This region-defining estate is home to history so rich, it could fill out the entire Smithsonian: Surrounded by vines and a crumbling stone wall is a dominating 500-year-old limestone castle; where no less than twelve generations of the Petit Thouars clan have thrived and produced classically elegant, complex, highly aromatic Cabernet Franc. And, for reasons unbeknownst to me, their prices have remained remarkably approachable despite what many Loire contemporaries are now charging for their (often-inferior) wines. It’s amazing: Everything one could possibly ask for in a traditional French red—perfume, minerality, ripe fruit, balance, energy—is here. Find some room for a case if you can because this bulletproof investment will keep getting better and better.

The 'Les Georges' flaunts a vibrant ruby and deep purple in the glass and exhibits heaps of black raspberry, black plum, mulberry, redcurrant, and licorice that perfectly coexist with the “terroir-driven” side of Cabernet Franc: damp violet, crushed graphite, dried underbrush, wild herbs, bell pepper, lead, and star anise. The wine shows no perceptible oak influence: it’s all about pure, fragrant fruit, mineral savor, enlivening acidity, and structured, fine-grained tannins. In other words: this is an absolutely perfect representation of Loire Cabernet Franc! It is superbly balanced and considerably energetic with a longer, more complex finish than your typical bistro Chinon.