La Source du Ruault - Saumur-Champigny - Senseï - Red - 2017

Wine:

From just 0.8 hectares of clay-limestone soils, harvested at full ripeness, the 2017 Saumur-Champigny Senseï Red delivers remarkable purity and intensity. Strikingly graphite-driven, with a touch of elegant, well-judged oak aging that adds polish without overshadowing the wine’s character. This is a ripe, concentrated Cabernet Franc—deep, juicy, and finely detailed, with firm yet silky tannins and a vibrant freshness that lifts the whole. It’s like pure graphite in a glass, wrapped in structure and finesse, with serious aging potential. A standout 2017—and a favourite of the Selection Committee, awarded 95/100.

Vinification:

Hand harvested when fully ripe, direct pressing, maceration for 21 days, blended with 10% press wine, aged for 12 months in barrels.

Certified organic wine.

Color:

Dark red, almost black, with vermilion highlights.

Nose:

Graphite flavours blended with perfectly balanced luxurious woodiness.

Palate:

A deep, juicy and precise Cabernet, intensely tannic but retaining all its freshness. The whole is ripe and concentrated, revealing remarkable graphite notes. A very fine wine!

Temperature:

Serve between 14 and 16°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Pork shank with lentils, oven-roasted veal ribs, beef fillet tournedos.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2035 and beyond for enthusiasts

Jean-Noël Millon might not be new to the scene, but his breakout moment has only just arrived. La Source du Ruault is now one of the most exciting names to watch in the Loire Valley.

With just 10 hectares in Saumur, this small-scale, organically farmed estate is quietly redefining the region—innovative, focused, and raising its game with every vintage.