A rare feature for one of our newsletters, today's email blast showcases a Chinon from the Loire Valley. A must-try for people looking to expand their wine knowledge, especially those who have not yet experienced a red wine from the Loire Valley.

Chinon, as with many other red wines from the Loire, is made with the Cabernet Franc grape. Although their are some 100% Cabernet Francs out there, more commonly Cab Franc is used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, or Bordeaux-styled blends from around the world.

Today's wine, in this vintage, is in very limited supply, but it's something that I was happy to be able to get, especially after its wonderful 91 Point rating in the Wine Spectator. Between the quality of wine and its new rating, this wine is definitely something that I wanted to share with everyone.

Bernard Baudry Chinon 'Les Granges' 2009 is made by a family run winery, with Bernard and his son Matthieu working together to make very interesting, yet traditional wines in Chinon. The Les Granges is actually made from the youngest vines in the estate, though don't let that fool you - they are still 15+ year old grapevines! With a river running beside the vineyard, Bernard has been known to prune his vines by rowboat when the river swells!

Rated 91 Points by the Wine Spectator - "This dense red delivers succulent plum and cherry flesh joined by taut plum skin and briar flavors. This shows plenty of stuffing through the finish, with dark tobacco and tapenade notes, all offset by a brisk, chalk edge. One for the cellar. Drink now through 2016. 150 cases imported."

If you're already familiar with Chinons, then this is a treat for you! If you're learning about wine or just interested in trying all sorts of new wines, then this is something that you shouldn't miss.

Again - this is in very limited supply.

Cheers!

Tracy Maxon

tracy@varmax.com