La Varenne Chinon Tradition Tempranillo Blend were jealously guarded wines until

were jealously guarded wines until the early 1960s

Even in a warm year such as 2018

This is not fustian traditionalism for its own sake

A half-finished bottle on a zinc counter while someone tears apart a loaf of bread with their hands kind of French

that embrace modern precision without losing the warm human touch

La Varenne Chinon Tradition Tempranillo Blend were jealously guarded wines untilLa Varenne Chinon Tradition opens with a cooler, more woodland register tart cranberry and red currant giving way to dried violets, bay leaf, and a faint whiff of pencil shavings. On the palate it stays taut and restrained, carrying flavors of sour cherry, savory olive, and damp forest floor, framed by fine, sandy tannins and a subtle snap of white pepper. The finish is brisk and mineral, edged with iron and wet stone, quietly refreshing and