It's rare that people compare a Cab Franc to Chambolle, but that's how people talk about l'Echelier.

L'Echelier's haunting perfume, lifted brightness, and energetic minerality make the comparison an apt one. It’s a rendering of Cab Franc unlike any other.

Clos de L’Echelier is a 1.8ha clos (a walled vineyard) in Saumur-Champigny. The 40-year-old vines lie on clay and limestone soil. In the spectrum of the Loire’s appellations, Saumur-Champigny is notably more muscular than Chinon and Bourgueil, but L’Echelier carries an amazing amount of elegance.

In 2017, winemaker Thierry Germain nailed the vintage. The 2017 L’Echelier has all the qualities we love about this wine: delicacy, refinement and completeness. There’s also an energy to this vintage that’s palpable. It’s an exciting wine to drink.

The only downside to the L’Echelier is that it’s always in short supply; in any vintage only 4,800 bottles are produced. We always secure as much of this wine as possible, yet it never seems to be enough. Give us your ideal order, and we’ll try our best.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Joe Salamone

Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits