The 2017 Chinon Les Petites Roches from Domaine Charles Joguet is an elegant yet structured red wine, showcasing Cabernet Franc in a delicate and charming form. It features a deep ruby color and expressive aromas of cranberries, black pepper, violets, fennel, roses, damp earth, and little red berries. On the palate, it offers notes of cherry, spice, red and black fruits, with a muscular yet perfumed character, gentle tannins, and fresh acidity. The wine is sourced from 35-year-old vines on clay and chalky soils, blending parcels for a soft, fruity profile with hints of smoke and minerality.
Food Pairings
This wine pairs well with beef, venison, rillettes (potted meat), pork crackling, poultry such as grilled chicken thighs, fresh goat’s cheese, and autumnal dishes. Its fresh and nervous profile complements lighter meats and charcuterie.
Critics Reviews
- Wine Enthusiast: 89 points. “This soft fruity wine comes from a selection of different parcels. It offers gentle tannins and plenty of intense, perfumed fruit. Still young, it has fresh acidity that is still very present. The wine needs to fill out, so drink from 2020.”
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Vinous: 89 points (Jason Wilson, July 2020). “Another deep ruby red that comes from 35-year-old clay and chalky soils. Expressive red fruit aromas and flavors, notes of cherry, pepper, and spice throughout.”
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Average Critic Score: 88/100 across 8 reviews.
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Vivino User Rating: 3.6/5 (based on 766 ratings).
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CellarTracker: Community score of 86.9/100
Drink Window
2020-2030, though some sources suggest 2020-2025. As of 2026, it is likely in its prime but may benefit from further aging for complexity
