The 2018 Clos Rougeard Les Poyeux is an elegant, finely structured Cabernet Franc with remarkable purity. The nose is perfumed with red cherry, raspberry, violets, and subtle herbal notes, layered with graphite and delicate spice. The palate is silky yet precise, with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity enhancing the wine’s finesse. Bright red fruit, crushed stones, and a touch of cedar unfold seamlessly, leading to a long, lifted finish. Less powerful than Le Bourg but equally compelling, Les Poyeux offers a refined, ethereal expression of Saumur-Champigny, promising superb aging potential and increasing complexity over the years.