Couly-Dutheil Chinon Le Clos de l'Olive, Loire, France 2019

Couly-Dutheil Chinon Le Clos de l'Olive, Loire, France 2019
From one of the appellation's most historic vineyards to the east of the city of Chinon, the 2019 Clos de l'Olive offers a wonderfully rich fragrance and an almost creamy mid palate. While it feels a little closed right now, the concentration is intense. The finish is long and has sinew and sense of chalky precision, likely due to the clay-limestone soils of this south-facing, old-vine vineyard. You can expect a brooding and lingering scent that fills the mouth with fragrance long after you've tasted this wine. It's reminiscent of dark chocolate bitterness alongside black cherries, rosemary, pencil lead, tea leaves and a rich smokiness. Ridiculously young with the potential for even greater things. I often prefer the Clos de l'Echo but in 2019, Clos de l'Olive seems to have greater balance while l'Echo is the more generous of the pair, as usual.
95 Pts Vinous