Couly-Dutheil, Chinon “Clos de l’Olive”

The following is a direct order: Today's 32-year-old treasure is a must-buy for those who have a passion for mature French wine in its most classic form, and to further sweeten the deal, we’re offering it at a price that has no business being this low. The rarefied red in question is a small trove of 1989 “Clos de l'Olive” that came directly from Couly-Dutheil’s ancient 10th-century cellar after three decades of stock-still maturation. This iconic Chinon estate crafts what are arguably the most authentic and age-worthy Cabernet Francs anywhere in the world, and in exalted vintages like ’89—among the finest of the 20th century—their top bottlings seem to outright reject the negative effects of Father Time. “Clos de l’Olive” is one of those bottles. Like a rare-earth magnet, the power of attraction here is unavoidable for those enamored with unequivocally elite, authentic, terroir-loaded Cabernet in its peak window of evolution. Very limited quantities are available and at $68 a pop, we