Château Coudray-Montpensier, Chinon, Loire, France, 2018

Dr Christian Feray bought Château Coudray-Montpensier in 2005, drawn by its rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. The estate vineyards total 30ha, on the left bank of the river Vienne. Hail and frost-free, 2018 was an excellent vintage, and this youthful, fruit-forward Cabernet Franc displays attractive and sappy black cherry fruit, a twist of black pepper and a grippiness that would make it a great partner for grilled meat. The 10% of the wine that was aged in oak barrel for 10 months adds some weight.