These two wines are among the most complicated and fascinating that the Loire has to offer.

Roches Neuves is one of the Loire's elite estates. The wines have a sophistication, harmony, and transparency that separates them from the pack.

Their 2018s are formidable. The entire lineup is powerful, deep, and sculpted with nice precision and levity.

Even within Roches Neuves, the Franc de Pied bottling seems to work on a different register. The Franc de Pied is based on vines that haven't been grafted on to American rootstock 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 Franc de Pied bottling always stands out for its freshness and lift. The ripeness of the 2018 vintage produced a magical Franc de Pied.

Les Mémoires is one of the most profound expressions of Cabernet Franc. It is sourced from a tiny parcel of 100+-year-old vines boasting incredible complexity. Les Mémoires’ old vines dig deep into limestone soils and turn out concentrated grapes that possess a haunting, nuanced character.

The 2018 is an epic vintage for the wine. It shows an intensity, grandeur, and lift that’s simply shocking. It soars with spice, flowers, earth, and dark fruits, all effortlessly woven together.

Both wines are produced in very small quantities, and only a fraction finds its way to the U.S. The majority of the production is snapped up by top restaurants in Europe. These are both wines that we work hard to secure in quantity, but there's never enough.

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

Joe Salamone

Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits

2018 Roches Neuves Saumur-Champigny
Franc de Pied & Les Mémoires

2018 Saumur-Champigny Franc de Pied

Special Bottle Price: $54.95

2018 Saumur-Champigny Les Mémoires

Special Bottle Price: $64.95

Special 6-Pack Price (3 of each): $329.70