Domaine Grosbois, 2021 Chinon 'Gabare'

No.40 | What's In My Glass

I have had Loire Valley vintages on my brain in recent weeks having written a post on the 2022 vintage last month and also having just got back from the Loire and sharing my preliminary thoughts on the complicated 2024 vintage in last week’s newsletter. Lovers of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc have been blessed with a very good run of vintages in the last decade, each offering up a little something different to be appreciated.

The 2021 vintage is a perfect example of one that has its critics for sure, but I think it has plenty to offer, especially for those that love old school Loire vintages. It was a cooler year overall, particularly compared to 2018, 2020 and 2022, but the fall conditions were favourable for good maturities at harvest while maintaining high levels of acidity and lower alcohols (12.5 to 13%). In the right hands and from the right terroir, the wines can be bright, crunchy, and dangerously drinkable.

The 2021 Gabare from Domaine Grosbois in Panzoult is a perfect example o…