Simply put, Roches Neuves' 2015s are stunning.

In 2016, I made the 2015 Les Mémoires my wine of the year.

When we opened up a 2015 Franc de Pied last week, I had high expectations. Still, I wasn't prepared for how impressive it showed. Everyone who tasted the wine was blown away.

The Franc de Pied is based on vines that haven't been grafted on to American root stock as nearly all of Europe's vines have been to escape phylloxera. Germain planted Franc de Pied Cabernet Franc vines at high density in sandy soils in 2004. Since its first release in 2008, it's been one of his most fascinating wines.

Roches Neuves' Franc de Pied delivers an entirely different textural dimension, length and precision than his other wines. There's a delicacy and at the same time a depth and intensity that's utterly unique.

The first thing that jumps out with the 2015 Franc de Pied is how much freshness and lift that it offers. One of Roches Neuves calling cards is rendering Cabernet Franc with silky refinement and the Franc de Pied really delivers in this regard. The 2015 offers up incredible purity and so much nuance that each taste and smell seems to reveal another dimension.

Production of the Franc de Pied is very modest and we don't have very much available. This is easily one of the most surprising wines that I've had all year.

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

Joe Salamone

Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits