Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Les Moulins Rouge 2023 (1500ml)

100% Cabernet Franc. As with the Moulins Blanc, this label was initially created to provide a home for Guiberteau’s organic-in-conversion grapes. The vines are primarily located in Montreuil-Bellay and include a healthy portion of old-vine fruit from a recently acquired parcel on the Brézé hill. The vines vary in age from 10 to 80 years. The wine was raised in stainless steel, with just five days on skins. The idea is to offer a more open, delicious, early-drinking wine at a more accessible price than the village bottling—and it works. Expect a racy, crunchy wine with loads of juicy red cherry, ground anise, ink and nettle aromas and flavours and a long, smoky finish. Despite its drinkability, it has more depth than you might expect at this price point, and it drinks like a wine that may, surprisingly, age quite well. It’s terrific value and a terrific entrée into the reds of the Domaine.