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

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

Beck-Hartweg 2021 Alsace Grand Cru Frankstein Riesling

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

Brand & Co. 2020 VDF & Orange

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

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

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

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

Delinquente Wine Co. 2022 Riverland, Australia 'Screaming Betty' Vermentino

Delinquente Wine Co. NV Bizarro & Mischief Brew Tonic Can (Aperitivo + Tonic)

Barbara Öhlzelt 2022 Österreich Grüner Leader (1 Liter)

Familie Bauer 2021 Alte Reben Barig (skin contact)

Kögl 2020 Southern Styria Morillon

A lively, mineral expression of Morillon as the local Chardonnay is called hailing from the southernmost reaches of Styria right on the Slovenian border.  From extremely steep slopes composed of sandy limestone, the cool nights and terrain is very similar to Burgundy and excellent for Morillon.  From 35 year old vines showing good concentration, the wine spends 20 months on the lees in old barrels before bottling. Bright acidity and a faint whisp of smoky stones reveal citrus and green apple flavors. At an extremely elegant 12% abv, this is an excellent food wine and affordable alternative for Chablis lovers!. Giselle Hamburg

Kögl 2020 Styria Pet Nat 'Under Pressure'

A lively Pet Nat from the southernmost reaches of Styria next to the Slovenian border; Tamara Kogl's "Under Pressure" is made from Weissburgunder and illustrates, like her Morillon, how Burgundian her terroir is. From very steep slopes full of sandy limestone, her wines are biodynamic and burst with bright acidity, pure fruit flavors and minerality in spades. Perhaps the best characteristic is that they are never heavy handed and are always light footed, like an aerial acrobat flipping through the air from one trapeze to the next. An excellent aperitif for holiday meals and get togethers! Giselle Hamburg

Nikolaihof 2020 Wachau Grüner Veltliner Zwickl

This is, in essence, an unfiltered “Hefeabzug,” and you get two wines in the same bottle if you want. How? It’s fallen bright in the top one-third, and if you pour carefully you will have a clear wine. You can then shake the rest of the bottle to mix the sediment and pour yourselves a cloudy glass. They encourage this!

Nittnaus, Anita & Hans 2018 Burgenland 'Anita' Red Blend

Hailing from eastern Burgenland along the Hungarian border, Anita is mostly Zweigelt with splashes of Blaufränkisch and Sankt Laurent. Bright acidity lets the spice-drenched red and black fruits dance on the palate, and the wine—with only 15 milligrams per liter of added sulfur—bristles with energy. There is just enough structure here to keep the wine from feeling simple, underscoring  the notes of blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, cola, peppercorn and nutmeg. Lip smackingly delicious! Giselle Hamburg

Ott, Bernhard 2021 Wagram Grüner Veltliner Am Berg

Bernard Ott is a fourth generation winegrower in the region of Wagram in lower Austria. His family has been cultivating vines and making wine since 1889. When he took over from his father in 1995, he began to improve the family estate by converting to biodynamics and making positive changes in the cellar as well. Ott is considered an icon in the world of Austrian wines and is a major figure in the world of biodynamic winemaking.Am Berg is made from organic Gruner Veltliner grapes grown in loess soil.  The grapes are sourced from younger estate vines and purchased from growers in Feuersbrunn.  Natural fermentation in stainless steel, left on the fine lees until bottling in February. A delightfully zesty rendition, full of lip smacking minerality  with a profound wintergreen herbaceousness, leading to notes of lemon curd, green apple, white pepper and anise with a concentrated, long finish.  Bring on the Thai food! Giselle Hamburg

Pichler, FX 2019 Wachau Burgstall Riesling Federspiel

From a windy plateau above the Danube used to herd livestock as a fortification in the first settlement Liupna during the Middle Ages.The nose opens with assertive aromas of  white peach, faint petrol, orange zest, lime blossom, and a hint of pink grapefruit on a smoky, mineral background.  Pichler keeps things very traditional in the cellar and utilizes large, neutral oak casks to mature their wines. This one is salty and fresh on a medium-bodied, slightly glossy palate that’s boasting white nectarine, lime peel, flint, tart pear,  white pepper and grapefruit peel that gives verve and nerve to the entire wine, corsetting its ripeness with delicious citric acidity.   Perfectly crunchy acidity delivers a precisely layered and dry Riesling with classic Wachau grip and tension. Ripe and fresh but not green or vegetal, just grippy and refreshingly racy. A thrilling springtime riesling. Giselle Hamburg

Stadlmann 2018 Thermenregion Pinot Noir Classic

The Stadlmann family has been making wine since the 1780s in the Thermenregion; sheltered from the northern winds by the Vienna Woods, it is one of Austria's warmest wine growing areas. The 'Classic' line of wines are aged in large, used barrels to showcase the true character of the grape and terroir.   -CB

Straka 2020 Burgenland Blaufrankisch 'Greenschist'

A delightful Blaufrankisch from Sud Burgenland near the border with Hungary. The 2020 vintage manages a fine balancing act between savory and plummy notes but will also be able to age gracefully due to the higher acid and the mineral notes imparted by the green schist soil type. An ideal red that can pair with a wide variety of foods!  -Giselle Hamburg

Domaine Chapel 2020 Fleurie Charbonnieres Cire Noire

Terres Dorées (Jean-Paul Brun) 2021 Beaujolais Chardonnay

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

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

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

Cru Godard 2019 Francs - Côtes de Bordeaux

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

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

Grand Corbin Despagne 2019 Saint-Emilion

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

Grolet 2021 Côtes de Bourg "Origines"

Chateau La Grolet has been certified organic and Biodynamic since 2000. Double Guyot pruning, spontaneous winter grass cover. Soil tillage during the spring, every other row ploughed. Treatments combining small quantities of Bordeaux mixture with herbal teas such as horsetail or nettle. The blend is 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet-Franc, 5% Malbec.  The Hubert family's great farming creates this sensational value Bordeaux which is truly a subtle, complex and profound wine. The 2021 shows a bright garnet color and very pretty aromas of wild berries, violet and rose petal. The palate is really lovely with pure black raspberry and cassis fruit in a light, elegant frame - at 12% alcohol the wine is quite pure and refreshing, a perfect Bordeaux for summer sipping or with lighter grilled foods. Serve a bit cool and enjoy!

La Conseillante 2001 Pomerol

Lynch Bages 2004 Pauillac 1.5 L

Mazeyres 2020 Pomerol

Another compelling vintage from Chateau Mazeyres in Pomerol, which converted to organic and biodynamic farming in 2012 under viticultural engineer and oenologist Alain Moueix. A blend of mostly Merlot, with about a quarter Cabernet Franc and just  a tiny amount of Petit Verdot planted on clay soils, with some plots having additional layers of sand and gravel. Hand-harvested, fermented in steel and concrete, aged in wood for 14 months. The wine is really outstanding in 2020. On the nose, there are deep black and red fruits, hints of spice, blood orange, rose, earth and rich woodsy aromas. On the palate, the texture is warm and generous, quite dense with bold plum and black cherry, with accents of herbs and mint. This very young wine is delicious now, with a long decant, but will be best after ten to twenty years in the cellar. From the estate's website: "Gravel soils endow this Mazeyres wine with smoky aromas and a chiselled,mineral texture. Clay brings undergrowth notes and a rounded, fleshy struc-ture. Biodynamics promotes finesse and freshness. The texture of Château Mazeyres wines consistently offers the velvety touch characteristic of fine Pomerol."

Peybonhomme 2020 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Quintessence

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

Peybonhomme 2020 Premières Côte de Blaye Cru Bourgeois

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

Pichon Baron 2004 Pauillac

Pichon Baron 2006 Pauillac

Pontet Canet 2002 Pauillac

Smith Haut Lafite 2004 Pessac-Leognan

Talbot 2003 Saint-Julien

Climens 2003 Barsac

Bart 2021 Marsannay Blanc "Les Etalles"

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

Brocard, Julien 2021 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre

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

Buisson, Henri & Gilles 2021 St. Romain La Perriere

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

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

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

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

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

d'Angerville 2020 Meursault 1er Cru Santenots

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

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

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

Domaine de Montille 2020 Meursault Saint Christophe

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

Goulley 2019 Petit Chablis

Guillemot-Michel 2020 Viré-Clessé Retour a la Terre

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

Heitz. A 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru

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

Lafouge 2021 Auxey-Duresses Les Hautés Blanc

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

Lafouge 2021 Meursault Les Casses-Têtes

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

Moreau-Naudet 2021 Chablis 375ml

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

Morey-Blanc 2020 Saint Romain Sous le Chateau

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

Rateau 2020 Beaune 1er Cru Les Coucherias

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

Rateau 2022 Beaune Clos des Mariages Blanc

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

Rateau 2022 Bourgogne Aligoté

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

Rateau 2022 Cote de Beaune La Grande Chatelaine

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

Rateau 2022 Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Blanc Chardonnay

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

Barbichon NV (base 18) Champagne Brut Blanc de Noirs

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

Beaufort, André 2019 Coteaux Champenois Polisy Rouge

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

Champagne Ponson NV Premier Cru Brut

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

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

Gatinois NV Ay Grand Cru Brut Rosé

Krug 1995 Champagne Brut

Krug 1996 Champagne Brut

Laherte Frères NV Champagne Brut Ultradition 1.5L

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

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

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

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

Vilmart & Cie. 2006 Champagne Cuvée Coeur

Vilmart & Cie. 2017 Champagne Grand Cellier d'Or

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

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

Domaine des Croix 2019 Corton Grand Cru La Vigne au Saint

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

Domaine des Croix 2020 Corton Grand Cru Greves

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

Domaine des Croix 2020 Corton Grand Cru La Vigne au Saint

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

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

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

Lafon, Dominique 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Lurets

Moissenet-Bonnard 2017 Pommard 'Les Tavannes'

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

Morey, Pierre 2020 Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

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

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

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

Rateau 2017 Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes

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

Rateau 2020 Beaune 1er Cru Les Bressandes

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

Rateau 2021 Beaune "Les Beaux et Bons"

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

Rateau 2022 Beaune Clos des Mariages

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

Rateau 2022 Beaune "Les Beaux et Bons"

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

Rateau 2022 Beaune 1er Cru Les Reversées

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

Rateau 2022 Beaune Les Prevoles

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

Rateau 2022 Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Rouge

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

Voillot, Joseph 2020 Volnay Vieilles Vignes

Voillot, Joseph 2021 Pommard 1er Cru Les Pézerolles

Voillot, Joseph 2021 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens

Voillot, Joseph 2021 Volnay 1er Cru Les Champans

Voillot, Joseph 2021 Volnay 1er Cru Les Fremiets

Bart 2021 Marsannay Clos du Roy

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

Bart 2021 Marsannay La Montagne

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

Bart 2021 Marsannay Les Finottes

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

Bart 2021 Marsannay Les Ouzeloy

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

Bart 2022 Marsannay Rosé

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

Chantal Lescure 2020 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru

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

Cornu-Camus 2021 Pernand Vergelesses

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

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

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

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

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

Cornu-Camus 2021 Savigny-Les-Beaune Rouge

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

Damoy 2012 Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru

Denis Bachelet 2020 Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

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

Faiveley 2009 Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru 1.5 L

Fourrier 2003 Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos St Jacques

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ponsot 2002 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

***ON SALE*** was $749.99

Ponsot 2005 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

***ON SALE*** was $899.99

Ponsot 2008 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

***ON SALE*** was $499.99

Ponsot 2010 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Vieilles Vignes

***ON SALE*** was $674.99

Rateau 2021 Gevrey-Chambertin

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

Roumier 2001 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Tremblay, Cecile 2017 Echezeaux Grand Cru

Brand 2021 Pfalz Weissburgunder

Hailing from the Northern Pfalz near the border with the Rheinhessen and it's limestone soils. Fresh like a German mountain meadow with herbaceous notes of pine forest floor, grass and white flowers,. Extremely zippy and refreshing with notes of limeade, green apple and peach with effervescent acidity yet juicy fruit. The perfect spring picnic wine meant to be consumed in the great outdoors with a brisk chill, able to accompany all manner of light fare: Pure Spring in a Liter Bottle. Giselle Hamburg

Dostert, Jonas 2021 Mosel Weiss Pinot gris

Dreissigacker 2021 Rheinhessen Riesling Trocken

Jochen Dreissigacker took over his family's estate in 2001 and works organically (certified). The entry-level trocken a mix of estate and purchased grapes (all organic), from mostly south/southeast-facing sites on loess and loam. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in stainless steel tank. Pale gold in the glass. Cool-toned and savory on the nose, with aromas of crushed herbs, honeysuckle, and flint. Dry and lively on the palate with fine mineral cut and mouth-watering acidity highlighted by red apple and stone fruit flavors, with a salty core and a bright minty coolness on the finish. John McIlwain

Harteneck 2020 Baden Spatburgunder

Harteneck 2021 Baden Vollmond Chasselas

Immich-Batterieberg 2018 Mosel Zeppwingert Riesling Feinherb

Gernot works 8 terraces here of 100-year-old vines on GRAY SLATE and quartzite SURROUNDING  the Batterieberg. The wine is a pale straw yellow with hints of green. The nose offers exuberant aromas of white peach, apple, melon, candied ginger and wet stone. The plate, though technically off-dry, is dry tasting and decidedly mineral, with a briny, stony core enrobed by ripe orchard fruit and white strawberry flavors with a hint of pithy citrus character that knits with the earthy character on the pungent, palate-staining finish. This is the most overtly mineral of the lineup and displays the most pronounced old-vine character. This has grand potential and is seemingly coiled at the moment. Decant 6 hours ahead if drinking now but better to wait 5-7 years and beyond for the towering structure to knit. Impressive stuff. John McIlwain

Immich-Batterieberg 2021 Mosel Batterieberg Riesling

This wine is sourced from  a 1.1 hectare monopole within the Zeppwingert. The 60-year-old un-grafted vines are planted in GRAY SLATE and quartzite soils on terraced plots, in the drier and cooler portion of the slope. The robe is a pale greenish-yellow. The nose is vivacious with aromas of white flowers, pear skin, white rocks, and a hint of peach. The palate is concentrated and tightly wound on the attack with a flinty attack with white tea, white pepper, and mouthwatering lemon pith notes fanning out on the finish. This is deeply stony and has great verticality with great energy. Delicious now, but could use some cellaring to unwind. Dynamite in a bottle! Giselle Hamburg

Knebel 2020 Mosel Terrassen Riesling

With Matthias’ entry into the VDP in 2016, he felt the need to up the quality at the estate, and this basic riesling is no exception. It used to be sourced from the Terraces, but also parcels upstream in Leiwen. Now this is all sourced from the Mosel Terraces in and around Knebel’s home of Winningen. The wine is spontaneously fermented and aged entirely in stainless. Dry and smoky from the slatey soils, it finishes on a savory note, making it an extremely versatile wine for food pairings. Giselle Hamburg

Kühn, Peter Jakob 2020 Rheingau Riesling Jacobus

An exuberant aromatic bouquet of spearmint pine forest, lemon peel, white rocks, green apple and apricot. Medium-bodied and dry on the palate, but juicy, with flavors of quince and grapefruit, followed by a long, limeade finish with an underscore of slate minerality. A lovely, delicate Riesling. Giselle Hamburg

Kühn, Peter Jakob 2020 Rheingau Hallgarten Riesling Alte Reben

The Kühn Estate has been a cornerstone of Rhinegau wine-making for roughly 230 years and has been passed down through 11 generations. The current generation in place; Peter Bernhardt and wife Viktoria, along with father Peter Jakob,  decided in 2004 to convert and certify to organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking.  As per the distributor;  "Sourced from the single vineyards Jungfer, Schönhell and Würzgarten, the 2020 Hallgarten Riesling trocken Alte Reben combines the higher location of the vineyards with the 40+-year-old, narrowly planted vines that give a particular coolish micro-climate, according to Peter Bernhard. Vinified in 60% stainless steel and 40% large oak casks, the nose is clear, bright, intense and complex in its sexy purity that combines yellow fruit aromas and uplifting, almost floral and ethereal terroir notes. Medium to full-bodied, this is a crystalline and silky, enormously pure and elegant, salty, vital and frisky Riesling with remarkable finesse and piquancy. "

Leitz, Josef 2019 Rheingau Rüdesheimer Berg Kaisersteinfels Riesling

From high above the Berg Schlossberg on the westernmost corner of the Rheingau before the river turns north. Kaisersteinfels is a small all terraced vineyard that Johannes Leitz repaired after purchasing and his favorite of all. Comprised of red slate with quartzite, it produces super expressive mineral wines from it's old vines. Explosive on the nose and palate with citrus, peach and minerality galore with vibrant acidity and an incredibly long finish.  As breathtaking as the view from it's precarious perch!Giselle Hamburg

Materne & Schmitt Lehmener 2020 Mosel Terrassen Lehmener Riesling

From blue-grey slate with fossils from an ancient coral reef on the lower slopes of the Lay and Ausoniusstein in the town of Lehmen. Always the most firm, precise, herbal and mineral driven of the three village wines. Faint spice with a structured yet silky body. Vivd and racy! Giselle Hamburg

Materne & Schmitt Winninger 2019 Mosel Terrassen Winninger Riesling

From extremely steep terraces and slopes of Bruckstuck, Rottgen, Hamm and Domgarten in Winninger. The soils here are very rocky with grey brown slate with iron, sulphur and quartz. 20% of the juice is fermented in acacia barrels, the rest in stainless. Showing a classic ethereal nose of white flowers, citrus and rocks with a citrusy, saline palate. They think this was their best vintage ever for this wine and drinking well now.  Giselle Hamburg

Meyer, Stefan 2021 Pfalz Riesling Trocken 1L

Hailing from the Pfalz, Germany directly north of Alsace, this is a trocken (dry) riesling of brilliant purity! 30 year old Riesling vines planted to loam and clay soils. Hand harvested and hand sorted. Natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel. Bottled, with one filtration, at 7.8 g/l residual sugar,  Immediate aromas of petrol, kefir lime, white peach and wet rocks blast the nose. On the palate, flavors of limeade and  peach nectar burst with vivid acidity and minerality. Sporting a long, dry yet juicy finish, this is a super refreshing , classic riesling perfect for drinking  pleasure. I'd serve it with grilled swordfish and a veggie medley of zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cipolline onions with a balsamic glaze (last night's dinner pairing!) or a spicy Thai seafood curry.  Giselle Hamburg

Müller, Egon 2015 Saar Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett

Müller, Stefan 2021 Niedermenniger Sonnenberg Riesling Kabinett Alte Reben

Stefan's winery in the Saar has won "Best of" accolades for everything in the past 5 years.  2021 was an astonishing vintage with sizzling acidities balancing ripe sugar levels.  With vineyards in  Niedermenninger and Krettnact, his prized vineyard is this 50 year old parcel of old vines in the south west facing western part of the Niedermenninger Sonnenberg on iron rich red slate soils. The 44 g/l of residual sugar is barely perceptible in this vintage, offering just a finishing kiss with juicy lemon drop, crystalline  acidity and crunchy minerality: truly breathtaking like an aerial trapezist flipping effortlessly through the air!! Giselle Hamburg

Schaefer, Willi 2019 Mosel Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese #11

The 2019 Graacher Domprobst Auslese #11 is filigreed and racy for the pradikat, showing all the verve and brightness of the vintage. The nose shows a touch of sponti, but time in the glass reveals pretty aromas of pear skin, orange blossom, peach nectar, and cool mint leaves. There's a delicate honeyed sweetness that dances across the palate balanced by pitch-perfect acidity and waves of luscious stone fruit and citrus flavors with a subtle herbal undercurrent. Framing this is a zesty, mouthwatering stoniness leading to impeccable balance even at this young age. This is already lovely, but this will dazzle when mature in 8-10 years and for decades beyond. An emotionally gratifying wine! John McIlwain

Später-Veit 2021 Piesporter Riesling Feinherb 1 L

This slightly off-dry Riesling really leaps out of the glass with lively stone fruit and minerals. Vivacious acidity gives it lift and is matched with silky, ripe pear on the palate, with hint of texture on the finish. This is a standout value in the 1L bottle . From just above the famous Piesporter Goldtröpchen vineyard, the 25 year old vines hail from three different parcels in Piesport, including Falkenberg and Gunterslay planted to soils of slate and gravel. Wild-yeast fermentation. Elevage in both stainless steel and old Moselfuder. Vinified off-dry at 10% alcohol.

Stein 2022 Mosel Rosé Trocken

Vollenweider 2021 Mosel Riesling Wolfer Trocken

The 2021 village level trocken is a testament to the vintage: electric energy, coiled with a tactile tension of lime zest and sea spray floating above a deeply mineral core with great structure and concentration. Truly epic! GH

Barale 1962 Barolo

Barale 1967 Barolo Castellero

Barale 2018 Barolo di Barolo

Called “Barolo di Barolo” because the fruit comes from vineyards in the town of Barolo, this is labeling that we’re seeing more of these days. The wine shows some of the best aspects of the good 2018s – lovely light weight, savory and easy drinking, with entrancing citrus, rose, and earthy notes. A wine more on the side of finesse than power, it’s nonetheless complete. It will drink very well now and for the next 10+ years. Jamie Wolff

Barale 2019 Barbaresco Serraboella

Barale 2020 Barbera d'Alba Castle

As with the Barale Dolcetto and Nebbiolo, the Barbera could serve as a text-book example of the grape. The 2020 a fine balance between very ripe fruit and very fresh, mouthwatering acidity – deliciously lush, crisp, and mineral all at once, this really outperforms. Jamie Wolff

Barale 2021 Dolcetto d'Alba Le Rose

A lovely light-mid weight Dolcetto, very fresh with good acidity and classically tannic, this combines bright red fruit and savory herbal notes; this will gain complexity with just a little more time in bottle. Jamie Wolff

Barale 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo

Baudana / Vajra 2018 Barolo Baudana

I'm looking forward to tasting the 2018 again because a couple of months ago it was a stand-out in a large crowd of bottles, and people. My note - more accurately, my scribble - reads "lovely red cherry and blood orange - a very fresh nose - medium bodied, ripe tannin, a very elegant Serralunga - velvet glove". Make of it what you will - the wine will not disappoint! Jamie Wolff

Baudana / Vajra 2019 Barolo Baudana

Baudana / Vajra 2019 Barolo Cerretta

Baudana / Vajra 2019 Barolo del commune di Serralunga

Bera 2018 Barbera D'Asti Ronco Malo

Boggione, Claudio 2018 Barolo Brunate

Boggione, Claudio 2018 Barolo Brunate 1.5 L

Borgogno, Serio & Battista 1964 Barolo

Borgogno, Serio & Battista 1967 Barolo

Borgogno, Serio & Battista 1968 Barolo

Borgogno, Serio & Battista 1976 Barolo Riserva

Borgogno, Serio & Battista 1979 Barolo Riserva Speciale

Borgogno, Serio & Battista 1980 Barolo

Bricco Ernesto 2019 Vino Rosso (Nebbiolo - Roero)

100% Nebbiolo. Soil sand 70%, limestone 20%, clay 10%. De-stemmed, quick four day mecaration on the skin before fermentation. Indigenous yeats in a mix of anfora 50% and large barrels 50% for 35 days. Malolactic fermentation in same barrels for 9 months before resting in the bottle for an additional 3 months. No filtration. One of Italy's first certified organic vineyard, in the Roero area of Piemonte in NW Italy.

Brovia 1964 Barolo

Brovia 1989 Barbaresco Rio Sordo

Cantina del Lupo 2021 Piemonte Grignolino "Grignole"

Very engaging on the nose, like uncovering a bowl of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries while a breeze of light flowers and green grass stirs on a summer afternoon. Really, if the aromatics of this wine don't put a smile on your face, I don't know what will. The color is a translucent rhubarb hue. On the palate, there is vibrant acidity and only a minuscule tannic touch. The fruit on the tongue has more of an edge than it does on the nose, with tangy red cherry and crisp red apple. Edgy but deliciously fresh.

Cappellano 1952 Barolo

Cappellano 1954 Barolo

Cappellano 1957 Barolo

Cappellano 1962 Barolo (bottled by Troglia)

Cappellano 1965 Barolo

Cappellano 2003 Barolo Pie Franco

Castello di Verduno 2021 Pelaverga 'Basadone'

Pelaverga grape. Fermentation and maceration for 8 days in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then refined for 8 months in these same tanks. Finally, it rests in the bottle for 3 months before being released for sale.

Ceretto 1966 Barolo

Colla, Paolo 1967 Barolo Serra dei Turchi

Colla, Paolo 1970 Barolo Serra dei Turchi

Colla, Paolo 1971 Barolo Serra dei Turchi

Conterno, Giacomo 2001 Barolo Cascina Francia

Cordero di Montezemolo 1999 Barbera Superiore 'Funtanin'

De Forville 1974 Barbaresco

De Forville 1978 Barbaresco Loreto

De Forville 1981 Barbaresco Rabaja

Einaudi 1970 Barolo

Fenocchio 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo

Fenocchio, Giovanni 1980 Barolo Bussia Sottana

Fontanafredda 1971 Barolo Riserva Speciale La Rosa

Fontanafredda 1974 Barolo Riserva Speciale San Pietro

Fontanafredda 1974 Barolo Riserva Speciale Vigna Bianca

Fontanafredda 1982 Barolo La Rosa

Fratelli Alessandria 2019 Barbera d'Alba Superiore Priora

Fratelli Alessandria 2021 Langhe Nebbiolo Prinsiot

Il Sorpasso NV (2019) Vino da Tavola Tachiss

50% Nebbiolo Picotendro and 50% mixed of Neretta, Ner d'Ala, Barbera and Erbaluce. Fermented for one week without temperature control. 20% whole cluster. Maceration after fermentation for 40-50 days.

Marchesi di Gresy 1976 Barbaresco Martinenga

Marchesi di Gresy 1987 Barbaresco Martinenga

Marchesi di Gresy 1987 Barbaresco Martinenga Camp Gros

Mascarello, Michele (la Morra) 1970 Barbaresco

Negri, Giulia 2019 Barolo Tartufaia

What a change since we last tried this. The richness is all hidden today and this is a decidedly austere and reticent showing, though more complex than last year. Delicate and heathery at first sniff, then the cherry and light raspberry toned fruit slowly emerges, but not with the pronounced impact of last year. A hint of something herbal and fresh emerges on the nose as this rises and falls on the palate, tannins building and fading, definitely tannins that need air to develop. This will need plenty of time in the bottle, though the brisk notes of limestone and red fruited notes on the finish bode well for the future.  This marries the austerity and reticence of the vintage, the high altitude nature of the vineyard and Giulia’s elegant touch perfectly. Gregory Dal Piaz, April 2023

Negri, Giulia 2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Pian delle Mole

Delicate and fine aromatics. A touch of a balsamic note on the nose is joined by hints of dried green citron peel layered over lurking red berry fruits. Showing, beautifully in the mouth, pairing clear and delicate red fruit flavors with that savory accent from the nose Delicate tannins early on the palate fade gently into the fruit which shows good persistence.  Complex, delicate and nuanced, very Giulia Negri. Gregory Dal Piaz, April 2023

Oddero, Fratelli 1968 Barolo

Oddero, Fratelli 1970 Barolo

Oddero, Luigi 2015 Barolo Tradizionale

Nebbiolo. Soil Marl & Sandstone. Farming Sustainable. Oak Mixed New/Used French. Aged according to the traditional methods in big barrels in the oldest part of the winery, the walls have more than 300 years, the optimal level of humidity makes it a perfect place for the conservation of the wine and for long aging.

Porro, Guido 1971 Barolo

Produttori del Barbaresco 1975 Barbaresco

Brambly black cherry with undertones of black raisin and sweet dirt. Quite developed with secondary/tertiary notes of hoisin, dried mushroom, and dried meat. After 40 years, it still has plenty of structure and only started to reveal itself after being double-decanted eight hours earlier (1/17/17)! Jonas Mendoza

Produttori del Barbaresco 1976 Barbaresco

Produttori del Barbaresco 1980 Barbaresco

Produttori del Barbaresco 1984 Barbaresco

Produttori del Barbaresco 1987 Barbaresco

Prunotto 1985 Dolcetto Monsecco

Prunotto 1987 Barolo Cannubi

Prunotto 1996 Barolo Bussia 1.5 L

Ratti 1986 Barolo Marcenasco Rocche

Rinaldi, Francesco 1967 Barolo

Rinaldi, Francesco 1970 Barbaresco

Rosso, Gigi 1982 Barolo Arione (damaged labels)

Rovero 2019 Brachetto d'Asti

Brachetto grape. Organic certified ICEA. Just after being hand harvested in September, the grapes are selected prior to crushing and they cold steeping for 7 days. Then grapes are gently pressed and they must be clarified and filtered several times. The grape juice obtained is kept in refrigerated tanks until it is processed in the autoclave, to obtain a sparkling wine by means of a controlled temperature fermentation, using selected yeasts. The wine-making technique is the same for all Brachetto wines, even if each of them has individual features due to the different original vineyard of origin.

San Silvestro 2008 Barolo Patres

Sandri, Elio (Cascina Disa) 2020 Barbera d'Alba

Sandri’s Barbera always shows some of the gravitas and depth that his Nebbiolo-based wines carry so gracefully; the 2020 is made friendly with blackberry fruit, delicate rose petal, and a hint of baking spice. Drinkable now, or over the next 10 years. Jamie Wolff

Trediberri 2019 Barolo Berri

Trediberri 2019 Barolo Berri 1.5 L

Vallana 1954 Spanna Riserva Tre Torre di Traversagna

Vallana 1954 Spanna Riserva Tre Castello di Montalbano

Vallana 1964 Spanna Cinque Castelli

Villa Guelpa 2019 Boca

90% Nebbiolo, 10% Vespolina, grown on volcanic, porphyry-rich soil; this is the first year that Villa Guelpa has bottled the wine, from less than an acre of 20 year-old vines. With 15 days of maceration, the wine brilliantly shows off the change of soils, producing a considerably more structured and deeper wine in comparison to the Sizzano. It's got great lift (and modest 13 alcohol) and is heady with classic Nebbiolo aromatics. This must be the most elegant Boca I can recall, with beautiful red fruit and lovely saline minerality, great balance and length. Another stellar wine from Villa Guelpa! Jamie Wolff

Villa Guelpa 2019 Sizzano

70% Nebbiolo with 30% Vespolina (a relation or descendent of Nebbiolo which brings amplified red fruit and spicy / peppery notes to the blend). The soils are allluvial, with  large pepples; the vines are 25-40 years old. Grapes are organic, and fermentation is with indigenous yeasts; 12 days of maceration is followed by aging for 24 months in older 20HL Slavoinian botte. This yields a high-toned vibrant wine, with white pepper (from the Vespolina) and red berries, a hint of orange zest and rose - an elegant, complex, and delicious wine. Jamie Wolff

Capannelle 25th Anniversary Special Cuvee

Castello di Verrazzano 1969 Chianti Classio Riserva

Dinner - Chianti Classico with Jeff Porter 6pm, March 7th at Misi

Last year we took over the pasta room at Misi with a big group, and we had a wonderful dinner, so we know that this meal will be a rare treat - great food and great wines, including Chianti Classico from Cigliano di Sopra, le Cinciole, i Fabbri, Fontodi, Istine, Monte Bernardi, and several more. $250 all-in, plus Jeff Porter in the hot seat!

Fornacina 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

100% Sangionese. The grapes are harvested in the fall, between September and October, once they have reached optimal ripeness.  At the winery, grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures. The seeds and skins are then left in contact with the juice for an extended period of maceration; with periodic pump-overs. Following malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels for a period of 36 months.  Once bottled, the wine is left to further aged and is released to the market on the 6th year after harvest.

Fornacina 2017 Brunello di Montalcino

Fornacina 2020 Rosso di Montalcino

Sangiovese grape. The Rosso di Montalcino della Fornacina comes from a classic vinification of Sangiovese; aged, as per tradition, in wood for 12 months and then left to rest in the bottle before being marketed.

Fuoristrada (Monte Bernardi) NV Sangiovese TetraPak Liter 1L

I Fabbri 2019 Chianti Classico Terra di Lamole

Sangiovese 90%, Canaiolo 10%. Old vineyards cultivated at 550 mts. Handcraft harvest. Stainless steel containers. Carried out partly in tanks and partly in 500 liter French oak barrels from the central massif of second and third passage.

Istine 2020 Chianti Classico

Sangiovese grape. Soil: Limestone and Alberese. Altitude: 500 m. Age of Vines: 10-30 years old. Yeast: indigenous. Skin maceration: 15 days. Fermentation vessel: stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation: yes. Aging: 12 months Slavonian oak. Production: 23,000 bottles per year.

le Cinciole 2017 Chianti Classico

Lecci e Brocchi 2014 Chianti Classico Riserva 1.5 L

90% Sangiovese / 10% Black Canaiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon. Practicing organic with certification underway. Soil red galestro. Exposure S,SW,W. manual harvest. Ambient yeast. Fermentation basket pressed to stainless steel tank / fermentation over 10-15 days / maceration of about 20 days. Maturation cement tank and French oak barrels for 12 months.

Lecci e Brocchi 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva

The Chianti Classico Riserva is graced with the image of il Chiorba (the baldy) – the founder of the Lecci e Brocchi farm. The wine ages for two years in botte (large older wood barrels). It’s very aromatic, with herbs and stone over a core of dark fruit. Structured and showing some ripe tannins, it’s full-bodied by still graceful and vibrant, with a long and juicy finish. An impressieve Riserva, this will continue to develop for years to come. Jamie Wolff

Lecci e Brocchi 2019 Chianti Classico

The Chianti Classico 2019 (Sangiovese + 10% Canaiolo and Colorino) was aged in cement tanks (nothing fancy, they date to the 1960s), and it’s a very pure and transparent wine, more on the savory and mineral side. After a little time in the glass the aromatics really develop; the wine is fairly rich and full-bodied, lifted by brambly bright fruit. It’s a great value, and IMHO this could serve as a textbook example of fine young Chianti Classico. Jamie Wolff

Lecci e Brocchi 2019 Chianti Classico Ragonaia

Ragonaia is a single-vineyard, 100% Sangiovese Chianti Classico, aged in used French barriques and tonneau; the wood aging brings some richness of texture and an elegance to the wine. Also very savory and mineral, it’s quite full-bodied, with pronounced red fruit on the long finish. Perhaps the most contemporary / least rustic in style of the Lecci wines, it’s still a treat for anyone partial to Sangiovese. Jamie Wolff

Monte Bernardi 2017 Colli Della Toscana Centrale IGT Tzingana

I am fascinated by Sangiovese, a complicated wine topic that deserves more time that I can devote, which is partly why I can’t pretend that I’m very interested in Super Tuscans that are Bordeaux blends. Life’s too short… However, we do always stock the Tzingana – out of love and respect for everything from Monte Bernardi, but also with pride because the wine is great – a quality : price challenge to the much more famous and grossly more expensive Super Tuscans. Tzingana hits classic Medoc aromatic and flavor markers, but devotees are unlikely to mistake it for Saint Julien because of the unmistakable Tuscan notes of herbs (rosemary, thyme) and flinty stoniness from galestro soils that are unique to Panzano. All-in, an excellent pair with holiday roasts. If you’ve enjoyed the famous Super Tuscans, you should really try Tzingana! Jamie Wolff

Monte Bernardi 2018 Chianti Classico Riserva

Another fantastic vintage of this staple red from Monte Bernardi. 95% Sangiovese with 5% of Canaiolo Nero from estate vines in Panzano, Chianti. Wine is fermented naturally in oak and stainless steel before aging 18-24 months in oak. The nose is very fragrant, with notes of warm blueberry preserve, balsamic and freshly baked pie crust. Above those deep aromas, there are fresh red cherries and woodsy forest shrubs. On the palate, there are flavors black cherry, milled coffee beans, and a very lovely note of candied blackberry. The wine has a long finish of herbs and spice. Structure-wise, this Chianti has high acidity and healthy tannin. An incredible wine! 

Pian delle Querci 2020 Rosso di Montalcino

Sangiovese grape. This Rosso di Montalcino was aged in old Slavonian casks for just under a year before bottling. The Pian delle Querci winery is a small property located in the village of Montalcino. They have a mere 2 ha of vines dedicated to making this fine Tuscan red wine.

Ruffino 1965 Chianti Il Magnifico

Ruffino 1965 Chianti Vecchio Gran Sigillo

Ruffino 1980 Chianti

Saracosa 2018 Toscana Governo 1.5 L

Val delle Corti 2017 Chianti

95% Sangiovese grapes and 5% Canaiolo. The high amount of limestone within the soil along with the higher elevation and hands-on farming style creates a purely expressive form of Chianti. “From the earth, we came, to the earth we will return“. This is the motto of the Val delle Corti vineyards located in the commune of Radda within Chianti, Tuscany. The motto is a symbol of the winery’s connection to the earth in regards to their farming practices. They are certified organic with practices of biodynamic farming.

Vecchie Terre di Montefili 2019 Chianti Classico

Sangiovese grape. Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel. Aging: 15 months in botti (large casks). Bottle Aging: 6 months. Vineyard Age: Planted in the late '90s. Soil: clay. Altitude: 350 - 500m asl.

Villa Calcinaia 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione la Fornace

2021 Casebianco

Bera 2021 Moscato d'Asti Canelli

Bricco Ernesto 2020 Vino Bianco (Arneis - Roero)

Arneis. 0.6 hectareas only 0.3 in use. Soil sand 70% limestone 20% clay 10%. 4 days maceration. Indigenous yeast. Fermentation: amphora 50% large barrels 50%. Aged for 9 months in the same containers before resting in bottle for 3 aditional months.

Burlotto 2021 Langhe Bianco Dives Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon blanc grape. Fermentation: In steel tanks under controlled atmosphere. some of the crush by foot, fermenting the wine in upright wooden vats, using indigenous yeast and little temperature control. Refinement: 6 months in steel on the lees.

Cardedu 2021 Vermentino di Sardegna Nuo

Vermentino grape. Cardedu's Sergio Loi grows low-intervention wines on schist and granite cliffs on the rugged southeast coast of Sardinia.

Casaretti 2020 Veneto Bianco Brol di Calmasino

This wine is mostly Garganega, plus 10% Cortese, from organically tended vines on the shores of Lake Garda in the Veneto There is a five day maceration on the skins before a soft pressing. Fermented naturally in 500L tonneau barrel. The wine is aged for eight months in tonneau and concrete with occasional battonage. Three more months in bottle before release. The color is a fresh lemon hue in the glass with flecks of silver. The nose is herbaceous and savory, showing cured citrus peel, lean apricot, and salinity. The palate is also especially salty, with incredible briskness, and the crisp flavor of orchard fruit and lemon. David Hatzopoulos

Denavolo 2021 Vino Bianco Catavela

Fattoria Di Vaira 2021 Molise Vincenzo Bianco (Trebbiano/Falanghina)

From a humble farm in Molise, this is a pleasant and mellow skin contact wine, made from Falanghina and Trebbiano. A bright yellow/orange hue in the glass, subtle tannins and the sensation of light grip and fleshiness. This a great candidate with food, grilled fish, sardines, and salty Italian-inspired/Mediterranean dishes. It's also great on it's own or with simple snacks. A fantastic deal and a great intro to the world of "orange wines."

Foradori 2022 IGT Vignetti delle Dolomiti Fontanasanta Manzoni Bianco

Fuoristrada (Monte Bernardi) NV Bianco (Verdicchio) TetraPak Liter 1L

I Fabbri 2021 VDT Bianco Casole

La Marca di San Michele 2016 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC Classico Riserva 'Passolento'

'PassoLento' is the top white from La Marca di San Michele. Unlike the Capovolta, which is fermented and aged in stainless steel, the Passolento is fermented in large oak barrels, and aged on the less for 1 year in barrel, then aged an additional year in bottle before release. This barrel fermentation and longer lees aging give a level of complexity and textural depth that compliments the typical almond, white flower, and green herb notes. There is a Chablis-like length and subtle viscosity in the mid-palate, with a hint of lemon, and impressive mineral structure in the finish. This wine is drinking beautifully now, and continues to evolve over several days in the bottle. Tasting on day three, there was still plenty of energy and harmony between the acidity, fruit and texture of the wine. Possibly the finest recommendation for the wine is the fact that the winemakers asked if they could buy back the inventory of the 2016 Riserva from Kermit Lynch Imports because of how good it was tasting when they recently visited the US!

La Marca di San Michele 2019 Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi DOC Superiore Capovolta

This wine is fresh and bright but has gained complexity with age to the point where it is competing with some of Italy’s best white wines. Aromatically fine and layered, with typical almond, a hint of white flowers, tarragon, fennel, and other green herbs it’s fairly full-bodied and shows no heat (at 13 degrees alcohol); the pleasing vinosity and richness is carried by quite pronounced saline mineralilty and lively hints of fresh lime. All in all this is a perfect moment for this lovely wine. Jamie WolffA truly fantastic wine. On the nose, there is a fresh nuttiness, accented by plush herbs, white blossoms, clementines and apricot. Flavors are generous, and the mouthfeel defies the wine's age. Lemons, orange pith, and zingy white minerals cling to an awesome, filling structure. Great acidity and a little tannin - you lick your gums after you sip it. Powerful wine, and an absolute stand-out at this price point.

La Visciola 2017 Passerina del Frusinate IGT Donna Rosa

Donna Rosa is a biodynamic Passerina del Frusinate IGT white wine. Produced in La Visciola family winery located in Lazio, central Italy, this wine is the result of the recovery of the Passerina del Frusinate autochthone grape variety, naturally grown and then made into wine. The attention to nature and traditional production gift us this excellent wine, genuine and with a character like Donna Rosa, the owner of the winery from which it gets the name. indigenious white varietals.

Lombardo, Giordano 2021 Gavi di Gavi Vigna San Martino

The Lombardo Gavi is a staple at Chambers. The 2020 has bright fruit of apricot and lemon, zesty minerality, and a medium mouthfeel. Even though there is a bit of weight on the palate, the wine also shows a touch of effervescence. A great bottle for anyone looking for a wine with ripe yellow fruits and a dynamic texture. 

Mirabella NV Marsala Stravecchio Vergine Soleras

Mongioia 2016 Moscato d'Asti Crivella

Crivella is made with fruit from Riccardo Bianco’s oldest vines, including some planted in the mid 1800s by Riccardo’s great-great-something grandfather; such old vines are extremely rare, and while they produce very little fruit, it’s impossible for Riccardo to even think about replacing them. At a tasting in the shop a customer said, “Like Sauternes with bubbles!” which was a lovely way to describe the wine and its rich and unctuous character. made lively with fizz, and crisp with balancing acidity. A great match with cheese or not-so-sweet desserts, like panetone, or fruit pies. While there’s no botrytis, Crivella is much more complex and detailed than all but the very best Sauternes. I’ve certainly never tasted anything like it — a stunning wine.  Jamie Wolff

Occhipinti 2022 IGT Sicilia SP 68 Bianco

Pianogrillo 2021 Terre Siciliane Grecanico

Grecacino grape. Soil: Limestone marl (calcareous clay-based soil), 300 metres above sea level. Maturation: 6 months in steel.

Sara, Marco 2021 Friuli Colli Orientale Friulano

Friuliano grape. Vinified and aged in steel.

Sara, Marco 2021 Friuli Colli Orientale Ribolla Gialla

Terre di Marca (Corvezzo) NV Terre di Marca Bio Prosecco

Vignato 2019 Gambellara Classico El Gian

If you love Soave, this is the wine for you without paying the premium of the famous place name! Located about a 15 minute drive from Soave are the volcanic hills of Gambellara. Davide Vignato was the first winemaker to be certified organic and practicing biodynamic in this DOC.  Made from 100% Garganega, the same grape as Soave, "El Gian" is named after the winemaker’s father who planted the vines 25 years ago in these rolling hills using the traditional pergola system. The wine is made in stainless steel tanks and rests on the lees for five months before being bottled. Straw yellow in color, it has both fruity and floral aromas, good minerality and acidity, and is savory with a hint of spice and citrus. Perfect with a meaty white fish, chicken or even a quiche at brunch!

Capcanes, Celler de 2021 Montsant Peraj Petita - (Kosher for Passover)

Celler de Capcanes creates a line of high-quality, terroir-driven Kosher from their old-vine Monsant vineyards. The Peraj Petita blend is 45% Garnacha, 20% Tempranillo, 20% Merlot, 15% Syrah, aged party in steel and then for 10 months in a combination of French and American oak. This wine is elaborated following Jewish Law and under the supervision of the prestigious Rabbinate OU from the USA and Kosher Federation of London in close collaboration with local Rabbis of Chabad Lubavitch. It is Kosher for passover and not mevushal.

Celler de Capçanes 2017 Montsant Flor del Flor Samso

Carignan grape . This is a single-variety Samsó wine. La Flor del Flor de Primavera Samsó comes from 4 plots of vines aged between 85 and 105 years old. These are old vines planted in clay, granite and slate soils at an altitude of 240-480 metres above sea level. The harvest is manual in 20 kg boxes. In the winery, the La Flor del Flor de Primavera Samsó grapes ferment with native yeasts at controlled temperatures and macerate for 24 days in stainless steel tanks. Aging takes place in new or one-year-old French barrels and, after the coupage has been made, the wine stays in stainless steel tanks for 3 months before being bottled.

Elvi Wines 2019 Alella 'Herenza' - (Kosher for Passover)

60% Pansa Blanca, 40% Sauvignon Blanc.. Kosher for Passover. Not Mevushal.

Batardiere 2021 Anjou Clos des Cocus

Batardiere 2021 Anjou L'Esprit Libre

Batardiere 2021 Vin de France Amor Fati (Grolleau)

Batardiere 2021 Vin de France Les Noels de Montbenault

Bonhomme, Pierre-Olivier 2021 Vin de France Le Telquel

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

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

Boulay, Gérard 2022 Sancerre Chavignol

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

Chateau Favray 2019 Pouilly-Fumé "Tonnerre"

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

Chateau Favray 2021 Pouilly-Fumé

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

Chevalerie 2014 Bourgueil Bretêche

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

Chevalerie 2014 Bourgueil Peu Muleau

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

Chevalerie 2015 Bourgueil Bretêche

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

Chevalerie 2015 Bourgueil Les Galichets

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

Chevalerie 2018 Bourgueil Cuvée Chevalerie

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

Chevalerie 2019 Bourgueil Diptyque "Franco de Port"

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

Chevalerie 2019 Bourgueil Noms D'Oiseaux

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

Chevalerie NV Vin de France Bulle de Fort

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

Clos Rougeard 1996 Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg

Clos Rougeard 1997 Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg

Clos Rougeard 2000 Saumur-Champigny Le Bourg

Crochet, Lucien 2022 Sancerre Pinot Noir Rosé

Dauny 2022 Sancerre Les Caillottes

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

Delrieu-Ducleux 20212 Vin de France Le Jeau Rouge

Domaine de Reuilly 2021 Reuilly Les Pièrres Plates

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

Filliatreau 2018 Saumur Champigny Vieilles Vignes

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

Foucher Lebrun 2022 Touraine Sauvignon Blanc

Gerard Marula 2020 VdF Les Gruches

Gerard Marula 2021 VdF Baconnelle

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

Guion 2018 Bourgueil Cuvée Prestige

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

Guion 2020 Bourgueil Cuvée Candide

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

Guion 2020 Bourgueil Rosé

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

La Croix Saint-Laurent 2021 Sancerre Caillottes

Lambert, Patrick 2021 Chinon Les Deuzelles

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

Lambert, Patrick 2021 Chinon Rosé

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

Landron, Jo 2020 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Les Houx

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

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

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

Lunotte (Christophe Foucher) 2019 Vin de France Les Rossignoux

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

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

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

Lunotte 2021 Vin de France Printemps Rosé

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

Orfeuilles 2019 Vouvray "Les Coudraies"

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

Orfeuilles NV Touraine Brut Rosé

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

Orfeuilles NV Vouvray Brut "Atemporelle"

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

Pépière 2021 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine s Lie La Pépie

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

Pépière 2019 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Cru Château Thébaud

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

Pépière 2021 Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Les Gras Moutons

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

Pinon, François & Julien 2018 Vouvray Brut Non-Dosé

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

Raffault, Olga 2022 Chinon Rosé

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

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

Roches Neuves 2020 Saumur-Champigny Domaine

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

Source du Ruault 2020 Saumur-Champigny Rouge

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

Tue-Boeuf 2022 Vin de France Vin Blanc

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