The newest release of “Les Clos Lyzières”—a remarkable Cabernet Franc that neighbors the legendary “Poyeux” vineyard—is an instant classic destined for your table.

Fourth-generation owner and winemaker Dominique Joseph was an early convert to organic farming and has held an official certification for many years. He has run the family operation since 1990 and works out of a stunning, multi-chambered cellar carved directly from the local tuffeau. Pélo’s parcel in “Les Clos Lyzières” soaks up the sun in its southeast-facing position and this bottling is a choice selection from 56-year-old Cabernet Franc vines. In the winery—only minutes away—grapes are 100% de-stemmed and undergo an extremely lengthy four-week maceration (it makes sense once you see the deep concentration and color of the wine). During this time, he keeps the wine moving via punch-downs and pump-overs in order to achieve maximum integration. Unlike his “Les Poyeux,” which rests in oak, this ages entirely in concrete vessels. 

In the glass, Le Petit Saint Vincent’s 2019 “Clos Lyzières” reveals a brilliant dark ruby moving out to a star-bright magenta rim. In order to best unlock its youthful, flavor-loaded core, I recommend decanting for 30-60 minutes and enjoying in large Burgundy stems. As always, this wine is fully equipped with explosive florals and dense, brambly fruit. The nose reveals a breathtakingly beautiful mosaic that is painted with ripe currants, black raspberry, huckleberry, black plums, tobacco leaf, bell pepper, licorice, leather, violets, lavender, cracked pepper, crushed gravel, and damp underbrush. The gorgeous, silky palate reveals intense mouthwatering acidity and grippy, fine-grained tannins that create a wonderful push-pull tension between fruit and earth. No oak aging? No problem—this will effortlessly mature in your cellar over the next decade. Wine doesn’t get more classic than this and Cabernet Franc rarely gets purer. Enjoy!