Beck-Hartweg 2020 Vin d'Alsace Pinot Noir "F" (Frankstein)

Though the fruit for this bottling all comes from the Grand Cru Frankstein vineyard, Pinot Noir does not have Grand Cru status in Frankstein (only white varieties are awarded Grand Cru Frankstein status), hence the name "F," for Frankstein. This is elegant, and red fruited, with some peppery, darker fruit more reminiscent of a regional Alsatian expression. Grapes see about 2 weeks of maceration, with occasional delicate pouring of a few liters on the cap to avoid oxidation, otherwise, very little extraction. The wine, is however very present on the mid-palate.

Beck-Hartweg 2021 Alsace Grand Cru Frankstein Riesling

This is a memorable Riesling from two parcels in the Grand Cru of Frankstein, which rests above the town of Dambach-la-Ville on a fault of granite. Frauenberg is a parcel that gives small berries that Florian and Mathilde find to have great concentration and intense acidity. This is blended with fruit from the Pflanzer parcel, which has less intensity and provides more delicate character to the blend. There's enough acidity and mineral sharpness from the granitic soils for this natural wine to age gracefully, but it's also pretty scintillating wine to drink now!   -EL

Brand & Co. 2020 VDF & Orange

Brand, Charles & Philippe 2018 Alsace Pet-Nat 'Le Bidule'

A gently sparkling, hazy Pet-Nat from Philippe Brand. Le Bidule is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and 10% direct press Pinot Noir. Low alcohol and as the French say, "digeste," in that it has nice texture and goes down quite smoothly. This will be a great Pet-Nat to have on the table during the holidays, as the bubbles are not aggressive yet the wine is still light on its feet and very refreshing and palate cleansing.

Brand, Charles & Philippe 2021 Alsace Oeillet le Litre (Liter)

Catherine Riss 2021 Alsace De Gres ou de Force (Riesling)

Domaine Chapel 2020 Fleurie Charbonnieres Cire Noire

Terres Dorées (Jean-Paul Brun) 2021 Beaujolais Chardonnay

Jean-Paul Brun's Chardonnay comes from 35 year-old vines grown on sandy clay and limestone soils in the southern Beaujolais  and is raised in stainless steel (no oak).  Bright aromas of peach, apricot, lemon zest, and thyme lead to flavors of pure white fruits, juicy lime, crisp orange blossom, subtle herbal undertones, and a long chalky finish. Paired with salad, seafood,chicken, goat milk cheeses, or nothing at all, this is a beautiful choice and great value in white Burgundy!

Terres Dorées (Jean-Paul Brun) 2021 Beaujolais l'Ancien V.V.

L'Ancien comes from Jean Paul Brun's home village of Charnay in the southern Beaujolais. The vines range in age from 40 to 60 years old and are planted on slopes sporting the area's signature sandy clay-limestone soils, featuring the particular local "dorée" or "golden" limestone that is laden with iron. These older vines have always been farmed organically and harvested by hand and yield small, thick-skinned Gamay berries. As for all Terres Dorées reds, the vinification is traditional Burgundian rather than the normal carbonic maceration in Beaujolais. The palate shows lush, ripe berry fruits backed by citrusy acidity, quite refreshing. The finish is long and sappy with bright red fruits and tart acidity - stock-up on this crowd-pleasing Beaujolais!

Cru Godard 2019 Francs - Côtes de Bordeaux

65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec. Harvest by hand, natural fermentation, and zero new oak. Château Cru Godard’s vines grow on southerly exposed hillsides adjacent to the Saint-Emilion appellation,  geographically closer to Bergerac than to the city of Bordeaux. The wine is fermented by indigenous yeast in stainless steel tanks and is then matured 50% in tank and 50% in used barriques that have seen two passages. The 2019 has a dark ruby robe. The nose offers aromas of sweet black fruits, tobacco, and cocoa. The mid-weight palate has soft flavors of black cherry, cassis, blackberry, and coffee framed by savory earth notes and fine-grained tannins. A great value!

Esprit De Chevalier 2018 Pessac-Leognan (Dom de Chevalier 2nd Wine)

Grand Corbin Despagne 2019 Saint-Emilion

Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne has been certified organic since 2013. The blend is 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. 2019 is the 208th vintage by the Despagne family at Grand Corbin!  "The 2019 Grand Corbin Despagne turned out beautifully. Readers will find a big, statuesque Saint-Émilion built on vertical energy. Black cherry, plum, graphite, spice, licorice and gravel lend nuance to this explosive, potent Saint-Émilion. Gravel, scorched earth, tobacco and incense lend gravitas on the substantial finish. This is an especially powerful, earthy Saint-Émilion. Quite simply, the 2019 is a flat out stunner. " Vinous

Grolet 2021 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. The 2021 shows a bright garnet color and very pretty aromas of wild berries, violet and rose petal. The palate is really lovely with pure black raspberry and cassis fruit in a light, elegant frame - at 12% alcohol the wine is quite pure and refreshing, a perfect Bordeaux for summer sipping or with lighter grilled foods. Serve a bit cool and enjoy!

La Conseillante 2001 Pomerol

Lynch Bages 2004 Pauillac 1.5 L

Mazeyres 2020 Pomerol

Another compelling vintage from Chateau Mazeyres in Pomerol, which converted to organic and biodynamic farming in 2012 under viticultural engineer and oenologist Alain Moueix. 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 for 14 months. The wine is really outstanding in 2020. On the nose, there are deep black and red fruits, hints of spice, blood orange, rose, earth and rich woodsy aromas. On the palate, the texture is warm and generous, quite dense with bold plum and black cherry, with accents of herbs and mint. This very young wine is delicious now, with a long decant, but will be best after ten to twenty years in the cellar. From the estate's website: "Gravel soils endow this Mazeyres wine with smoky aromas and a chiselled,mineral texture. Clay brings undergrowth notes and a rounded, fleshy struc-ture. Biodynamics promotes finesse and freshness. The texture of Château Mazeyres wines consistently offers the velvety touch characteristic of fine Pomerol."

Peybonhomme 2020 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Quintessence

This year's Quintessence from the famille Hubert's estate in the Cotes de Bordeaux is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from beautiful biodynamically farmed vines on clay limestone soils.  The nose is dense and ripe on opening, showing ripe cassis, blackberry and raspberry, with hints of warming spice. With time open, the wine shows increasingly complex aromatic qualities, with more tobacco and earth coming through by hour 4 or 5. On the palate, the fruit is again ripe and dense, with cassis liqueur, ripe blackberry, and black cherry balanced by bristly tannins and limestone minerality on the long finish. After some time open, the palate leans more towards cacao and earth, but the ripe fruit remains dominant. A pleasure now with butter basted rib eye steak or roast beef, it will certainly improve over the next 10 to 15 years...

Peybonhomme 2020 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, This wine 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.

Pichon Baron 2004 Pauillac

Pichon Baron 2006 Pauillac

Pontet Canet 2002 Pauillac

Smith Haut Lafite 2004 Pessac-Leognan

Talbot 2003 Saint-Julien

Climens 2003 Barsac

Bart 2021 Marsannay Blanc "Les Etalles"

"Les Etalles" is a large, relatively flat parcel just above the "Route des Grands Crus" where many Marsannay estates grow Chardonnay in deep, rich soils. (The name "Etalles" derives from a description of a flat, calm sea) The color is pale gold, the aromas are opulent with ripe white fruits, citrus, very floral with a touch of oak. Nice weight on the palate with good underlying minerality below the lush stone and citrus fruits. Lovely wine - serve with a full-flavored fish or poultry dish, bring on the lobster rolls!

Brocard, Julien 2021 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre

One of the great sites in Chablis by any measure, Montée de Tonnerre can be as fine as the Grand Crus from many producers. It sits just below the Grand Cru slope to the southeast and combines power with intense minerality.

Buisson, Henri & Gilles 2021 St. Romain La Perriere

From a parcel of forty-year old vines, roughly 325 meters above the valley and village of Saint Romain. The soils here are intensely chalky and this comes across immediately. Notes of fresh stones and spring water on the nose, with soft lemons and fresh minerality. Very long and clean, with a subtle touch of viscosity in the finish. Probably the lightest of the range today, this feels very much in conversation with first-rate Chablis. 

Buisson, Henri & Gilles 2021 St. Romain Sous Le Chateau

'Sous Le Chateau' comes from vines averaging thirty years, but high on the slope (nearly 400 meters above sea level) and facing south-southeast. This is the fullest feeling of the Buisson St. Romains, with ripe lime and orange citrus, white peach and apricot notes and some sweet spice up front. There is excellent length on the palate and plenty of stoniness at the back end. The 2021 saw about 10% new oak and was fermented and aged in barrel as with their other whites. Overall, there is a creamier mouthfeel than the Perriere, with fresh green herbs and a long finish. Fantastic!

Buisson, Henri & Gilles 2021 St. Romain Blanc Sous la Velle

'Sous la Velle' faces due east and is another parcel high above the valley. The vines average sixty years old though some are as old as ninety. This is a show-stopping wine. The nose and palate show lemon curd, white flowers, and limeade, with accents of buttery croissant and spice. The limestone here adds power and presence, aided by incredible acidity.  This is absolutely top class white Burgundy and not to be missed. It was a bit more reserved on the nose, clearly this will age beautifully and as the only white that seemed a bit reserved overall (yet clearly showing fantastic potential), we'd recommend putting this one down for a little while.

d'Angerville 2020 Meursault 1er Cru Santenots

Chardonnay: The estate's method of breeding, without excessive batonnage, gives it extra energy and tension

Dangin, Bruno NV Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut

What a difference 2 kilometers makes! Bruno Dangin's Crémant de Bourgogne is made from 100% Pinot Noir from organically farmed vines in Molesme, located just beneath the southern border of Champagne's Aube.The limestone rich soils are the same as those of their pricier neighbor to the north.  Boasting a fine bead and soft mousse and aromas of red fruits and autolyse, one would be hard pressed to spot the difference. The palate offers great depth, pure pinot fruit, and a suave, layered, persistent finish. This is a great value in bubbles and will grace the holiday table nicely. John McIlwain

Domaine de Montille 2020 Meursault Saint Christophe

Blend of two parcels. 20 hectares of land in 20 appellations—with a staggering 75% in premier cru and grand cru vineyards throughout the Côte d’Or.

Goulley 2019 Petit Chablis

Guillemot-Michel 2020 Viré-Clessé Retour a la Terre

 Retour A  La Terre (Return to the Earth) is named for the parcel and the aging process. The vines come from a piece of the vineyard heavy with clay. They are on average about 65 years old, on a very old strain of rootstock that produces tiny but brilliantly ripe clusters of chardonnay. The wine that results is aged in three large clay amphora, allowing the wine to breathe without the influence of oak. The 2020 is excellent, with juicy white and yellow fruit, and the same feeling of purity and clarity as Quintaine. No shortage of finesse here. Sam Ehrlich

Heitz. A 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

Another sliver of a parcel here, right at the top of Charlemagne.

Lafouge 2021 Auxey-Duresses Les Hautés Blanc

As easy as it is to forget the quality of Auxey-Duresses Blanc, it's just as easy to overlook the sensational quality of Domaine Lafouge. The Auxey-Duresses Blanc Les Hautés (from the lieu dit situated next to Les Vireuils in Meursault) displays a fine balance of white floral aromas (acacia and honeysuckle) with white orchard fruits on the nose. The palate is racy and mineral with pear and nectarine fruit vying for attention with a good degree of mineral cut. This is pretty and a fine value in white Burgundy.

Lafouge 2021 Meursault Les Casses-Têtes

The Meursault  lieu-dit Les Casses Têtes is located on the hillside above the premier cru Les Gouttes d'Or and next to Le Tesson. The soils are thin and rocky producing wines of great energy and lift. We have 24 btls of this rare and lovely wine...

Moreau-Naudet 2021 Chablis 375ml

Chardonnay. Is the only wine in the cellar that sees any new oak. About 22 hectares. Pesticides and herbicides are banned and harvested manually.

Morey-Blanc 2020 Saint Romain Sous le Chateau

Chardonnay. Marl and chalky soils. “Sous le Château” is one of the most famous climat of Saint Romain appellation.

Rateau 2020 Beaune 1er Cru Les Coucherias

Beaune 1er Cru "Les Coucherias" is  a steep parcel high on the slope, on the site of an old quarry and much of the sub-soil is limestone tailings, permitting root penetration and drainage, with a topsoil of mixed clay and limestone "marnes blanches." In biodynamic agriculture since 1979, the vineyard is a south-facing semi-circle—a very warm spot giving a full, ripe wine. (tasted from a 12 year-old barrel) Light gold/brass color. Lovely aromas of pear, quince, lime-flower and ripe citrus. The palate is  elegant and supple, with white fruits, almond, citrus and caramel framed in firm acidity and mineral flavors, showing good ripeness but finishing with firm stony acidity. Lovely wine. Delicious now, this should age gracefully till 2035 and beyond.

Rateau 2022 Beaune Clos des Mariages Blanc

Located toward the bottom of the slope beneath Beaune Grèves and adjacent to Les Cents Vignes, Clos des Mariages is a mix of young and very old vines planted in clay and limestone soils. The lovely 2022 Blanc shows high-toned aromas of lime-flower, melon, pear, wet stone and honeysuckle. The palate is light and silky with pear, apple and citrus flavors with chalky minerals and herbal notes in the refreshing finish. Superb in 2022, the wine combines lush, lovely fruit with bright acidity and a real mineral presence. Delicious now, but in 5 - 10 years it will be quite special.  David Lillie

Rateau 2022 Bourgogne Aligoté

The Rateau Aligoté is from Jean-Claude's Biodynamic vineyard in the Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune and shows a pretty pale-gold color and aromas of almond, pear and stone - the palate is vibrant, dry and mineral, making this the base of a perfect Kir and a great match for oysters and any mild-flavored fish or chicken dish.

Rateau 2022 Cote de Beaune La Grande Chatelaine

About a kilometer or two northwest of the Beaune 1er Crus, La Grande Chatelaine is a cooler site with soils comprised of clay over limestone. The 2022 Clos de la Grande Chatelain is 90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Blanc and Pinot Beurot. This is a great vintage for the Grande Chatelaine - it's classy and elegant wine with fresh cool-toned aromatics of white flowers,  nectarine, rainwater,  and pear skin. The medium-bodied palate is a little warmer toned  offering flavors of nectarine, white peach, and crushed herb with a fairly savory finish. Beautiful wine!

Rateau 2022 Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Blanc Chardonnay

Jean-Claude Rateau makes lovely Biodynamic wines in the Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune in his east-facing vineyard of clay/limestone and marne soils.  Quite racy and bright even in the ripe 2022 vintage, the wine shows lovely aromas of lemon, almond, stone, spiced pear and apple. The palate is rounder and more ripe than usual, but perfectly balanced with pear, citrus and stone flavors and terrific length. The antithesis of fat, oaky Chardonnays, this food friendly wine will accompany everything from oysters and grilled seafood to roast chicken and mild cheeses. Delicious now or cellar for 5 to 8 years. This is a real Chardonnay of terroir and a great value!  David Lillie

Barbichon NV (base 18) Champagne Brut Blanc de Noirs

From year to year there seem to be few greater values in Champagne than those of biodynamic grower Thomas Barbichon in Gyé-sur-Seine in the Aube. From his 9 HA domaine he produces wines of purity, elegance, and precision. The farming is Demeter certified. The robe has a faint peach hue. The nose is attractively floral and red-fruited with aromas of wild strawberry, sour cherry, and crushed herbs.The palate is bright and vibrant with flavors of orange oil, a fine line of minerality, with a soft mousse and fine bead.The finish is expansive and tangy with a hint of biscuit on the back end. Lovely Champagne and an excellent value. 

Beaufort, André 2019 Coteaux Champenois Polisy Rouge

(Arrives 5/16) The 2019 Beaufort Polisy Rouge Coteaux Champenois (stilll wine) is 100% Pinot Noir grown on the Kimmeridgian limestone of Polisy. 2019 is a vintage of beautiful ripeness, but showing only 11% alcohol thanks to the climat in Polisy and the Beaufort's superb organic farming. This is remarkable from the first sniff, with delicate red fruit mixed with an intense herbal component. Don't be scared, there is nothing green or stemmy here - it's minty and spicy and deeply delicious. As it sits in the glass the wine opens up and becomes fuller and earthier. It's fresh on the palate, almost salty, with a fine fragile mouthfeel and beautiful length. Wonderful wine. I suspect this will take on weight with time in the bottle too.    Sam Ehrlich

Champagne Ponson NV Premier Cru Brut

Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. Hand craft. Organic. Biodynamic. Native yeast fermentation. No fining or filtering. Vegan friendly. 500 cases produced.

Déhu, Benoît NV (b19) Champagne Brut Nature Cuvee Initiation

Gatinois NV Ay Grand Cru Brut Rosé

Krug 1995 Champagne Brut

Krug 1996 Champagne Brut

Laherte Frères NV Champagne Brut Ultradition 1.5L

Marie-Courtin NV (2019) Champagne Indulgence Extra Brut Rose

Mouzon Leroux NV (Solera) Verzy Grand Cru L'Ascendant Solera

A perpetual cuvée comprised of 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay from Verzy, farmed organically (certified), and fermented in used barrel. Aged 40 months sur latte.

Prevost (La Closerie) NV (2010) Champagne Les Beguines

Vilmart & Cie. 2006 Champagne Cuvée Coeur

Vilmart & Cie. 2017 Champagne Grand Cellier d'Or

Buisson, Henri & Gilles 2020 St. Romain Rouge Sous la Roche

From 60-year old vines planted in limestone-rich soils. There are the classic red and blue-ish fruit notes, bright lively acidity and suave fine tannins, with an underlying dark earthiness. Delicious now or can be easily held in a cellar for ten to fifteen years, with space for improvement. 

Domaine des Croix 2019 Corton Grand Cru La Vigne au Saint

Pinot noir. Vine Age: Planted in 1960. Terroir: Brown clay soil on Jurassic limestone (known as "Corton Limestone"). Organic since 2009 (not certified). Vinification: 40% whole-cluster, pneumatic pressing, indigenous yeast fermentation in uncovered wooden tanks. Aged for 16 months in barrel (up to 33% new oak), a few months blending in tank.

Domaine des Croix 2020 Corton Grand Cru Greves

100% Pinot noir. Organic. 60-year-old vines. It sees 25% whole cluster and 16 months in 33% new oak. David Croix begin his winemaking career straight out of viticulture school when he took over the reigns at Camille Giroud (as well as working with Guy Roulot), when he was just 24 years old. In 2016 he quit his day job to focus entirely on his own small domaine, which he purchased back in 2005.

Domaine des Croix 2020 Corton Grand Cru La Vigne au Saint

100% Pinot Noir. Organic. sourced from the brown clay and Jurassic limestone terroir known as "Corton limestone." As with many clay-rich sites, this bottling sees more stems—40% whole-cluster in this case.

Génot-Boulanger 2017 Aloxe-Corton 1er Cru Clos du Chapitre

This Premier Cru red comes from the Clos du Chapitre, a parcel with some iron, along with limestone with flint stones.. Vines are an average of 50 years old, surrounding the parcel called 'Les Miex,' and facing South. Destemmed fruit, native yeast fermentation, and aging in barrel for 12 months, with 10-15% new oak, followed by 6 months in stainless steel before bottling. There is a ripe strawberry and raspberry profile on the nose with integrated wood and mineral structure in the mid-palate. Delicious now and should be lovely as the fruit tones down over time in the cellar. 

Lafon, Dominique 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Lurets

Moissenet-Bonnard 2017 Pommard 'Les Tavannes'

'Les Tavannes' is a small lieu-dit located at the bottom of the hill in Pommard, across the D973 from Epenots. The top-soil is clay on limestone, with stones and limestone pebbles allowing good drainage and easy penetration of the roots. The parcel faces South-East, with vines planted in 1973 and 1990. Altogether, Moissenet-Bonnard's parcel is half an acre. Grapes are hand harvested, destemmed, and fermented with native yeast. Aging is for a year in barrels, with 25-30% new oak. The charm of the fruit on this wine steals the show on the first impression. On second sip (or glass), the mineral length and subtle earthiness become more apparent, and reveal what an impressive wine this is. Drink now, or hold if you have the patience!

Morey, Pierre 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

Pinot noir. 11-hectare domaine. Average year of plantation : 1974. bought this vineyard at the end of 2003 in lieu-dit Les Pétures, in the North of Meursault. Located in the middle of the slope, the parcel is very well protected from the wind. Soils are rather shallow, very red and have a very delicate structure which is easy to work (ploughing,...). From 1999 to 2003 included, Volnay Santenots was produced under the Morey-Blanc label. Beginning with the 2004 harvest, it is a biodynamic wine from Domaine Pierre MOREY.

Rapet, Père et Fils 2020 Pernand-Vergelesses Les Belles Filles

The Pernand-Vergelesses vineyard "Les Belles Filles" is a northern extension of "Iles des Vergelesses" and "En Carradeux" facing east and usually producing an elegant, very pretty light-bodied Burgundy. In 2020, the hot, dry conditions gave this vineyard (and others in Auxey-Duresses for example) their moment in the sun with wines of balance and firm acidities but showing the ripeness of the vintage. The 2020 "Belle Filles" is quite beautiful, beginning with the usual floral tart cherry and raspberry aromas found in this wine; with aeration, the aromas deepen into earthy black cherry with hints of licorice and graphite. The palate shows ripe black cherry and strawberry fruit with earth and mineral flavors, quite dense and deep but still light on its feet and balanced with firm acidity. Three days later, the wine is really singing with terrific depth and length of black fruits and saline minerals. This is a great vintage for "Belles Filles." Decant well in advance if drinking now, best to cellar five to eight years and drink till 2033+. David Lillie

Rateau 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes

(3 btl max, please) Jean-Claude Rateau has a large parcel in the 1er Cru Les Bressandes on a steep slope facing east with pebbly clay/limestone soils*, conducted in biodynamic farming since 1979. . Even with the minimal extraction practiced at the estate, the 2017 Bressandes shows a dense red/black color and aromas of black cherry and ripe strawberry, quite deep with sous-bois, violet, graphite and citrus. The palate is dense and chalky with blackberry, earth, cocoa and minerals with terrific length of red currant, earth and juicy acidity.  This is a beautiful wine that will give great pleasure in its youth - it's a bit softer than the 2016 -  and should be a superb mature wine as well, perhaps until 2035 and beyond.  David Lillie 

Rateau 2020 Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes

Jean-Claude Rateau has a large parcel in the 1er Cru Les Bressandes on a steep slope facing east with pebbly clay/limestone soils, conducted in biodynamic farming since 1979. The soil is warm and well-drained giving ripe, structured wines. There is a 21-day cuvaison with manual cap-punching followed by 18 months in old barrels. The 2020 is a superb wine that will age beautifully. The aromas are deep and complex with black fruits, earth, violets and spice. The palate is ripe and intense, elegant and beautifully balanced with red and black fruits, earth and saline mineral flavors. "Precise" is the word that came to mind, a great expression of this terroir, showing a bit more like a Grèves or Teurons in this vintage. Certainly interesting to taste now but best after five years of cellaring, and for many years after that. A great Burgundy for the cellar at a reasonable price!

Rateau 2021 Beaune "Les Beaux et Bons"

The first vigneron in Burgundy to convert to biodynamics in 1979, Jean-Claude Rateau fashions wines of geat purity and precision. Working with no new oak and minimal sulfur, his reds are at once floral, savory, and mineral.  The 2021 "Les Beaux et Bons," is  sourced from lieux-dits "Les Beaux Fougets" and "Les Bons Feuvres" on the Pommard side of Beaune below 1er Cru "Boucherottes." This is quite delightful right from jump, all ripe strawberry and just a touch of stem influence. At first glance it feels a bit like perfect ripe Beaujolais. But 2021 so far seems defined by transparency and delineation of terroir and as it sits in the glass, it gains length and the acidity comes to the fore. Really nice village Burgundy here.

Rateau 2022 Beaune Clos des Mariages

Located toward the bottom of the slope beneath Beaune Grèves and adjacent to Les Cents Vignes, Clos des Mariages is a mix of young and very old vines planted in clay and brown limestone soils. "This fertile soil gives wines that are open and joyous, with delicate spice notes, giving great pleasure in their youth and capable of long-term aging." (J-C Rateau) Indeed the 2022 Clos des Mariages seems a bit fuller than the 2020 and 2021 but showing lovely brightness and balance, really a beautiful wine,  showing a bright mélange of black cherry, strawberry and raspberry with hints of spice, citrus, licorice and violet. The palate shows dense, chalky fruit, sappy and ripe but with firm acidity and mineral flavors that continue in the very long, juicy finish. This is absolutely delicious now and should drink well continuously over the next ten to fifteen years. David Lillie

Rateau 2022 Beaune "Les Beaux et Bons"

Jean-Claude says this wine, sourced from lieux-dits Beaux Fougets (clay soils) and Bons Feuvres (iron-rich soils) on the Pommard side of Beaune, always shows aromas of "cerises noires" (black cherries).  The 2022 has a dark ruby, verging on purple robe. The ripe, lush nose is super-pretty with plummy dark fruit aromas with notes of violet, cassis, and spice box. The palate also tends towards black fruits (there's that black cherry!) but with lovely lightness and balance with savory herbal notes, and a brooding earthiness beneath the ripe, exuberant fruit. This showed a bit lighter than the "Mariages" and "Prevoles" but in a delightful and elegant way  - give this a bit of aeration and it will be a very satisfying bottle with coq au vin or perhaps braised duck legs.

Rateau 2022 Beaune 1er Cru Les Reversées

From vines grown in the calcareous clay soils of "Les Reversées" premier cru, toward the bottom of the hill in the center of the slope next to "Les Teurons," and  below "Clos de la Mousse," exposed east and slightly north (hence "reversées" - wrong side of the hill.) Mostly young vines, massale selection from the Clos des Epenaux. Tjhe 2022 shows generous black cherry, boysenberry, notes of cherry pit and anise on the nose. Ripe mid-weight palate, lighter than "Bressandes," with ripe black fruits, hints of iodine and iron and other soil beneath supple structure. Succulent acidity and savory mineral notes offset the ripeness and lend energy and drive on a balanced and mineral palate-coating finish.. The purity of fruit and earth notes are finely balanced and this is an excellent Burgundy for the mid-term.

Rateau 2022 Beaune Les Prevoles

 The 2022 Beaune Les Prévoles (a lieu-dit below 1er Cru Chouacheux and les Tuvilains) is the most structured and dense of the Rateau Beaune "village" reds, which shows beautiful ripe aromas of cherry and black raspberry with rose, earth, citrus and brown spice.  The palate is chalky and sapid, showing the ripeness of the 2022s, with lush berry fruits enveloping firm acidity and mineral flavors. Really a lovely wine and quite delicous now, full enough for grilled meats, as well as chicken and pork dishes and cheeses such as morbier, tomme de savoie. This should benefit from a bit of aging but is quite beautiful as a young wine, drink until 2035.

Rateau 2022 Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Rouge

From a small parcel of 50 year-old vines in AOC Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune, certified Biodynamic, "lyre ouverte" pruning.  The wine shows a bright medium red/garnet color and very floral aromas of berry fruits - crushed raspberry, cranberry and strawberry, quite pretty and beautifully light and fresh, even in 2022, with a bit of orange peel and spice. The palate is bright, and light to medium-bodied with sappy tart cherry and strawberry fruit, finishing with juicy acidity and minerals.  The wine is quite elegant and refreshing and low in alcohol - it's a perfect Pinot for summertime dinners with family and friends. Enjoy!

Voillot, Joseph 2020 Volnay Vieilles Vignes

Voillot, Joseph 2021 Pommard 1er Cru Les Pézerolles

Voillot, Joseph 2021 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens

Voillot, Joseph 2021 Volnay 1er Cru Les Champans

Voillot, Joseph 2021 Volnay 1er Cru Les Fremiets

Bart 2021 Marsannay Clos du Roy

North of "Longeroies," in the commune of Chenove, the slope narrows and is steeper in the large and quite famous parcel the "Clos du Roy," with thin stony soils over white limestone in the upper part and generally deeper soils over limestone marl below. (The parcel was acquired by the Duke of Burgundy in the early 13th century and sold to the king (roy) of France in the 14th century!) This gives the most structured and elegant of the Bart Marsannays (along with our other favorite "Au Champ Salomon"). Hold for 3 to 5 years, drink until 2036+

Bart 2021 Marsannay La Montagne

Not exactly a mountain, but high on the slope above "dessus des Longerois' facing south, on thin soils of limesone rocks over the white "oolite" limestone bedrock. A bit brighter and lighter than the other three wines offered today, but with lovely density of fruit and very pronounced mineral flvors in the finish. Decant or hold a few years if possible.

Bart 2021 Marsannay Les Finottes

 "Les Finottes" is a monople of Domaine Bart located next (south) to Dessus des Longerois, with deep sandy clay soils. Slightly lighter than "Ouzeloy" but very pretty, with more delicate aromas of black cherry, quite bright and mineral with good length. Delightful as a young wine, serve cool and enjoy over the next 5 years.

Bart 2021 Marsannay Les Ouzeloy

"Les Ouzeloy" is just below "Les Finottes" next to Bas des Longerois. Here the slope has flattened out and the soils are deeper over the limestone below, giving wines with more flesh and weight. The 2021 shows a medium red/garnet color with bright rim. The aromas are floral (rose, violet) with ripe cherry, black raspberry and earth, lush and quite pretty. The palate is supple with a nice chalky texture, not heavy, with ripe morello cherry, strawberry confit, earth, citrus and minerals with nice persistence of citrus and dark fruits in the refreshing finish. Quite delicious now, serve a bit cool, enjoy ever the next 5 years.

Bart 2022 Marsannay Rosé

A lovely rosé of Pinot Noir from Pierre Bart in Marsannay, the 2022 shows a bit more weight than usual in this very pretty vintage of ripe, forward fruit. Bright pink color. Subtle hints of red currant and strawberry, floral and mineral. The palate shows nice density and a silky texture with sappy berry fruits, blood orange and stone supported by refreshing acidity, finishing with elegant mineral, citrus and strawberry flavors long and quite delicious. Please open this young wine in advance if drinking now, or even put some aside for next year....

Chantal Lescure 2020 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

From vines in the upper part of the Clos (Lieu-dit "Montiotes Hautes") Terroir pebbly clay/limestone, 50% of the vines are 70+ years-old, 50% were replanted in 2011. (The exact position is a bit unclear on the Beteta maps, which put the Chantal Lescure vines running across "Dix Journaux" into "Montiotes Hautes" (?)  just below Meo-Camuzet and above Guyon, De Montille and Prieuré-Roch)

Cornu-Camus 2021 Pernand Vergelesses

The vines for the Pernand-Vergelesses are mostly on limestone here, giving a pronounced minerality to this Pinot Noir. Nice concentration here, along with the firm acidity, and quite marked by the limestone terroir, making this suitable for pairing with meat dishes, even red meat. A charming snapshot of Pernand-Vergelesses.

Cornu-Camus 2021 Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru 'Creux de la Net'

The excellent Creux de la Net Premier Cru is a tiny parcel north of Les Vergelesses, above the northern part of Ile des Vergelesses, opposite the hill of Corton Charlemagne on a South-East facing slope. Notes of cassis (blackcurrant) and earth, with generous fruit, balanced by 2021's trademark acidity and overall lightness. A beautiful Premier Cru Red Burgundy for short term aging.

Cornu-Camus 2021 Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru 'Les Charnières'

The Premier Cru site 'Les Charnières' is a small parcel within the upper part of the more famous Lavières site, on marl soils, facing south. There is a fantastic combination of structure and finesse here, with a long, mineral finish. Notes of wild raspberries and cherries, with sublte tannic structure. In 2021, it's a harmoniously balanced wine with fine potential for aging.

Cornu-Camus 2021 Savigny-Les-Beaune Rouge

From small parcels around the Premier Cru site of Lavières, this is a fantastic introduction to the wines of Domaine Cornu-Camus. Really pretty on the nose, with ripe red fruits and brightness on the attack. All the fruit is destemmed, and fermentation and aging is in wood. Vineyards have a higher concentration of clay here, so the style is flattering and very easy to open and enjoy.

Damoy 2012 Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru

Denis Bachelet 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

Pinot Noir. now encompassing just 4 hectares in. The grapes are 100% destemmed, then crushed which Denis prefers for color extraction. After a cool pre-fermentation maceration for up to a week, the vats get to work fermenting the juice with natural yeasts fermentation. As soon as fermentation has finished the contents of the vats are pressed off and left to settle in tank for a week before putting in barrel. And the viticulture at the estate is conducted with Lutte raisonnée (aka sustainable). The vines in this vineyard were planted between 1907 and 1917, so they are extremely old and historic vines.

Faiveley 2009 Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru 1.5 L

Fourrier 2003 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques

Lignier-Michelot 2020 Morey Saint Denis En la Rue de Vergy

Magnien, Stephane 2016 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Les Faconnières

From a parcel of old vines grown in Les Faconnières, one of the best situated climats in Morey-Saint-Denis, located beneath Clos de la Roche and between the Millandes and Charrières premier crus. The 2016 has a deeply-pitched, perfumed nose,  redolent of dark fruits, wild rose petals, and violets with  aromas of black cherry and mustard seed, with cool notes of crushed herbs. The midweight and energetic palate offers punchy ripe black and red fruit flavors over a distinctly earthy and savory structure. The finish is expansive, mouthwatering, gamy, mineral, and long, with fine persistence. Plenty of charm, but the inherent structure and poise cry out for some time in the cellar. This is a fabulous Faconnières and a worthy candidate for long term aging. Just beautiful! John McIlwain

Magnien, Stephane 2018 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Sentiers

 Stephane Magnien's 2018 1er Cru  Chambolle "Les Sentiers" is fabulous. On the nose, the warmth and power of the vintage is on display, full of red and blue fruit, fresh roses and sassafras. However, the palate shows remarkable restraint, with crunchy red cherry and raspberry fruit and a flash of wood spice giving way to a refreshing bitter note and and a fiercely stony finish. The overall sense of balance and elegance is striking and while this is by no means inexpensive, given current Burgundy prices, this is a grand value and not to be missed.  (We have 18 btls)  

Magnien, Stephane 2020 Morey-Saint-Denis "Grains Fins"

The Morey-Saint-Denis "Grains Fins" is a new cuvée from Stephane Magnien, first made in 2016, and it's an absolutely delicious wine! It's made from young vines of Pinot Fin, the old smaller-berried variety of Pinot Noir, in the vineyards of "Bas-Chenevery" and "Crais-Gillon" on gravelly soils. There is a 12-month elevage in mostly old barrels, followed by 4 months in cuve inox - only 200 cases were made. While the wine shows the ripeness of the 2020 vintage at 13.5% alcohol, the Pinot Fin grapes give freshness and elegance -  deep red/black color with bright rim, with vibrant aromas of blackberry, earth and ripe morello cherry, very floral, with darker fruit, spice, bramble and stone emerging with time open. The palate has nice grip and density with sappy red and black fruits, with a chalky texture, leading to a firm and very long, lush and mineral finish with hints of licorice and cherry pit. Enjoy this delicious wine in its vibrant youth, or wait a few years then drink until 2035+ David Lillie

Magnien, Stephane 2021 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Sentiers

I have always had a real soft spot for "Les Sentiers," borne of rosy memories of several vintages from Jacky Truchot. Those wines are long gone but that's ok. We have Stephane Magnien, a prodigious talent with a deft touch for this tiny parcel of Chambolle. Les Sentiers is located beneath the Bonnes Mares grand cru, north of the village and shares similar soils.  The wines, while layered and elegant, are more muscular and velvety, rather than silken and high-toned. The  Magnien "Sentiers" is from vines ranging from 45 to 90 years old and ages for 12 months in barrel, 10% new, then 2 to 3 months in cuve inox.

Magnien, Stephane 2021 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Cuvée "Aux Petites Noix"

From two premier crus, Les Gruenchers and Clos Baulet, mid slope in Morey Saint-Denis, giving a slightly fuller wine than Faconnieres. As with all of Stephane's parcels, there is a high percentage of old vines of "pinot tordu."  (As we have only 12 bottles, we offer John McIwain's review of the most likely denser and higher alcohol 2017: "Stephane Magnien is a longtime Chambers  favorite. The 2017 "Aux Petites Noix" has a dark ruby robe. The nose is a touch reserved at first; with an hour in the glass, aromas of black fruits, Lapsang Suchong, mustard seed, and game emerge, with a pleasing cool herbal note lending lift. The palate is mid-weight and fairly concentrated for the vintage—blackberry syrup, dark loamy soil, game, and iron dance around savory mineral core girded by ripe, though somewhat firm tannins. This has good sap and there’s enough sophistication and supple fruit for this to be a pleasure with air (and it is a pleasure), but there’s enough structure, balance, and nascent complexity to warrant 7-10 years of cellaring so that the elements knit. That said, this is just cracking with braised duck legs and olives over  grits, and mustard greens. This is a lovely bottle for earthy, soulful fare and well worth the tariff. John McIlwain")

Ponsot 2002 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

***ON SALE*** was $749.99

Ponsot 2005 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

***ON SALE*** was $899.99

Ponsot 2008 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

***ON SALE*** was $499.99

Ponsot 2010 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

***ON SALE*** was $674.99

Rateau 2021 Gevrey-Chambertin

The Gevrey-Chambertin by Jean-Claude Rateau is from two small parcels in "Aux Etelois" (below Grand Cru Griottes)  and "les Epointures" (below 1er Cru Clos Prieur) on the more fine and aromatic side of Gevrey, south of the village. The midweight palate is lithe, racy, and offers up vibrant flavors of dark fruits, crushed herbs, game, and salty soil notes. Great lifted acidity and core of minerality overlain by an assortment of wild berry fruits.  Great tension and verve and a bargain at the price. Wonderful with veau aux champignons.

Roumier 2001 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Tremblay, Cecile 2017 Echezeaux Grand Cru

Batardiere 2021 Anjou Clos des Cocus

Batardiere 2021 Anjou L'Esprit Libre

Batardiere 2021 Vin de France Amor Fati (Grolleau)

Batardiere 2021 Vin de France Les Noels de Montbenault

Bonhomme, Pierre-Olivier 2021 Vin de France Le Telquel

(We have good stock of the 2021, and more is shipping from France!) This "poil dur" is wagging its tail again in 2021, with the brightness and balance of the old days at 11.5% alcohol, really refreshing and delicious! The wine shows bright plum, raspberry and green apple fruit with a bit of earth and spice. The palate is light and fresh but with nice density of fruit - raspberry, red currant and cherry with bright acidity, quite "gouleyant" - lip smacking and tasty that is, reminding us of the Ducroux Exspectatia...yum! The blend in 2021 is still based on Gamay, with Cabernet Franc, and some Syrah and Grenache from the Roussillon (noted from tasting with Pierre-O in February 2022).

Bonhomme, Pierre-Olivier 2022 Vin de France La Tesniere Pineau D'Aunis

Boulay, Gérard 2022 Sancerre Chavignol

(Arrives 5/16) Gerard Boulay is certainly one of the greatest producers in Sancerre. His Sancerre "domaine" comes from average 35 year-old vines on kimmeridgian limestone soils on the hills surrounding the village of Chavignol. The 2022 vintage brings lovely ripeness to the wine, but nice freshness as well, finishing with the chalky minerality always present in the Boulay wines. Farming is with organic methods, fermentation is with indigenous yeasts, aged in cuve (no wood).  24 btls are available. “The Boulay style is a world away from the regular refreshing but forgettable norm in Sancerre. It should really be compared with a white burgundy in terms of its rewards and complexity.” Jancis Robinson 

Chateau Favray 2019 Pouilly-Fumé "Tonnerre"

 The 2021  Pouilly-Fumé "Tonnerre" is from a unique terroir on hard grey linestone of Tonnerre, that gives a more structured and age-worthy wine. More textbook stylistically than the entry level Pouilly-Fume, The nose is less grassy and grapefruity and more mineral with a hint of mint. The palate is fuller and rounder while still exhibiting bright acidity and stony minerality. Drink this dense and vibrant Pouilly-Fumé over the next ten years. Giselle Hamburg

Chateau Favray 2021 Pouilly-Fumé

Located in the north-east corner of Pouilly-Fumé we find Chateau Favray, an ancient farm with abandonned vineyards that was ressurected by Quentin David and family begining in 1981. The soils in this corner of the appellation are Oxfordian limestone of Villiers and hard grey limestone of Tonnerre with limestone pebbles and fossilzed shells and corals. The 2021 has great energy with bright grapefruit citrus, peach, white flowers and fresh cut grass on the nose. The palate is clean and focused with a mineral core and vibrant acidity giving a sense of power while still feeling light and pure. It's a wonderful value and would pair nicely with seafood or lighter vegetable dishes while being equally enjoyable on its own. Jeff DiLorenzo

Chevalerie 2014 Bourgueil Bretêche

(Arrives Thursday 6/8) Bretêche (Domaine de la Chevalerie is the only estate claiming this vineyard name) is the easternmost vineyard, a rented plot on the border of Ingrandes-de-Touraine. On the southwestern exposed upper part of the mid-slope, the vines are planted on a meter-deep heavier clay with high mica content above the Turonian yellow tuffeau. The vines, biodynamically farmed, are between 25 to 55 years old. More powerful than Busardières with broader tannins, the wine maintains a great freshness. Hand-harvested and destemmed, the grapes are macerated for up to 20 days and aged in large used barrels in the magnificent underground cave dug into the yellow tuffeau for roughly 8 to 10 moths. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.  2014 is considered a great classic vintage in the Loire for Cabernet Franc, and it is indeed very good at Domaine de la Chevalerie, with fruit a little darker than the 2015 (this opposite to a lot of other estates in the region).  Ruby purple in the glass this cuvée as usual has more freshness, tension and a little austerity - 2014 enhances these typical quality of the wine! More open than the 2015, the nose has distinctive black cherry,  elderberry notes, Chinese badiane and spearmint. The palate is still deliciously youthful barely showing any evolution, with lean and brilliant acidity, and oolong-like tannins. It is already very-well structured and poised, not angular at all. Decant it 2 hours and serve it in Bordeaux glasses, or keep it 20 years or so - I would say it will reach another plateau by 2025. Enjoy it with a duck magret, the juice reduced with a touch of raspberry vinegar, or sweetbreads in a madeira sauce. 100% Cabernet Franc. Pascaline Lepeltier 

Chevalerie 2014 Bourgueil Peu Muleau

(Arrives Thursday 6/8) Peu Muleau is located on the upper part of the hill, above the Domaine de la Chevalerie and just below the forest of chestnut, acacia, oak, pine and birch, on Cenozoic eolian sands with iron, clay and altered tuffeau. The vines are around 35 years old, and farmed biodynamically. The maceration last less than 20 days. Aging is done in a mix of tank and large used barrels with less and less oak. This is the earliest drinking single-vineyard cuvée, always on the raspberry and wild violet with very supple tannins, but you can keep it up to 10 years without a problem. 2014 Loire reds are really great wines, despite a tricky vintage for the producers. Yet with the best the wines are delicious, in a classic ligérien style. It means the Peu Muleau from the Caslot in just a winner, a terrific value and such a great Bourgueil to enjoy now! The wine has a unique chalky minerality, subtle and earthy on the palate -  the nose explodes with raspberry and cherry blossom, coriander seeds and Sichuan pepper. The ripe, salivating acidity is driving the palate, with supple tannins, and a lingering saltiness. It is ready to drink now, but cellared  for 4-5 years you will gain some nice earthy secondary tones. Pair it with  a beautiful pâté en croûte, duck rillette or a summer porcini risotto. 100% Cabernet Franc. PL/DL

Chevalerie 2015 Bourgueil Bretêche

(Arrives Thursday 6/8)  Bretêche  is their easternmost vineyard, a rented plot on the border of Ingrandes-de-Touraine - (Domaine de la Chevalerie is  the only estate claiming this vineyard name). On the southwestern exposed upper part of the mid-slope, the vines are planted on a meter-deep heavier clay with high mica content above the Turonian yellow tuffeau. The vines, biodynamically farmed are between 25 to 55 years old. 2015 was an easier, more mastered vintage for the Caslot siblings, as the growing season was never extreme, and the harvests were peaceful. A little more concentrated than the 2014, especially in acidity, this a great vintage for the Domaine! Bretêche 15 is still a baby! Purple in the glass, the wine as usual has more freshness, tension and a little austerity. This is even more apparent here. The nose is a little restrained, showing progressively a lot of black and red currant and cranberry, hibiscus tea and black cardamon. In the palate, it is a superbly balanced wine, with some chiseled tannins enhanced by the lingering acidity. There is less flesh than other cuvées, and the texture is sleeker  but absolutely charming and vibrant - and could please any Burgundy lover. You will pick up more herbal notes in the palate : tobacco, beet juice, pink peppercorn. A great bottle to keep 10 years and plus, as it is built to age!  To serve it now, decant it a good hour at least or enjoy it over multiple days. 100% Cabernet Franc. Pascaline Lepeltier 

Chevalerie 2015 Bourgueil Les Galichets

(Arrives Thursday 6/8) The Chevalerie "Galichets" vineyard is on mid-slope Turonian limestone with clay and alluvial sand and gravel topsoil, rich in silex; the vines average about 60 years of age - similar to the "Chevalerie" parcel but a bit lower on the slope, giving a wine that is more open and easy for early drinking.  The 2015 vintage is excellent, with a bit more ripeness and lower acidity than 2014, while retaining the core of minerals and acidity always found in the Chevalerie wines. The aromas of black raspberry and blackberry fruit are ripe and floral. The palate is dense and silky, very mineral with ripe red and black fruits and a clean vibrant finish. Still quite youthful, but drinking beautifully now.  David Lillie

Chevalerie 2018 Bourgueil Cuvée Chevalerie

(Arrives Thursday 6/8) The "home" vineyard also produced a superb wine in 2018, perhaps les dense and dark than the Busardières, but more expressive of the very old vines and the limestone below and beatifully balanced. La Chevalerie, between the Galichets and the winery, is slightly higher on the slope, with more clay on the top part. The Turonian tuffeau is not even three feet below. The oldest vines date from 1903 and 1922, the average being 75 years. The sandier part of the plot goes into the Galichets. This cuvée is a perfect introduction to the more “serious” tuffeau driven bottlings of the domaine.  You still get the flesh and texture brought by the sand, you also pick up the racy, salty and fresh acidity typical of the tuffeau. The fruit becomes more blue with distinctive herbal notes. The Caslots have farmed this parcel since 1640! The 2018 will be great fun to enjoy in its youthful intensity, but best to wait 5 to 8 years then drink until 2040..

Chevalerie 2019 Bourgueil Diptyque "Franco de Port"

(Arrives Thursday 6/8) The Chevalerie Bourgueil Diptyque is from vines located on 1 to 2 meters deep sand and gravel intermixed with clay soils on an old alluvial terrace close to the Loire, at the foot of the coteau. This terroir  gives supple, fruit driven Cabernet without being green or too simple thanks to the Biodynamic farming of the domain. If you don’t believe cabernet franc can be delicious, juicy, savoury yet fruity, just try this wine! The 2019 Diptyque shows a deep black/red color with aromas of forest floor, black cherry liqueur, black raspberry, bitter chocolate and licorice with bright hints of herbs and citrus peel. The palate is bright, sapid and supple wth dense flavors of earth, black fruits , anise, cocoa and chalky minerals - very similar to the very ripe 2018 version, but a bit less forward.  Even if it is the vin de soif, you can drink it over a couple of days - it will only get better! Keep it up to 5 years - serve with charcuterie, pork chops or roast chicken and be happy!

Chevalerie 2019 Bourgueil Noms D'Oiseaux

(Arrives Thursday 6/8) The new Chevalerie cuvée "Noms D'Oiseaux" is from two parcels symbolic of the domain, each situated at the two extremities of the slope overlooking the Loire.  “Nom d’Oiseaux” to warn of the urgent need to respect our biodiversity, not just false pretences but through real actions. At any rate, the 2019 is a subtle and intriguing Bourgueil showing a bright deep red/garnet color with fresh aromas of raspberry, violet, citrus and earth. On the palate there is firm acidity and chalky texture with ripe raspberry and strawberry fruit with mineral and spice notes. The fruit shows layers of complexity with aeration, the finish is long and sapid with red fruits and earth lingering on the palate. This is a lovely light-bodied Bourgueil that will beautifully accompany a roasted farm chicken. David Lillie

Chevalerie NV Vin de France Bulle de Fort

(Arrives Thursday 6/8) The brand new Domaine de la  Chevalerie "Bulle de Fort" is a direct press rosé Petillant Naturel, 100% Cabernet Franc and just incredibly delicious!! Warning, this is not a wimpy pale pink rosé - it shows a deep cherry-red color and a ripe full-bodied palate with beautiful red currant/raspberry fruit - really quite sensational, can't wait to bring some home...

Clos Rougeard 1996 Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg

Clos Rougeard 1997 Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg

Clos Rougeard 2000 Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg

Crochet, Lucien 2022 Sancerre Pinot Noir Rosé

Dauny 2022 Sancerre Les Caillottes

Delrieu-Ducleux 2021 Vin de France La Joue Blanc (Chenin)

Delrieu-Ducleux 20212 Vin de France Le Jeau Rouge

Domaine de Reuilly 2021 Reuilly Les Pièrres Plates

Proprietor Denis Jamain has taken this estate to new levels of quality with organic and biodynamic farming. The 2021 Pierres Plates shows lovely aromas of grapefruit and pear with fresh herbs, lime flower and stone. The palate is ripe with dried pear, citrus, herbal, smoke and mineral flavors balanced by firm acidity. This is a lovely Sauvignon Blanc and a great alternative to increasingly expensive Sancerres. Serve happily by itself or with broiled fish, chicken, quiches/omelettes and goat cheeses.

Filliatreau 2018 Saumur Champigny Vieilles Vignes

(Arrives 5/9) 100% Cabernet Franc. The vieilles vignes in this case are estate vines ranging from 50 to 100 years old and scattered across a range of parcels on clay-limestone soils. The farming is certified-organic and is in conversion to biodynamics (on track for certification in the 2021 vintage). This new release of the Filliatreau "Vieilles Vignes" is a beautiful Cab Franc that can be enjoyed immensely now or in 15 to 20years. Bright black/red color with lovely aromas of ripe cassis, black raspberry, dusty stone, a bit of leather. The palate is lush and deep with a chalky texture and firm acidity beneath the black raspberry, cassis and black cherry fruit that is sapid, meaty and ripe. Long finish with dark chocolate, minerals, licorice, walnut and palate coating black fruits. Really lovely wine. Decant if drinking now, best after 3 to 4 years of cellaring then enjoy until 2040+.  David Lillie

Foucher Lebrun 2022 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc

Gerard Marula 2020 VdF Les Gruches

Gerard Marula 2021 VdF Baconnelle

Gerard Marula 2021 VdF 'C'est l'bon ch'min'

Guion 2018 Bourgueil Cuvée Prestige

(Arrives 5/23)  2018 brings us another great Cuvée Prestige from Stéphane Guion in Bourgueil, whose domaine has been certified organic since the 1960s. From vines averaging 45 years old on thin topsoils of sandy clay over limestone (tuffau jaune) in Benais, a terroir that produces some of the most elegant and age-worthy Bourgueils. 2018 is a great vintage for Loire reds, despite the very warm and humid spring that brought attacks of mildew. The summer was perfect, warm and dry, without spikes of heat, and the soils retained enough moisture to bring freshness to the very ripe grapes. Tasted with Stéphane in February 2020, the 2018 Prestige showed elegant intensely perfumed aromas of red and black fruit liqueurs. The palate was complex and earthy, very calcaire, dense but not heavy with beautifully supple ripe red and black fruits, with a long finish of saline and mineral flavors quite present below the sappy fruit. We look forward to a more thorough tasting after the wine rests from its voyage, but it's quite clear that this will be delicious to drink as a young wine, and - although it may seem crazy to cellar a $17 wine for 20 to 30 years - those that do will be rewarded with a unique expression of this great terroir. I'm hoping to live to be 100 to have that experience myself!  David Lillie

Guion 2020 Bourgueil Cuvée Candide

(Arrives 5/23) This is another beautiful wine from the shy and affable Stéphane Guion who is quietly making some of the best wines in Bourgueil. His 2020 Cuvèe Candide (Formerly Domaine) is from not-so-young (15 to 40 year-old) vines, on clay/limestone terroir in Benais and is equal to the superb 2018 and 2019 perhaps even better! The balance is just perfect at 12% alcohol. The wine shows a deep, vivid black/red color with bright rim with intense, pure aromas of cassis, black raspberry and blackberry confit (a little bighter than the 2019), stone and violets - very deep and ripe but still bright with earth and minerals as well. The palate is medium-bodied, finely textured, sappy and very fresh with firm acidity and chalky, saline mineral flavors framing the very pure blackberry and black cherry liqueur fruits, which continue in the long chalky finish, which somehow remains light and balanced. Great wine!  Drink now, served cool, with grilled chicken and pork, charcuterie, green vegetables and mild cheeses, or hold 5 to 8 years for a velvety mature experience. This is a brilliant wine, especially given the ridiculous price - enjoy! David Lillie

Guion 2020 Bourgueil Rosé

 Arrives 5/23 (Retasted in September 2022 - the wine is showing beautifully, with fabulous complexity of fruit and mineral notes, with a great finish - drink over the next 2 years.) 50 years of organic farming and great traditional winemaking give this refreshing, perfectly balanced rosé from our friend Stephane Guion in Bourgueil. The wine shows bright strawberry/raspberry aromas with citrus, rose and earth. Raspberry, blood orange, melon and earthy flavors on the bone-dry palate which is framed in firm acidity and saline minerals. This is a real rosé of terroir, dry and balanced with moderate alcohol which needs a bit of time to open up. Drink now and through 2024, with grilled tuna, roast chicken, quiche lorraine, grilled pork and charcuterie.

La Croix Saint-Laurent 2021 Sancerre Caillottes

Lambert, Patrick 2021 Chinon Les Deuzelles

The wines of Patrick Lambert have been a staple in our shop for some time now. His wines are classic, expressive, and made exclusively from his organically farmed estate. The 'Deuzelles' is selected from his 25-30  year old  vines planted on gravel, clay with limestone and silex, and sandy soils. The juice is fermented in concrete vats for 15-18 days, then aged in old barriques for 3 to 6 months. This is one of the best values I can find for excellent Cabernet Franc. This bottling is denser and more concentrated than the 'Gourmandises' but just as pleasurable and easy-drinking. The nose has notes of blackberry and raspberry bramble, freshly turned soil, and savory herbs, and the on the palate the wine is juicy with supple tannins. This was lovely when I tasted it on day one, and even better on day two, so if you have the time, give this some air before you enjoy!

Lambert, Patrick 2021 Chinon Rosé

(Arrives 4/28) This delightful Chinon Rosé comes from Patrick Lambert's 6 hectares of organic vines in Cravant, around the corner from his friend and mentor, Bernard Baudry. Hand harvested from 25-year-old Cabernet Franc vines on gravel and sandy clay soils over limestone. The 2021 shows lovely aromas of berry fruits with citrus and rose; the palate is silky and ripe with raspberry, cherry, citrus and stone flavors with nice density and texture, with juicy acids, berry flavors and saline minerals in the finish. This is drinking beautifully now and will  be delicious through the summer and into 2024. This is a fabulous value and highly recommended. David Lillie

Landron, Jo 2020 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Les Houx

 Domaine Landron "Les Houx" (formerly known as "Hermine D'Or") is from a great parcel of thin sandy clay soils, rich with silica, quartz and iron, over a bedrock of gneiss and clay, close to the "Fief du Breil."  Kept on the lees for 12 months. The 2020 is quite differe nt from the dense and powerful 2019, being more like the Cuvee Amphibolite in style at only 11.5% alcohol. The wine shows a very pale gold color; with aeration, lovely aromas of anise, almond, citrus and pear emerge, subtle and pretty. The palate is light, silky and crystalline with stone and earth flavors mingling  with white fruits and citrus. Re-tasted in April of 2023, the wine has gained weight and density, showing a beautiful mid-palate of stone and pear with perfect acidity. This is a beautiful lighter style for Les Houx, making it a perfect wine for oysters and grilled fish and a delightfully refeshing aperitif as well. Thank-you Jo Landron!  David Lillie

Landron, Jo NV (2019) Vin Mousseux de Qualité Brut Atmosphères (Dis 10/21)

Jo Landron's crystalline "Atmospheres" is made with roughly equal amounts of organic Folle Blanche, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, hand harvested and fermented with wild yeasts. It's a Methode Traditionelle (Champagne method) that's very dry , refreshing and ethereal.  Delicate aromas of citrus, pears and sea spray. The palate is vibrant and fresh with flavors of  citrus and wet rocks and sea spray. It's a delicious aperitif  and will pair well with oysters, salmon, crudites and charcuterie. (2019 vintage, disgorged October 1, 2021.) GH

Lunotte (Christophe Foucher) 2019 Vin de France Les Rossignoux

Christophe Foucher makes brilliant natural wines on his 5 hectare estate, La Lunotte, in Couffy,  on the southern bank of the Cher River, near St. Aignan, just a short distance from our friends at Clos Roche Blanche. Christophe grows Sauvignon Blanc, Menu Pineau, Cabernet Franc, Cot and Gamay, farmed with strict organic methods and vinified without sulfites or other additives and bottled by hand, unfiltered. The 2019 Roussignoux #2 shows a pale gold color with aromas of dried herbs, pear, candied citrus, mint and wet stone, slightly oxidative in the style of a Jura white, The palate shows a dense mineral core with ripe citrus, pear, dried apple, stone and herbal flavors that continue in the long finish with firm acidity. Serve with a full-flavored ceviche, fish or chicken in sauce, goat cheeses. Pure juice! 

Lunotte (Christophe Foucher) 2020 Vin de France Les Rossignoux (Sauv Blanc)

The 2020 Rossignoux is all Sauvignon Blanc, per usual, without the oxidative notes that are found in the long-aged 2019 release. Instead we have fresh flowers and tropical fruit on the nose, with sharp acid, and freshly cut grass. .  -EL

Lunotte 2021 Vin de France Printemps Rosé

Christophe Foucher's La Lunotte  2021 "Printemps" appears to be all his grapes from this tiny harvest vinified together as an orange wine or rosé. The color is orange/pink with inriguing aromas of blood orange, red currant, rose, brown spice, apricot... The palate shows bright acidity with hints of orange zest, wild strawberry, pear and apricot with very firm acidity in the clean mineral finish. 11.5% alcohol, zero SO2. This is a unique and delicious natural wine, which of course is what we expect from Christophe Foucher!

Orfeuilles 2019 Vouvray "Les Coudraies"

(Arrives Feb 21) Domaine D'Orfeuilles is known for the high concentration of flint in their clay/limestone soils, which one finds in the parcel of "Les Coudraies." The 2019 is a lovely "sec-tendre" somewhat in the style of the Pinon "Silex" or "Trois Argiles" having a bit of residual sugar to offset the wine's firm acidity. At a very modest 12% abv, the 2019 shows acidity in spades alongside it's hallmark flinty minerality and herbaceous nose rendering the RS as more of a juicy lemonade profile. Absolutely lip smacking and poundable in the best sense: at this price, an excellent party wine! Giselle Hamburg

Orfeuilles NV Touraine Brut Rosé

 The Domaine D'Orfeuilles Touraine Brut Rosé is made primarily from Cot (Malbec) grown in sandy clay soils over limestone. This quite elegant rosé is a refreshing Champagne-method Brut, with a lovely deep rose color and complex flavors of red and black fruits - it's a sensational value!

Orfeuilles NV Vouvray Brut "Atemporelle"

(Arrives Feb 21)  Domaine D"Orfeuilles Vouvray Brut "Atemporelle" - "At the start, a bead of fine bubbles and a delicate nose centered on fresh butter, brioche and citrus fruits. More floral notes invite themselves into an expressive palate that offers a fair compromise between roundness and freshness. The lemony finish puts the final touch to this brut without an ounce of austerity." Guide Hachette

Pépière 2021 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine s Lie La Pépie

Grape: Melon de Bourgogne. Domaine de la Pépière is one of the top estates in the Muscadet, run by Mark Olivier. Olivier harvests by hand and makes wine naturally, with zero pesticides, extended lees aging, and minimal intervention in the winemaking process, which is rare in Muscadet. Soils are sandy and granite-based. Farming is organic and harvesting is done by hand. fruit is direct-pressed and the juice settled naturally for 12 hours. Fermented in stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts. The wine is aged on its lees in large, underground vats until bottling. Wines are unfined and unfiltered, with moderate to very little sulfur used.

Pépière 2019 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Cru Château Thébaud

(Arrives 5/23) The Château Thébaud comes from old vines in vineyards with great terroir on slopes overlooking the river Maine. The granite here (Granite de Château Thébaud, oddly enough) is fissured and permeable by the vine roots which have access to water during dry spells and absorb micro-nutrients along the way.  2009, 2010, 2012 and 2014 here were among the best of the vintage in Muscadet and the 2019 will stand out as well due to the combination of density and minerality with the firm acidity and great ripeness of this very good vintage year for Muscadet. Our tasting in February revealed a superb Muscadet, not marked by the heat of the vintage, showing crystalline white fruit and stone flavors with firm acidity, fantastic purity, density and length. Of course this will offer briliant drinking as a young wine, but try to put some away for ten years at least...

Pépière 2021 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Les Gras Moutons

(Arrives 5/23)  Les Gras Moutons is a great parcel on gneiss, in layers that permit a deep penetration by the vines, with sandy clay and amphibolite stones. The vines are at the top of a hill and on the south facing slope overlooking the Maine. (The name, by the way, does not refer to fat sheep, despite their presence on the label, but rather in local dialect, to the hilltop vineyard site.) This terroir produces lovely, classic Muscadet to drink over the next 5 to 8 years."It has a more perfumed and precise style than the granite cuvées (in 2021), although the wafting aromatics of crushed chalk and white peach feel familiar. The palate has a nice tension though, with a polished richness countered by a chalky oyster-shell freshness, with a white-peach purity. It is pervaded by a fine grip, with firm phenolics, and modest acidity."(winedoctor)

Pinon, François & Julien 2018 Vouvray Brut Non-Dosé

(Arrives May 9th) François and Julien Pinon make some of the finest sparkling wines in the Loire Valley. The superb Brut Non-Dosé comes from 45 year-old Chenin Blanc vines on Turonien limestone with topsoils of clay with silex, from four parcels; Les Haut de Terne, Les Hauts de Mortiers, Chopet and Les Planches Favettes. The 2018 was hand-harvested in three passes in order to select the best grapes, with two additional selections - on a "table de tri" and again before the press. Thus the best and ripest grapes are selected, enabling this cuvée with no addition of sugar, as in a Champagne Brut Nature. Aged sur-lies for more than 3 years.  This beautiful wine shows elegant aromas of ripe white and yellow fruits, floral and earthy with almond and bitter lemon. The palate is creamy and dense, round and ripe but with firm underlying acidity, with almond, earth and mineral notes lingering in the long finish. Enjoy it now for its beautiful depth and balance, but peak drinking will be 2032 - 2050. A profound Chamapgne of Chenin! David Lillie

Raffault, Olga 2022 Chinon Rosé

(Arrives May 12) The Olga Raffault Chinon is one-half rosé de saignée and one-half direct-press after a 12-hour maceration on the skins, with a slow low-tempreature fermentation with wild yeasts. The grapes come from gravel soils which brings a bit more density of fruit to the wine which is elegant, perfectly balanced and a bit more ripe and sapid than the 2021.  Lovely bright pink color, hints of raspberry and strawberry fruit, very dry and refreshing on the palate, showing the ripeness of 2022 vintage, with a bit of peach and red berries in the finish with crisp saline acidity. "Particulièrement gouleyant" it says on the label and we couldn't agree more!

Rocher des Violettes 2020 Montlouis-sur-Loire 'Touche-Mitaine'

Roches Neuves 2020 Saumur-Champigny Domaine

(Arrives May 9th) The Roches Neuves Cuvée Domaine is grown on limestone bedrock with sandy clay topsoil, the vineyard is lightly plowed, with natural grass cover. The grapes are hand-picked into wooden crates,There is a low temperature fermentation, warming slowly and followed by aging on the fine lees without sulfur. This is as classic as can be, little hints of red and black berries wrapped in purple flowers with a clay-y salty finish.  This is beautiful now and will reward multiple visits over the next few years.

Source du Ruault 2020 Saumur-Champigny Rouge

Jean-Noêl Millon at La Source du Ruault has 13 hectares on turonian limestone in Saumur-Champigny, organic since 2007 and using biodynamic methods. The "regular" Saumur-Champigny is from younger vines on clay and sandy soils over the limestone; the wine is hand harveted, fermented with wild yeasts, aged in stainless steel vat. The wine shows a dense red/black color with aromas of raspberry and cassis liqueur, ripe, quite pure and bright. The palate has a soft velvety attack but there is acidity to balance, with pretty red and black fruits that are ripe and intriguing. Serve this quite cool with roast chicken, grilled pork and lamb, tagines and charcuterie. This is a lovely Saumur-Champigny and an excellent value...

Tue-Boeuf 2022 Vin de France Vin Blanc

(Arrives 5/16) The 2022 Vin Blanc is 95% Sauvignon Blanc/5% Chardonnay. For this entry-level white, Tue Boeuf sources fruit from organic-farmer friends around home in the Cher Valley. The vines average around 20 years old, are planted on a variety of clay-limestone soils and are harvested manually by Tue Boeuf. Tasted with Thierry in February of 2023, the wine showed beautifully pure Sauvignon fruit, with hints of pear, fig and citrus, a round, supple mid-palate and a refreshing finish, really delicious and really benefitting from the low level of SO2. Terrific wine in 2022, 36 btls are available.

Villalin 2022 Quincy Les Grandes Vignes

Villemade, Herve 2022 Vin de France Sauvignon Blanc

Hervé Villemade's 2022 Sauvignon Blanc showed beautifully tasted last February in Angers - the wine really hits the spot with classic Loire Valley aromas of exotic tropical fruit and invigorating flavors of lemongrass, ripe pear, and nectarine. The palate is supple and quite ripe in 2022 but remains balanced with a flinty, mineral quality that adds a refreshing tang and texture to this versatile wine. Perfect for sipping on a warm day with a variety of foods, I like this with grilled shrimp garnished with snap peas and summer vegetables.

Villemade, Herve 2022 Vin de France Rosé (Pineau d'Aunis)

Bart 2021 Bourgogne Côte D'Or Pinot Noir

The Bourgogne Cote D'Or Pinot Noir from Pierre and Martin Bart is particularly pretty in 2021, and is nicely balanced and ripe with the lower alcohol and  brightness of the vintage. The wine shows aromas of morello cherry, raspberry and forest floor with hints of citrus and spice. The palate is lush and medium-bodied and quite bright with citrusy acids beneath ripe berry fruits with earth and spice flavors. Nice chalky earth and berry fruits continue in the finish. This is a lovely everyday Burgundy to enjoy slightly chilled - please decant or open an hour or two in advance.

Dureuil-Janthial 2020 Mercurey Rouge

Dureuil-Janthial 2020 Rully Rouge

Andrea Calek 2022 VdF Babiole

Camin Larredya 2020 Jurançon Grains des Copains

Formerly called Costat Darrèr, "Les Grains des Copains" is a great introduction to the style of the domaine and how Jean-Marc Grussaute is capturing the concentration of the sugar with remarkable elegance.  In 2020 this wine is 100% Petit Manseng grown by his neighbors (Pedeflus, Lacazette and Vignau) - they have another job and are tending their small plots for pleasure.  The goal of this wine is to offer a delicious, refreshing moelleux in the way it was done last century at a fantastic price for value. Hand-harvested, picking was done of the ripe, dried grapes (no botrytis)  from Oct 25 to Nov 10, the grapes are slowly pressed to extract aroma and structure from the Manseng. Vinification and aging, partly sur-lie, happens in small barrels and foudres. Volcanic sulfur is used with parsimony and the wine is sterile filtered. "Les Grains des Copains" is a delicious candy, a pure gourmandise with a little more concentration than usual. If you like orange marmalade, membrillo paste, cinnamon and lily of the valley, you will love this nose. Once again, the sweetness seems swallowed by the acidity, leaving the palate fresh and ready for another glass. Enjoy it today or keep it 5 years. A pan-sautéed foie gras with apple-cider reduction, a passion fruit panna cotta or a mild blue-cheese would make some great pairing. 100% Petit Manseng, 60 g RS.

Combel-La-Serre 2020 Cahors "Au Cerisier"

(Arrives April 6th) 100% Malbec. "Au Cerisier" comes from a single 1.2-hectare plot at 350 m. altitude, next door to a cherry orchard for which the Ilberts named this bottling. The certified-organic vines average 40 years old and are planted on red and yellow clay soils over limestone bedrock. This is a quite serious Cahors showing a dark red/black color and beautifull black raspberry and blackberry fruit aromas with hints of dark chocolate, violet and stone. The palate is supple and dense, quite elegant and not tannic, very  full-bodied but not heavy and really showing the clay/limestone terroir, with a long finish of bright red and black fruits. Drink now with a long decant with a steak or stew, best to cellar five to ten years. This was oustanding at the March 2023 tasting - it's a lovely Cahors and highly recommended! David Lillie

Coup de Jus (Marnes Blanches) 2021 VdF White Rabbit (Jacquere)

Croix & Courbet 2020 Côtes du Jura Savagnin Ouillé

Danjou-Banessy 2020 Cotes Catalanes Rouge La Truffiere

Carignan and Grenache Noir, between sixty and eighty years old. Planted in black slate-rich soils and aged two years in barrel. A beautiful Burgundy hue in the glass with red berries and flowers on the nose. The elegance of this wine, and the translucence in the glass remind of Burgundy Pinot Noir more than anything Carignan or Grenache-related. The flavors are of the South, with some garrigue and subtle herbs, but the prettiness is the major factor here. This is a lovely and serene wine made with a careful hand.

Deux Anes 2021 Corbières Premier Pas

Blend of Carignan and Grenache grape. Age of Vines: 20-35 years old. Yields: 45 hl/ha. 1600 cases produced. Soil: red Mediterranean type, scattered with limestone. Vinification Method: The premier pas is the lightest wine Magali makes, a whole cluster fermentation in stainless steel tanks. A pigeage occurs & fermentation lasts two or three weeks. Only natural yeast is used, and the wine is fermented and aged in the same tanks under temperature control. The wine is bottled without ?ning or ?ltration.

Domaine de La Borde 2019 Arbois Pupillin Cote de Caillot Chardonnay

Juilen Mareschal is one of the only people to make wine in the Côte de Caillot, right outside of Pupillin. Working organically with .25 hectares of 35-year-old vines planted in Bajocian limestone on the top of steep slopes at 600m in elevation, he crafts serious Chardonnay in the ouille style, showcasing the true terroir of the site. The wine ferments naturally with indigenous yeasts and is raised in old, 1200L barrels. In terms of taste it would appeal to seasoned Chablis and Mersault drinkers with complex fruit and walnut aromas, and an excellent structure anchored by a piercing mineral core.

Domaine de La Borde 2020 Arbois Pupillin 'Plous'saperlipopette'

A serenipitous "mistake," this is a partial carbonic maceration Poulsard. The name essentially means “oh shit” like a happy accident, because he was surprised at how good the wine came out.

Domaine de la Pinte 2016 Arbois Pupillin Melon a Queue Rouge Magnum 1.5L

Domaine de l'Aitonnement 2021 IGP Vin des Allobroges 'Nebula'

For Mondeuse die-hards this bottle is a must - even if there is some Douce Noir involved! Slightly more classic in expression than the '21 Dark Side from Maxime Dancoine, his '21 Nebula has a denser, plumper profile than it's lighter counterpart, the it's color is still clean and fresh. The nose has healthy, plummy dark stone fruit and a graphite-focused mineral expression. The floral smells are also more dramatic in this wine - with ripe smells of sweet red roses. On the tongue, juicy blackberry, raspberry and orange peel swirl around a core of tense briney coolness. Killer acidity, with the celebrated earthy tannic structure that the best Mondeuse can offer. The wine ends with a sweet kiss of blueberry. Wow.  -DH

Domaine des Costes 2018 Pécharmant Cuvée Domaine

(Arrives March 7th) Nicole and Jean-Marc Dournel’s Cuvée Domaine is a classic blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon that is vinified with native yeasts in tank and then is aged in the traditional large-format barrels of the Bergerac region. Aromas of cherry liqueur, cedar, and a hint of pipe tobacco rise from the glass. On the palate it is fresh with ripe, high-toned red raspberry coming forward before retreating, allowing layers of smoke, toasted earth, and dried flowers to take the stage. This is a serious and well- structured wine that is a unique and different version of an excellent Bordeuax.  Decant or open well in advance, or cellar 5 to ten years. 

Domaine des Côtes Rousses 2021 Vin de Savoie La Pente

Fabienne Cottagnoud 2013 Amigne de Vetroz

Fabienne Cottagnoud 2015 Amigne de Vetroz Clos des Perdrix 1 bee

Faillenc Sainte Marie 2021 Corbières

This delightful estate uses one-third Syrah, one-third Grenache and one-third Cinsault in their Corbières Rouge, grown on limestone/clay soils in the foothills of Mont Alaric, certified organic since 2007. The wine shows aromas of blackberries, ripe plums, and tiny wild blueberries, as well as notes of balsam wood. Like all the best Languedoc offerings, there's a wild edge here with a bit of funk that is tempered by juicy sleekness. Its excellent balance and wealth of ripe tannins make it a natural at the table - serve with a stew or grilled meats, a coq au vin with farm chicken or guinea hen, and full-flavored cow cheeses.

Finot, Thomas 2020 Coteaux Grésivaudan Étraire la Dhuy

Étraire de la Dhuy is a rare grape from the Vallé du Grésivaudan in the Isère, with only about 6 hectares currently in production. The 2020 Finot Étraire de la Dhuy is from a parcel of 70 year-old massale selection vines, with some new plantation, only 60 btls were available for the US.  AKA Étraire de l'Aduï. According to Wine Grapes "DNA parentage analysis suggests a parent-offspring relationship between Étraire de l'Aduï and Persan. Indeed, both varieties belong to the Sérine ampelographic group."

Jonc Blanc 2021 Vin de France Bulle Rosé

 This delicate pét-nat is made with mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) and a smaller portion of  Sémillon (30%), and shows a lovely pink-orange color in the glass. The mousse is very delicate, and on the herbal, red fruits, tea, and crushed strawberries are evident, while some unusual flavors such as tomato and red pepper. It's different, that's for sure!

Jonc Blanc Solera Vin de France Pure M Manseng

(Arrives 5/16) Wow, this a superb natural wine - 100% Gros Manseng from three vintages, 2018 - 20200, grown on a clay/limestone terroir (calcaire de Castillon). Elevage in 1800 liter Stockinger foudre. This is a more northern version of this grape of southwest France with aromas of exotic fruit, pineapple and herbs. The palate is vibrant with almond, pear and apricot fruit, and finishes with saline minerals. Zero added SO2, 24 btls for the US, enjoy!

La Bernarde 2022 Côtes de Provence Rosé "Hauts du Luc"

The La Bernarde "Les Hauts du Luc" a very dry and refreshing blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rolle (Vermentino) and Syrah. Certified organic and fermented with wild yeasts, the grapes are grown in a high-altitude vineyard on limestone with clay and stones. The Cinsault is very present in the subtle aromas of peach and raspberry with citrus, spice and floral hints. The palate is light, with a silky texture and firm mineral flavors underlying the fresh red fruit, peach and citrus flavors. This is a lovely and versatile wine that will be a delicious aperitif or accompaniment to fish, white meats and lighter grilled foods. At $19.99 this a good value - pick-up a few cases for your spring/summer sipping!

Laguerre 2021 Côtes du Roussillon Le Ciste Blanc

The 2021 Laguerre Le Ciste Blanc is comprised of 30% Grenache, 20% Marsanne, 20% Rolle, 20% Roussanne and 10% Macabeu. Showing an intensely mineral nose with aromas of citrus and garrigue, with hints of stone fruits from the Marsanne and Roussanne, the palate also exudes an intense stoniness with flavors of citrus, herbs, bitter melon and white peach. Bright acidity enlivens it's full body leading to a long, concentrated and complex finish. For lovers of white Chateauneuf du Pape at a fraction of the price!

Laguerre 2022 Côtes du Roussillon Eos Blanc

The 2022 Laguerre Eos Blanc is just a beautiful wine, from 60% Grenache Blanc, 30% Maccabeu and 10% Vermentino grown in Eric's high altitude vineyards on granitic soils. The aromas are elegant and distinctive with white flowers, pear, meyer lemon and stone. The palate shows the granite soils with a dense mineral/acid backbone under sapid white and citrus fruits, finishing with peach, lemon and intense mineral flavors, bright and refreshing with terrific length. Wow, all this for $15.99! Highly recommended.  David Lillie

Laguerre 2022 Vin de France "LAG" Orange/Maceration

The 2022 Cuvée LAG Orange, a 10 day maceration of Grenache Gris and Maccabeo that's just delighful, but frankly more pink than orange! The aromas are surpisingly delicate and complex with citrus peel, peach, spice and rose.  The palate is well structured with a bit of skin tannin (not too much) with peach skin, orange peel and dried white fruits, finishing with firm acidity and a very long spiced fruit finish. Delicious wine and a great pairing with full-flavored seafood and vegetable dishes.

Laguerre 2022 Côtes du Roussillon Eos Rosé

The 2022 Laguerre Eos Rosé is light and fresh, made from Grenache Gris and Grenache Noir and it's really delicious! It shows a pretty, pale pink color with subtle aromas of rose and raspberry. The palate is bright, silky and round with lovely red and yellow fruit flavors, quite crisp and long. This is a complex, refreshing and delicious rosé and a sensational value!  David Lillie

Laguerre 2014 IGP Côtes Catalanes Oxy (5 years sous voile)

Eric has once again made a small quantity of "Oxy" - his extraordinary Grenache Blanc that spends five years sous-voile. The current vintage is 2014 (we think) - for any lover of Vin Jaune, or anyone making chicken with vin jaune and morels, this is a must buy! The wine shows lovely herbal, stone, citrus peel and strong oxidative aromas. The oxidation is less apparent on the palate which is extremely elegant and of course shows an intense minerality, with flavors of lemon zest, stone and dried pear, finishing with terrific length. Superb and unique wine! (No added SO2)  David Lillie

Laguerre 2021 Côtes du Roussillon Le Ciste Rouge

Eric Laguerre's parcels for this cuvée are planted on plateaus fringed with flowering "ciste" bushes and wind swept trees. The Pyrénées loom in the distance and the afternoon sun reflecting off the decomposed granite gives his vineyards a sort of shimmering quality. Eric's bottling of "Le Ciste" is a faithful interpretation of each of these elements plus Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and Mourvèdre - some de-stemmed and some fermented on whole-clusters, separately, then aged for a year in barrel before being blended together in fiber tank. The 2021 has all of the bold flavor and texture of grapes that were allowed to fully ripen without any worry about lost acidity. At his altitude and with the help of granitic soils, Eric has little reason to pick early; his wines are vibrant and always have a marvelous backbone of mineral acidity. This is his fullest wine, with rich tannins and brooding flavors of fresh thyme, black pepper, bitter chocolate, and blood orange buoyed by ripe cherry. And while this is a handy and humble "grab n' go" for barbecues, Moroccan-themed dinners, etc., this wine has all of the potential to make us giddy and glad that we saved a few for 2030.

Laguerre 2021 Côtes du Roussillon Le Passage

"Le Passage" is a hardy blend of 65% Syrah (de-stemmed) and 35% Carignan from Eric Laguerre's highest parcel (1,700 feet), on soils of decomposed granite. The grapes are pressed into fiber tank for fermentation with native yeasts, then aged in concrete with minimal added SO2. This cuvee is fuller-bodied than his "EOS Rouge," with the high-quality of his low-yielding Carignan on full display. The robe shows a bright red/black in the glass with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, lavender, blood orange, and plum. The dense palate has an earthy texture with flavors of blackberry, stone, and plum finishing with a fresh citrus acidity that is especially delicious when served with a chill. Drink now or save for 2-3 years for a more mature experience.

Laguerre 2022 Côtes du Roussillon "Lag" Syrah

The new Laguerre "LAG" Syrah is from organic grapes on Eric's high-altitude granite terrors in the mountains of the Roussillon, The grapes undergo a short 3 day whole-cluster maceration to create this light and lovely red that shows a translucent ruby color. Delicate aromas of young black fruit with a touch of black pepper, high acidity and notes of blackberries with a medium, savory and a little spicy finish. A wonderful great value - a chillable red that will not leave you indifferent!  Laura Tejuca

Laguerre 2022 Côtes du Roussillon Eos Rouge

(80% Grenache, 20% Syrah grown in the Roussillon on very high-altitude vineyards of decomposed granite. Hand-harvested in small crates, yields of 18 hl/ha) Bright aromas of tart cherry and blackberry, with dark chocolate and floral notes, very pure. The palate is dense but not heavy with cherry and red-currant fruit with acidity that coats the mouth. Very long finish for a wine at this price, quite elegant with nice tannic structure. This will go very well served cool with grilled meats and will benefit from short-term cellaring. An interesting wine that really shows the influence of the granite soils. On day two there is lovely red raspberry and the tannins have softened a bit, still with bright acidity and terrific length. A fabulous value!

Lapuyade 2020 Jurançon Sec

 Clos Marie-Louise/Château Lapuyade is a beautiful Biodynamic estate deep in the hills of Jurançon, south of Pau. Their wines are harvested by hand, fermented with wild yeasts and aged in old barrels purchased from Yquem and Haut-Brion. Château Lapuyade produces a complex, ripe, exotic style of "Sec" and the lovely 2020 is no exception. Produced from Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, the wine shows a bright gold color; ripe aromas of exotic fruit, lemon zest, almond, honeysuckle and hay; the palate is ripe and round with spiced pear,  buttery lemon, earth and mineral flavors; very bright citrusy acidity in the finish with hay and minerals. This will evolve nicely re-corked in your fridge or with five to ten years of cellaring. Not for everyone perhaps,  this is really a unique and intense bottle of Jurançon! Serve with chicken or fish in sauce, full-flavored cheeses, patés and Asian foods.

Les Fouques 2022 Côtes de Provence La Londe "Cuvée 'Estelle"

(Arrives June 1st) Domaine les Fouques has been certified Biodynamic (Demeter) for 30 years, and also raises sheep, ducks, chickens and guinea-hens on their old-fashioned mixed-use farm. The La Londe "Cuvee L'Estelle" is their best rosé from old vines of Grenache 49% Cinsault 36% Syrah 11% Rolle 4%. Unlike the majority of Provençal rosés, it is made naturally with wild yeasts, giving a more subtle expression of fruit and terroir. The 2022 is a subtle and beautiful wine showing a very pale salmon  pink color and aromas of peach skin, orange peel, rose, earth and raspberry, very pretty and folral. The palate is elegant and silky with stone and saline mineral flavors beneath very subtle red and yellow fruits, wild strawberry, hints of spice and citrus peel. The high percentage of white grapes brings delicacy and freshness. The finish is refreshing and long with nice density and perfectly balanced at 13% alcohol. This is a lovely rosé of terroir that will drink beautifully over the next three years. Serve with grilled fish, pork and chicken, salade Niçoise, or just sip by itself. David Lillie

Les Fouques 2020 Côtes de Provence La Londe "Estelle" Rouge

The beautiful 2020 Les Fouques "Estelle" Rouge is 71% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 4% Carignan, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, certified Biodynamic (Demeter). Tucked away in the Vallons des Borels, the estate illustrates biodiversity at its finest: vines, forests of eucalyptus, pines, even wild boars share a spatial harmony on the property. Harmony is key in a wine like the Cuvée L’Estelle - on the nose, there is a lovely mélange of black cherry, spiced plum, rose, smoke and candied ginger. The palate is rich and ripe, with soft tannins and fresh fruit. The finish is the highlight of the wine: a back and forth medley of red fruit, black currant, smoke and earth. A wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats ths summer....

Les Fouques 2022 Côtes de Provence Cuvée l'Aubigue Rosé

Year after year, Yves Gros, Christelle and Jacques at the Biodynamic Domaine les Fouques make our favorite Provençal rosés. This is what they say about the 2022 Cuvee Aubigue: "Cinsault 62% Grenache 15% Syrah 17% Cabernet Sauvignon 4% Rolle 2%, (alcohol 12.5%) "Very pale pink color with melon nuances. The first aromas are concentrated, evoking ripe yellow fruits such as apricot and peach. After swirling, it's flat peach with white flesh, subtly enhanced by spices of white pepper and ginger. The palate is imposing, well structured, ample; dominated by notes of white peach but also by fresh citrus which reinforces the iodized side of this cuvée and gives it a certain freshness on the finish." We say...  "the palate is round and refreshing with a dense mineral core. Flavors of peach, strawberry, and nectarine coalesce over cool herbal notes akin to licorice. The finish is suave and awash with citrus and stone. A wonderfully versatile wine, this is lovely to sip by itself and will be a seriously delicious pairing with salads, full-flavored fish dishes, chicken and grilled pork all summer and all year...complex, subtle, refreshing and delicious - buy it by the case as we do run out from time to time...

Les Granges Paquenesses 2019 Côtes du Jura Trousseau

Les Granges Paquenesses 2020 Côtes du Jura Trousseau 'Libellules'

'Libellules' is a tasty and very forward Trousseau from blue and grey marl soils on a south-facing slope in Poligny. A lovely cherry color in the glass, with notes of strawberry and red cherry on the nose. The palate is ripe and friendly, perhaps not screaming "JURA!" but it is very charming and in many respects a great way to entice newcomers to the region and its special wines. Notes of plums, cassis and fresh green herbs circling around a center of cool minerality.

Lulu Vigneron (Ludwig Bindernagel) 2019 Côtes du Jura BB1 Chard/Savagnin

Ludwig Bindernagel, a favorite of ours from the Jura, currently works with the newly-minted Lulu label. However, when he first came to the region in the early 2000s, he produced wines as Les Chais du Vieux Bourg, the domaine he had purchased. ‘BB1,’ though it may sound technical, or even scientific, stands for ‘Baby One,’ as it was the first cuvée Lulu ever created. It is a blend of Chardonnay and Savignin, and produced in a topped-up, or ouille, style. Hints of crisp apple and salt on the nose, with a delicate, slightly floral and oxidative character. Zingy on the palate, with pear, cured lemon, white pepper and salt. Incredibly balanced - neither the Savagnin or the Chardonnay steals the show in the glass. Spot on, Lulu! Bring on the Comte! -DH

Marie & Florian Curtet 2018 Savoie Autrement Rouge 1.5L

Marie & Florian Curtet 2019 Savoie Frissons des Cimes (Mondeuse)

Pajot, Domaine de 2022 VDP des Côtes de Gascogne Les Quatre Cépages

Rouquette 2011 Monbazillac Chateau La Rouquette 500ml

(Arrival Mar 7th) The Dournel family produces this lovely Monbazillac under the Chateau La Rouquette label. Consider it a good Sauternes in everything except price, perhaps slightly less sweet. The 2011 is very elegant, fine and complex, with aromas of ripe white fruits, peach and lime flower. Supple, round and with medium sweetness on the palate with perfect acidity, the fruit is fresh and pretty, not at all heavy, really a delightful wine to sip by itself or with fruit desserts, patés and vegetable terrines.

Saillard, Laurent 2021 Vin de France 'En Famille' Cot (Malbec)

Saillard, Laurent 2021 Vin de France Grenache/Syrah

Sulauze 2022 Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Pomponette Rosé

Turenne 2021 Cotes de Provence Cuvée Antoine VV Blanc

(Arrives 9/21)  The Domaine Turenne "Antoine" is an extraordinary Provençal white made with 70% Vermentino with 30% old vines of Petite Clairette du Var, dating from 1903! Organic farming, hand harvesting and wild yeast fermentations. Pale gold color with green hints; aromas of almond, pear, hay, lemon zest, verveine, anise...you get the idea. The palate is very mineral, with firm acidity, showing anise, white fruit liqueur, stone and citrus, supple and long, really a lovely wine and a great value! This refreshing and versatile wine will accompany shellfish and grilled fish, white meats, salads, goat cheeses and much more...  David Lillie

Amphores 2021 Condrieu "La Côte"

(Arrives 5/16) The Domaine des Amphores Condriueu is 100% massale-selection Viognier from 0.5 hectare on poor granite-based soils at 250 metres on La Côte at Chavanay. The 2021 La Côte has a pale yellow gold robe. The nose offers a subtle and intriguing mélange of toasted nuts, salted pineapple, chestnut honey, pear, stone and a hint of spice. The palate shades savory with a granitic spine and roasted peach, and green almond flavors on a sleek  and mineral palate. There’s a pleasing phenolic, stony bitterness  and freshness closing out the finish, with teriffic length. This is a less exotic and exuberant expression, but perfect for the table—think skate with brown butter, halibut or roasted chicken with fricasséed morels!

Amphores 2021 IGP des Collines Rhodaniennes Syrah "Les Iris"

(Arrives Mar 7th) From 100% Syrah grown on decomposed granit soils in Chavanay, just outside the Saint-Joseph zone, tended organically since planting, in the early 90's, and now certified  Biodynamic  as well. The 2021 "Les Iris" Syrah shows the brighter, pretty fruit and slightly lower alcohol of this low-yielding and cooler vintage in the Northern Rhone. The wine shows bright aromas of blackberry and blueberry with hints of stone, mint, smoke and violet, quite fresh and pretty. The palate is balanced and elegant, with cool acidity and lush blackberry and black raspberry fruit, with a fresh earthy finish with mineral, citrus and ripe red and black fruit flavors. Terrific length and depth for a wine at this price. This is a very versatile wine to serve cool with grilled chicken, pork and full-flavored cheeses or to sip by itself, slightly chilled. It's  an authentic and delicious wine and a great value! David Lillie

Balazu des Vaussières 2017 Vin de France Cuvée Hysope

For lovers of natural wines - The new Rouge from Balazu des Vaussieres is the Cuvée Hysope, recently bottled after a brief passage in wood, then four years aging in tank. It's from 50% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 20% Carignan and 10% Cinsault, grown primarily in Tavel with additional vines in Roquemaure, nearby. The wine needs 1 - 2 hours of aeration (after it's four years in vat) then shows lovely black cherry, plum, violet, citrus peel and earth. The palate shows firm acidity and a dense earthy texture with ripe cherry, red currant and licorice with herbal and citrus notes. The finish is long and complex with earthy red fruits, citrus and brown spice. This is a beautiful living wine which will be fun to taste over many days, recorked in the fridge. Ten years of cellaring should be interesting...

Bonnefond 2020 Côte-Rôtie Colline de Couzou

The 2020 Bonnefond "Colline de Couzou" is 80% on northern sector schist in Rozier, Côte Rozier and  Les Rochains, 20% southern sector loose granite from Tupin, Coteaux de Semons. "dark red; licorice, black cherry airs in an upright nose, has a clear tone, some blueberry mystery. The attacks strikes well - good dark fruits line the palate, are fresh, purposeful, carry depth. It holds well, the length good, the finale lip smacking. Its tannins come forward, are noticeable and ripe. 14°. “It’s silky, has bel balance,” C Bonnefond. (drinkrhone) Drink over the next 20 years.

Brunel - les Cailloux 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire

Clos du Joncuas 2016 Gigondas Arrives Mar 1st

(Tasted January 2023: Lovely nose, perfect balance, great finish, more structured than the 2015, hold a few more years)  80% Grenache with Mourvedre, Cinsault and Syrah, on Triassic clay/limestone soils, always farmed organically. Whole cluster fermentation in vat with 12 months aging in large old barrels. The 2016 is another beautiful Gigondas from the Clos du Joncuas, perhaps with less fat and density than the 2015 but quite elegant and more Burgundian in style. The aromas sing of black cherry liqueur, licorice, black olive and garrigue; the palate is dense and focused with blackberry, cherry, black olive, bitter chocolate and earth with nice sappy length with firm acidity. Drinking well now, decant if possible, or hold for five years, then drink until about 2035.   David Lillie

Clos du Joncuas 2019 Gigondas Rosé

This is a beautiful Gigondas Rosé from our organic friends at Clos du Joncuas. Pretty bright pink/orange color, aromas of raspberry, tart cherry, blood orange, peach skin and rose. Full palate with silky raspberry, peach, citrus  and mineral flavors and firm acidity, beatifully balanced and refreshing. Long finish with tart cherry, peach, earth, and citrusy acids. This gorgeous rosé is still young – it should open up nicely over the next two to three years. It's elegant and delicious now and very food-friendly – serve with grilled fish and white meats, salade nicoise, vegetarian dishes and Provençal foods. A great rosé to enjoy all year-round!

Clos du Joncuas 2020 Vacqueyras La Font de Papier (4/18)

From 80% Grenache with Syrah and Mourvedre, grown on gravelly limestone terraces, always farmed organically, whole-cluster fermention and aged in concrete vats.  Dany and Carole Chastan have made another superb Vacqueyras in 2020,  more elegant than the opulent 2019 version, showing dark black/red color and bright aromas of  blackberry, black olive and licorice with plum skin, garrigue, violet and bitter chocolate.  This young wine is showing deep black fruits with firm acidity and terrific length with chalky mineral notes, earth, citrus and olive. This will be fantastic with grilled foods, stews and tagines and will develop nicely over the next 10 - 15 years. Highly recommended and a great value!  David Lillie

Clos du Joncuas 2021 Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Séguret Blanc

(50% Clairette, with Roussanne and Marsanne, always organically farmed, wild yeast fermentation, aged in enamel vat.) This unique Rhone white shows subtle aromas of dried pear, peach, citrus and stone. The palate is dense and well-structured with flavors of citrus peel, white fruits, stone, hay and almond, a hint of anise. This has nice brightness, is not as heavy as the previous few vintages. This will accompany a bouillabaisse, full-flavored fish dishes, squid, octopus, roast chicken with herbs, full-flavored cheeses and patés. With aeration the wine becomes more aromatic,  really lovely! This is a fabulous value and highly recommended...

Clos du Joncuas 2021 Gigondas Rosé

This is a beautiful Gigondas Rosé from our organic friends at Clos du Joncuas. Pretty bright pink/orange color, aromas of raspberry, tart cherry, blood orange, peach skin and rose, a bit fresher and brighter than the last two vintages. Full, crisp palate with pretty red fruits and firm acidity. Long finish with tart cherry, peach, earth and citrusy acids. A bit lighter and better balanced than the 2019 and 2020, and very young -  it should open up nicely over the next two years. It's delicious now though, and very food-friendly – serve with grilled fish and white meats, salade nicoise, vegetarian dishes and Provençal foods. A great rosé to enjoy all year-round!

Gripa 2011 Saint-Peray Les Figuiers

This little-known wine from Bernard and Fabrice Gripa is one of the most delicious and fascinating wines of the Northern Rhône. From 50 to 60 yeal-old vines in Saint-Peray, 60% Roussanne and 40% Marsanne. "Fine yellow robe. Aniseed and hazelnut tally well together on the front nose; peach and acacia flowers are present, with a typical Saint-Péray tang of saltiness. The palate offers an intricate mix of fruit and more substantial, nutted flavours. It expands steadily on the later palate, has good length and gives a tickle of late acidity. It needs time to fuse – is not an obvious wine. Has something of a red wine in its make-up and late grounding."  Livingston-Learmonth in DrinkRhône  Tasted May 25, 2023 at CSW: The wine is showing beautifully, with secondary aromas joining the fresh white and yellow fruits. Perfect acidity, silky texture, very mineral and long. A great match for a full-bodied fish or poultry dish, just delicious. Drink over the next 3 - 5 years.

Guicharde 2021 Côtes du Rhône Organic

Guigal 2006 Cotes du Rhone

Jaboulet 2018 Hermitage La Chapelle

This wine is a 100% Syrah grape. Hermitage La Chapelle is a blend of terroirs, including the prestigious hillsides of Meal and Bessards. Each one provides its own aromatic characteristics. 40-60+ year old vines from the granite soils of Les Bessards and the limestone of Le Méal on the Hermitage hill – a magical combination of terroir. Completely converted to biodynamics in 2006. Incredibly low yields of 15-20 hl/ha. Aged in French oak (20% new)

Levet, Bernard 2020 Côte-Rôtie Journaries

 The beautiful  2020 Levet "Journaries" is 60% from 70 to 80 year-old vines on the west part of La Landonne, 40% younger vines from Côte Brune, Côte Blonde, Côte Rozier. "...full, attractive robe; the nose is well poised, carries a discreet perfume, an air of black cherry, with oak touches, ground coffee beans. The palate gives ripe blue fruit, immediately engages, while the smooth tannins help its flow and length. This is serene flow wine, nothing hurried. It accumulates depth into the finish, with a compact depth on the aftertaste, the tannins within there. It is a freer run, more lithe wine than the Chavaroche." (drinkrhone)

Lionnet 2020 Cornas Terre Brulée

 From 1960s Syrah on Mazards, 1940s Syrah on Combe, also Chaillot, Pied la Vigne, Chataignier/Saint Pierre, 2-3 week whole bunch fermentation. Aged 50% 600-litre, 50% 228-litre 2-8 year oak casks for 15-16 months. "...dark robe; the nose is sweet toned, comes with blackberries, herbs, smoke, licorice. The palate is marked by coffee-mocha, is blue-fruited, with kick late on, from within, iron a-plenty. Its suave tendencies are very typical of 2020, it has coated tones, agreeable, squeezy gras, pings of licorice-salt through it, southern links, black olives, late crunch. It’s very genuine Cornas, its juice running well on a zig zag late on, lively tones, zip, a good do. “It’s less muscled than 2019,” Ludovic Izérable. (drinkrhone)

Manissy 2021 Tavel Tête de Cuvée Rosé

Produced since 1915 this is the historic cuvée of Chateau de Manissy, retaining the ancient label and the ancient methods of production, now enhanced by Biodynamic farming. Similar in style to the Tavel 'Vintage" at Domane L'Anglore, the wine is a blend of Grenache, Clairette and Cinsault that undergoes a 24 to 48 hour maceration on the skins and then a cool fermentation with wild yeasts for about 2 weeks. The wine ages in old barrels for 9 to 12 months. This is a true Rosé of gastronomy that will drink beautifully for ten years or more.  Showing a slightly darker hue than the 2020 vintage, it exudes bright aromas of pomegranate, red flowers and spice with a silky, cool palate and a  light red wine feel,  with flavors of red currant, tart cherry and saline minerals. "Can live 10 to 20 years if well cellared, drink with melon & cured ham salad, grilled meats, magret de canard (duck breasts), veal meatballs, white meats, chicken breast, guinea fowl with mushrooms & chestnuts" says the estate, or just sip by itself on a summer evening...

Perrin & Fils 2007 Vinsobres Vieilles Vignes Hauts de Julien

Pierre André 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape

(CSW Price $49.99!) The superb 2019 Pierre André CDP Rouge is 90% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Vaccarèse, Counoise, Muscadin and Picpoul. Some parcels are over 100 years old, with the average vine age around 65 years. From drinkrhone: "handsome dark red robe; the nose has depth from within, a really inviting aroma of finely sweet plums, with some cedar, gently perfumed notes around them. It’s a very good start. The palate runs with a stately roll of red stone fruits, lovely engagement thanks to its stylish gras, its spherical shape most appealing. The balance is good. This is Châteauneuf of terroir, no make-up added, is a very bonny Grenache-inspired wine, has smoky, tobacco, menthol tones late on. Much harmony here, not sure what else one could demand from it - way to go, Jacqueline!" Drink 2025 - 2050.

Pierre Andre 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Magnum

The superb 2019 Pierre André CDP Rouge is 90% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Vaccarèse, Counoise, Muscadin and Picpoul. Some parcels are over 100 years old, with the average vine age around 65 years. From drinkrhone: "handsome dark red robe; the nose has depth from within, a really inviting aroma of finely sweet plums, with some cedar, gently perfumed notes around them. It’s a very good start. The palate runs with a stately roll of red stone fruits, lovely engagement thanks to its stylish gras, its spherical shape most appealing. The balance is good. This is Châteauneuf of terroir, no make-up added, is a very bonny Grenache-inspired wine, has smoky, tobacco, menthol tones late on. Much harmony here, not sure what else one could demand from it - way to go, Jacqueline!" Drink 2025 - 2050.

Pierre Andre 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Magnum

We consider Domaine Pierre André to be one of the greatest estates in Châteuneuf-du-Pape. Organic since 1980 (one of the first in the AOC) and Biodynamic since 1992. The red is 90% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Vaccarèse, Counoise, Muscadin and Picpoul. Some parcels are over 100 years old, with the average vine age around 65 years. Tasted with Jacqueline in January, the wine was quite remarkable, showing a relatively light red/garnet color with lovely aromas of tart cherry, red currant, rose and violet. The plate was supple, not heavy, with complex red fruits, earth and minerals with silky fresh tannins, finishing with terrific length of red currant and berries. "Un gourmandise" said Jacqueline and we couldn't agree more - but obviously built to age as well. David Lillie

Rayas 1999 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Reserve

Rayas 2000 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve

Rostaing 2020 Côte-Rôtie Ampodium

Rousset 2021 Saint-Joseph

The 2021 Rousset Saint-Joseph is from a one-half hectare parcel of 35 to 70 year-old vines in "Les Rivoires" on the lower slope in Tournon, a cool, very steep, late-ripening terroir with clay, sand and stones over firm granite. Aged 12 months, 30% foudre, 70% 1 to 5 year-old barrels.This is prime Saint-Joseph terroir (the Gonons have vines in "Rivoires" as well) giving a dense well-structured wine that is enjoyable young, as most of the grapes are de-stemmed, and that will drink well over the next ten+ years. The 2021 vintage has produced a brighter more floral style than the 2020, with a nicely balanced 13% alcohol. We love the review in drinkrhone: "quite a dark red; this has a country style aroma, wild blackberry, licorice, black pepper, is genuine. The palate gives a cool stream of black cherry fruit, is tasty and natural, with appealing purity, feels hand made, and is silky, elegant on the finish. It’s very fine, very bonny, aromatic St Jo, the balance good - most joli it is."  Yes, most joli it is - quite delicious now, but put a few away to drink in 8 to 10 years as well.  David Lillie

Rousset 2021 Crôzes-Hermitage Marsanne Vieilles Vignes

 This is an oustanding Marsanne from vines planted in  1933 and 1965, aged in 10% new, 90% 1 - 3 year-old 400 liter barrels, 8 months on the lees, no batonnage. The 2021 Vieilles Vignes is an outstanding wine showing elegant aromas of white peach and plum, lemon zest, stone and oak; the palate is beautifully structured with the density, mineral flavors and firm acidity of the low yielding 2021 vintage. The finish is lovely with stone, white and yellow fruits, citrus zest, long and very elegant, really showing the old vines. Open well in advance or cellar 3 to 5 years, allowing the oak to fully integrate, then enjoy until 2035. (About 80 cases made) Pair this beautiful wine with full-flavored fish and chicken dishes and goat cheeses, or as the Roussets suggest, with rock fish, veal marengo and mushroom risotto! David Lillie

Saint Prefert 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Collection Charles Giraud"

Verset 1999 Cornas 1.5 L