INSIDER'S PICK: 2015 PHILIPPE ALLIET CHINON (Wine Spectator 91points) $21.99

The strength of quality from the Loire continues to grow every year, and we're so happy that our selection is getting fatter and fatter. One of the best aspects of the increasing quality and quantities we're getting is the breadth of styles that are appearing. For a long time there was a fairly narrow range a Chinon or Bourgueil would take, the only differences between them being how well they were made. Now you are seeing more approachable, even forward-drinking wines of great quality, top drawer bottlings that CAN age in the cellar but don't NEED it. Philippe Alliet has made a growing reputation for just that type of wine, even with organic practices and aggressively low yields in the vineyards that usually produce dark and intensely tannic  wines that can require a decade or more to crack.

Opaque and almost vividly purple in the glass, with an unfiltered appearance that could almost be mistaken for a tank or barrel sample, and an aroma of cherry skins and crunchy red fruits that are classic Loire Cabernet Franc. The mouthfeel is predictably rich, but surprisingly soft on the tannins, almost grapey but without the sweetness. There is nothing harsh about it at all except for maybe the lingering dry and forresty finish, and even that is marginal at best. Gulpable and easy to enjoy, rich enough to hold up to a hearty savory roast, this is another great 'comfort food' wine to keep on hand for chilly Winter nights ahead.

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