Brendan Stater-West Saumur La Ripaille Rouge 2020

La Ripaille is a strict selection from the oldest vines in the Brézé lieu-dit of the same name. The grapes are sorted directly in the vineyard (with a sorting table), fully destemmed and then fermented in concrete with infusion-style maceration for up to one week. It’s aged on lees in ex-Guiberteau barrels (mostly 2-5 years old) with one new barrel added each year.

As expected, you’ll find more amplitude and intensity than in the Saumur Rouge, yet there is a surge of vibrancy and lift to maintain the producer’s refreshing signature. Earth and spice are joined by deep berry and black raspberry flavours, while the enveloping structures and juicy fruit drive a lingering and focused close. The balance between the fruit and the limestone-derived form is mouth-watering. A terrific Saumur rouge with a long life ahead of it.