2007 Domaine Pierre Guindon "Cabernet," Coteaux d'Ancenis, France

Dear Rene, We have a not-to-be-missed offer today: a complex 2007 French cabernet as low as $8.99 per bottle. And this isn't some mass-produced "cheap" cabernet. An estate-grown, estate-bottled, hand-harvested, limited-production cabernet from 35-year-old vines froma producer who has been called "the pre-eminent grower" of his region by David Schildknecht (the regional expert for Parker's Wine Advocate)! The producer, Domaine Pierre Guindon, is an absolute star of the tiny "Coteaux d'Ancenis" region in France's Loire Valley, a highly-regarded area in France, but one which remains undiscovered outside of France. In addition to consistent praise from the Wine Advocate, Guindon has been listed as a "favorite producer" by Master of Wine Jancis Robinson (a well-regarded wine blogger and writer) and has been distinguished in several of France's top wine journals. I bought this wine last year and have held it and carefully aged it for over a year for you. Why? Because I wanted you to experience how unique and complex this wine could be now that it is really starting to hit its stride. This is so good I bought nearly half of the total production, something I was only able to do because I went to the Loire Valley and met with the producer. At Arrowine, we take great pride in finding you these gems. If you are looking for real value in estate-bottled, hand-harvested, limited-production wine that is delicious as well as profound (as well as ridiculously cheap), then look no further, order your case(s) today. And if you're not thinking of buying any, then just buy six bottles. In addition, please check out our special tastings this weekend, and take advantage of our cheese and charcuterie features and sales. I hope to see you this weekend. Doug Rosen 2007 Domaine Pierre Guindon "Cabernet," Coteaux d'Ancenis, France 2007 Guindon "Cabernet", Coteaux d'Ancenis, France (Loire Valley Red Wine) Regular Shelf Price $12.99 6-Bottle Price- $10.99 each 12-Bottle Price- just $8.99 each (save over 30%) Wait until you see how complex and how unlike cheap cabernet from Australia or California this is-- it has true complexity and character! What makes it different from new world Cabernet? Just about everything: In this area of the Loire Valley, the word "Cabernet" on label can refer to cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, or both. Guindon's 40 year old vineyard includes both, about 80% franc and 20% sauvignon. It is carefully estate-grown and hand-harvested unlike almost all wines in this price range from this part of France (or anywhere else). The tiny vineyard is densely planted at 6,500 vines per hectare; this forces the vines to compete and keeps yields naturally low for better concentration and complexity. Fermentation is entirely with natural yeast, allowing true expression of the vineyard and remarkable complexity. It is from a cool climate, unlike Australian and California cabernets, so it shows more freshness and liveliness and a better affinity with food. It is more dry and savory and less heavy and sweet. Guindon's vineyards are planted on excellent hillsides with soils consisting primarily of clay and schist. This gives the wine a distinct mineral complexity. Fermentation and aging are done in tank, there are no oaky flavors to cover up the complex fruit, mineral, and spicy complexity. Here is how it tastes: This is a serious wine for only $8.99. It has wonderful garnet color with aromas of red currants, sun-dried leaves with hints of red licorice. Soft and silky, ripe, red strawberry fruited palate with hints of herbs, red licorice and stone dust. This wine possesses wonderful precision and mineral tang, making it an ideal wine with roasted chicken, salmon or any lighter meats. I just don't know of many $12.99 bottles of wine that can deliver this level of complexity; at only $8.99 per bottle load up and enjoy this fascinating wine over the next few years. To order please call 703.525.0990. We need your Visa or MasterCard information including expiration date. Wine arrives tomorrow, Friday February 26th.