Twenty Three Year Old Gem from the Loire Valley (drinking perfectly)
Pricing is available while supplies last.
SALE CLOSES MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025, at noon or as inventory lasts.
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This wine should not exist for sale, or taste this perfect, but here it is!
For our Frenchie Fest “Fête du Vin” at the end of July, one of the suppliers asked if he could bring something special to pour under the table. Of course you can! This particular supplier is very good at ferreting out some gems for us, and has a particular love for older wines, so I couldn’t wait to see what he brought.
He showed up with 2002 Domaine Filliatreau Saumur-Champigny, 100% Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley.
Wow!
I’ve had a lot of wines in my life, but my experience with 20+ year old Cabernet Franc is pretty limited. So my tasting note is below, but let’s learn more about this producer.
About Domaine Filliatreau
Domaine Filliatreau is one of those rare estates that manages to be both historic and forward-thinking, rooted in the limestone heart of Saumur-Champigny yet never afraid to shake things up. Founded by Paul Filliatreau, the domaine made its name in the 1970s by championing bright, fruit-driven Cabernet Franc at a time when heavier, more rustic styles ruled the Loire.
Today, the family tends around 50 hectares of vines—many now farmed organically and even biodynamically—on the region’s signature tuffeau limestone, producing wines that hum with freshness, finesse, and pure drinkability.
Their range runs from the joyful, bistro-ready Saumur-Champigny to the deeper, more brooding “Vieilles Vignes,” crafted from venerable vines up to a century old (that’s the wine on this offer).
The estate’s home is the spectacular “Grande Vignolle,” where troglodytic caves are carved right into the cliffs above the Loire. It’s part winery, part living museum, part geological wonder—complete with atmospheric tastings that feel like stepping back in time (but with better wine glasses). It’s a place to put on your bucket list.
My tasting note
Let me start with this: I love Cabernet Franc, and I love older wines.
But I was nervous about this one. I think it’s probably the oldest Loire red I’ve ever had (I’ve been lucky enough to try some 30-50 year old Vouvray, which was mind blowing).
The 2002 Domaine Filliatreau Saumur-Champigny Vieilles Vignes is like a time capsule from the Loire Valley’s cooler, classic era, still strutting its stuff more than two decades later.
Made from gnarly old Cabernet Franc vines—some pushing the century mark—this vintage has shed its youthful exuberance and settled into a graceful, well-worn charm. The nose greets you with a swirl of dried cherry, blackcurrant leaf, and a whisper of violet, followed by earthy undertones that feel like a stroll through a sun-dappled forest after rain.
On the palate, it’s silky yet structured, the tannins now softened into a gentle framework that holds together flavors of red plum, cranberry, and a dash of savory spice. There’s a lovely lift from the region’s hallmark limestone acidity, keeping everything fresh and lively despite the years.
It’s not a powerhouse—never meant to be—but rather a beautifully aged Loire red that proves Cabernet Franc can age with as much grace and complexity as its more famous cousins. Open it for a dinner where conversation lingers, pair it with roast duck or mushroom risotto, and let this 2002 remind you just how rewarding patience can be.
This gem is drinking 100% on point right now, and will be delicious going into the fall and winter. Plan a special night around it. This may be the biggest bang for the buck offer of the year.
As you can imagine, this is super limited. Under 30 bottles are available.
Jason Kallsen
Sommelier and founder/owner of Twin Cities Wine Education
Offer and special pricing are available as inventory lasts