Château de COULAINE (Chinon)/Jean et Tatiana de BONNAVENTURE

This 20-hectare property has been organic since 1994 and is so certified.


2020 Chinon  blanc

This wine, from Chenin Blanc, is succulent and honeyed. It was raised in barriques that are 3-12 years old. 86/B-


2020 Chnon   Sinople   blanc

The Chonon “Sinople" is a big step up in quality. There’s more limestone in the soil here. Ten percent of the wine was in new wood barriques, but it is not noticeable. The wine is pure, long, and deep and has a stony austerity that reflects the limestone origins. 14.5% stated alcohol, but I did not find the alcohol noticeable or disturbing. 90+/A


2020 Chinon   rouge 

The entry-level red Chinon is raised in cement tank. The wine is crisp with red and dark Cabernet Franc fruit. 13.5% stated alcohol. 88/B


2020 Chinon   Bonnaventure  rouge

The red Chinon “Bonaventure" is from sandy clay soils and raised in foudre (large wood ovals). This wine is rounder and fuller than the previous, and shows dark, spicy fruits with a not-unattractive bitter pinch on the finish. 88/B


2019 Chinon  La Diablesse  rouge

Although a year older than the wines above, the Chinon  “La Diablesse” remains quite primary. The wine is intense, concentrated, and long, giving promise for the future. It is from a north-facing slope and raised in 1 year-old barrels. 13.5% stated alcohol. 89(+)/B+


2019 Chinon   Clos de Turpenay  rouge

This wine is light, long, smooth-textured, and a touch of bitterness. It is from soils with lots of clay and some sand. 10% new oak here barrique for first year of aging, then transferred to foudre.  87/B


2018 Chinon   Les Picasses   rouge

Although rich, the Les Picasses also shows some noble austerity due to its limestone soils. The wine is medium-weight with good length to its dark fruits, but more time in bottle is needed for this wine to reach its full expression. Raised in barriques, 15% of which are new. 89+/B+