INSIDER'S PICK: 2015 BERNARD BAUDRY CHINON BLANC $28.99

For the last Insider's Pick of this year's anniversary we decided to break out a rarity. A bit of a unicorn, actually, but definitely not priced how wines of this quality and scarcity usually would. Bernard Baudry is on the very short list of great Chinon producers, along with Philippe Alliet and Charles Joguet, helping to elevate the reputation of the region for over 40 years. Cabernet Franc is the focus grape by far here, with barely 5% planted to the other noble grape in this part of the Loire, Chenin Blanc. The style here, when done at all, is always dry, mirroring the Savennieres style further down the river. Baudry is one of the very few top producers to even make a Chenin Blanc, much less bother to feature plantings in a top vineyard, but the result is stunning.
From the first pour the rich, oily aromas of cool white fruits and Spring flowers come forth, and a constantly changing array of melon and citrus come forward as it opens up. Never fruity or tropical, but lots of intensity. The palate is equally complex and exciting, juicy and mouth-filling at first with lots of quince and pear, then quickly getting drier and racy showing off lots of mouthwatering lime, natural acidity and pulpy white fruit. While this may not be everyone's ideal cocktail wine, it would be amazing with a variety of citrus prepared dishes, from seafood to poultry, even standing up to pork.

We're offering free tastings as usual, this Thursday June 29th and Friday June 30th,  2016, and a 10% discount off the retail price of $28.99 for the Chinon Blanc through the duration of the day. Stop by between 12 Noon and 7:30pm for a free taste, and bring home some incredible wine.

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