Bellegrave 2010 Pomerol

The 2010 Château Bellegrave is something serious. Not an outright meaty wine, it's savory in more of an alluring, herbaceous, mint-and-tobacco way. An hour open reveals a nose of red fruit, flavors of dark minerals and plum, and a bracing structure of lean edges and good acidity. The crucial stuffing, the attractive, semi-plump middle, forms after three hours or so of air. At this point, the wine's aromas and flavors have expanded, too. Dashes of extra-dark cocoa and dried cherries hum under more pungent and lasting aromas of black pepper, leather and smoke. A subtle, bitter kiss of ground espresso and an even subtler peck of mint give pleasurable nuance to a palate of dates, plum, and red currants. No cellaring needed, drink this today - just open it at 5 if your meal begins at 8. David Hatzopoulos

Micalet 2019 Haut Medoc Origine

The Chateau Micalet Haut-Medoc "Origine" is from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and 20% Petit Verdot grown on deep beds of gravel in Lamarque. The Fedieu familu created this wine to be a slightly lighter and more ready-to-drink version of their Haut-Medoc, with a shorter cuvaison and without aging in wood. The Origine has a beautiful nose, with ripe blackberries, dried blueberries and an elegant combo of orange peel and clove. On the palate, the wine is full and bold, with black pepper, dark cherry and a zesty accent of cassis and plum peel. Structurally, the wine shows just enough generous texture, a mineral zing, and medium acid. A fantastic buy at under $20! David Hatzopoulos

Beausejour 2018 Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion Cab Franc No SO2

One of my favorite bottles of Bordeaux. This 100% Cabernet Franc is made using zero sulfur, from vines that are tended under strict organic measures. The Dupuy family have been farming the same land since 1934, and have done an amazing job creating terrior-driven reds from their healthy grapes. This 2018 dark purple in the glass. The nose is beautifully plummy, with smashed raspberries, cherry leaves, graphite, all-spice, and violets. Flavors range from of blackberries, cranberries, pine, mint, and espresso. Graced by a dynamic level of clean acidity and formidable tannin. An absolute must for any lover of Cabernet Franc, especially if they enjoy examples from the Loire Valley. David Hatzopoulos

La Grave Figeac 2015 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

The Clauzel family does not disappoint with the 2015! This wine is a blend of organically-farmed 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, planted on sand and gravel soils. Fermented with native yeasts and aged for about 15 months in barrel. The robe is a deep ruby hue. The nose offers elegant aromas of black raspberry, cassis, violets, a touch of leather, and loamy soil. The mid-weight palate has good concentration and lift, with ripe black fruit character,  and fine-grained tannins carrying over on a long, succulent, layered finish. This displays none of the roasted notes of the somewhat torrid vintage and is deeply satisfying, classic St. Emilion. Delicious now, but possesses the balance to bode well for mid-term aging (say 7-10 ten years).  This should pair beautifully with roast lamb, hanger steak, or duck confit, though it wouldn't be out of place with tagine or mushroom risotto. La Grave Figeac continues to impress with their well-priced, organic St Emilion. John McIlwain

Chateau Fonroque 2016 Grand Cru Classe Saint-Emilion

 The 2016 Chateau Fonroque is the last vintage made by Alain Moueix before he sold the estate, though he continues to consult in the vineyard and winery. Organic certification obtained in 2006, biodynamic certification obtained in 2008. The ultimate blend is 90% Merlot, with 10% Cabernet Franc , mostly from the limestone-heavy plateau and high slopes - together creating a sturdy, powerful St.-Emilion of great strength and elegance. Wine was fermented naturally in concrete, and aged in a mix of barrique, with 30% being new. Wonderfully plummy nose, red cherry, raspberry syrup, hints of graphite, cocoa, black licorice, very ripe dark, dank roses and violets. The palate is cool and mineral, with strawberry, plum, blackberry, blueberries, herbs, with a hint of bell pepper. Long finish, high acid, tannin on the gums and middle of the tongue - with airy, lingering flavors of freshly cracked black pepper and graphite. Scrumptious wine. I've enjoyed every bottle I've opened. David Hatzopoulos

Mazeyres 2014 Pomerol

(Arrives 7/29) Another compelling vintage from Chateau Mazeyres in Pomerol, which converted to organic and biodynamic farming in 2012. A blend of mostly Merlot, with about a quarter Cabernet Franc and just  a tiny amount of Petit Verdot planted on clay soils, with some plots having additional layers of sand and gravel. Hand-harvested, fermented in steel and concrete, aged in wood (40% new), for 14 months. On the nose, there are deep black fruits, hints of spice and rich woodsy aromas. On the palate, the texture is warm and generous, with bold plum and black cherry, with accents of herbs and mint. Delicious now, but should be prime in just under a decade. David Hatzopoulos

Bellegrave 2015 Pomerol

Château Bellegrave's 2015 Pomerol doesn't tip-toe like the shier, more accented 2010. Yes, it takes the same amount of time as the older vintage to come together, but the concentration and strength of the wine is noticeable the instant the cork is popped. At its prime, it has a fantastic nose of dark cherry, woodsy spice, and a rich smell of birch and cinnamon. The palate is equally as powerful, displaying flavors of plum and blackberry, along with spicy flavors of fennel and caraway seeds.The mouthfeel is tannic, but a wash of clean acidity keeps the wine from being gritty or overly chewy. The most stand out quality of this wine was the smell I took before my last sip, which was a pungent smell of Autumn, intense with the scent of maple. A good pairing with roast chicken, but definitely qualifies for heartier, oilier meats, like lamb. This ripe wine is delicious today, but has many years ahead. David Hatzopoulos

Cazebonne 2019 Vin de France Feldspath de Peyron Malbec

"100% Malbec harvested and sorted by hand after destemming, on a small plot of 60 ares, on sand and gravel soils with iron-rich clay with vines over 50 years old. This wine fermented in a small vat for 20 days. It was then aged for 9 months on fine lees in TAVA amphorae, without any added sulfur. Very low dose of volcanic sulfur before bottling." On the nose, this Malbec is breezy, with herbal and floral character. The aromatic profile balances out with a touch of baking spice, dried plums, and dark citrus. The palate is earthy, with more red fruit, with deep cherry. Zippy graphite gives the palate a bright mouthfeel. Good acidity and soft tannin give this Malbec a wonderfully plush texture.

Chateau Micalet 2018 Haut Medoc

Chateau Micalet, with a few hectares in the commune of Lamarque was classified "Cru Artisan" by Feret in 1893.  Acquired by the Fedieu family in 1972 the estate was enlarged slightly, never using herbicides, and with a new generation the conversion to organic agriculture was started in 2006. The estate now has 10 hectares on deep beds of gravel, planted at 8,000 pieds/hectare; the normal blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot -  and 5% Petit Verdot, a grape the Fedieus feel is particularly important. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo a 3 to 4 week fermentation, the wine ages in barrique, 30% new. The nose on the Haut Medoc has a foundation of stone fruit, with warm plum under a fresher accent of apricot. When the wine opens, more nuanced aromas of red flowers, dried coconut, and dark gravel appear. The palate is edgy, showing lean, driven acidity, with black cherries and tart cranberries. Follow this wine over an evening, the structure will gain weight and the acidity will tone down. David Hatzopoulos

Planquette (Didier Michaud) 2018 Vin de France (Médoc)

Didier Michaud works 1.7 hectares in the Medoc with 30 to 100 year-old vines on limestone with thin soils of clay with sand and stones.  He has old vines of Merlot Queue Rouge and massale selection Cabernet Sauvignon, farmed organically with just a little compost and shallow plowing. Vinification with wild yeasts, no extraction and no added sulfur (total SO2 less than 2 mg/L). This is one of the most "natural" and deliciously old-fashioned wines of Bordeaux. The 2018 Planquette is considerably riper and more forward than usual, weighing in at 15%  alcohol, but retaining it's normal vibrant character - it will be delicious as a young wine, although it will certainly cellar nicely as well. The 2018 shows very ripe cassis and blackberry aromas with licorice, violet, bitter chocolate and earth. The palate is dense, deep and velvety, with black fruit liqueur, earth and mineral flavors. The mid-palate is elegant with a core of chalky black fruit and minerals that continues in the long finish. This is a beautiful Bordeaux of terroir, unfettered by additives, over-extraction or new oak, showing lovely flavors of fruit and earth and perfect balance despite the weight and ripeness of the vintage. Delicious now, but perhaps best 2025 to 2035+.  Thank you, Didier Michaud! This superb and soulful wine is highly recommended and a great value.  David Lillie

Chateau Falfas 2019 Cotes de Bourg Les Demoiselles de Falfas

Dark core in the glass, with light red edges. A great nose, plush with floral tones and fresh red fruits. Hints of ginger and cola, adding a spicy but fresh accent to the wine. On the palate, a mineral center tingles the tongue, with red plums, dark strawberry, graphite, and a finish of sweet tobacco before a bitter kick. Structurally, great acidity and wonderfully placed, medium tannin. High-toned Bordeaux for those looking to drink big but to not stuff yourselves. This note was written on the first night... we'll see how this shows tomorrow! I'm expecting something lovely. David Hatzopoulos 

Chateau Falfas 2017 Cotes de Bourg

In the glass, this the wine is dark and plummy, but not densely concentrated. A very fresh and floral nose, showing forest cherry, blueberries, wild strawberry, under scents of lavender and violets. On the palate, there is a crisp blackberry and raspberry character, with richer plums - joined by herbs, salt and graphite. A fresh, bitter note of dark citrus pops above an ever-lasting flavor of earl grey tea on the nervy finish. Complex, clean, and mouthwatering - this is a winter wine with great energy! David Hatzopoulos

Peybonhomme 2019 Premières Côte de Blaye Cru Bourgeois

Biodynamic farming, native yeasts, wild fermentations, good value –all phrases not typically associated with Bordeaux. Yet, each year the Hubert family provides us with just that in their staple cuvee from the Côte de Blaye. The Cru Bourgeois is a blend of mostly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a bit of Malbec. Generously aromatic  owing to the rich clay soils in which it is grown, the 2019 offers crushed violets, cassis, and rhubarb on the nose. The palate shows the warm vintage with finesse. Cascades of ripe red fruit, black currant, and spice, with supple tannins and an undercurrent of chalky minerality. This is a great addition to the dinner table alongside grilled meat or sipped on its own.

Peybonhomme 2019 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Quintessence

The Hubert family are owners of Chateau Peybonhomme-les-Tours in Blaye and Chateau La Grolet in Bourg. The farming here is among the best in Bordeaux, certified organic and biodynamic. The vineyards are a fantastic oasis of greenery compared to the rest of Bordeaux, and are located on slopes of clay over limestone giving the wines good concentration and firm minerality. The Quintessence of Peybonhomme is a selection of the best juice from tastings each year and is primarily Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec, a portion of which is aged in new oak. The 2019 is a beautiful and lively Bordeaux showing deep aromas of ripe cassis, blackberry, black cherry, cocoa, spice and earth. The palate is supple and ripe, lifted by cool acidity, with complex black fruits, earth and mineral flavors with a long finish. The wine broadens and gains complexity with time open so decant if possible. A versatile food wine, this beautifully balanced Bordeaux will accompany anything from roast chicken to pork dishes to steak. Put a few in your cellar for a mature experience, best 2025 to 2035+.

Grolet 2019 Côtes de Bourg "Origines"

 Chateau La Grolet has been certified organic and Biodynamic since 2000. Double Guyot pruning, spontaneous winter grass cover. Soil tillage during the spring, every other row ploughed. Treatments combining small quantities of Bordeaux mixture with herbal teas such as horsetail or nettle. The blend is 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet-Franc, 5% Malbec.  The Hubert family's great farming creates this sensational value Bordeaux which is truly a subtle, complex and profound wine. When young, it is dominated by red and black fruit aromas, then as the years pass, cocoa and mild tobacco notes combine with hints of spice and earth. Can be drunk young but is also a very good wine for laying down, recommended cellaring time: 5 - 10 years.

Chateau Massereau 2009 Bordeaux Superieur Cuvee K

The Cuvée K 2009 from Massereau is balanced in a fantastic state of maturity. It is a blend from the estate's organically farmed vines of Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Dark stone fruits, pitted cherries, and dried blueberries form the wine’s aromatic base, while lighter accents of orange peel and clove add a lifted dimension. The palate is rich, with plum, blackberry, black currants, with a smoky hint of loamy minerality. The wine shows great tannic strength, with a beam of mouthwatering acidity. The finish is long, with a tender sweetness of fresh red berries on the tongue that wraps up each sip. This is a must-buy for Bordeaux drinkers looking for exceptional quality at a great price! Pop a bottle this weekend, you’ll see what I mean. David Hatzopoulos

Clos Puy Arnaud 2020 VDF (Castillon) La Cuvee Bistrot

Fruit from the limestone plateau of Sainte-Colombe in Castillon, organic/biodynamic farming under the supervision of Thierry Valette. 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc, vine age 25 years. Some grapes, which are left uncrushed, go through intrapellicular fermentation, resulting in a process similar to carbonic maceration. Ages on the lees for 5 months in stainless vats. On the nose, the wine has wonderfully fresh forest fruits: blackberry, strawberry, cassis and blueberry. There is something very floral and grassy about it too, with the gentle pop of a wine made in this 'semi-carbonic' fashion. On the palate, it's generous and plummy, full of lovely black fruits, and a hint of freshly milled peppercorns. A real mineral crunch centers a structure of medium acidity and integrated, soft tannin. Full of juice, refreshing zip and texture - to me, this is the definition of a "food wine." Whether you enjoy a bottle at your last summer picnic or you pair one with your Thanksgiving dinner in November, the Cuvee Bistrot will do the trick. David Hatzopoulos

Clos Puy Arnaud 2014 Castillon - Cotes de Bordeaux

This wine is from the limestone plateau of near the village Belves-de-Castillon. It is 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, from vines averaging 30 years old. Fermented naturally in wood and cement. Aged in barrel, with 10% being new wood, for 8 months before going into cement vats for 5 more months. Clos Puy Arnaud is owned by Theirry Valette, who brought the estate into both organic and biodynamic certification. The wine is beautiful, and really shows itself 3 or so hours after opening. The nose is dense and heady, full of ripe  dark flowers, crushed cherries, with a savory waft of dried fruits like raisins and dates. The palate has a spark of firm black plum and graphite. A  broad and warming body with tannin on all corners of the mouth refreshed by straight, balanced acidity. Delicious! David Hatzopoulos