Brendan Stater-West Saumur La Ripaille Rouge 2020

Brendan Stater-West Saumur La Ripaille Rouge is a Cabernet Franc drawn from the oldest vines in the Brézé lieu-dit of the same name.

Brendan Stater-West is an American who arrived in Saumur to work with Romain Guiberteau and now makes his own wines from rented parcels around the Brézé hill, on the sandy tuffeau limestone that defines the district. La Ripaille is a strict selection from the oldest vines in the lieu-dit of that name. The grapes are sorted in the vineyard on a sorting table, fully destemmed, and fermented in concrete with an infusion-style maceration lasting up to a week, so extraction stays gentle. The wine is then aged on lees in ex-Guiberteau barrels, mostly two to five years old, with one new barrel added each year. Against the straight Saumur Rouge there is more amplitude and intensity here, but the vibrancy and lift that mark this producer remain. Earth and spice sit alongside deep berry and black raspberry, while an enveloping structure and juicy fruit drive a long, focused close.

Drinkable now, better from two or three years and good for a decade. Serve at 16-18°C with roast duck, grilled lamb or a mushroom tart.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.