This is the sweet spot of Domaine de la Butte - from right in the middle of the slope - and as such, produces the most complex and ageworthy of this triptych. Jacky and Jean-Philippe hold the wine back for an extra six months in the cellar before bottling as they know: this wine needs time. Its huge concentration and tannic stature are matched to slightly more new oak than the other wines. The density of fruit is more than a match.

This is juicy, lightly peppery, bright and elegantly smooth Cabernet Franc which is wonderful in its youth. The fruit comes from the bottom part of the slope, hence 'Pied' - foot. This is in contrast to the mid-slope fruit goes into the age-worthy, denser 'Mi-Pente' cuvée. Some vines at the bottom are as old as 80 years, so although the wine is juicy, upfront, and invitingly drinkable, the finish is sustained and persistent with old vine intensity taking this above a simple easy-drinking wine. It’s got a wonderful sour cherry note, with lightly smoky notes.

This is such a juicy, inviting delight. It has wonderfully primary floral notes, and Cabernet Franc’s structured freshness. Zappy and delicious, and brilliant if served a little chilled.

Pierre de Tuf is Jérôme's stand-out cuvée. It's made from a blend of two parcels of Cabernet Franc, both planted in the 1940s. He uses an incredible fifteenth-century tuffeau cuve, hewn into the wall of the old cellar, to do a long, slow fermentation. This method brings out the delicious complexity in this old vine Cabernet Franc. From 2020 onwards, Jérôme has increased the length of ageing from 18 to 24 months before bottling, giving the wine time to knit together, so that it feels composed, powerful, and elegant once in bottle. There is a succulent ripeness of black fruit behind the tannins, and the wine shows impressive balance. There's a whisper of smoke and violets on the nose, and a deep fruit core on the palate promising good ageing potential. It remains outstanding value for money.

This is unquestionably the flagship wine of the Joguet estate. The vineyard lies right next to the domaine and was the first single vineyard that Charles Joguet championed. Its north-east facing slope and old vines planted on clay-limestone soils produce a wine with outstanding energy, spice, and density. It is profoundly deep but with no heaviness. There is such a sweet intensity to the Cabernet Franc fruit, and a mouthwatering salinity ensuring excellent ageing potential.

This parcel is quintessential Chinon: at the top of the hill overlooking the Loire river, its flood plains, and the charming eponymous town. It is named after the huge and statuesque oak tree that grows at its edge. Its excellent position affords it good ripening and drainage. The soil here is clay and sandstone, and produces a wine with a pretty red fruit structure, and some distinctively spicy notes. In 2023 its ripeness and freshness are in perfect harmony. The wine has a lighter frame than that of the Varenne and Dioterie, and a long, elegant finish.

This is the domaine’s ‘newest’ parcel, bought in 1976. Located near the cellar, in the south of the Chinon appellation, this is like a mini Clos de la Dioterie, on deep clay-limestone soils with colluvial topsoil. It typically shows great balance between tannins and acidity, so smooth and composed in 2023. It glides to an effortlessly elegant and long finish.

This is a Torrontes like no other. It is a wine that will change your perception of this variety. From 150 year old vines in Gualtallary it is aged in large barrel under flor. With expressive notes of orange blossom, white flowers, almond blossom and citrus peel it is tense on the palate with a sense of density. The finish is focused with notes of lemon balm and citrus oil.

A blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot which was barrel-fermented with 40% whole bunches. This is such a pure, floral expression of Cabernet Franc with a focus that really stops you in your tracks. Hints of wild herbs, black tea, and violets mingle with the ripe, velvety dark cherry and bramble fruit. So harmonious and detailed there is freshness and weightlessness to the fruit. The finish is tinged with mineral energy and a sense of effortlessness.

A blend of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Merlot which was barrel-fermented with 40% whole bunches. This is such a pure, floral expression of Cabernet Franc with a focus that really stops you in your tracks. Hints of wild herbs, black tea, and violets mingle with the ripe, velvety dark cherry and bramble fruit. So harmonious and detailed there is freshness and weightlessness to the fruit. The finish is tinged with mineral energy and a sense of effortlessness.