This has long been one of my favorite estates of the central Loire. Since inheriting the property from his father, Yannick Amirault has transformed it into one of the most respected producers of cabernet franc in France. As he is such a quiet gentleman, I have always wondered why he has a cannon for a logo. Was he once a rebel? That role should now fall to his son, Benoit, but the two work so harmoniously together that it is hard to imagine him driving without a cause like James Dean. Both show great respect for nature, keeping their intervention in both vineyard and cellar to a minimum. Not surprisingly, the wines display a harmony and purity not often found elsewhere. In any given year, their Petite Cave is regularly one of my calls for the best Loire Valley cabernet franc of the vintage. Anyone serious about cabernet franc should search out these wines. They are currently the benchmarks by which others are measured. Joel B. Payne, Vinous (www.vinousmedia.com) (Dec 2014)