Barth, Laurent NV (2021) Alsace Extra Brut Petillant Naturel

Mostly Pinot Auxerrois with some Pinot Noir in the mix, this is a methode ancestrale "Pet Nat" from Laurent Barth... a wine we never knew existed since most of it is sold in Europe and Laurent keeps a fair amount at home to share with friends. The wine spends 18 months sur latte (sur lie) before disgorging. A fascinating and singular wine, with a beautiful creamy texture and subtle aromas of red berries, citrus and minerals that continue on the elegant, refreshing palate. This is one of the most delicious Pet Nats of France - rarely available, don't delay!

Beck-Hartweg 2020 Vin d'Alsace Gewurztraminer "Bungertal"

A lovely little dry Gewurztraminer from Florian and Mathilde Beck-Hartweg. Floral and crisp, textbook Gewurz.

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)

A fresh and forward liter bottle of Pinot Blanc, sort of a classic Alsatian dry white, perfect for salads, cheese, tarte flambée, or on its own as an apero. A touch of orchard fruit on the palate and nice acidity overall.

Brand, Charles & Philippe NV Alsace Mandoline

La Mandoline is a new wine combining all the white grapes at Philippe's fingertips. Pinot Blanc, Riseling, Muscat, Sylvaner, Pinot Gris (with skin contact), and a touch of Gewurztraminer from parcels in Kefferberg on clay and limestone soils. the wine is dry but floral, with nice ripeness in the mid-palate, and is tasting great at the moment! Aging was for 36 months in large barrel, and wine was bottled without filtration or added SO2.

Domaine Goepp 2022 AOC Alsace 'Le Farouche' Pinot Noir

Josmeyer 2022 Alsace Riesling Le Kottabe

Les Vins Pirouettes (Binner and Friends) 2020 Vin d'Alsace Tutti Frutti de Stephane

Zind-Humbrecht 1994 Alsace Gewurztraminer Goldert VT

Zind-Humbrecht 1994 Alsace Pinot Gris Heimbourg Vendages Tardive

Chignard, Cédric 2022 Juliénas Beauvernay

This is a lovely Beaujolais from the Chignard family, better known for their Fleurie "Les Moriers." As with much of Julienas the bedrock of "Beauvernay" is diorite, rather than granite, locally called "roches bleues." It's an interesting terroir of volcanic origin with more clay and rich in magnesium, giving complex well-structured wines.  Possessing the ripe fruit and lush palate of the 2022 vintage in Beaujolais, the Julienas "Beauvernay" shows a pretty red/black color, with elegant, a bit restrained aromas of black raspberry and  black cherry with violet, blood orange, earth and stone, which should open up nicely over the next few years. It's ripe and sapid but with lively acidity and well proportioned. Tart cherry, plum and red currant fruit with saline minerals, earth and spice coat the palate and continue in the earthy finish. Quite lovely now, especially with a long decant,  this should soften and gain complexity with three to five years of aging, drink till 2028.

Coquelet 2016 Chiroubles Vieilles Vignes

The step-son of Georges Descombes, Damien Coquelet has worked alongside him since early childhood. Damian's  2016 Chiroubles VV is a beautiful wine showing bright aromas of ripe raspberry, morello chery, violet and citrus, really quite pretty. There is a lively mineral attack on the palate with earthy plum, cherry and raspberry fruit that is sappy, earthy and long. Quite lovely now, this should really sing after a few years of cellaring. Highly recommended! David Lillie

Descombes, Georges 2020 Morgon

Georges Descombes has created another superb Morgon in 2020 - not as bright perhaps as the 2014 (pictured) but with a similar balance of alcohol (13%), freshness and very ripe sappy fruit. The wine shows a bright, vivid red/black color with earth, violet and citrus notes mingling with lovely raspberry and blackberry aromas. The palate is ripe, silky and well-structured with fresh, velvety raspberry, cherry and blackberry fruit, with earth and mineral notes bringing texture and length to the sappy, lingering finish. This is a beautiful Morgon to serve cool with farm chicken, grilled pork and lamb, cow cheeses and charcuterie over the next  4 - 5 years.  David Lillie

Desjouruneys, Jules 2015 Pouilly Loche

Desvignes 2022 Beaujolais L'Aube a Javernieres

2020 was the first vintage of "L'Aube à Javernières" and the first Desvignes wine to not be 100% cru Morgon, coming from a parcel of 20 to 30-year-old vines in deep clay soils on the edge of Javernières, just below the Cote du Py hill. The grapes are harvested by hand and the winemaking is consistent with most of the Desvignes wines, undergoing semi-carbonic fermentation and aged in concrete with no punchdowns. The 2022 is a fresh and exuberant expression of Gamay with beautiful ripeness, showing red fruit and cool herbs on the nose, backed by earthy acidity that creates wonderful tension and a long finish that makes it a versatile pairing partner. Absolutely delicious and a great value for anyone who loves serious Beaujolais!

Desvignes 2022 Morgon Côte de Py

The 2022 Desvignes Morgon "Cote de Py" is from 2.2 hectares of parcels on the Côte du Py, which is famous for its roche pourrie or "rotten rock" of manganese-rich, decomposed schist and its structured, long-lived wines. The vines are around 70 years old and have a cooler NE exposure at the top of the hill. They are certified-organic and harvested by hand. Generally around 50% of the bunches are left whole with the other 50% destemmed and put together into closed concrete vats for a partly carbonic fermentation; maceration is 13-14 days with a submerged cap and no punchdowns.  The 2022 Côte du Py was aged in concrete egg for 10 months.  This is a beautiful wine showing a bit more density and black fruits than the Javenieres. The color is a deep black/red with light rim. The aromas are deep and elegant - blackberry, black cherry, earth and licorice with mineral, sous-bois and citrus notes. The palate is dense and deep with black fruit liqueur, ripe and well structured with firm tannins. Black fruits, firm acicity and mineral flavors merge in the long finish - a wine to cellar for five years and then enjoy until 2035, but the tannins are supple and the sapid fruit makes this enjoyable young as well. Lovely wine. David Lillie

Desvignes 2022 Morgon Javernières

Claude-Emannuelle and Louis-Benoit are the seventh generation of winemakers at Desvignes and the domain was one of the first in Morgon to "estate-bottle" beginning in 1955. "The spirit of our vinification is between the Beaujolais carbonic maceration and a Burgundy vinification," she says. The parcel "Javernieres," on the lower southeast corner of the Cote de Py, is considered by the Desvignes as their best terroir. Here the thicker topsoil with more clay and iron oxide gives a more generous wine. The 2022 seems a bit softer and more generous that the "Cote de Py" showing a deep red/garnet color, with aromas of black raspberry, cherry and strawberry, floral and elegant. The palate is beautifully textured with chalky red and black fruits with floral, spice and citrus notes. This has an elegant and full-bodied roundness, but with the acidity and tannin to allow long-term aging.  Serve a bit cool and enjoy now, best after 3 to 5 years and then until 2035+  David Lillie

Desvignes 2022 Morgon Javernieres "Aux Pierres"

2022 Desvignes  "Aux Pierres" - 2020 was the first vintage from this new parcel in the historic lieu-dit of Javernières at the foot of the famous Côte du Py hill. "Aux Pierres" comes from this 0.57-hectare plot of 90-year-old vines on a steep, east-facing slope. The soils are iron-rich, red clay with schist, pyrite and decomposed volcanic rocks. The wine is aged in 30-hectoliter concrete egg for 10 months. The Desvignes family considers "Aux Pierres" to be a true vin de garde. While we loved the austere elegance and depth of the 2021 "Aux Pierres," it has taken a more "solaire" and generous vintage to bring out the greatness in these old vines and this unique terroir. "It has a very complex mineral-driven bouquet with dark cherries, tea-leaves and crushed stone, floral scents emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. This is very pure in style, beautifully balanced with a satin textured finish that is one of the most caressing you will find this vintage. Outstanding." - Neal Martin Vinous.  We couldn't agree more - cellar for 5 years then drink until 2040 - or open a few days in advance, recork, then enjoy!

Dutraive (Domaine de la Grand Cour) 2022 Brouilly Cuvée VV

Dutraive (Domaine de la Grand Cour) 2022 Fleurie Clos de la Grand Cour

Terres Dorées (Jean-Paul Brun) 2022 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) 2022 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 2022 shows a bright deep red color. The aromas are high-toned and ripe with red currant, raspberry and wild strawberry, quite bright and floral. 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!

Terres Dorées (Jean-Paul Brun) 2023 Beaujolais L'Ancien V. Vignes Nouveau

100% Gamay. Always our favorite Nouveau! The Terres Dorées L'Ancien vines are Jean Paul's oldest vines at 40-60 years old. They grow on the sandy clay-limestone hills in his home village of Charnay in the southern Beaujolais and yield small, thick-skinned berries. The farming is organic and harvest manual. The earliest harvest of these vines goes into his Nouveau. Unlike any other Nouveau out there, there is no carbonic maceration (true for all of his Gamays). The bunches are destemmed, the fruit crushed and fermented with native yeasts in tank, notably with no chaptalization; it is aged briefly, though longer than most Nouveaux, and bottled in time to land in the states by the third Thursday in November. The 2023 version shows lovely aromas of ripe cherry and blackberry with citrus and floral notes; the palate is dense, sappy and ripe with deep red and black fruits and hints of earth, citrus and cocoa. This is a seriously delicious Nouveau and bodes well for the 2023 vintage wines to come...

Thillardon, Paul-Henri 2021 Chénas Vibrations

Paul-Henri Thillardon began with 3 hectares of family vineyards in 2008, then acquired 2 hectares in Chénas, always worked with organic/biodynamic methods and has been certified organic since 2011. Vinifications here are semi-carbonic, with a long maceration but gentle extraction. "Vibrations" is an assemblage of all of the domaine's Chénas parcels, including some fruit from their top site, "Chassignol", bottled with zero So2 additions. Pretty, ethereal aromas of juicy, red berry fruit and high-toned floral notes, combine with subtle, flinty-mineral notes. Light-bodied and vibrant, with lots of energy from the lively acidity and bright red-fruit flavors, and supple tannins. Drinking very well now, and should continue to evolve over the next 3-5 years.  Punchy, racy fun with saucisson before dinner, but with enough earthy soul to shine magret of duck. This is sensational Chénas and “Vibrations” is an apt name for the cuvée—it’s just humming and strumming with energy!

Batailley 2016 Pauillac

Bellegrave 2010 Pomerol

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

Cantemerle 2014 Haut Médoc

Cartier 2019 Saint-Emilion Chateau Cartier

The second label to Chateau Fonroque, Chateau Cartier sees none of the estate's Cabernet Franc. The Merlot that goes into this wine comes from under the limestone plateau of St.-Emilion, picked from biodynamically farmed vines on the limestone-clay and silty clay soils of the slopes and bottom-slopes.  All fruit is picked by hand. The wine was fermented naturally and aged in a mixture of 75% barrel and 25% concrete vats. A very impressive partner to Fonroque, mimicking the minerally character that the estate is known for.  The nose delivers scents of dark flowers and rich baked fruit - strawberry, cherry, blueberry. The palate shows deep red and black cherry and plum, with accents of warm cedar and herbs. There is great minerality, which lends the wine a structure of supreme freshness, but a textural softness making the wine quite delicious now. The 2019 vintage was unusually hot in mid-summer so harvest was early - "the result was a rich, harmonious wine with a silky texture. Its classicism makes 2019 one of our best vintages" says the Fonroque/Cartier website.

Chateau Brandeau 2019 Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux Les Barriques d'Alice

Alice, Julien's daughter, is the inspiration for the name of this wine, which is a selection from six parcels on south facing clay/limestone slopes in the domaine, fermented and aged in used 500L barrels ("Barriques") for 16 months. A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine has fantastic balance and smooth integrated tannins, partly from the fruit and partly from the barrel aging, with nice subtle flavors of oak here. There's no reason not to open it now to have with a satisfying meal, but of the Chateau Brandeau wines, it is the most suited for aging over the next 5 years. As a fan of 2019 Bordeaux reds, I'll be putting some away to have when dinner calls for Bordeaux in a few years!  -EL

Chateau Brandeau 2021 Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux "Banzai"

A perfect treat for Thanksgiving - a Bordeaux that drinks like a Beaujolais! Banzai is a tasty, pure Merlot expression from clay and limestone soils in Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux. The grapes are carefully destemmed and see a short and light maceration for 7-8 days, in what is called 'infusion style,' meaning there is no pumping over or any kind of aggressive agitation of the skins and juice, which are allowed to ferment with less extraction (less grippy tannins). It's Merlot, so it's ripe enough and has plenty of material to maintain an ideal medium-bodied expression, but it's also light in a way, not in the glass necessarily but on the palate and in terms of drinkability. For $18 it's a no-brainer as a perfect medium bodied and silky red. No intervention during fermentation or aging, with small addition of SO2 at bottling.

Chateau Brandeau 2021 Vin de France Gas Gas

Julien likes to dance, I learned this the night I met him. No wonder he has a wine with people dancing on the label, and also no wonder that it's a carbonic maceration "glou glou" style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that you would never guess could taste this gulpable. If you want to have the stamina to dance all night while drinking wine, this is your bottle! The grapes come from sandy soils on top of clay, and Julien liked the idea of doing carbonic maceration with whole clusters to preserve all of the fresh fruit notes and come out with a very light-bodied red. What's nice is that because of the grape varieties employed here, the wine has lots of flavor and doesn't come across as thin or devoid of character. Quite the contrary, it stands out, maybe as the funky one, but would you rather listen to funk or classical when you're dancing? -EL

Chateau Fonroque 2017 Grand Cru Classe Saint-Emilion

Château Fonroque is a superb certified biodynamic and organic estate near Saint-Émilion. Owned by the Moueix family since 1931, the estate is a proponent of traditional wine-making techniques with hand harvesting, spontaneous yeasts, and limited use of new oak. An elegant Bordeaux with precise minerality, the wine is a blend of Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%) of 35-year-old vines planted on limestone soils with some portions of clay on the hillside of the vineyard. The wine is fermented with native yeast in concrete vats and then aged in oak (with 30% new), keeping the freshness of the vintage. The resulting wine is a Bordeaux with energy and tension, bright calcareous minerality, great acidity and grippy tannin. On the nose, the bouquet is complex and lively with crunchy cranberry and black cherry, tart dark berries, dried tobacco leaves, Moroccan spices, earth, purple flower and savory notes. Drinking beautifully now, pair this wine with classic fare, such a steak, roasted rack of lamb, duck breast and full-flavored cheese, or age it for an additional 15 years.

Chateau Micalet 2019 Haut Medoc

Chateau Micalet, with a few hectares in the commune of Lamarque was classified "Cru Artisan" by Feret in 1893.  Acquired by the Fedieu family in 1972 the estate was enlarged slightly, never using herbicides, and with a new generation the conversion to organic agriculture was started in 2006. The estate now has 10 hectares on deep beds of gravel, planted at 8,000 pieds/hectare; the normal blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot -  and 7% Petit Verdot,  a grape the Fedieus feel is particularly important. The grapes are harvested by hand and undergo a 3 to 4 week fermentation, the wine ages in barrique, 30% new. The nose on the Haut Medoc has dark plummy cassis fruit, with hints of vanilla and baking spice. Young leather notes and dark gravel tones as well. A little floral with dark violets and roses. The palate has deep, lush black cherry. Graphite and iron on the tongue give an earthy glimmer. Medium acid and soft tannin, but great density at its core and terriic length. Drink up - this is a sensational value for a very good Haut-Medoc!

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!

Echo de Lynch Bages 2010 Pauillac

Ferriere 2016 Margaux

"Chateau Ferriere was certified organic in 2015 and biodynamic in 2018.  It is one of the rare Classified Growths to be biodynamic certified, not only in its vineyard, but also in the cellar. Ferriere develops its own wild yeast starter culture, avoids any input during vinification and limits the addition of sulfur to the strict minimum. 20% of the wine is aged in small ovoid concrete vats, developed by the property in 2012, and the biggest part of the ageing takes place in oak barrels. Born of this approach are wines that are more mineral, fresh and vibrant that fully express the terroir, without embellishment nor artifice." - Ferriere website "The 2016 Ferriere is a dense, full-bodied wine that will need a few years in bottle to shed some of its tannins. Old vines imbue the 2016 with a palpable sense of power and resonance that comes through in the wine's dark, somber personality. Blackberry, smoke and gravel are some of the notes that build as the 2016 opens in the glass." - Vinous 2018  The wine is drinking beautifully in 2023, but a decant is advised, or cellar and enjoy until 2040+

Fonplegade 2017 Saint-Emilion

This over-achieving but little known Saint-Emilion is situated southwest of the town of Saint-Emilion, just below Ch. Magdelaine, on the steep slope of limestone with clay and sandy soils that descends from the plateau. The vines are partly in a natural amphitheatre, facing south with great sun exposure and protection from north winds. The estate was purchased from the Moueix family in 2004 by Denise and Stephen Adams and is now certified organic and Biodynamic. The blend is roughly 95% merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, aging is 50% in new barrels, 30% in one year-old barrels and 20% in concrete egg and anfora. This complex and elegant Bordeaux will be perfect with fall and winter meals, and it would be a great hoilday gift as well. "It has a beautiful nose, very pure and bright, showing limestone freshness with taut, tense, black-cherry fruit. The palate shows a minerally, defined, taut fruit expression, with black cherry stone, black plum and damson, wrapped in a keen texture and underpinned by nicely grained tannins. Fresh, reserved, very structured, with ripeness but also tense elegance. Pure, cool and very long. Well done." The Wine Doctor

Gazin 2016 Pomerol

Giscours 2019 Margaux

Grolet 2019 Côtes de Bourg Tête de Cuvée

Our biodynamic friends, the Hubert family, make this lovely Bordeaux with the best juice from Chateau La Grolet, coming from old vines of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec. The 2019 shows a dark garnet color and lovely aromas of ripe cassis and blackberry with floral, cedar, brown spice and stone, really quite pretty. The palate is elegant and well-structured with deep cassis and red fruits over firm acidity with earth and mineral flavors. The wine is powerful but nicely balanced, with terrific length. This is a real Bordeaux of terroir that is delicious now especially if decanted many hours in advance or opened the night before. Serve with a steak or griled pork - cellaring for ten to fifteen years will create a lovely mature wine. David Lillie

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!

Haut-Bages Liberal 2019 Pauillac

One half of the vineyard of Château Haut-Bages Libéral is located on the historic plateau of Bages (gravelly soil), while the other half directly overlooks the Gironde on a limestone hill. The presence of limestone in the vineyard brings a touch of freshness and minerality to the style of the wine, making it unique within the Pauillac appellation. Since the 2000s, biodiversity has been at the heart of all the viticultural practices at Château Haut-Bages Libéral. The plots are surrounded by hedges and trees of various species, and they are gradually planted in the heart of the vines. The soils are covered by permanent grassing or by seedlings (rye, mustard, clover, broad beans, lupines, etc.). The estate is certified organic since 2019 and Biodynamic since 2021. The 2019 is a gorgeous wine, complex and powerful with a more fresh and mineral character than most "modern" Bordeaux. Decant if drinking now, or cellar and enjoy until 2040+

La Conseillante 2001 Pomerol

La Gurgue 2019 Margaux

Claire Villars-Lurton (G & C Lurton of Ferriere, Haut-Bages Liberal and Durfort-Vivens) has dramatically elevated the quality of this unknown Margaux, achieving organic certification in 2016 and Biodynamic certification in 2018.  The 2019 is 54% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit-Verdot. 12 months ageing: 60% in barrels and 40% in ovoid tanks. The vintage is characterised by the elegance of the tannins, thanks to an exceptional late season where hot days alternated with cool nights. 2019 Château La Gurgue is marked by an exuberant nose of black fruits, the wine is ample with a beautiful finish and a lot of freshness. Perhaps the greatest value in Margaux!

La Louviere 2005 Pessac-Leognan

Le Puy 2015 Cuvée Emilien Francs Côte de Bordeaux

Micalet 2019 Haut Medoc Origine

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

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 2021 Premières Côte de Blaye Cru Bourgeois

Biodynamic farming, native yeasts, wild fermentations, great 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. The 2021 has just arrived in NY - we'll taste it this Saturday, Oct 21st at the store, from 4 till 7pm....

Nairac 2006 Barsac

Yquem 2013 Sauternes .375ml

Barraud, Daniel 2012 Pouilly Fuisse Sur la Roche

Barraud, Daniel 2012 Pouilly Fuisse Vielle Vignes En Buland Reserve

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.

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 l'Enclos 2022 Chablis

From the Bouchard bros, a fabulous textbook Chablis even from such a hot vintage! Lovely minerality and yellow apple/citrus aromas on the nose. The palate bursts with juicy lemonade with a chalky undercurrent. An elegant finish clocking in at 12.5%, truly excellent! Giselle Hamburg

Fevre, William 2011 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos

Fichet, Jean-Philippe 2021 Meursault 375ml

Guillemot-Michel 2019 Viré-Clessé Une Bulle (Magnum)

The Guillemot-Michel "Une Bulle" comes from a tiny parcel of old vine Chardonnay on limestone with red clay, high in iron. The wine is a Pet-Nat (Methode Ancestrale) that is bottled after a short period of fermentation, leaving enough sugar in the wine for the fermentation to continue and create the desired bubbles. The wine is aged in bottle on the lees for around 18 months, then riddled and disgorged and re-bottled with a bit more "Une Bulle."  The result is a very delicious aged Pet-Nat showing honeyed aromas of pear and white peach with hints of almond, marzipan and brioche. On the palate the mousse is soft and creamy with flavors of peach and quince  with lime-flower and minerals and a long finish of white fruits, citrus peel and firm acidity. This is a delightful wine to sip by itself or pair with mild cheeses, patés and terrines, fruit desserts..  David Lillie

Guillemot-Michel 2021 Viré-Clessé Quintaine

We're extremely happy to have the wines of Guillemot-Michel back at Chambers Street! Along with Jean and Gautier Thevenet, and Julien Guillot at Vignes du Maynes, they are making white Burgundies with more depth and minerality than anything comparably priced in the Cote D'Or. The cool, low-yielding 2021 vintage takes us back to the style of the superb old-fashioned Macon wines of Jean Thevenet at Domaine de la Bongran. The 2021 "Quintaine" shows a lovely bright gold color with aromas that open with o hint of botrytis, followed by very floral ripe, slightly honeyed exotic fruits, with earth and mineral notes, just beautiful! The palate is ripe and generous but dry, with cool acidity and perfect structure. White and yellow fruits, citrus and minerals coat the palate leading into another hint of botrytis in the long finish. Serve this gorgeous wine with full-flavored fish dishes, chicken and white meats, goat cheeses or just sip and enjoy. Warning! This is not a bland, acidic, light-bodied Macon Chaardonnay - it's a remarkably complex, full-bodied, slightly botrytized wine with fabulous density  and length....

Guillemot-Michel 2021 Viré-Clessé Retour a la Terre

Created in 2017, this cuvee is issued from grapes in the "Champ-Rond" vineyard, vinified in amphora of 800 liters. The 65 year-old vines are grafted on "Riparia Gloire de Montpellier" an old root-stock obtained in 1880, giving very low yields with magnificent small grapes, of a deep gold color. The 2021 Retour a la Terre presents the exotic notes typical of the domaine with an extra dimension of expression due to the respiration of the amphora. The small grapes of "Champ-Rond" ripen beautifully without a high degree of alcohol -  they are picked on the last day of the harvest, and the elevage in amphora gives the wine a great purity. The wine shows elegant floral, white fruit, apricot, lemon and stone aromas. The palate is round, dense and silky with fabulous length and perfect acidity.  This is a superb white Burgundy that is delicious now and will cellar beatifully for fifteen to twenty years. Highly recommended!  David Lillie

Guillemot-Michel NV Vin de France Le Feu et La Glace

Jobard, Claudie 2021 Rully En Villerange

The Jobard Rully "En Villerange" is from a 2 hectare parcel of 70 year-old vines on a well-exposed slope facng south-south-east with clay/limestone soils. Bright, light gold color. This is aromatically quite complex and pretty with pear, stone fruits, citrus, melon and lime-flower with a hint of oak. Opens up beautifully with aeration.  The palate is racy and elegant with perfect stony acidity under white fruits, citrus, peach and mineral flavors. Very delicious and refreshing now,  or after 3 to 5 years of cellaring. This is a great value in white Burgundy and very versatile at the table! (we can't resist including Claudie's list of suggested pairings: Soufflé au beaufort, Volaille en sauce blanche, Jambon persillé, Blanquette de veau, Viandes blanches, Lapin à la moutarde, Terrine de saumon, Pâtés, terrines, rillettes, Filets de volaille en sauce, Crabe, gambas vapeur, Cuisses de grenouilles, Moules à la crème) And please invite me...

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.

Lamy, Hubert 2021 Bourgogne Blanc Chataigners

Lamy, Hubert 2021 Santenay 1er Cru Gravières Blanc

Lamy, Hubert 2021 St Aubin La Princee

Lamy, Hubert 2021 St Aubin 1er Cru Frionnes

Lignier, Hubert 2021 St. Romain Blanc

Moreau-Naudet 2021 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre

Generally considered the greatest of Chablis' Premier Cru vineyards, Montée de Tonnerre is one of only two that share the same hillside and exposition with the Grand Crus. While it may not have all the breadth and power of those vineyards, it nonetheless produces wines of great intensity that can be aged for many years.

Moreau-Naudet 2021 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons

"Vaillons" is one of the best-known of the great Chablis sites and rightly so. The hill rises high and steep above its neighbors, looking down over "Les Pargues" and "Forets" to the east, and the wine the site produces has a similar feeling of power and presence.

Morey-Coffinet 2021 Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Importer note from Martine's Wines: "From a well-situated plot, this 0.13-hectare parcel of vines was planted in 1996 at the top of the vineyard and is located on the Chassagne side. There is no trimming on this site and it is plowed by horse. Aged 16 months in 350 L oak barrels, 50% new. Unfiltered."

Morey-Coffinet 2021 Saint Aubin 1er Cru Frionnes

Les Frionnes is a Premier cru located south of the town of Gamay, between Saint Aubin and Chassagne Montrachet. Thibault Morey has good company here with neighbors like Lamy and Prudhon. Average vine age is 40 to 60 years old. The wine is aged for 10 months in 228 and 350 L oak barrels, 30% new and 70% two-year-old barrels.

Pataille, Sylvain 2021 Bourgogne Aligote Champ Forey

Petit-Roy 2021 HCB Blanc

Seichii's Hautes Cotes de Beaune Blanc is from a small vineyard in the village of Nantoux, slightly north-west of Pommard. The vineyard is biodynamically farmed and harvest is by hand with careful selection. Aging is in barrel for about a year, and bottling is without fining or filtration and with a minimal addition of SO2.

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 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, and a very elegant pairing with Thanksgiving dinner.

Rougeot, Pere et Fils 2021 Meursault 'Sous la Velle'

Seguin-Manuel 2021 Bourgogne Blanc

Seguin-Manuel has flown under the radar for many years, making really pretty elegant Burgundies in both colors. They farm organically, use a minimum of new oak and produce wines that speak of their origins. This is an excellent Bourgogne Blanc (Chardonnay) that is not marked by new oak notes, and has a very balanced mid-palate with some weight and good acidity.

Agrapart NV (18/19) Champagne Grand Cru Terroirs Extra-Brut Bl de Bl 1.5L

A non-vintage blend from parcels in Avize, Cramant, Oger, and Oiry Sourced from Chardonnay vines between 20 and 50 years in age. Comprised of two vintages, the older of the two aged in wood, while the newer vintage is aged in tank. Above all Terroirs is a testament to the expression of chalk.

Champagne Ponson NV Premier Cru 'Charme Noir'

Charme Noir is a new offering from Champange Ponson, who we have come to trust for outstanding quality at very affordable prices. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir, from estate vineyards farmed organically in the Petite Montagne 1er Cru. A fantastic value, with nice cut and a touch of richness and a broad mid-palate. 

Dom Perignon 2008 Champagne Rose

Gerbais, Pierre NV Champagne Extra-Brut Grains des Celles

A blend of Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (25%), and Pinot Blanc (25%) from organically farmed vines grown in Kimmeridgian soils in Celles-Sur-Ource in the Aube. Initial fermentation is with indigenous yeast in tank, and the wine spends 30 months on the lees before disgorgement. There's a lot of character to this well-priced  Champagne that makes for a fine aperitif, as well as having the stuffing to enjoy with roasted fish, chicken, or strong cheeses.3/gl dosage. John McIlwain

Laherte Frères NV Champagne Chavot Extra Brut Rosé de Meunier

Aurélien Laherte decided to retool his previous Brut Rosé Ultradition Champagne and focus on one exclusively made from Pinot Meunier. This Champagne combines 60% immediately pressed Meunier blended with 30% macerated Meunier and 10% still red Meunier (most rosé Champagnes only opt for one of these methods of production).  This wine has a deep salmon robe with delicate flavors of wild cherry, salty plum, dried tarragon, and a sharp streak of chalky minerality. A Champagne with both finesse and structure, you can serve this as an aperitif or pair this with lighter meats or a rare filet mignon! 

Larmandier-Bernier NV (2020) Champagne Rose de Saignee 1er Cru

Laval, Georges 2018 Champagne Cumières 1er Cru Bl de Noirs 'Les Hautes Chevres'

Vincent Laval's Les Hauts Chèvres Blanc de Noirs bottling comes from a parcel on the western portion of the slope of Cumières. Formerly comprised of Pinot Noir from very old vines (which have since been replanted), the wine is now made from venerable Pinot Meunier vines planted between 1931 and 1947 in the same lieu-dit. One could call this a "serious" Pinot Meunier, without the sometimes unbridled character the variety sometimes displays, due to the old vines and longtime organic farming of the dedicated Laval family, but that would understate the sheer deliciousness of the wine, which should only grow as the structural and fruit elements knit. -JCM

Laval, Georges 2019 Champagne Cumières Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs "Les Chênes"

If ever there were an argument that portions of Cumières merit Grand Cru status, Laval's Les Chênes makes a convincing case. The amphitheater-shaped vineyard is something of a sun trap and produces Champagnes of power and precision in Vincent's able hands. Made up of 100% organically-farmed Chardonnay from the eponymous lieu-dit on the eastern side of the village (near the bottom of the slope down by the river), where the soils are chalky rather than the clays of other portions of the village. This is a particularly powerful blanc de blancs. Don't hesitate to age for 10 or more years, as tastings with Vincent have shown that Les Chênes is a particularly long-lived wine and a magnificent expression of singular terroir.  -JCM

Laval, Georges 2019 Champagne Cumières Premier Cru Brut Nature 1.5 L

Laval, Georges NV (2020 Base) Champagne Cumières 1er Cru Brut Nature

Vincent Laval's wines are simply outstanding. Located in the warm village of Cumières in the southern Montagne de Reims, this Domaine is so tiny that, without a tip-off, you'd never know it existed. The Lavals have been farming organically since 1971, making their Domaine one of the longest standing organic Domaines in the region. Their "basic" (though, trust us, there's nothing basic about it) Cumières is generally 50/50 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The grapes are harvested very ripe. enabling the wine to find balance without the addition of a dosage. We can't find the words to lavish sufficient praise upon this wine. The bubbles are perfectly fine and creamy, the aromas rich, earthy, and pretty, the palate broad yet chiseled, and the finish mouth-coating and mineral-driven.

Laval, Vincent NV Champagne 1er Cru Cumières "Rosé de Saignèe"

The rare Saignée rosé is a Brut Nature offering from Laval, a 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Marguet 2017 Champagne Brut Grand Cru Ay

Marguet 2018 Champagne Grand Cru Verzenay

From the Grand Cru village of Verzenay on the northern slope of the Montagne de Reims, this is a Blanc de Noir of Pinot Noir, disgorged in February '23, with zero dosage. 18 mg/l total sulfites, 2072 bottles produced.

Marguet 2018 Champagne Grand Cru Village 6pack - Wooden box

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.

Mouzon, Jean Claude NV Champagne Cuvee Fleurie

Nowack, Flavien NV Champagne Extra Brut S.A. (Sans Année) B20

Regnault, Stephane NV Champagne Grand Cru Lydien N65

Sadi Malot NV Champagne 1er Cru Blanc de Blanc "Terre D'Origin

Solemme 2018 Brut Nature 1er Cru Espit de Solemme Noir et Blanc

Solemme NV Brut 1er Cru Terre de Solemme

Chandon de Briailles 2020 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru

Chantal Lescure 2020 Pommard Les Vignots

The Pommard "Les Vignots" is from south-facing vines situated on the Montagne de Pommard, in a terroir of clay-marl. These 35 year-old vines grow in high elevation, about 330 meters above sea-level. (The name stems from a parcel of vines remaining on this site that survived a desvastating insect attack that destroyed much of the Burgundy vineyard in the 1700s) The grapes are hand harvested and undergo a long fermentation in stainless steel tanks, punched-down and vatted for 18-25 days. The wine ages in a cold cellar on lees in barrels, 30% of which are new. The 2020 is a deep purple/red in the glass with aromas of plum and black cherry with some earth and pepper notes. The palate is big, earthy and nicely textured with dark cherry, plum and black raspberry, full-bodied but balanced with nice acidity. This is certainly a big wine for Burgundy, drinking well now but benefits from some air - it will come together nicely with a few years in the cellar. Jeff DiLorenzo

d'Angerville 1996 Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds 1.5 L

d'Angerville 1999 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs 375 ml

Domaine Cruchandeau 2021 Beaune 'Les Bon Feuvres'

Importer tech info: "Located on the southern end of Beaune, bordering the 1er Crus, on mostly clay soils. 40-year-old vines. Produced in two tanks, whole cluster in one tank, 100% destemmed in another. Three-week maceration. Aged 12 months on lees in stainless steel."

Domaine Cruchandeau 2021 Savigny Les Beaunes Rouge

Importer tech note: "From two plots planted in 1980 totaling .45 hectares. The grapes are partly destemmed, followed by cold maceration for ten days and by vatting for 3 to 6 weeks and frequent pumping over. Aged between 12 and 15 months in oak barrels (20% new)."

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.

Jobard, Claudie 2021 Beaune 1er Cru Les Epenottes

The Claudie Jobard Beaune 1er Cru "Les Epenottes" is a mix of young and old vines in stony iron-rich soil over the limestone next to Pommard "Les Epenots." The wine shows a bright deep red color with aromas of ripe black cherry and earth with game and floral notes. The palate is dense with lush black fruits, earth, mint and stone flavors and a chalky texture. This can be enjoyed now but a few years of cellaring should open this up drmatically as the material is there, enjoy until 2038. 13% alcohol. DL (Serve with roast lamb, pork or beef, gamebirds, farm chicken)

Jobard, Claudie 2021 Pommard Vieilles Vignes

Claudie made a tiny quantity of this wine due to the low yeilds in 2021, from old vines in three parcels -  En Boeuf, La Combotte and Vaumuriens. The wine shows a relatively light red/garnet color with bright aromas of black cherry, raspberry, violet and earth, subtle and very pretty. Darker fruit, spice and earth notes emege on the palate which is dense but not at all heavy, wrapped in firm mineral flavors and well-structured but supple tannins, with terrific length. 13% alcohol. This very elegant Pommard can be enjoyed now but should really sing after five years of cellaring. DL (Serve with duck, farm chicken, rabbit, charcuterie)

Lafon, Dominique 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Lurets

Lafon, Dominique 2021 Volnay

Magnien, Henri 2021 Corton Grand Cru Les Grandes Lolieres 1.5L Mag

Maison en Belles Lies 2019 L'Etrange Rouge

Pierre Fenals has slowly patched together a collection of vineyards in Burgundy, with some tiny plots he owns and others he manages and farms. L'Etrange is Pinot Noir, with a touch of Aligoté and Gamay, fermented with native yeasts and vinified and bottled without the addition of sulfur. Opened recently with friends, this was ready to go, with bright red fruit, and perfect acidity!   -EL

Moreau, David 2021 Santenay Dalle Nacrée

Perrin, Céline 2020 Aloxe-Corton "Les Boutières"

The Perrin Aloxe-Corton "Les Boutieres" is from a parcel at the southern tip of Aloxe-Corton, bordering Chorey and Savigny-les-Beaune. The name refers to an ancient road that continued up though Savigny and Pernand-Vergelesses used by mule-drivers carrying "boutes' - goat-skins filled with wine, (sometimes from Etruria and Campania (!) as early as the 2nd century BC). One of the best known village level Aloxe sites, these vines are planted in quite deep clay soils full of iron oxide (red mud that sticks to your shoes). This is a classic Boutieres, with vivid red fruit and a meaty salty character somewhat obscured at present by vigorous tannic structure. The color is quite dark, deep ruby, garnet, it has aromas of small red fruits (raspberry, strawberry, cherry) and black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry). Its accents intensify with air: jams and fruits in brandy, pistachio, prunes, truffle, cinnamon. It's by no means unapproachable but 4-6 years in the cellar will bring everything into high definition. Serve with red meats, grilled or in sauce, roasted poultry, game, without forgetting soft and washed-rind cheeses: Epoisses, Ami du Chambertin, Livarot...

Perrin, Céline 2021 Ladoix 1er Cru "Les Joyeuses"

This excellent parcel is a continuation of the Corton hill, adjacent to the Corton 1er Crus. The Perrin "Joyeuses" shows a brilliant garnet with purplish reflections. Raspberry, cherry, candied or brandy and ripe fruit fill the bouquet. We also encounter spicy notes (clove), coffee or cocoa. On the palate, we find all the finesse of the fruit aromas with good structure and just the right amount of tannins. Serve with jambon cru, rabbit, beef, and feathered game and mild-flavored cheeses such as Vacherin, Reblochon, Cîteaux, etc. Best after 4 to 6 years in the cellar, but delicious now as well.

Perrin, Céline 2021 Ladoix "Les Briquottes"

The Perrin Ladoix "Briquottes" is from another part of the quarries that used to cover this slope, just below the 1er Cru "Les Grechons" - the stone was cut into "briques" that were wrapped in paper and put between the bed covers in the winter. Beautiful garnet color with purplish reflections. On the nose, the bouquet opens with very floral, bright red fruits (raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant) and jam. On the palate, we find an elegant light body with all the finesse of the fruits with silky tannins and a chalky texture with a bit of earth and minerals, finishing with firm acidity and sappy berry fruits. This red Ladoix will go well with beef, poultry and game birds, served a bit cool. Delicious now but best 2025 - 2030.

Perrin, Céline 2022 Bourgogne Pinot Noir

Celine Perrin's 2022 Bourgogne Rouge is a delightful wine showing a bright red/garnet color with floral high-toned cherry, strawberry and raspberry aromas. From 70 year-old Pinot Noir vines in and around Ladoix. There is sappy cherry fruit on the palate with plum skin, citrus, earth and mineral flavors that continue in the refreshing finish. This is a remarkable value - a beautiful, refreshing light-bodied Pinot Noir with gorgeous fruit, purity and length!

Petit-Roy 2021 Auxey-Duresses Rouge

Petit-Roy 2021 Hautes-Cotes de Beaune Rouge

Petit-Roy 2021 Hautes-Cotes de Nuits Rouge

Petit-Roy 2021 Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru Les Fichots

Rapet, Père et Fils 2021 Pernand-Vergelesses Les Belles Filles

The Pernand-Vergelesses vineyard "Les Belles Filles" is a northern extension of the 1er crus  "Iles des Vergelesses" and "En Carradeux," facing east and always giving a bright, refreshing style of Pinot Noir. 2021 is a refreshing change frm the previous three unusually hot dry years - the wine shows lovely ripeness with aromas of tart  cherry, raspberry and violets with earth, smoke and mineral notes. There are sappy red and black fruits on the palate in a bright mineral frame with a long, lively finish. This is an elegant, very pretty Pinot Noir that will be lovely, served cool, with chicken and pork dishes, charcuterie and mild cheeses.

Rapet, Père et Fils 2021 Savigny-Les-Beaune

Aux Fournaux is a gently sloping, southwest-facing vineyard bracketed by the Les Lavières and Vergelesses  premier crus, whose rocky iron-rich marl and limestone soils produce Burgundies with a fine balance of earthiness and elegant fruit. Rapet farms 50+ year old vines from both the lower part of the slope and the premier cru portion of the climat. This 'village' Aux Fournaux shows expressive aromas of black cherry, violets, woodsmoke, black currant, and Lapsang Souchong: the palate is ferrous and mineral with bright acidity providing lift to the layered, spicy dark fruit, game, and earth flavors.

Rapet, Père et Fils 2021 Bourgogne Rouge "En Bully"

The Rapet Bourgogne Rouge "En Bully" is from a tiny vineyard high on the back-side of Corton, at an altitude of 350 meters on the slope facing les Hautes-Côtes on the locality named La Grande Corvée de Bully. The soil here is limestone marl with a shallow top-layer, always giving a bright and pretty style of Pinot. The 2021 is just delicious, a bit lighter and brighter than the previous three vintages, showing a vibrant red color and very floral aromas of ripe, crushed berries, rose petal and earth. The palate is beautifully balanced with velvety cherry and raspberry fruit with mineral, earth and citrus notes that linger in the refreshing, sappy finish. Just a delightful red Burgundy - serve a bit cool and enjoy!

Rapet, Père et Fils 2021 Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru "Aux Founaux"

From the premier cru portion of the vineyard. The 2021 Rapet Savigny-Les-Beaune Aux Fournaux is a lovely wine from a decidedly difficult vintage, giving old-fashioned wine of Terroir. While yields were low, deft vignerons captured beautiful fruit character and fine terroir expression. On the nose there are aromas of dark berries, black cherries, hedge fruits, with background notes of black tea, dried orange peel, and hints of brown sugar. The medium weight palate shows very pure flavors of black fruits, game, and pungent, ferrous earthiness framed by ripe though, somewhat rustic tannins on a building finish. There is good energy here and the powerful flavors should integrate with the structure in the mid-term and drink beautifully for the next 5-12 years. ("Outstanding" from Burghound)

Rateau 2017 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. . 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, but remains elegant and silky 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!  David Lillie

Rateau 2022 Beaune Clos des Mariages

(This wine is just beautiful, not heavy, fragrant, supple. long - it will be on our table for Thanksgiving, along with the Chevalerie "Breteche.") 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 superb wine with gorgeious aromas, showing a bright mélange of black cherry, strawberry, red currant and raspberry with hints of spice, citrus, licorice and violet. The palate is very elegant showing 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. Beautiful wine! 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 an firm core of saline minerals.  The wine is quite elegant, refreshing and beautifully balanced at 12.5% alcohol - it's a perfect Pinot for casual dinners with family and friends. Enjoy!

Rouges Queues 2020 Hautes Côtes de Beaune Blanc

Rouges Queues 2020 Maranges Blanc

Rouges-Queues 2020 Santenay

Senard, Comte 2008 Corton Clos des Meix Grand Cru

Voillot, Joseph 2021 Pommard 1er Cru Les Pézerolles

Arnoux-Lachaux 2010 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Les Procès

Bart 2022 Marsannay Rosé

(not certified organic, but we still love it.) 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....

Berthaut-Gerbet 2021 Bourgogne Rouge Hautes Cotes de Nuits

Berthaut-Gerbet 2021 Bourgogne Rouge Les Prielles

Berthaut-Gerbet 2021 Fixin

Bertheau 2010 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Amoureuses

Billard-Gonnet 2015 Pommard 1er Cru Chaponieres VV

Bouchard 2010 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Suchots

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)

Domaine des Lambrays 2004 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru

Domaine des Lambrays 2006 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru 1.5 L

Drouhin 2008 Musigny Grand Cru

Drouhin 2020 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Baudes

Drouhin-Laroze 1998 Musigny Grand Cru

Dujac 2002 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Beaux Monts

Dujac 2008 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Dujac 2008 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

Dujac 2008 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 1.5 L

Dujac 2008 Clos St Denis Grand Cru

Dujac 2008 Clos St Denis Grand Cru 1.5 L

Dujac 2008 Echezeaux Grand Cru

Dujac 2011 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Dujac 2011 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

Dujac 2011 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Beaux Monts

Dujac 2011 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Malconsorts

Dujac 2013 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Dujac 2013 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 1.5 L

Dujac 2013 Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Malconsorts

Engel, Rene 2003 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Les Brulees

Esmonin, Sylvie 2006 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St. Jacques

Fourrier 2010 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Cherbaudes

Fourrier 2016 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques

Leroy 2004 Gevrey Chambertin

Leroy 2004 Vosne Romanee

Lignier, Hubert 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin Regnard

Lignier, Hubert 2020 Morey St. Denis Trilogie

Lignier, Hubert 2021 Bourgogne Grand Chaliot

Magnien, Henri 2021 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Champeaux

Magnien, Henri 2021 Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes

Magnien, Stephane 2022 Coteaux Bourguignons Pur Pinot Noir

The 2022 "Pur Pinot Noir" is a beautiful Bourgogne Rouge produced by the talented Stephane Magnien at his small estate in Morey-Saint-Denis, from two small parcels in the lieu-dit "Gué" below the village, one planted in 1960 the other in 2009, aging for 10 months in large barrels and cuve inox, bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2022 shows a bright deep red color and exuberant aromas of ripe strawberry, red currant and cherry - lush, earthy, meaty and floral. The palate is dense with vibrant black cherry and black raspberry fruit lifted by bright acidity, sappy and long. The finish is a bit firm and tight at the moment (10/12/23) with a nice mineral kick at the end, as the wine has just arrived in NY. Give this some time open if drinking now, or a year or two in the cellar. This is a classic Bourgogne rouge to enjoy over the next five years, at a quite reasonable price - grab a case or two for real Pinot Noir pleasure  - don't delay!  David Lillie

Mugneret, Gerard 2009 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Boudots

Mugneret, Gerard 2010 Nuits St Georges 1er Cru Boudots

Mugneret-Gibourg 2005 Vosne-Romanee

Mugneret-Gibourg 2006 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru

Mugneret-Gibourg 2009 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru

Mugneret-Gibourg 2009 Echezeaux Grand Cru

Mugneret-Gibourg 2009 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots

Mugneret-Gibourg 2010 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots

Mugneret-Gibourg 2011 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots

Mugneret-Gibourg 2011 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Feusselottes

Mugneret-Gibourg 2011 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru

Mugneret-Gibourg 2011 Echezeaux Grand Cru

Mugneret-Gibourg 2012 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru

Mugneret-Gibourg 2013 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru

Mugneret-Gibourg 2013 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots

Mugneret-Gibourg 2013 Ruchottes Chambertin Grand Cru

Pataille, Sylvain 2021 Marsannay Clos du Roy Mag 1.5L

Perrin, Céline 2021 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuit

The Perrin Hautes-Cotes de Nuits is from vines in and around Ladoix, including the "Clos des Fourches," a tiny parcel above Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru "Clos de la Marechale."  Another wine that yielded major dividends over the course of a few hours, this started out all cherry skin and white pepper. But with time in the glass, the fruit turned juicy and round and the white pepper subsided, showing allspice, black pepper and a dusty and compelling mineral note with raspberry, cherry, licorice, and violet. Again, terrific value here.

Perrot-Minot 2000 Charmes-Chambertin VV Grand Cru

Perrot-Minot 2002 Vosne Romanee Champs Perdrix VV

Potel 2007 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru

Potel 2007 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

Potel 2007 Latricieres Chambertin Grand Cru

Prieur, Jacques 2000 Musigny Grand Cru

Rateau 2022 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. Organic and biodynamic farming, minimal extraction and minmal SO2. (Our samples didn't arrive in time for today's offer, but our impressions last January were " SUPER!! Deep, dense, floral, unique...")

Rouget 2009 Vosne Romanée

Roumier 2001 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Rousseau 2007 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques

Tremblay, Cecile 2017 Echezeaux Grand Cru

Alexandre Giquel 2021 Maluseaux Rouge (Gamay)

Alexandre Giquel 2021 Vouvray

Autran, Michel 2019 Vouvray Les Enfers Tranquilles

Batardiere 2021 Anjou L'Esprit Libre

From 3 parcels in the village of Rablay from vines aging from 15-90 years old. Plateaus of sandy soil and gravely soils of quartz over schist. The blend is assembled in stainless steel tanks before fermentation. Alcoholic and Malolactic fermentation occur naturally, without the use of temperature control, and the wine sees no sulfur whatsoever until a tiny addition at the bottling.  This is a fun and truly singular expression of Chenin. At times there are hints of pear and lime flower, then it unfolds into sharp minerals and crispy acidity, and these two elements of fruit and stones continue to intermingle. It’s lean, but dense and round as well.  -EL

Baudouin 2015 Anjou Rouge La Fresnaye

The Patrick Baudouin Anjou Rouge "La Fresnaye" is from an unusual parcel on a vein pf limestone bedrock in the midst of the volcanic and schist soils of the Anjou Noir. The 2015 is quite a treat to drink now, here's a 2019 revue from the Wine Doctor: This is 100% Cabernet Franc (maybe with some Grolleau) sourced from 0.9 hectares of vines, picked at a yield of 39 hl/ha. It was destemmed, vinified in cuve with a gentle infusion rather than active extraction, followed by malolactic fermentation and élevage in small used barrels. It is quite charming and fresh on the nose, with notes of smoky crushed cherry skins. An appealing palate, fresh and pure, smoky with cherry and blackcurrant skin, and a very complete finish."

Baudouin 2019 Anjou Rouge Coteaux d'Ardenay

From vines in Ardenay (Anjou Noir) on volcanic rock, schist, shale and sandstone. 100% de-stemmed. 40-day ambient yeast fermentation with maceration by infusion. Aged 12 months on the lees in Burgundian oak barrels (2-4 years old). Racked and aged another 4 months in tank before bottled. Minimal SO2 additions.

Baudry 2021 Chinon Cuvée Domaine

 The Baudry Chinon "Domaine" is always one of our favorite reds from the Loire Valley and it's a sensational value as well.   All Cabernet Franc of course, a blend of 75% from a parcel in St. Louans, where the thin clay over limestone soils give earthy well-structured wines, with 25% from gravel soils near Cravant, giving supple fruit and freshness. Organic farming, wild-yeast fermentation, aging in 5 to 10 year-old wooden vats and cement with almost no added SO2. We have to go back to 2014 for a similar wine to the 2021, at 12% alcohol, with a lovely bright color and beautifully floral red berry fruits. After a day open, complex earth, mineral, herbal and vegetal notes emerge. The palate is fresh and relatively light but with good density of red and black fruits with firm acidity and chalky mineral notes, showing the classic limestone terroir in Saint-Louans. Delightful, and very versatile at the table, serve a bit cool with just about anything. David Lillie

Baudry 2022 Chinon Les Granges

From 35 to 40 year-old vines on gravel and sandy soils with a bit of clay near the Vienne river in organic agriculture. Hand harvested, fermented with wild yeasts, ages for 8 to 10 months in cement vats, minimal addition of SO2 only prior to bottling. This "basic" cuvée from Bernard and Matthieu Baudry has gotten more and more "serious" as the vines age, giving a wine that is  delightful to drink young, but that shows surprising complexity and mineral character as well. In the 2022 vintage,  the wine is a sheer delight, an excellent vintage for this lovely wine.  It showed a beautiful bright red/black color with bright rim with vibrant, lush aromas of cassis, red currant and raspberry - perhaps prettier than the darker fruits in the 2018 - 2020 vintages? The palate is dense with deep, vibrant blackberry and raspberry fruit, with earth and minerals, bright and balanced given the roundness and ripeness of the vintage. This is a delicious Chinon to drink a bit cool over the next five to eight years. Quantities get smaller for this wine every year, so don't delay in trying this very special Super Delicious Cabernet Franc!

Berthier, Clement & Florian 2021 Coteaux du Giennois "Terre de Silex"

Florian and Clement Berthier are the fifth generation at this estate based in the Coteaux du Giennois, also producing wines in Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Menetou-Salon. From the estate's vineyards in the Coteaux du Giennois, just downstream from Pouilly-Fumé, they produce this lovely single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from vines in clay/silex soils. The wine shows a vibrant nose of minerals, citrus, white flower and pear, with a dense, elegant palate showing hints of gooseberry, lemon zest, white fruits and minerals with a clean refreshing finish. This is an excellent alternative to the nighboring wines of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, at a modest price.

Bertin-Delatte 2022 VDF Argonette (Grolleau)

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

This is a light and lovely expression of Pineau d'Aunis from Pierre-Olivier Bonhomme, from vines near the Cher river  on clay with silex in organic and biodynamic farming. Aged in old futs and demi-muids, bottled without filtration, minimal SO2. The 2022 shows a pretty light red color with subtle aromas of ripe raspberry, citrus, white pepper and violets, really pretty. A touch deeper than the 2021, it nonetheless delivers on the Pineau D'Aunis promise of peppery and bright rustic flavors. Lip-smacking acidity and a beautifully refreshing finish of minerals, earth and pretty red fruits. This is a delightfully refreshing version of Pineau d'Aunis - serve cool!

Bonhomme, Pierre-Olivier 2022 Vin de France Le Telquel

This "poil dur" is wagging its tail again in 2022, showing the ripeness and balance of this good vintage in the Loire Valley, with juicy aromas of blackberry, rose, spice and citrus. It's Gamay with a bit of Cabernet Franc in this vintage, with an extra layer of ripeness, and nice density of bright blackberry fruit, a bit floral and spicy. Quite refreshing with good length of lush berry fruits and citrusy acids in the finish. Serve a bit cool with charcuterie, chicken and pork - just delicious!  David Lillie

Bonhomme, Pierre-Olivier 2022 Vin de France Tesniere Blanc (Menu Pineau)

Menu Pineau, also known as "Arbois" is described in Wine Grapes  (J. Robinson et al.) as "an old variety from the Val de Loire named after its similarity to Gros Pineau (Chenin Blanc)...although it has nothing to do with the village called Arbois in the Franche-Comté." It is an offspring of Gouais Blanc, along with many other European grapes, and is "a little more rustic, but less acid than Chenin Blanc," according to Thierry Puzelat. The 2022 La Tesnière Blanc by Pierre-Olivier Bonhomme is from organically-grown vines, 75% Menu Pineau and 25% Chenin Blanc. The wine shows a bright pale gold color, with subtle aromas of grapefruit, dried pear and apple, dried herbs, nettle, lemon peel, stone and caramel. The palate is austere and stony, with firm acidity and flavors of hazelnut, citrus, baked apple, earth and brown spice. A really fascinating wine and a great pairing with sushi, grilled fish with fennel, lemon chicken, aged goat cheeses and much more. Highly recommended to lovers of unique natural wines.

Bonnefoy (La Madone) 2022 Côtes du Forez "Dacite"

The 2022 Bonnefoy "Dacite" is from 100% clay-granitic soil of the GRANO-DIORITE A DACITE type. This granite, unique in our region, comes from a block of rock from the Monts du Forez, which peaked in the primary era at more than 8,000 meters. A rare phenomenon, this DACITE contains calcium. This rock erodes, giving infertile, grainy soils with low clay content for the region (about 25%)." This lovely wine shows very floral, raspberry and minty aromas with a velvety, supple palate of pretty berry fruits. Serve this quite cool this summer, in the style of a delicious old-fashioned Beaujolais...

Bonnefoy (La Madone) 2022 Côtes du Forez "La Madone"

The Gilles Bonnefoy "Gamay sur Vulcan" is from 15 to 30 year-old vines, 50% on basalt soils, 50% on granit/clay soils on the slopes of an ancient volcano. Hand harvested with low yields, the grapes are de-stemmed and undergo a short fermentation with native yeasts. The wine is lightly filtered and bottled with minimal SO2. The color is a warm purple, with lighter violet edges. Nose is plush red and black berries, a minerally smoke, black tea, with an airy, grassy aroma. Palate has tart cherries and plums, a flash of limestone, and a hint of rich, woodsy earth develops on a long, engaging finish. The wine's structure, crisp but juicy, makes it incredibly drinkable. Complex and fresh, serve with a slight chill, and drink this summer.

Bonnefoy (La Madone) 2022 Côtes du Forez "Migmatite"

The 2022 Cote du Forez "Migmatite" from Gilles Bonnefoy at Les Vins de la Madone is a extraordinary Gamay from 50 year-old vines in a unique parcel of granite/clay soils very rich in mica. The grapes are hand-harvested with yields of only 25 hl/ha,  followed by whole cluster fermentation with native yeasts. Aging is in cuve inox, with a light filtration and the wine is bottled with minimal SO2, per Demeter Biodynamic rules.  The wine shows a deep black/purple color with elegant aromas of ripe black fruits, very floral and fresh. The palate is fabulously deep, dense and velvety with lush black fruits above a very present saline mineral character that lifts the vibrant black fruits in the long refreshing finish. Just a beautiful wine and perfect with grilled foods this summer, charcuterie  and cheeses or just sipped cool by itself. This is the most "serious" of Gilles' wines to be offered this year -  put a few in the cellar as the wine should develop nicely over the next 3 to 5 years. Highly recommemded!

Bonnefoy (La Madone) 2022 Côtes du Forez Mémoires de Madone VV

The 2022 Gilles Bonnefoy "Memoire de Madone" is made from old vines of a local Gamay grown on volcanic soils (basalt) in the Côtes de Forez (upper Loire east and a bit south of Lyon). The grapes are harvested by hand, partially de-stemmed and undergo a 15-day fermentation with wild yeasts. The wine shows a bright black/purple color with deep aromas of blackberry and black currant with hints of violet, stone and citrus. The palate is dense but light on its feet with a firm backbone of mineral flavors and earthy acidity under the blackberry and black raspberry fruit, with herbal and citrus notes. This is the most dense and structured of Bonnefoy's Gamays, and will benefit from decanting or a few hours aeration, serve with grilled pork, coq au vin, full-flavored cheeses. David Lillie

Bonnefoy (La Madone) 2022 Côtes du Forez Rosé Gamay sur Volcan

The delicious 2022 Gilles Bonnefoy Rosé is made from Gamay grown in both volcanic and clay/granit soils in the Côtes du Forez  (upper Loire, east and a bit south of Lyon).  The grapes are hand-harvested and ferment with wild yeasts, half is rosé de saigné, half is direct press. The wine shows a bright pink color and pretty floral aromas of raspberry and strawberry, with hints of citrus, spice and white peach. The palate is light and crisp but with nice density and saline minerals under the red fruits, finishing with good length of stone, citrus and berry fruits. Serve as a refreshing aperitif or with salads, grilled meats, seafood and goat cheeses. This should open up nicely over the summer and drink well through 2024. lovely wine and a great value!   David Lillie

Bonnefoy (La Madone) 2022 IGP Urfé Roussanne de Madone

The beautiful Roussanne from Gilles Bonnefoy is from 20+ year-old vines (partly massale selection from Quenard in Savoie) grown on the steep south face of the volcano of Purchon.  Bonnefoy  farms these young vines carefully, keeping yields  very low to promote concentration and  harvesting late (Roussanne takes a long time to ripen fully) and by hand. Native yeast fermentation takes place in used barrels; the wine ages in the same.  In the glass, the Roussanne  is pale and shows  a very expressive nose of white flowers, green herbs, and a touch of orchard fruits. Given the freshness of the nose, the palate is surprisingly and lusciously dense and complex, with pear, peach, citrus and herbal notes as well as long and broad minerality. A great expression of Roussanne on unique Volcanic terroir.   Only 3000 bottles produced.

Bonnefoy (La Madone) 2022 IGP Urfé Sauvignons Gris/Blanc Volcan

 The Bonnefoy 2022 "Sauvignons" is 60% Sauvignon Gris and 40% Sauvignon Blanc (massale selection) grown in basalt soils on the east face of the volcano of Purchon. Farming is certified organic and Biodynamic, all harvests are by hand, and Gilles Bonnefoy has a low-intervention approach in the cellar, where he eschews additives or new oak. The nose shows flinty stone and ripe citrus notes that continue on the palate,  which shows further notes of gooseberries and a slight tropicality. There's nice density and length here, making it a quite serious expression of Sauvignon, distinguished by its long and dense mineral finish. A lovely wine that should definitely not be served too cold: this is Sauvignon with real substance.

Boulay, Gérard 2012 Sancerre Oriane

Bregeon, Michel 2022 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie

Fred Lallier is now in charge at Domaine Bregeon and is doing great work at this important estate - one of the leaders in the return to quality in Muscadet. Certified organic, the 2022 Muscadet is from average 40 year-old vines in Gabbro terroirs in and around Gorges - it shows distinctive aromas associated with this terroir - pear, stone, petrol, anise and mushroom, with lovely white fruits in this ripe vintage with hints of lemon confit and wet stone. The palate is round and ripe, framed in firm acidity and mineral flavors, with stone fruits, earth, almond, anise and citrus that continue in the long finish. This is a lovely Muscadet in a riper style that is quite delicious now and should open up nicely over the next five years. Please decant or open an hour in advance.  David Lillie

Chevalerie 2018 Bourgueil Busardière

From a 2 ha plot located fairly high on the slope, just below the Peu Muleau with more clay, and shallow soils closer to the Turonian yellow tuffeau. In the right hands, 2018 was a superb vintage for Loire Valley reds and the Busardieres was extraordinary at last winter's tasting, showing an incredibly elegant melange of dark fruit and mineral flavors with great purity and length,  in the same mold as the Baudry Croix Boissée. If drinking now, please give it a lengthy decant or open the day before, best to wait 5 years then enjoy until 2040 and beyond. David Lillie

Chevalerie 2014 Bourgueil Bretêche

(In the fall of 2023, this wine is really singing and will be wonderful for Thanksgiving!) 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 2015 Bourgueil Peu Muleau

(Arrives 5/9) Peu Muleau is located on the upper part of the hill in Bourgueil, just below the forest, on Cenozoic eolian sands with iron, clay and altered limestone tuffeau. The vines are around 35 years old, and farmed biodynamically. The maceration lasts 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. Peu Muleau is always more linear than Les Galichets - it does not have the same clay-gravel flesh, dancing on its feet with great elegance. The 2015 shows a bright red color and aromas that are more earth than fruit with subtle raspberry, strawberry, citrus and spice. The palate is a lovely blend of earth and red fruits, fairly tight but quite elegant with firm acidity and mineral flavors blending with raspberry and violet in the finish. Warning - not a fruit bomb and best suited to those who like some rocks in their wine. Best to decant or cellar 3 - 5 years.  David Lillie 

Chevalerie 2015 Bourgueil Les Galichets

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

 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 NV Vin de France Bulle de Fort

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 deep red currant/raspberry fruit, a real wine of terroir with bubbles! Really quite sensational, can't wait to bring some home. This will accompany the entire Thanksgiving meal...

Dauny 2022 Sancerre Clos du Roy

Domaine Dauny in Crézancy has been organic since 1964 - Nicole and Christian are the twelveth generation at the estate!  The Dauny Clos du Roy is from 40 year-old vines in this famous limestone vineyard. The 2022 has a pale, lemon yellow robe. On the nose it shows ripe stone fruit and golden apple aromas with notes of greengage and Meyer Lemon zest. The mid-weight palate is supple and balanced framed by a salty sense of minerality, with fresh, mouthwatering acidity on a medium long, succulent, slightly herbaceous finish. This was a fine pairing with squash crudo with pistachios, olive oil, and mint and better still with pan roasted chicken breast stuffed with herbed goat cheese and chard. Though for those who are looking for a fresh summer aperitif, not to worry--the 2022 holds plenty of charm.

Domaine de l'Ecu 2021 VdF 'Alaya - Love & Grapes' Pineau D'Aunis

Domaine de Reuilly 2022 Reuilly Pinot Gris Rosé

(Arrives Tues 8/8) The wines of the Domaine de Reuilly are getting better and better - the 2022 Rosé of Pinot Gris is from vines in  organic and biodynamic farning, fermented with wild yeasts. The color is a lovely pale onion skin, the aromas are floral and pretty with gooseberry, peach, dried apricot and citrus peel, really lovely. Light berry, peach, green tea and stone flavors on the palate are dense and creamy but framed in firm acidity. With good ripeness, but subtle and balanced, this unique rosé will accompany a wide variety of foods, from oysters with vinaigrette, fish, grilled pork and chicken and Asian foods, and it's lovely to sip by itself!  David Lillie

Foucher Lebrun 2022 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc

(NY Times Twenty Under $20 for Thanksgiving) Made from organically farmed vineyards on the edge of the Touraine territory, this racy and energetic Sauvignon Blanc is the baby brother to the Foucher Sancerre Le Mont. Yet another astonishing Loire value from Maison Foucher.

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

Guion 2018 Bourgueil Cuvée Prestige

(10 cases left of the 2018 Prestige)  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 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 (2010 Prestige 10/28/23 - Red/black color with red rim; aromas of crushed berries, red currant, earth, minerals; palate sapid, dense, black fruits and soil, firm acidity, terrific length of fruit/mineral/acid...)

Guion 2018 Bourgueil Deux Monts

From  70-80 year-old vines in "Petits Monts" and "Grand Monts" towards the top of the slope above Benais, facing roughly south-west, clay over Turonien limestone (tuffeau, craie micacée).  18-month élevage ; 40% in cuve inox, 20% in one new 400 liter barrel, 20% in one-year and 20% in two-year old barrels, assembled two months before bottling. This is the terroir giving the most elegant and age-worthy Bourgueils and 2018 is a magnificent vintage for this wine!  Tasted July 2022, the wine showed a deep red/black color and lush aromas of ripe cassis and black raspberry with hints of brown spice and oak. The palate is a lovely combination of ripe black fruits and bright acidity, dense and supple with graphite and saline minerals under the deep fruits in the very long finish. Forward enough to enjoy now, this will need time to unfold its mysteries and will be a very complex and beautiful mature wine, best to wait 5 years then drink until 2042 and beyond.

Guion 2019 Bourgueil Cuvée Authentique

2019 brings us another superb wine from Stéphane Guion in Bourgueil, whose domaine has been certified organic since the 1960s. The new Cuvée Authentique replaces the Cuvée Prestige (we're not sure why?) coming from vines averaging 50 years-old on thin topsoils of sandy clay over limestone (tuffau jaune)  in the parcels "Grand Mont," "les Marquises," le Vlaudons," "le Maupas," "les Caveries," "Petit Mont" and "Chavannes," terroirs that produces some of the most elegant and age-worthy Bourgueils. 2019 was another hot, dry year in the Loire Valley, but light rains in September and early October brought balance to  the grapes, producing wines that are ripe and generous, with firm acidities and moderate alcohol. Tasted in France last February the 2019 Authentique showed gorgeous aromas of red and black fruits with floral, earth  and herbal notes, quite pretty and ripe. The palate showed deeper black fruits, earth, spice and stone with the intense mineral character and firm acidity always present in Stephane's wines, with a moderate 13% alcohol, and a fabulous cool and sapid mineral finish. This superb  wine will benefit from a long decant or a few years in the cellar, it should open up beautifully in five years or so, enjoy until 2040+  David Lillie

Guion 2020 Bourgueil Cuvée Candide

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 2021 Bourgueil Rosé

The 2021 Guion Bourgueil Rosé shows plenty of minerality, with stone fruit, a hint of spring strawberries (think more tart, less fruity), tangerine, and spice. This is a very complex dry rosé, showing earthy red fruits and stone flavors that are still developing in its second year. Really tastes of the limestone terroir and the Guion's 50 years of organic farming, with a long finish and ample acidity and freshness. Thanks to Stéphane for another great vintage of his super-refreshing Rosé!

Guion NV VdF Methode Traditionnelle Rosé "Bête de Benais"

Stéphane has made his first ever methode traditionnelle sparking rosé from Cabernet Franc vines in a new parcel on clay/limestone soils in Benais. We can't say that it's equal to the Marie-Courtin "Indulgence," but it's a delightful wine! The color is a pretty very pale pink with subtle aromas of raspberry and earth; the palate is refreshing and dry, but not too dry, with a creamy mousse and classic Cabernet Franc berry fruit and mineral flavors that linger in the finish. $15.99! (The label commemorates (?) a monstrous wolf or wolves who attacked hundreds of people around the village of Benais in Bourgueil in 1693, if we believe the folk-tale. Google "La Bête de Benais" for many accounts in French and English)

Huet 1947 Vouvray Haut Lieu Moelleux 1er Trie

Huet 1959 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Moelleux

Huet 1971 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Moelleux

Huet 2018 Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Moelleux 1er Trie

2018 Le Haut-Lieu Moelleux 1er Trie: 12.6% alc; 79 g/l RS; 3.8 g/l total acidity; pH 3.37 The 2018 dessert wines from Huet are superb - this delicious Le Haut Lieu will be a perfect ending to your Thanksgiving....

Huet 2018 Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux 1er Trie

2018 Le Mont Moelleux 1er Trie: 12.5% alc; 95 g/l RS; 3.6 g/l total acidity; pH 3.45

Lambert, Arnaud NV Cremant de Loire Breze

Arnaud Lambert is based in Brézé, in the heart of the Saumur appellation. He makes a series of excellent still and sparkling wines from Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc planted in quite porous chalk soils mixed with clay and sand. He has been certified organic since 2012. His sparkling wines are a perpetual source of incredible value and this latest edition of the Cremant de Loire from Brézé is no different. 75% Chenin and 25% Chardonnay, this is all Meyer lemon and peach pit earthiness on the nose, with little bits of dried honeycomb around the edges. More stone fruit on the palate, with toasted hazelnuts and Melba toast in the finish, with lovely salty mineral notes. This is terrific for the price. Drink up and open a second. Sam Ehrlich

Lambert, Patrick 2018 Chinon L'Ame d'Antan

This beautiful Chinon is from 70 year-old vines in  clay soils over limestone in Sonnay, near Cravant. The wine ages for 18 months in old barrels, less than 200 cases are made. 2018 is a great vintage for Ame D'Antan, which shows a deep black/garnet color with elegant aromas of ripe blackberry and strawberry with hints of violet, prune, citrus and crushed stone. The palate is dense but bright, with a silky texture, showing pure blackberry fruit with earth and licorice with firm mineral acidity. Good length with lingering berry and mineral flavors. Delicious now, it will age beautifully, probably best 2025 to 2035+. Highly recommended. DL

Lambert, Patrick 2018 Chinon Vieilles Vignes

The delicious Chinon Vieilles Vignes of Patrick Lambert is from 55 - 60 year-old vines on sandy clay soils over limestone. Hand harvested and fermented with wild yeasts, as are all of Lambert's wines, the Vieilles Vignes gets 12 months of aging in old barrels. The wine shows a deep red/black color and ripe blackberry and strawberry aromas with pepper, earth and citrus. The palate is deep and ripe in 2018, showing earthy blackberry and strawberry compote with prune and bitter chocolate and firm structure. This is a complex, old-fashioned Chinon that will accompany roast chicken and anything off the grill, served a bit cool. Age for five to ten years for a mature experience. David Lillie

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

Lambert, Patrick 2022 Chinon Gourmandise

"Gourmandise" is a beautiful "drink young" cuvée from Patrick Lambert, made from Cabernet Franc vines grown on sandy gravel soils near the Vienne. The wine shows a bright black/red color with lush high-toned aromas of crushed strawberry and black raspberry, with hints of citrus and pepper. The palate is supple and bright with luscious black raspberry and red currant fruit, quite lush and full-bodied in this superb vintage for the Loire but still with refreshing  acidity. Serve this lovely wine quite cool with charcuterie and grilled chicken, pork or burgers, it's a perfect quaffing Cab Franc to drink over the next  year or two...  David Lillie

Landron, Jo 2017 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Le Fief du Breil

(Arrives 7/13) Jo Landron's Fief du Breil is from a beautiful walled vineyard sloping towards the Sèvre, with clay, sand and quartz stones over a bedrock of orthogneiss. The vines average 40 to 50 years of age, the vineyard is certified organic and biodynamic and gives very low yields. In the dense and well-strctured 2017 vintage the wine was aged 30 months sur-lie. This beautiful Muscadet needs aeration or decanting, then shows aromas of grapefruit skin, pear, lime-flower, candied citrus and almond. The palate is perfectly balanced and intensely mineral - showing ripe white fruits, almond, anise and stone flavors with firm acidity and pronounced flavors of stone and saline mineral. This is a bit more forward than the granite and gabbro-based based wines - really superb as a young wine served with shellfish, grilled fish and white meats. As usual with great Muscadet it will age beautifully and pair with monkfish, lobster and aged goat cheeses. 2017 is a great vintage for this superb Muscadet - don't miss it!  David Lillie

Le Monde est Petit 2020 Vin de France Chardonnay

This is a fresh and friendly, direct press of Chardonnay, which is aged for 6 months in fiberglass tanks. I think of it as the perfect salad or grilled cheese wine. It is clean, unoaked, with subtle orchard fruit on the nose, crisp finish, a bit like what you'd expect from a Chardonnay mixed with what you'd expect from a Muscadet. Pleasant, stony and well balanced.  -EL

Legrand, Clotilde 2017 Saumur-Champigny Chaintrée

"The “la Chaintrée” bottling from Clotilde Legrand is raised in older barrels for three years prior to bottling The 2017 is the “new release” of this excellent Saumur-Champigny, coming in at fourteen percent octane and delivering a deep and refined aromatic constellation of dark berries, cassis, cigar wrapper, a beautiful base of tuffeau chalky soil tones, juniper berry and upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, elegant and shows off superb depth in the mid-palate, with fine focus and grip, ripe, buried tannins, seamless balance, great soil signature and a very long, energetic and complex finish. This is truly great Saumur-Champigny! It is certainly approachable at six years of age, but it is still fairly chewy on the backend and its plateau of peak maturity is still several years down the road."  We have enjoyed the Legrand Chenins and we can't wait to try this very serious Saumur-Champigny!

Les Capriades 2022 VdF Méthode Ancestrale Pet'Sec

A delicious, mineral-driven Pet-Nat from Pascal Potaire, "Les Capriades" is all Chardonnay in the '22 vintage. Touraine's limestone soils are on full display in this bottling. Aromas of crushed seashells and lemon zest will have you craving oysters on cue. The body is crackling with vibrant, tart acidity and a crunchy mineral texture that ushers the citrus notes over to a beautiful sweet note that rounds everything into a powerful finish. A wonderful, complex and delicious wine that we highly recommend.

Luneau-Papin 2020 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Excelsior

Made only in exceptional vintages, the Luneau-Papin "Excelsior - Clos des Noelles" is one of my favorite Muscadets, usually a bit rounder than the granite-soil "L D'Or" but always aromatically complex and with great intensity and length.   The massale-selection vines were planted in 1936 on a terroir of "micaschistes a deux micas," (lieu-dit "La Plecisiere") exposed full south. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo a slow wild yeast fermentation with 20 months of aging on the lees. The 2020 shows subtle, complex aromas of citrus, lime-flower, melon, pear, mint, almond and stone.  The palate is silky, crystalline and dense, a bit softer than the 2018, with white fruits, almond, smoke and wet stone with excellent length of pear, minerals and firm acidity.  Please decant if drinking now, serve with any elegant seafood dish. Cellar five to fifteen years and serve with richer fish dishes, white meats, rabbit. Beautiful wine!

Lunotte (Christophe Foucher) 2019 Vin de France Les Rossignoux 3

The 2019 Roussignoux 3 is the third release of Sauvignon Blanc from the 2019 vintage. After aging in barrel for over a year, Christophe moved this wine into fiberglass tank, where it rested for an additional 2 years. Some flor clearly developed at a certain point during the aging, giving the wine a fascinating oxidative profile. This wine is mind-bogglingly bizarre, a trip to drink, and generally very hard to compare to anything else in the wine world. There is a dense mineral core, notes of butterscotch and orchard fruits, herbs, and stones. Totally dry, with plenty of acid to help it wear the 14.5% alc. without any sense of heat or power. We do think it's qualitatively delicious, beguiling, and a wine that keeps bringing us back for another sip.

Lunotte (Christophe Foucher) 2020 Vin de France Les Rossignoux 2

The Rossignoux2 is the second release of Sauvignon Blanc from the 2020 vintage. This one was aged a bit longer than the Roussignoux"1" but is still similarly fresh, with subtle tropical fruit on the nose, and delicate acidity. The extra time on the lees in Christophe's hobbit cave has given more density to the wine, and calmed down the sharp, grassy notes of the Sauvignon Blanc. Instead, there is more of a stone fruit profile and less pronounced citrusy aromatics.

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. It drinks like a tonic of some sort, at times while sipping this you might forget that you're drinking wine! A unique and delicious natural wine, which of course is what we expect from Christophe Foucher!

Morantin 2019 Vin de France Tango Atlantico (Cab Franc/Cot

The 2019 "Tango Atlantico" is a dense and delicious blend of Cabernet Franc and Cot grown on clay/limestone with flint soils next door to  the Clos Roche Blanche, showing the ripeness and depth of this very good vintage for Loire reds. The wine shows ripe blackberry aromas, deep yet fresh with floral and herbal hints, cocoa and spice. The palate is dense with blackberry and black raspberry fruit, with firm acidity, earth and mineral notes in the long finish. Reminiscent of the CRB "Pif," serve a  bit cool with grilled meats and full-flavored cheeses, enjoy over the next 3 to 5 years.

Morin, Pierre 2019 Sancerre "Bellechaume" Rouge

Pierre Morin makes this lovely red Sancerre from a small parcel in Bue on Kimmeridgian "terres blanches" soils. The 2019 "Bellechaume" is a beautiful glass of Pinot Noir with a unique mineral backbone imparted by the Kimmeridgian soils. The aromas are of ripe black cherry and berries with earth, bitter chocolate, citrus and minerals, quite complex and Burgundian. There is delicious ripe cherry  on the palate, which is sapid and long with lovely earth and mineral notes.Fuller bodied and structured from the hot vintage. This is delicious now, especially with some aeration, but will obviously drink well for another 5 to 8 years. Enjoy!

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 2020 Vouvray "Silex"

(Arrives Feb 21) The 2020 Domaine d'Orfeuilles Vouvray "Silex" was vinified dry, highlighting the intense mineral flavors and chalky texture of Chenin Blanc in clay/limestone soils with a high content of silex. It's a pale straw in the glass with a nose that's delicate at first but hints at some hidden power layered beneath the surface. At 14% abv it's certainly robust and assertive with a sleek minerality coupled with firm acidity that suggests aging potential, while it doesn't feel overly hot. There's balance and texture and it would be great with seafood or lighter chicken dishes and provides phenomenal value at the price point! Jeff DiLorenzo

Pépière 2022 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Briords Vieilles Vignes

100% Melon de Bourgogne. Briords is a 3-hectare lieu-dit in the cru of Château Thébaud. These vines are the estate's oldest plot, planted from massale selection 60-70 years ago. The sandy clay soils are rich in granite de Thébaud, a type differing from granite de Clisson in in its higher feldspar and clay content; it is cooler, holds water well and ripens the fruit more slowly. The farming is certified-biodynamic and the vineyard work including harvest is manual. 2022 was  a vintage of heat and sunshine but with frost in the spring that lowered yields. Much needed light rains in August enabled the grapes to ripen properly, and an early harvest brought in perfectly ripe fruit with somewhat lower acidities than usual. The 2022 "Briords" showed beautifully last winter in Angers - wonderfully elegant and round with terrific density and length. - vivid aromas of dried pear, bitter lemon, anise and herbs with surprising hints of exotic fruit backed with earth and mineral notes. The aromatic ripeness is more restrained on the palate which shows beautifully supple and dense  pear and ripe apple fruit with adequate acidty, quite round and ripe, and finishing with nice grip and mineral flavors that linger on the palate. This is a beautiful "Briords," reminding me of 2009 - irresistible now and over the next 8 to 10 yeaars, but not for long-term aging. Of course serve with oysters and grilled fish, this full-bodied Briords wil also accompany lobster, scallops, chicken and white meats. Highly recommended! David Lillie

Pépière 2022 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine s Lie La Pépie

100% Melon de Bourgogne. Classic Muscadet on granite. The core of the "La Pépie" Sur Lie bottling is the 10-hectare heart of the Pépière estate, which is part of the Clisson cru in the tiny commune of Pépière near the winery; there is also a significant percentage of their cru Château Thébaud fruit, as well as some purchased fruit from a nearby organic farmer friend in the mix. Farming is certified-organic and the harvest by hand. The 2022 "La Pépie" shows a very pale gold color and ripe floral aromas of dried pear, quince, fines herbes, grapefruit and stone. The palate is round  and refreshing,  a bit softer than usual, with wet stone, pear, tart citrus, almond and mineral flavors. The finish is long and clean with citrus, a hint of anise and saline minerals. This is a round and refreshing Muscadet, with a bit more weight and density due to the warm, dry conditions in 2022 that will be perfect with oysters, grilled fish, roast chicken, Asian foods and mild goat cheeses. Thanks to Gwénaëlle and Rémi for another delicious "Pépie!"

Pépière 2019 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Gorges Cru Communal

(Last of stock) We're ecstatic to have another vintage of this superb new Muscadet from Pépière. The product of an exchange of juice with Fred Lailler at Domaine Bregeon from a tiny parcel of old vines on Gabbro bedrock with clay rich in quartz. The wine undergoes a slow fermentation and is then aged 36 months on the lees. (Marc Ollivier considers this a favorite of Pepiere's bottlings, along with the Château-Thébaud.) The 2019 Gorges is a complex, dense and beautifully structured wine, with  a bit more brightness and acidity than than the superb 2015.  The Gabbro terroir brings unique aromas showing almond, smoke and petrol notes in addition to stone, pear, quince and mushroom. The palate is dense and intensely mineral with ripe pear and quince, earth, almond, anise and citrus notes, with stone, lemon peel and white fruits lingering in the very long finish. If drinking young please give the wine a lengthy decant to release the unique character of this wine - best to wait at least 5 - 6 years before opening, then enjoy until 2042 and beyond.  David Lillie  " The 2019 Gorges from Domaine de la Pépière is simply outstanding, offering up a vibrant and already very expressive bouquet of breadfruit, lemon, sweet leesy tones, briny marine notes, lemongrass and a beautiful base of minerality from the basalt soils of this vineyard. On the palate the wine is zesty, full-bodied and mineral-driven in personality, with an outstanding core of fruit, a fine spine of acidity, excellent focus and balance and a very long, complex and extremely classy finish. This is a great young Muscadet!" VFTC

Pépière 2019 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Cru Château Thébaud

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. "On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and complex, with marvelous depth at the core, superb soil undertow, zesty acids and a very long, poised and beautifully balanced finish. This is drinking quite nicely today, albeit, with far more complexity to come with extended cellaring. A fine, fine bottle"  VFTC

Pépière 2022 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Les Gras Moutons

Muscadet for Thanksgiving? Yes, if it's the beautiful, ripe and perfectly balanced 2022 Gras Moutons! 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 young or after short-term cellaring of 5 to 10 years. The 2022 shows a bright very pale gold color. The nose is subtle but complex with a lovely melange of peach, pear, melon, lemon verbena, dried herbs and wet stone. Tha palate is marked by a nice bitter minerality underlying white fruits and citrus flavors. The finish is pure, clean and refreshing, perfectly balanced at 12% alcohol. This is a lovely Muscadet to enjoy with shellfish, fish and chips, fish in sauce and white meats over the next 10 years. Try to save a few - we're drinking the last of our 2018s which are fantastic...! David Lillie

Pinon 2020 Vouvray Buvez du Bon Pinon

From the estate's website: "This is the renaissance of a cuvée created by my great-grandfather - a dry wine from our oldest parcel, planted in 1945 on soils of silex noir and vinfied in our oldest foudres - old 'tonneaux' from Porto purchased by my grandfather. We're using the label from the 1950s as well as the name of the cuvée - the famous 'Buvéz du Bon Pinon.' The fermentation lasted 2 to 3 months with only wild yeasts, which participate in the effect of 'terroir.' The fermentation was stopped by chilling the juice, followed by a soutirage, the wine then aged for 5 months in the old tonneaux. Aging potential of 15 to 20 years, serve with shellfish, oysters, cold fish, vegetable terrines, choucroute de la mer, rillettes and rillons." 7 grams/liter RS, 13.5% alcohol. This superb and elegant Vouvray is quite a contrast from the more open and expressive 2020 Sec. The "Buvez du Bon Pinon" is all elegance and depth, but quite closed, and just slightly opening on day two. The aromas are deep and creamy with subtle white peach, quince, earth, almond and stone, really needs time... The palate is dense and full with white and yellow fruits blending with earth, almond, anise and mineral notes. The wine is showing density and perfect balance but will need many years to really emerge - like the Huet Le Mont Sec, for example, give it ten years before drinking if possible - or a 12 hour decant if drinking now. Of course it's delicious today but try to wait...  David Lillie

Pinon 2020 Vouvray Les Trois Argiles

The 2020 Pinon Vouvray "Les Trois Argiles" is from average 40 year old vines in three east facing parcels, Mortier, Vau Cheavreau and Les Fosses Rouges. The soils are shallow clay and sandy clay over the limestone (lower Turonien). Many old vines remain, planted by Julien's great-graandfather, Camille, and new plantings are done by massale-selection. Organic farming, of course, with manual harvesting in successive "tries" sorted by hand to select the best grapes, vinification in barrel with wild yeasts, aging in barrel or foudre with minimal racking or SO2. The clay soils usually give a denser and less aromatic wine wine than those from silex soils, capable of aging for 30 years or more. As we have been friends of the Pinons for more than 40 years, and are somewhat biased in our enthusiasm for their wines, we will let Loire expert Chris Kissack (the Wine Doctor) describe the 2020 "Les Trois Argiles:"  "It does not seem so expressive on the nose today though (compared to the Silex Noir) but the palate is much more convincing. It shows a dense and compact character, with a rich core of extract and dense fruit, layers of white peach and orange peel, fragrant but solidly compacted, lifted only by the vigorous acids and bright mineral veins I find cutting through the middle. A great demi-sec, with confident and forceful structure, which needs time to come out of its shell. The residual sugar is 20 g/l, and the alcohol is 13.4%."  2020 was the last vintage produced by Francois and Julien together. Francois always felt that their vineyards, being slightly higher and cooler than most of Vouvray, produced grapes with slightly more acidity, that benefitted from the presence of residual sugar. The 2020 "Trois Argiles" might be called Sec-Tendre or Demi-Sec, but at any rate, it's a magnifient wine!  David Lillie

Pinon 2022 Vouvray Les Déronnières

The grapes for "Les Déronnières" from Julien Pinon (first made in 2014)  used to be included in the Silex Noir, but this wonderful vineyard, the Pinon's best parcel on a hill-top directly above their cellar, much deserves to be bottled on its own.  The very thin topsoil is clay with silex over Turonian limestone, and the beautiful exposure gives ripe fruit that is normally vinified as a demi-sec, but in recent vintages the RS level has been below 10 gr/l making it dry, in Vouvray anyway. The 2022 finished with just 1 gram RS and 4.5 grams acidity, making this bone-dry but dense and beautifully balanced "Deronnieres" showing elegant aromas of lime-flower, dried pear, lemon zest and stones. The palate is very dense and ripe, saline and mineral with round white fruits, citrus and herbal notes with fabulous length. A great dry Vouvray with fantastic minerality which is a versatile "food wine" to enjoy now, but don't forget that this wine will age forever....save some for the next generation!

Pinon 2022 Vouvray Sec

100% Chenin Blanc. Pinon chooses vines from more clay-forward parcels for its annual sec bottling. They average 45 years old and have been certified organic since 2007. The bunches are harvested by hand, rigorously sorted and direct-pressed slowly and gently. The juice flows by gravity into underground tanks for a spontaneous native-yeast fermentation that lasts 2-3 months and stops naturally in the cold cellar. The wine is aged on its fine lees for 4-5 months in a range of old oak, from 500-liter demi-muids to 20-hectoliter foudres. The 2022 Sec is indeed very dry with 2 grams/liter RS and  a brisk 4.6 grams acidity, and shows aromas of citrus confit, almond, green tea, stone, anise and white fruits. The palate has vibrant acidity with saline mineral flavors, and good density, with green apple and lemon zest, finishing with firm acidity, citrus, apple and wet stone. Give this young wine some aeration (!) or a few years in the cellar then serve with shellfish and oysters, grilled fish, vegetable terrines, seafood choucroute, rillons and rillettes (you may have to go to Touraine for those..) And try to hide some for 20 years or more as we've tasted 40 to 50 year-old Pinon Sec that was fantastic.

Pinon, François & Julien 2018 Vouvray Brut Non-Dosé

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

Pinon, François & Julien 2019 Vouvray Brut

This classic dry Chenin is the perfect sparkling wine for Thanksgiving! The Chenin's of Pinon are some of the best in Vouvray due to their impeccable farming, diversity of clay, limestone, and silex soils, and deliberate, albeit low-intervention, cellar work. The Vouvray Brut comes from 45 year-old vines that are hand-harvested during the first pass of the season. It is made in the traditional method with two to three years resting on the lees before disgorgement with a 6 g/l dosage. The 2019 Brut is a delightful wine showing elegant aromas of quince, pear, brioche, citrus and mint, bright and fresh, but with more ripeness and density in this excellent vintage. The palate shows an elegant mousse with superb density and weight, with flavors of white fruits, quince, peach and honey with firm chalky acidity, and finishing with white fruit, almond and mineral notes, quite clean and refreshing. Lovely wine, and capable of long aging. (Please serve in a white wine glass, not a flute, in order to enjoy the complex aromas...)

Pinon, François 2022 Vin de France Petillant Naturel Rosé (10/18)

50% Cot and 50% Grolleau, organically farmed in Vouvray by Julien Pinon, partially from very old vines of Cot planted by Julien's great-grandfather. This is an elegant and very delicious Pet Nat that will accompany just about anything and is delightful as an aperitif by itself. The aromas are quite pretty with ripe raspberry, strawberry and red currant with hints of rose and blood orange. The palate is fresh and creamy with raspberry and tart strawberry with a nice mineral kick and sappy fruit in the refreshing finish.

Roche Bleue 2022 Coteaux du Loir La Guinguette

Pineau D'Aunis is perfectly light and bright for your turkey dinner! Sébastien Cornille's lovely 2022 "Guinguette" is made principally from Pineau d’Aunis, with Gamay, sourced from 30+year-old vines in biodynamic farming. It undergoes semi-carbonic maceration for 20 days in tank before the Pineau d’Aunis is pressed off to be aged in neutral barrique and the Gamay in tank. The 2022 Guinguette is a superb "vin de soif" offering bright aromas of peppery raspberry, cherry and violets, quite ripe and generous in this warm vintage. The palate shows light but sappy raspberry, plum and red currant fruit with chalky minerals, spice and citrus. The finish is long and refreshing. Serve this lovely wine slightly chilled with charcuterie, of course, grilled pork and lamb, bluefish (?) and mild cow cheeses.  David Lillie  Surprisingly vibrant and bright aciditity for such a warm vintage, showing a fruity nose of berries and cherries with baking spice and a lively body with crunchy cherries and zesty currants. Exactly the kind of wine to drink on a riverside barge whilst dancing to accordion music and nibling on cheese and charcuterie... a French Guinguette! Giselle Hamburg

Saillard, Laurent 2022 Vin de France La Pause (Gamay)

The cuvée "La Pause" comes from a plot Laurent Saillard originally rented since 2011 from Catherine Roussel of the famed natural wine domain, Clos Roche Blanche. These Touraine vines were planted in 1978, and have been organically farmed since 1991, and biodynamically farmed since Saillard took them over. This is a clean and naturally made Gamay with forward fruit and great acidity. The 2022 is pure a delicious, perfect for the holiday feast. Don't get just one bottle, you'll regret it!

Source du Ruault 2019 Saumur Blanc "La Coulée d' Aunis"

The Source du Ruault "Coulée D'Aunis" is from a beautiful south-facing vineyard near the Loire river on Turonian limestone with clay. The 2019 shows a lovely light gold color and aromas of dried pear, lemon zest, anise, lime-flower, almond and stone, very bright and vibrant. There is very firm chalky acidity on the palate, really a scintillating texture with white fruits, citrus, herbal and stone flavors. The finish is long and extremely mineral, almost bitter, with brisk acidity lingering on the palate. Give this a decant or open the night before if drinking now, serve this  bright and vibrant Chenin with shellfish, a full-flavored ceviche, baked cod. Beautiful now, five to ten years of cellaring will be very interesting...

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...

Taille aux Loups (Jackie Blot) 2017 Moutlouis Romulus

Tessier 2020 Cour-Cheverny La Porte Dorée

La Porte Dorée - the Golden Gate - is without a doubt one of the best expressions of dry Romorantin with Hervé Villemade's Les Acacias. This cuvée comes for 80% from a specific vineyard called "Porte Dorée" : there is more clay, the soil is cooler, the limestone is closer. The oldest vines are 60 years old. Because of the late ripeness of this plot, and its concentration, it is always aged in barrels to tame the powerful acidity and help with the aromatic development.  The 2020 "Porte Dorée" is superb, powerful and dry, with firm acidity, showing complex aromas of pear, citrus, lime-flower, white pepper, almond. The palate shows ripe pear, quince, citrus, almond and intense mineral flavors that coat the mouth and are very dense and long. This is a very young wine that will benefit from decanting or 3 to 10 years of cellaring. 14.5% alcohol, 1.46 gr/L RS, 17 gr/L SO2.

Tessier 2020 Cour-Cheverny La Porte Dorée (Magnum)

La Porte Dorée - the Golden Gate - is without a doubt one of the best expressions of dry Romorantin with Hervé Villemade's Les Acacias. This cuvée comes for 80% from a specific vineyard called "Porte Dorée" : there is more clay, the soil is cooler, the limestone is closer. The oldest vines are 60 years old. Because of the late ripeness of this plot, and its concentration, it is always aged in barrels to tame the powerful acidity and help with the aromatic development.  The 2020 "Porte Dorée" is powerful and dry, with firm acidity, showing complex aromas of pear, citrus, lime-flower, white pepper, almond. The palate shows ripe pear, quince, citrus, almond and intense mineral flavors that coat the mouth and are very dense and long. This is a very young wine that will benefit from decanting or 3 to 10 years of cellaring. 14.5% alcohol, 1.46 gr/L RS, 17 gr/L SO2.

Tessier 2021 Cheverny Rouge Le Point du Jour

 Tessier's 2021 "Le Point du Jour" is a beautiful expression of Cheverny, a blend of  20% Gamay and 80% Pinot Noir from the oldest vines of the estate planted on two types of terroir, clay and sand and sandy clay over limestone.  Hand-harvested, the grapes are vinified in 80% whole-cluster, macerated for 2 weeks or so before being aged in a mix of barrels, demi-muids and foudres. Aging was longer this year, the wine was blended in January and bottled in July, unfiltered with minimal sulfur dioxide. With yields of only 15 hl/ha in the frost-damaged 2021 vintage, the wine is light and low in alcohol (12%) and bone-dry, really bright and pretty, showing tart cherry with wild strawberry and pomegranate, hints of cinnamon and almond, and refreshing acidity. Serve cool, enjoy over the next five years.

Tessier 2021 Cour-Cheverny

The 2021 Tessier Cour-Cheverny is 100% Romorantin from vines grown on sandy clay soils over limestone. The wine goes through the malo and is vinified and aged in vats. This is a beautiful Cour-Cheverny showing the leaner profile of the 2021 vintage, with less ripeness than the 2020, with lower alcohol and a more mineral and bright citrus profile. The wine shows distinctive aromas of pear and citrus fruit, lime-flower, toasted almond and hints of spice, really quite lovely. The palate is scintillating and dry with citrus, pear, herbal, stone and nut flavors, with nice ripeness and density and firm refreshing acidity. The finish is very long, with mineral, citrus and pear flavors that linger on the palate. Perfect as an aperitif or serve with full-flavored fish and chicken dishes, Asian foods, and especially with mild cheeses like Morbier or Raclette, or goat cheeses from the Loire. This will be very interesting with 2 to 4 years of cellaring as well. Lovely wine and a great value! 12.5% alc, 0.54 g/l RS, 37 mg/l total SO2.

Tessier 2021 Cour-Cheverny Les Sables

We're happy to have "les Sables" back in stock, even if it's only a few bottles!  This beautiful, rich but dry Romorantin from Tessier is from 25 to 40 year-old vines on sandy clay soils with silex. The wine ages 10 months in tronconic wooden vats and 5 months in cement and was bottled with minimal SO2. This is a rare and beautiful wine, quite concentrated and incredibly vibrant, with lower alcohol and higher acidity in the very difficult 2021 vintage which gave disastrous yields. The nose is complex, with a lot of pear drops, lime zest, wild flower honey, almond and stone. It is in fact quite aromatic for a Romorantin. On the palate, there is a lot happening, mostly mineral, herbal and citrus flavors and the tangy, acidity has such a backbone. It is really lifted for such a dense wine. Get creative, as this unique wine is a great food pairing for a full-flavered fish or shellfish preparation, or with rabbit and other white meats. We have 6 bottles!? Best to hold for 3 - 5 years. (12.5% alc, 0.54 gr/l RS, 8 mg/l SO2.)

Tessier 2022 Cheverny Blanc

In the western Sologne, Philippe and now his son Simon Tessier are making some of the best example of Cheverny blanc, highly versatile with a lift and an elegance due to the sandy clay soil over limestone.  In 2022 the blend is 70% Sauvignon blanc and rose, 20% Orbois (Menu Pineau), 10% Chardonnay. 2022 was a warm vintage with drought, so this bottling has more texture and glycerol than usual, without loosing its Loire Valley character. Even if the blend is dominated by the Sauvignon, there is no caricatural expression: it is more a variation on grapefruit zest, sage, and white flowers. The flavors on the palate show notes of pear, apple blossom, anis, lemon zest with a nice subtle bitterness. In this vintage, it is definitely more a Fall bottle  than a brisk summery wine, which is perfect! Serve it in a larger glass, let it open for a little bit and serve it with some black sea bass or of course some goat cheese with an arugula salad dressed with halzenut oil. (23 mg/L SO2, 13.5% alc, 1.61 gr/L RS)

Tessier 2022 Cheverny Rosé (Pinot Noir, Gamay)

This will disappeaar quickly on your table for Thanksgiving! Philippe and now Simon Tessier are making really delicious wines from their organic vineyards in Sologne. Under the Cheverny AOC, they make white and red, but also rosé : the sandy clay soil as well as the grapes (2/3 Pinot Noir and 1/3 Gamay) are perfectly suited for the style. Of course, don't expect a boring, insipid, pale salmon whitish rosé. There is always some serious depth and length in their wine! With the 2022 as in 2020 and 2019, you have on top more texture and power than usual: the warm summer led to ripe, concentrated berries. - the wine is ripe but bone-dry at 13.5% alc, under .5 gr/L RS. This bottling is more aromatic than usual, with notes of dried rose, pink grapefruit and pomegranate. The attack is creamy and rich, but the wine quickly balances out the alcohol but a really nice bitter edge of pomelo, and the acidity kicks in at the end. It is the type of rosé that can pair really with pretty much anything, and that will have the texture you want when the days will start to be chilly. Serve it in a white wine glass and pair it with what you be pleased to cook, be it some fried squids with spicy aioli, a chana masala or any kind of cheese. (16 gr/L total SO2 - what a pleasure to enjoy a pure and delicious rosé with almost no sulfur!)

Tessier 2022 Vin de France TOC (Cot)

Toc is a pun for Côt, one of the single-variety cuvées made by Simon and Philippe Tessier in their organic estate of Sologne. Côt, or Malbec, is one of the grapes authorised in the Cheverny AOC but as the appellation has to be a blend, the wine is declassified in Vin de France - one of the meanings of Toc in French is "fake stuff."  Vinified like all the other reds in semi-carbonic maceration for 15 days or so, then aged in 500 liter barrique for 8 months, this bottling has a juicy, plush texture balancing really well the natural high acid spine of the variety. Dark purple - the usual colour of Malbec - the 2022 has a lovely bouquet of violet, blueberry,  blackberry liqueur, dried thyme and a pinch of funk. On the palate, the attack is lush and bright, with blackberry and cherry fruit, then the vibrant acidity appears, and plays with the gentle tannins, finishing with terrific length of ripe, chalky fruit. Despite this ripeness it is not heavy at all, but quite refreshing and lively so serve quite cool.  Delicious wine and highly recommended. Probably best if opened the day before and re-corked.

Tue-Boeuf 2022 Touraine Le Buisson Pouilleux

Thierry and Jean-Marie Puzelat make this outstanding Sauvignon Blanc from a one hectare parcel in Pouillé, with sand and gravel over limestone, giving very low yields. An intense and beautiful wine in 2022, with aromas of lemon peel, pear, dried herbs, lime flower and pine resin. The palate is dense and ripe with dried white fruits, lemon oil and earth backed by firm acidity. Beautifully structured and very long, this is an outstanding and unusual Sauvignon Blanc to serve with fish or chicken in sauce and full-flavored goat cheeses. Delicious now, the wine should be very interesting with 5 to 10 years of cellaring. Highly recommended. (The name literally translated is "squalid bush" but we hope it refers rather to the limestone of Pouillé...?)

Vatan, Edmund 2003 Sancerre Clos de la Neore

Vatan, Edmund 2006 Sancerre Clos de la Neore

Airy and concentrated at the same time with so much richness yet steel-like precision and laser-like acidity. Yes this is a wine that will induce many a metaphor. There is a lime streak smothered in minerality along with piquant and stern acidity to enable long ageing. LF

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.

Jobard, Claudie 2021 Rully La Chaume

Claudie Jobard makes this lovely wine from 50 - 60 year-old vines on a south-east facing slope of pebbly clay/limestone soils near the Chateau de Rully in the Côte Chalonnaise between Mercurey and Bouzeron. Organic farming. Bright red/garnet color. The wine shows bright vivid aromas of morello cherry and raspberry, with floral, blood orange, spice and earth notes.  There is nice depth of sapid fruit on the palate - black raspberry and cherry - with earth, minerals and citrus. The fruit lingers on the refreshing and very long mineral finish. This is a lovely Pinot Noir for current drinking that will deepen and soften over the next three to five years. (Serve with any grilled meat, especially lamb or duck, roast chicken and mild cheeses, full flavored fish)  David Lillie

Rougeot, Pere et Fils 2021 Bourgogne 'Les Lameroses' Sans Soufre Ajoute

Bagnol 2022 Cassis Rosé

We love rosés from Cassis - a great location and terroir for wine despite the chic little town and hordes of tourists! In a vineyard dating back to the 13th century, situated a few hundred metres from the Mediterranean, the Domaine du Bagnol produces one of the most elegant of rosés. Part Grenache, giving structure and weight and part Cinsault, giving delicate red fruit and spice aromas, this pale salmon-colored wine is a refreshing treat!

Bastide Blanche 2016 Bandol Cuvee Fontanéou

From  a 1.75 hectare single vineyard called "Fontanieu", north facing, on a slope near la Cadiere d' Azur on a unique red clay soil over limestone that naturally provides a mineral tension and raciness complemented by notes of nutmeg and violet. Aged in large foudre, 4,000 bottles produced. The 2016 Fontanéou shows a dark black/purple color and aromas of ripe blackberry and back cherry liqueur with smoky garrigue, citrus peel, violet and cocoa. The palate shows supple, spicy black fruits, bitter chocolate, garrigue, black olive and spice - quite ripe but surprisingly well-balanced with cool, earthy acidity. The finish is long with sappy black fruits and mineral flavors - a beautiful Bandol for current drinking that will soften nicely with 5 to 15 years of cellaring.  David Lillie

Beguet, Patrice 2018 Les Vins de L'Ame Ours VDF Go Together Rouge

Grenache, Gamay, Trousseau

Beguet, Patrice 2021 Les Vins de L'Ame Ours VDF Fresh Impression Blanc

Gewurztraminer, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, Chardonnay, Savagnin

Beguet, Patrice 2021 Les Vins de L'Ame Ours VDF Fresh Impression Rouge

Mourvèdre, Grenache, Gamay

Beguet, Patrice 2021 Les Vins de L'Ame Ours VDF Three Views of a Secret Bl

Gewurztraminer with gentle skin contact, very fresh and not intensely floral.

Beguet, Patrice 2021 VDF Orange was the Color of her Dress

All Savagnin with 6 months infusion style skin contact, and a small percentage of wine from 2020 vintage wine included. Aging in neutral oak barrels.

Beguet, Patrice 2022 Les Vins de L'Ame Ours VDF Go Together Blanc

Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier

Beguet, Patrice 2022 VDF Silk Blue (Cote de Feule)

Formerly known by the parcel name, 'Cote de Feule,' this is a red from majority Ploussard (Poulsard) with 15% Trousseau and 5% Savagnin. About half of the grapes go through whole cluster, and the rest a long and slow 6 month maceration.

Belluard 2020 Vin de Savoie Ayse 'Monsieur Gringet'

Note from Domaine du Gringet: "An AOP Vin de Savoie Ayse white made from the estate's hillside vines, i.e. the white marl of "La Paille," the limestone scree of "Chez Edouard," as well as the red marl and clay loaded with iron alumina of "Le Feu." It was aged for 18 months in ovoid concrete tanks. It is adorned with a specific label chosen by Valérie, and designed by the cartoonist Michel Tolmer, well known in the French wine world."

'Monsieur Gringet' is Gringet in all of its chiseled, alpine brilliance. While the 'Eponyme' 2020 (bottled by JF Ganevat) was an ethereal and contemplative expression, 'Monsieur Gringet' is a proclamation! Obviously age-worthy from it's acidity and mineral length, it's also a very present wine, firing on all cylinders, and making you wonder if maybe Gringet is the most exciting grape in the Savoie. Michel Tolmer's illustration on the label clearly depicts the best setting for the wine, being shared amongst friends in a jovial setting, but elevated and nerdy food pairings are limitless with this bottle (as many talented chefs who have worked with Belluard's wines can attest). All in all, it's a great bottle of wine, and an homage to a very humble and passionate man. A memorable white wine, not to be missed.

Bottex NV Bugey Cerdon La Cueille Méthode Ancestrale

Carmarans, Nicolas 2022 IGP Aveyron Maximus

After running one of the most important wine restaurants in Paris (Le Café de la Nouvelle Mairie), Nicolas Carmarans decided to sell off his business to go back to his roots and revive the vineyards of his grand-parents in Le Bruel, a little hamlet lost in Aveyron. 5th largest department in France, Aveyron is one of the most isolated, mostly populated by sheep and pasture. Yet in the medieval time this was one of the most important vineyard in the country, on the path to Santiago-di-Compostella. Starting in 2002 and rehabilitating slowly but surely the terraces and the vineyards, Nicolas put back the Pays d'Entraygues on the map! His wines are just soulful and delicious. Maximus is an invigorating expression of Fer Servadou from high altitude vineyards on granitic slopes. Vinified in whole-cluster and semi-carbonic maceration in stainless steel with a short aging  (8 months), the wine bursts with pomegranate, wild strawberry and blood orange zest, without loosing its medicinal undertones (gentiane, thai basil and pepper). 2022 being a warm vintage, the wine shows lovely density and ripeness, yet keeps its vibrating tension and slight grippy tannins making it so drinkable! It is a very versatile wine :  pop it up with pizzas, tacos, soy-marinated tuna, or enjoy it by itself! 100% Fer Servadou.