Domaine Clau de Nell, located in Ambillou Château in the schist rich Anjou Noir, was revived in the early 2000s and has since flourished under the Lafon family, becoming a benchmark for pure and expressive Loire reds from cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and gamay. The vineyards sit on slopes of schist, sandstone and volcanic rock, giving wines with deep minerality, natural freshness and a distinct dark finesse. The reds show black cherry, raspberry, violet, crushed leaf, graphite, gentle spice and occasionally smoky or sanguine notes. The palate is linear, ample yet weightless, with fine tannins and a tension that carries the wine long. The cabernet franc bottlings in particular are prized for their purity and vitality. Clau de Nell embodies a sincere, elegant and precise Loire style with both depth and grace.