We’re honored to offer a truly special allocation from one of the Loire Valley’s most under-the-radar gems: Domaine Bourcard in Bourgueil, specialists in Cabernet Franc since the 19th century.
Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley’s Bourgueil appellation, Domaine Lamé Delisle Boucard stands as a testament to traditional winemaking, with a history dating back to 1869. This family-run estate has cultivated a deep understanding of its land, resulting in wines that truly express the character of their origin.
A Mosaic of Terroirs
The estate spans 44 hectares, meticulously divided into 61 parcels. Each parcel offers a unique combination of soil types, primarily:
- Sandy Gravel Terraces: Located near the Loire River, these soils contribute to wines with bright fruit flavors and a lighter body.
- Clay-Limestone Hillsides: Found in parcels like Beauvais, Brunetières, and Bézards, these soils impart structure, depth, and aging potential to the wines.
Old Vines, Rich Flavors
Many of the vines are over 40 years old, with some parcels boasting even older plantings. These mature vines yield grapes with concentrated flavors, adding complexity and richness to the wines.
Traditional Winemaking Practices
Lamé Delisle Boucard adheres to time-honored winemaking techniques:
- Separate Vinification: Each parcel is vinified individually to preserve its unique characteristics.
- Fermentation: Depending on the parcel, fermentation occurs in either stainless steel tanks (for sandy soils) or conical wooden vats (for clay-limestone soils), allowing for optimal expression of the terroir.
- Aging: Wines are aged in large, old oak foudres, which impart subtle complexity without overshadowing the fruit.
Experience the Essence of Bourgueil
By understanding the diverse soils and meticulous practices at Domaine Lamé Delisle Boucard, one gains a deeper appreciation for their Cabernet Franc wines. Each bottle is a reflection of the land, the vine, and the family’s dedication to their craft.
Here’s what we’ve got (while it lasts):
2017 Bourcard Cabernet Franc (750ml)
A cooler, classic vintage. Earthy, restrained, and quietly complex. Notes of sour cherry, dried tobacco, forest floor, and pencil shavings. This is the vintage for purists — drinking beautifully now with roast chicken, mushroom dishes, or just a good book and a wedge of aged Comté.
2018 Bourcard Cabernet Franc (750 ml & 1.5L Magnum)
A standout year in the Loire. Warm weather brought concentration and ripeness without sacrificing acidity. Think black cherries, violets, and a whiff of iron-rich minerality. The magnum format makes this perfect for gatherings or longer-term cellaring — the larger bottle ages more gracefully and impresses on the table.
2019 Bourcard Cabernet Franc (3L Double Magnum)
A collector’s bottle. The only format available is 3 liters — and it’s glorious. 2019 strikes a perfect balance between 2017’s elegance and 2018’s generosity. Wild raspberry, crushed stones, black pepper, and sage. Decant now or cellar for 10+ years. Extremely limited — fewer than a case available.
Why this offer matters:
Bourcard wines are rarely seen outside of France. We worked directly with the importer to bring in this small batch of back-vintages, many of which were cellared at the domaine until release. These aren’t leftovers — they’re intentional late releases, meant to showcase how beautifully Cabernet Franc evolves with time.
If you love Loire reds, value-driven cellar selections, or just appreciate wine with real soul, don’t miss this drop.
Available in very limited quantities.