Domaine du Collier, Saumur Rouge 'La Ripaille' 2008

Domaine du Collier makes some of the absolute best wines in the Loire. They come from Antoine Foucault, who farms more than 17 acres of vineyards yet produces just 1250 cases annually. Before launching Collier in 1999, Antoine worked under his father and uncle at the legendary Clos Rougeard. Clos Rougeard produced the greatest cabernet franc the world has ever seen, and Antoine now makes elegant, savory cab franc in a similar style. La Ripaille is a spicy, earthy, beautifully perfumed cab franc from an old-vine plot on the limestone hillside of Brézé.