wine is spherical but also expansive in a way that lets me know that this variety can produce world class wines of extraordinary potency. Its possible that this will live a very long time – but right now, it’s a reminder that glory and greatness exist in the world –concepts that seems to be in short supply.

Best, Jim