Pearl Morissette ‘Cuvée Madeleine’ 2021

When I tasted this wine with Ludo from Pearl Morissette, he told me about the first time he ever tried it. It was an expression of Cabernet Franc he had a hard time believing. When he was contradicted by its lightness and delicacy, he asked a cellar colleague what she thought. She said this Cabernet Franc and Merlot blend is the best Pinot Noir they've ever made. That made me laugh a lot.

The 2021 Madeline brings forward an aromatic stamp and a special delicacy. Lacy structures of the growing season, much like the rest of their cuvées from that year. It's a spider web of dark fruit, spice, and floral notes. Light-footed on the palate, yet resonant with deep flavours of black cherries, violets, and liquorice spice. The mouthfeel is lush but tender, an interlace of round tannins gently containing the dark fruit.