Blue Bear Estate - La Salle Martin 2019
Under the leadership of Jérôme Baillargeau, Domaine de l'Ours Bleu has become an emerging benchmark in the Saumur region. Based in Montsoreau, it cultivates around fifteen hectares using organic farming methods, primarily around Brézé, Montsoreau, and Fontevraud. The king grape variety, Cabernet Franc, finds a unique expression in the tuffeau and limestone clay soils, producing straightforward, elegant wines marked by a mineral freshness that has made the reputation of great Saumur wines.
An emblematic plot of the estate, La Salle Martin comes from a tuffeau terroir mixed with fine clay, located near Brézé. This cuvée highlights all the depth and nobility of Cabernet Franc when grown on exceptional limestone terroirs. The 2019 vintage, marked by a hot and sunny summer but offset by the cool night air of the Loire, allowed for optimal ripeness of the berries. The manual harvest, followed by respectful vinification and long aging in old barrels, have shaped a distinguished, deep and very elegant wine.
The intense garnet color betrays a beautiful concentration. The nose seduces with its complexity: ripe black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry), nuances of graphite, crushed leaf and a slightly smoky touch. On the palate, the attack is ample and structured, with a dense body and fine but solid tannins. The mineral structure of the tuffeau brings great freshness and tension that balance the richness of the fruit. The finish is long, persistent, with spicy and stony notes, confirming the aging potential of the vintage.
A great red wine for fine dining, ideal with roast game birds, seven-hour lamb, beef fillet, or dishes simmered with aromatic herbs. It also pairs well with mature Loire cheeses. Decant one hour before serving when young. Aging potential: 10 to 15 years.
With La Salle Martin 2019, Domaine de l'Ours Bleu has produced one of its most ambitious vintages, at the intersection of power and elegance. This is a terroir-driven red Saumur, capable of rivaling the greatest Loire Valley wines and appealing to lovers of distinguished Cabernet Francs with long aging potential.
Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
