$25 - $50 Wine

Jean Foillard is at the pinnacle of Beaujolais winemakers! Serve Chilled to 64º or about 20 minutes in the fridge!

Expert Review

Tom Wolf writes:  For this over-delivering Beaujolais-Villages, Jean sources organic grapes from excellent parcels around his village of Villié-Morgon as well as Lancié, Saint-Amour, and Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne, and ages the wine through an extended élevage more akin to that of his renowned Morgons than to other regional bottlings. Accordingly, the wine evolves slowly, becoming more poised and complete. Evoking pomegranate, rhubarb, and black tea, the result is a beautiful initiation to Jean’s house style, distinguished by a mesmerizing tension between depth, density, silkiness, and elegance.

Winemaker Notes

Foillard’s wine, with its sensuous notes of red fruit, mouthwatering acidity, and low alcohol, tastes as if he crafted it specifically for this bouchon table.

With a slight chill, this rouge, made with Gamay from parcels around Villié-Morgon, Lancié, Saint-Amour, and Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne, is as dreamy as the scene. 

"An equally fresh if less spicy nose freely offers up its aromas of apple, pear, white flower and a touch of orange peel. The mouthfeel of the medium weight flavors is also quite lovely while the lingering, balanced and equally dry finale is sufficiently tightly wound to repay a few years of keeping. This too is very good for its level." Burghound

The aromas of white flowers, peach, grilled almond and lemon peel dominate on a mineral-tinged background. The attack is full and warm on the palate with a lively and long lasting finish.

Expert Reviews

Georgina Hindle writes:  Wow, dark berries and violets on the nose, so sensuous, smells rich and round. Beautifully fresh on the palate, there is a real zing and burst of red fruit juiciness but also a lovely cooling freshness straight from the start. Almost has a blue fruit touch but there's strawberries, raspberries and red cherries too. Smooth tannins with a gently chalky grip that coat the mouth giving structure and body. So linear and straight yet also layered, nothing is too overt or in your face - precise and really elegant. I love this - gentle and well presented. Excellent. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Drinking 2024 - 2039  - Decanter 94

Jane Anson writes:  Chewy depth to the tannins, buoyed up by juice rippling through the red berry fruits. Gourmet and silky, a creamy texture through the mid palate with hints of subtle caramel and baked earth. Excellent.  - Vinous 92

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  The second wine of Château Haut-Bailly and based largely on Merlot, the 2019 Haut-Bailly II is a soft, seductive Graves with beautiful blue and black fruit as well as notes of chocolate, tobacco, and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, with delicious fruit and silky tannins, drink it on release and over the following 10-15 years.  Drinking 2020 - 2035  - Jeb Dunnuck 90-91

James Lawther MW writes:  Ripe and pure on the nose. Dark-fruit notes, the cassis more obvious as it opens. Medium bodied with a touch of sweetness on attack then crunchy fruit on the mid palate. Slight savoury edge then minerally and dry on the finish, the Graves imprint present.  Drinking 2025 - 2034  - Jancis Robinson 16.5

Neal Martin writes:  The 2019 Haut-Bailly II, the second wine of Haut-Bailly, has accentuated the sous-bois elements on the nose since bottling, now feeling quintessentially Pessac-Léognan and quite marine-influenced in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, taut and fresh, still a little piquant on the finish but with more precision than I recall. This is very impressive. Excellent.  - Vinous 93

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2019 Haut-Bailly II is much more elegant and nuanced than it was from barrel, always a great thing to see. Silky tannins wrap around a core of bright red berry, spice, tobacco, cedar and mint in this gracious, mid-weight second wine from the estate. The 2019 will surely improve in bottle, but it is pretty enticing today.  Drinking 2024 - 2039  - Vinous 93

William Kelley writes:  The 2019 Haut-Bailly II exhibits aromas of rich berry fruit, cassis, cigar wrapper and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and polished, with a ripe core of fruit and plenty of rich, powdery tannin, it's a Merlot-dominated blend that was composed at the moment of assemblage (as opposed to a selection of dedicated plots).  Drinking 2023 -2045  - Robert Parker 90

Winemaker Description

Expert Reviews

92 Points Wine Spectator | This elegant red shows lovely balance and accessibility, offering fine-grained tannins enmeshed with flavors of ripe black raspberry, plum, crushed pine and milled pepper, plus a lively touch of mandarin orange peel. Lingering and lightly chewy on the finish. Garnacha, Samso, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now through 2032. (2022). 

Josh Raynolds writes:  Shimmering violet. Vibrant blackberry, cherry and floral aromas are complemented by hints of licorice and succulent herbs. Concentrated bitter cherry and dark berry preserve flavors stretch out and turn livelier with air. Gently gripping tannins give shape and focus to a long, spicy finish that shows very good clarity and repeating florality.  Drinking 2022 to 2028.  - Vinous 92

Alison Napjus writes:  This elegant red shows lovely balance and accessibility, offering fine-grained tannins enmeshed with flavors of ripe black raspberry, plum, crushed pine and milled pepper, plus a lively touch of mandarin orange peel. Lingering and lightly chewy on the finish. Garnacha, Samsó, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Drink now through 2032.   - Wine Spectator 92

Zekun Shuai writes:  Hints of stewed herbs to the nicely baked cherries, strawberries and some hibiscus and dark spices. Fruity, medium-bodied on the palate with fine-grained tannins and a fresh, medium-long finish. Drink now.  - James Suckling 91

Alain Chavy produces restrained, structured, and long-lived white Burgundies from 17 acres of vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet, with small holdings in the neighboring villages of Chassagne and Meursault. Alain established Domaine Alain Chavy in 2003 with vineyards inherited from his father and includes some of Puligny's top premier crus. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

This is a beautifully complex wine with elegant fruit and structure. Classic Pinot Noir aromas and flavors of dark fruit – black raspberry, marionberry, blueberry and ripe dark cherry – are joined by accents of black tea, clove, vanilla, toast, orange zest and forest floor. Supple tannins and bright acidity on the palate lead to a coating finish with lingering spiciness.

Expert Ratings

The last remaining example of appellation Vermouth di Torino to comply with all of the classical requirements, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino has been produced since 1891. Cocchi uses estate Moscato as the wine base, and vibrant, spicy botanicals such as cocoa, citrus, ginger, and rhubarb.

In contrast with other popular Italian vermouths, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino retains wines of Piedmont as the base and avoids a heavy sheen of vanilla or caramel that clashes with other cocktail ingredients. Delicious when poured on ice and a small lemon zest, but also an essential base for the creation of the most classic cocktails from Negroni to Manhattan. Cocchi has produced wine-based aperitifs and traditional Piemontese sparkling wines since 1891.

Giulio Cocchi was a young and creative pastry chef from Florence, where he worked in a popular bar located in Piazza del Duomo. In the late nineteenth century he moved to Asti, a small but lively town in northwest Italy, not far from Torino, and established himself as a distiller and winemaker.

Winemaker Description

Showcasing the traditional winemaking techniques that are the hallmarks of Cristom's house style - whole-cluster fermentations by native yeast, extended aging in French oak barrels, and no filtration - Cristom's flagship Pinot Noir offers tremendous complexity of flavor, approachability in its youth, and unparalleled value

Expert Reviews

94 Points James Suckling | A lively, precise and well-composed pinot with notes of sour cherries, red currants, crushed roses and mild spices on the nose, followed through to a medium body with bright acidity. It’s crisp and spot-on, with succulent wild berries at the center and verve throughout. (2022).  

Winemaker Description

Mineral driven, elegant and refreshing. Inviting floral aromas with bright, clean citrus flavors on the palate. 

Winemaker Description

The delicious Tavel Rosé Tete de Cuvée is the first wine ever made by historic Rhone Valley winery Chateau de Manissy. It's a biodynamic barrel-aged dry Fench rosé made from Grenache, Clairette and Cinsault grapes. Rich and complex with aromas of ripe quince, dried orange, hints of almond and exotic spice.

A gorgeous Tavel and one of those rosé wines that is built for short-term aging.  The palate is silky yet full with luxurious red currant, cherry and mineral notes that cascade over the palate. A wine to serve with just about anything. Grilled tuna steaks, white meats, barbecue, ceviche. It's all good.

Expert Review

Joe Czerwiński writes:  Aged in oak foudres of 25 hectoliters, the 2022 Tavel Tete de Cuvee is in some ways the most traditional of the Tavels on offer at this impeccably run estate, eschewing stainless steel and leaving out Syrah in favor of Grenache, Cinsault and Clairette. A light ruby in hue, it does show hints of pencil shavings on the nose, alongside more classic notes of red currants, tangerines and a touch of garrigue. It's full-bodied yet not overly expansive, with the wood seemingly helping to provide structure and length.  Drinking 2023 - 2025.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92+

Winemaker Description

It is a delicious and supple wine, synonymous with sharing and conviviality, adapting perfectly to meat dishes in sauces or more simply grilled. Its aromas make it a Châteauneuf-du-Pape accessible to many tasters, from beginners to the most experienced. 

Expert Review

Nicolas Greinacher writes:  Ripe red fruits, dried herbs and a pinch of white pepper introduce the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is pale, ruby-colored, medium to full-bodied and concentrated. Inviting and round, this 2021 red is neatly balanced by refreshing acidity and closes with a bright finish.  Drinking 2024 - 2033. - Vinous 90

Winemaker Description

Pretty but concentrated aromas of rose petal, dark cherries, cocoa, anise and cardamom. Sweet cherry and plum entry with a zesty mid palate reminiscent of baking spices, leading into an elegant, lingering finish.

The richness of this wine pairs well with meats such as lamb, duck, and stewed curries, as well as artisanal cheeses and wild mushrooms.

Expert Ratings

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Juicy, tangy and savory in cedar, black tea and rhubarb, this is an expressive, exuberant red wine that is earthy and lightly spicy. Firm tannin's provide a structural foundation beneath light bodied ripeness and persistent acidity. (2021). 

James Suckling 92 Points | A fresh, medium-bodied pinot noir. Fruity and floral with notes of currants and fresh berries. Some dark wood. Mellow on the mouth with a clean finish. Firm and linear, too. Drink now. (2021). 

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Dried cherry and berry flavors dominate this fleshy version. Savory spice notes emerge midpalate, with a finish of dried meat and underbrush. (2021).

Winemaker Description 

Classic Provençal rosé with delightful tree-fruit and citrus notes (peach, nectarine, grapefruit) and a crisp finish. Structured and complex, with citrus and red fruit on the palate.

Winemaker Description

Organically farmed and fermented in small batched, mimicking Burgundy in style. Small production, and focused on showcasing local terroir.  

This bottling takes a step up in concentration from the Stafford Hill cuvée, while retaining a comparable style. Pretty black raspberry and cherry fruit come in a well-balanced elegant frame, with medium length and body.

Winemaker Description

This vibrant Sauvignon Blanc offers an enticing medley of tropical and citrus aromas, including pineapple, lemon verbena, lime and guava. The palate is lush and lively, combining a silky texture and energetic acidity with fresh melon, citrus, and pineapple flavors framed by subtle minerality throughout a long, bright finish. 

Expert Review

James Suckling 91 Points | Lots of pear and apple puree with hints of flowers and citrus. Tropical fruit undertones. Medium to full body with melon and hints of pear. It is dense yet lively. Nicely framed. Sourced mostly from Napa and Sonoma with some Mendocino and Lake County. A blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon. Drink now. (2022). 

Winemaker Description

Vibrant and finesse-driven notes of framboise, rose petal, and wild flowers. Medium-bodied, supple, elegant and lively, with almost racy acidity, this graceful and finely built rosé is ideal for drinking over the coming summer months. 

Debra of 67Wine.com | Generous flavors of ripe stone fruits, lemon and red apple mingle with a vibrant acidity shining thru. A medium-bodied wine with structure and depth displaying purity as well as some complex notes nuttiness, integrated oak, white tea and a mouthwatering finish. Debra, California Chardonnay Wine Buyer

Alder Yarrow of Jancis Robinson 17.5/20 Points |  Pale gold. Smells of slightly resinous lemon peel and lemon curd. Bright lemon-peel and lemon-curd flavours mix with pink grapefruit and toasted bread. Wonderfully saline notes linger with lemon peel in the finish. Crystalline and gorgeous. 

Anna Lee C. Iijima of Decanter 95 Points |  Tasted at the beginning of 2023, a reductive quality was still obscuring bright, penetrating green apple and kiwi flavours with a smoky, earthen veil. Still, it's a gorgeously sleek, richly textured wine with a pulsating core of acidity and salty mineral intensity. 

James Suckling 94 Points | Lovely texture and density, showing dried apple, fresh ginger and pastry dough. Layered, with phenolic tension. Drink or hold. 

Antonio Galloni of Vinous 91 Points | The 2021 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is terrific. Citrus confit, white flowers, almond, chamomile and dried herbs all run through this super-expressive Chardonnay. There's a touch of phenolic intensity, along with a kiss of reduction, that add character. Almost all of this fruit is now estate. 

MaryAnn Worobiec of Wine Spectator 92 Points | Complex and seamless, there's plenty to admire in this white wine. Shows spiced, poached pear, dried apple, grilled lemon and fresh tangerine flavors that are juicy and generous, with details of sage, white pepper and toasted sesame seed on the finish. Drink now.

The wine has aromas of Meyer lemon peel and pith with hints of raw ginger, honey, and green apple all under a cloak of crushed white rock. The texture offers a restrained fleshiness on the mid-palate with a focused and bright saline finish. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Ratings 

Wine Enthusiast Points 93-95 Points | The combination of powerful tannins and equally generous black fruits is a fine harbinger for this wine's development. Big, bold and juicy with a dense structure, the wine is for longterm aging. (2020). 

Decanter 93 Points | Juicy, well balanced, plenty of personality, with enough juice through the mid palate to balance out the big tannins that are pretty inescapable in any wines of ambition in 2020. The finish closes in sharply, but this is an enjoyable wine from the Lorenzetti-owned Lilian Ladouys (and for me one of the clear leaders of the new Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel category). (2020). 

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Seemingly always terrific, the 2020 Chateau Lilian Ladouys shows the class of the vintage and has a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, yet silky, perfectly balanced style with tons to love. Darker fruits, damp earth, truffle, and beautiful spice-driven aromatics define this beauty, and while it's already accessible, I'm sure will evolve gracefully for 10-15 years. Best After 2023.

James Suckling 92 Points  | This is a young 2020 that is back ended with a serious finish of solid and polished tannins and plenty of juicy fruit. Medium body. Racy structured. Excellent length at the end. Try after 2025. (2020). 

Robert Parker 91+ Points | The 2020 Lilian Ladouys offers up aromas of cassis, licorice and a deft touch of creamy new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rather rich and broad palate framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. It's a touch more structured than the demonstrative 2019 and will require a little patience. Best after 2027. Rating: 91+

Winemaker Description

Sauvignon Blanc was the first white grape variety Cakebread planted in 1972 adjacent to the winery, and it's still thriving there today. Zesty citrus aromas and flavors and balanced acidity make this classic Sauvignon Blanc perfect for a multitude of dishes. 

Winemaker Description

Expert Review

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | There are times when we look to wine for a sense of challenge, its compatibility with a particular food and perhaps a particular mood. Although, sometimes we’re not always in a challenging state of mind, but rather in a mood that calls for something comforting and just plain delicious. May I present just such a wine, the 2020 Speri Valpolicella Ripasso, made from organically grown grapes. In the glass, the aroma brings forth a beautiful dark fruit bouquet with notes of chocolatey cappuccino and licorice vying for your attention. In the mouth, the wine glides effortlessly on the palate with velvety richness and smooth supple tannins, finishing long and elegantly.  Perfectly balanced without a trace of heaviness, this is a wine that provides pure hedonistic drinking pleasure without challenging us to decide if it's the right wine or not. A  great choice for meat or hearty pasta dishes.

Tasting Notes:  A deep intense ruby red color, with hints of red fruit, spices and cocoa on the nose. Warming and smooth on the palate, nicely balanced by rounded tannins.

This wine captures the typical Chablis character with steely minerality, focused citrus expression and firm acidity.

Serve as an aperitif or with oysters, seafood, snails, charcuterie, goat cheese, Gruyere cheese. Winemaker Description.

90 Points Decanter | Domaine Yvon Vocoret is a small family estate dating back to 1713. The label states 'Qualite, Noblesse, Respect du Terroir'. A generous Chablis in 2021 with fleshy notes of apple and pear fruit with a touch of peach adding more weight and ripeness. This is all kept fresh by a fine line of acidity. Clean, modern and juicy on the palate, this will appeal to both Chablis lovers and those who like a slightly richer style of Chardonnay. (2021).

Our Notes:

Debra, Italy White Wine Buyer: This Vermentino is a light to medium bodied wine with alluring aromas and flavors orchard fruit, tropical fruits and white flowers. A white wine bountiful in character, showing some complexity, earthiness , a vegetal note and a wonderful mouthfeel. This wine is vibrant, pure and clean, fermented in stainless steel. 

Critic Notes

Monica Larner writes:  Made with Vermentino, the 2022 Perlato del Bosco Bianco is a good value and the kind of wine you’ll want to pair with a fresh summer salad made with heirloom tomatoes and broadleaf basil. “The trick is maintaining the acidity,” Stefano Frascolla tells me. Despite the very hot vintage and some fruit heaviness, this wine offers a crisp profile with grapefruit, green apple, minerals and saltiness. Tua Rita has been working with Vermentino since the beginning.  Drinking 2024 to 2026.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

James Suckling writes:  A very complex and focused vermentino with sliced green melon, honey blossom, and lemons. Medium body. Bright acidity and crushed stone. Drink now.  - James Suckling 92

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A subtle, balanced version, evoking white peach, apple, earth and sage flavors, with lively acidity keeping this focused and long. A touch of white pepper graces the finish. Drink now.   - Wine Spectator

The old vines of Domaine Grand Romane are located on the highest part of the family vineyard, 400 m above sea level. Facing northwest, these hillsides dominated by upper Cretaceous sandstone limestone and sandy marl, offer power and concentration. 

On the nose there are aromas of black fruit (blackcurrant and black cherry) and red fruits (raspberry and redcurrant) stewed with a hint of vanilla which meet savory notes of thyme, laurel and black olives on the palate. Powerful tannins fill the mouth with notes of spicy licorice and pepper for a long and satisfying finish. An astonishing balance of complexity, power and elegance. 

One of the most balanced Jordan Chardonnays to date. Flavors of juicy citrus, Asian pear and lemon peel balance seamlessly with the subtle French oak notes. The cooler-climate vineyard sourcing this year brings even more lively acidity and purity of fruit on the palate—making this vintage especially food-friendly and cellar-worthy. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

A great example of unique style of the maison. The Sancerre is a perfectly balanced wine, elegant, perfumed, with great depth and flavor definition. A dry, mineral palate is the perfect frame for delicate aromas of white fruit, orchard flowers and a subtle smokiness. Unique, precise, chic, timeless and divinely good. Ideal as an aperitif and a delicious accompaniment to oysters, sashimi or white fish. 

Expert Rating

Rated 90 by Decanter for its elegant grassy citrus notes and creamy texture.

Expertly crafted by acclaimed winemaker Pascal Jolivet, this 2022 Sancerre Blanc is a true representation of the maison's unique style. With delicate aromas of white fruit, orchard flowers, and a subtle smokiness, this perfectly balanced wine boasts elegant, perfumed flavors and a dry, mineral palate. Enjoy it as an aperitif or pair it with oysters, sashimi, or white fish.

93 Points Wine Enthusiast | Aromas of toast and butter are greeted by flavors of sweet lemon, ripe pineapple and a finish of warming spices. This generous and energetic Chardonnay coats the palate through a persistent finish. (2022).

92 Points James Suckling | Graceful yet full-bodied, this lightly oaked wine gains more complexity with each sip. Aromas of pear syrup, almonds and light butter lead to nicely concentrated pears, golden apples and subtle oak spices. (2022). 

This is a graceful Chardonnay with fragrant aromas of ripe mango, honeydew melon and peach along with hints of key lime pie, apple and floral notes. This medium-bodied wine has a bright and flavorful mouthfeel full of fruit and a touch of creamy vanilla spice, leading to a lasting citrus and melon finish.

Try pairing this Chardonnay with grilled chicken with lemon aioli, grilled salmon with a cucumber, tomato and fresh dill salsa or roast chicken breast stued with spinach and feta cheese. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Rating

Robert Parker 94 Points | The 2016 Viña Cubillo Tinto Crianza was surprising, spectacular, elegant, clean and fresh like few vintages before. It was a superb year, with quality, quantity and freshness. It’s quite the opposite from the previous 2015, which was a much warmer and riper year. The 2016s have moderate alcohol and especially the perception of less ripeness (even though the alcohol is very similar). It feels very young, still quite primary. Mercedes explained, "Cubillas, a 24-hectare plot, is a vineyard that could produce Gran Reserva wines. It’s a very good vineyard, but we would miss the Crianza in our range". In fact, the comment was that this vintage is even a challenge for the Viña Tondonia red "because of its price." It is indeed a bargain. "But it doesn’t have the finesse of Tondonia," concluded María José. Anyway, it’s super tasty. 92,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2022. (2016). 

Winemaker Description

Pale gold in color, Le Finage Chablis is fairly discreet on the nose at first, revealing notes of sweet spices (vanilla). After opening, more fruity aromas appear (pear juice) with slight vegetal and lemon hints. The palate is fresh with well-balanced acidity. The whole is simple and rich with great energy.

Drink as an aperitif or with a platter of fine charcuterie.

Expert Review

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | Delicately fragrant with lemon verbena and pithy lemons, accompanied by hints of baby’s breath and fresh almonds. The palate reveals additional layers of broken seashell, lemongrass and white stone. An enjoyable wine with impressive length. (2020).

Expert Reviews

Lettie Teague writes:  This terrifically bright and tangy but also rather generously proportioned wine was sourced from several organically farmed sites. 

 -Wall Street Journal

Neal Martin of Vinous writes 90 Points |  Plenty of appealing, ripe, sun-kissed fruit on the palate but with the acidity to keep in balance. Quite different from 2021 in style, will have wide appeal but perhaps less for Chablis purists.  Drinking 2024 to 2032

Andy Howard MW of Decanter writes | Plenty of appealing, ripe, sun-kissed fruit on the palate but with the acidity to keep in balance. Quite different from 2021 in style, will have wide appeal but perhaps less for Chablis purists.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes | This is also aromatically ripe and fresh with more citrus influence to the white orchard fruit, ocean breeze and quinine-scented nose. The plump, round and delicious medium weight flavors possess a finer mouthfeel while exhibiting slightly better depth and persistence on the nicely dry if not exactly crisp finale. This too should drink well young.