The 2019 Arnaud Lambert “Clos de l’Étoile” is one of the finest Cabernet Franc wines produced in the Loire Valley, sourced from a tiny 1.8-hectare monopole vineyard in Brézé. Planted on sandy and clay-rich soils over the region’s famed limestone and tuffeau bedrock, the site produces a remarkably mineral and age-worthy expression of Cabernet Franc. Arnaud Lambert is widely regarded as one of the leading growers in Saumur, farming organically and biodynamically with a strong focus on terroir expression.
The wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc, fully destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts using gentle infusion-style extraction. It was matured for approximately 24 months in barrel before bottling unfined and unfiltered, allowing the vineyard character to remain front and centre.
The outstanding 2019 vintage delivers exceptional concentration and depth. The nose is intensely aromatic, showing black cherry, blackberry and wild raspberry alongside violet, graphite, warm spice and subtle earthy complexity. On the palate, it is powerful yet remarkably elegant, combining dense dark fruit, fine-grained tannins and vibrant mineral acidity. The limestone soils give the wine a distinctive chalky freshness and precision that carries through a long, structured finish. Critics have highlighted its purity, energy and impressive ageing potential.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is one of the most serious Cabernet Franc wines available outside of Clos Rougeard. Compared to Chinon, it offers greater concentration and mineral depth; compared to Right Bank Bordeaux, it is fresher, more lifted and more terroir-driven. The 2019 vintage is particularly compelling for its combination of power, elegance and structure. While approachable with extended decanting, this is a true collector’s wine capable of evolving beautifully for 15–20+ years. Perfect with venison, duck, lamb, game dishes or aged cheeses.
