2371 products
Lucien Le Moine Chablis Chardonnay 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2023 750ml (Introductory Offer)
Premier Cru Chablis with remarkable depth, energy and mineral precision.
Lucien Le Moine Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2023 is a distinctive expression of Chardonnay from one of Chablis' most highly regarded Premier Cru vineyards. Situated southeast of the Grand Cru hill, Mont de Milieu enjoys excellent exposure and generous sunshine, producing wines that combine the unmistakable mineral character of Chablis with impressive richness and power.
The 2023 opens with an expressive and slightly exotic aromatic profile of white peach, citrus peel, jasmine tea and delicate floral notes. The palate is concentrated and beautifully textured, with excellent mid-palate density, vibrant freshness and a pronounced mineral backbone. Despite its richness, the wine remains precise and focused, leading into a long, balanced and distinctly bone-dry finish.
Powerful · Mineral · White Peach · Citrus · Floral · Bone-Dry
Lucien Le Moine is the small, highly regarded Burgundy house founded by Mounir and Rotem Saouma in Beaune. Working with carefully selected wines from exceptional vineyards throughout Burgundy, the domaine is known for long élevage, minimal intervention and an uncompromising approach designed to allow each vineyard and vintage to reveal its individual character.
Mont de Milieu's combination of warmth, limestone-rich Chablis terroir and Premier Cru pedigree gives this wine both immediate aromatic appeal and the structure to develop beautifully with time. An impressive Chablis for drinking alongside seafood, oysters, lobster, scallops, grilled fish, roast poultry and creamy cheeses.
Expert Rating
BURGHOUND 93 POINTS: There is a cool exoticism to the nose of jasmine tea, orange peel, white peach and just enough Chablis character to be persuasive. There is excellent volume and mid-palate density to the solidly powerful and sappy medium-bodied flavors that conclude in a bone-dry, long and balanced finale. This also needs to develop better depth but given the potential aging curve, that should not be an issue. 91-93
Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: Burgundy, France
Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru
Vineyard: Mont de Milieu
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml
Condado de Haza Crianza Ribera del Duero 2022 750ml
Another classic expression from Bodegas Alejandro Fernández, Condado de Haza delivers richness and structure while maintaining freshness. Aromas of ripe blackberries and plums are layered with notes of tobacco, vanilla, cedar, and spice. The palate is full-bodied and generous, with firm tannins and a long, savory finish. A natural pairing for roasted lamb, braised beef, grilled sausages, or Manchego cheese. - Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer
Rich, polished and classically Ribera del Duero. Condado de Haza Crianza 2022 is made from 100% Tempranillo and offers a beautifully balanced combination of ripe dark fruit, savory spice, gentle tannins and well-integrated American oak.
The wine opens with aromas of ripe blackberry, plum and red berry fruit layered with notes of licorice, black pepper, vanilla, toast and subtle roasted coffee. On the palate, it is fleshy and silky, with fresh acidity, smooth tannins and a generous core of dark fruit leading into a long, elegant finish.
The 2022 vintage was aged for 14 months in American oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging before release. The oak brings warmth, spice and complexity while preserving the freshness and fruit-driven character of the Tempranillo.
About Condado de Haza
Condado de Haza is part of Familia Fernández Rivera, the renowned winemaking family behind Tinto Pesquera. The estate is located along the banks of the Duero River and works with its own Tempranillo vineyards in the heart of Ribera del Duero.
The vineyards sit at approximately 800 meters in elevation, where the region's dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts help preserve freshness while encouraging full phenolic ripeness. The result is a classic Ribera style combining concentration, structure and elegance.
Tasting Notes
- Grape: 100% Tempranillo
- Region: Ribera del Duero, Spain
- Aging: 14 months in American oak, followed by bottle aging
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Style: Full-bodied, silky, structured and balanced
- Flavors: Blackberry, plum, red berries, licorice, black pepper, vanilla, toast and coffee
Food Pairing
A natural partner for roasted lamb, braised beef, grilled steak, roast pork and hearty rice dishes. It also pairs beautifully with grilled sausages, Manchego and other aged Spanish cheeses.
Louis Jadot Steel Chardonnay 2024 750ml
Unoaked and unapologetic, Steel Chardonnay is Louis Jadot's love letter to the pure, mineral soul of Burgundy. Citrus, mandarin orange, white flower, pear, and crisp apple lead on the nose, while the palate delivers a surprisingly concentrated balance — delicate yet rich, with flinty chalk-and-limestone minerality running clean through the finish.
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Burgundy, France
Vintage: 2024
Format: 750ml
For nearly 200 years, Maison Louis Jadot has championed Burgundy's viticultural heritage across hundreds of carefully tended parcels. Steel Chardonnay is vinified entirely in stainless steel — no oak, no malolactic fermentation — to let the minerality of Mâconnais chalk and limestone soils speak without interruption. The result is a wine that is fresh, food-friendly, and effortlessly elegant.
Far Mountain Myrna Chardonnay Sonoma 2019 750ml
A Sonoma Chardonnay of quiet authority. Myrna opens with bright notes of white peach, toasted hazelnut, and Meyer lemon zest, before settling into a creamy mid-palate threaded with vanilla and fresh oak. The finish is focused and clean — a wine that earns its scores without announcing them.
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Sonoma County, California, USA
Vintage: 2019
Format: 750ml
Far Mountain Winery is a small-production estate tucked into the hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with fruit sourced from select Sonoma vineyards. Winemaker Tom Rice brings a minimalist touch to every bottle — native yeast fermentation, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to letting the vineyard speak for itself. Myrna is their flagship Chardonnay, named in tribute to a beloved mentor, and it shows the kind of personal investment that only small, passionate producers can deliver.
Vincent Paris Cornas Granit 30 2024 750ml
For those looking to experience the Vincent Paris style at a lower price point, Granit 30 is another exceptional find.
Named for the approximately 30-degree slopes on which its Syrah grows, Granit 30 offers a beautifully expressive introduction to Paris' Cornas: dark fruit, pepper, mineral character and the unmistakable granitic personality of the appellation.
It delivers the combination that makes Vincent Paris so compelling — Cornas intensity without heaviness, plenty of Northern Rhône character, and remarkable freshness and precision.
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024
96 Points James Suckling: A profound nose of cherries, crushed raspberries, roasted meat, cigar box, black pepper, warm spices and some bark and leather. Medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. Expansive and spherical. Ample but refined in texture, with perfectly integrated structure at the edges and a vibrant, focused midpalate showing a bright, stony and peppery dimension. Quite spectacular for the vintage, with a very long, flinty finish. Drink or hold.
96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: Brilliant aromatics of blue fruits, fig, blood orange, pepper, and violet notes emerge from the medium-bodied 2024 Cornas La Geynale, which has a concentrated mouthfeel, building, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This reminds me of a great vintage of Clape Cornas! It sees a lot more stems and comes from the oldest vines of the estate, and it's going to need 4-5 years of bottle age. It's up there with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Barrel Sample: 94-96
95 Points Vinous: The 2024 Cornas La Geynale hails from the glass with intense peppercorn, crushed rocks, fleshy tones and precisely ripe blackberry. Dried violets and earthy tones add more aromatic layers. Built like a skyscraper, the 2024 is a serious La Geynale in the making, lifting the finish with stupendous vitality. I can't wait to taste it once it's bottled. Barrel Sample: 93-95
Granit 30 is Vincent Paris’ vibrant, approachable expression of Cornas, produced from relatively young Syrah vines planted at both the lower and upper reaches of the appellation, from approximately 100 to 400 meters in elevation. The fruit comes in part from the Patou sector, where vines grow in decomposed granite soils at the base of the hillside, giving the wine freshness, finesse and an unmistakable mineral character.
Because the vines are younger than those used for Paris’ more powerful Cornas bottlings, the grapes are fully destemmed before fermentation. The wine undergoes approximately three weeks of maceration with gentle extraction, followed by 12 months of aging in used barrels. This restrained approach keeps the emphasis on pure Syrah fruit, spice and the granitic personality of Cornas rather than oak.
The 2024 Granit 30 shows a deep red color with aromas of blackberry and other dark fruits layered with black pepper, savory spice and subtle earthy notes. The palate is juicy and energetic, with ripe fruit, peppery complexity and supple, well-coated tannins.
Compared with Vincent Paris’ more structured Granit 60 and La Geynale bottlings, Granit 30 is especially inviting in its youth. It offers plenty of classic Cornas character—dark Syrah fruit, spice, freshness and mineral drive—while remaining polished, balanced and remarkably easy to enjoy.
The finish is long and savory, with lingering pepper, dark fruit and granite-derived freshness. It can be enjoyed relatively young for its exuberant fruit and supple texture, yet it has enough structure and balance to develop beautifully for more than a decade.
An excellent introduction to both Vincent Paris and the Cornas appellation, Granit 30 delivers genuine Northern Rhône character with impressive purity, freshness and value.
Producer: Domaine Vincent Paris
Vintage: 2024
Region: Northern Rhône, France
Appellation: Cornas AOC
Grape: 100% Syrah
Vineyards: Parcels at the lower and upper slopes of Cornas
Elevation: Approximately 100–400 meters
Soil: Granite and decomposed granite
Vinification: 100% destemmed; approximately three-week maceration with gentle extraction
Aging: 12 months in used oak barrels
Style: Dark-fruited, peppery, fresh and supple
Cellaring: Delicious young; capable of aging for 10+ years
Vincent Paris Cornas Geynale 2024 750ml
La Geynale is Vincent Paris’ most prestigious Cornas, produced from an exceptional parcel of century-old Syrah vines planted on the steep, granite slopes of Cornas. The original vines here were replanted after phylloxera in 1910, and the site’s full southern exposure allows these old vines to achieve remarkable concentration while preserving the freshness and mineral character that define great Northern Rhône Syrah.
98 Pts James Suckling: A profound nose of cherries, crushed raspberries, roasted meat, cigar box, black pepper, warm spices and some bark and leather. Medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. Expansive and spherical. Ample but refined in texture, with perfectly integrated structure at the edges and a vibrant, focused midpalate showing a bright, stony and peppery dimension. Quite spectacular for the vintage, with a very long, flinty finish. Drink or hold.
96 Pts Jeb Dunnuck: Brilliant aromatics of blue fruits, fig, blood orange, pepper, and violet notes emerge from the medium-bodied 2024 Cornas La Geynale, which has a concentrated mouthfeel, building, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This reminds me of a great vintage of Clape Cornas! It sees a lot more stems and comes from the oldest vines of the estate, and it's going to need 4-5 years of bottle age. It's up there with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Barrel Sample: 94-96
96 Points Vinous: The 2024 Cornas La Geynale hails from the glass with intense peppercorn, crushed rocks, fleshy tones and precisely ripe blackberry. Dried violets and earthy tones add more aromatic layers. Built like a skyscraper, the 2024 is a serious La Geynale in the making, lifting the finish with stupendous vitality. I can't wait to taste it once it's bottled. Barrel Sample: 93-95
Vincent Paris acquired the La Geynale parcel from his uncle, legendary Cornas grower Robert Michel, and today it stands at the pinnacle of his small production. The vineyard is farmed with a restrained, hands-on approach, with low yields and careful work in the vines designed to capture the character of this extraordinary terroir.
The 2024 La Geynale is vinified with whole clusters and aged for approximately 12 months in used oak barrels, allowing the old-vine fruit and granite-driven character to remain at the forefront. Deep and intense, it opens with blackberry and dark berry fruit layered with crushed stone, black pepper, dried violet, savory spice and earthy complexity.
On the palate, the wine is dense and powerful yet remarkably fresh, with concentrated black fruit, pronounced mineral energy and firm, finely structured tannins. Despite its depth, La Geynale retains impressive precision and vitality, finishing long, stony and persistent.
This is classic, age-worthy Cornas: serious and structured in its youth, but with the balance, concentration and freshness to evolve beautifully for decades. A compelling expression of one of Cornas’ great old-vine sites and one of the benchmark wines of Vincent Paris.
Producer: Domaine Vincent Paris
Vintage: 2024
Region: Northern Rhône, France
Appellation: Cornas AOC
Grape: 100% Syrah
Vineyard: La Geynale
Vine Age: Century-old vines, originally planted in 1910
Exposure: South-facing hillside
Soil: Granite
Vinification: Whole-cluster fermentation
Aging: Approximately 12 months in used oak barrels
Cellaring: Built for long-term aging; capable of developing for 20+ years
Latour Vincent, Meursault "Clos des Magny" 2024 (New Arrival - New Vintage - Introductory Price)
Latour Vincent Meursault "Clos des Magny" 2024 is an elegant and beautifully focused white Burgundy from Domaine Vincent Latour, the historic Meursault estate now run by Vincent Latour and his wife, Cécile. Formerly known as Domaine Latour-Labille, the domaine traces its history back to 1792 and has become known for Chardonnay that balances generous texture with freshness, tension and precision.
Clos des Magny comes from a 0.93-hectare parcel planted between 1979 and 1983, situated just below the village of Meursault. These mature vines provide naturally concentrated fruit while retaining the freshness and mineral character that define classic Meursault.
The wine is fermented and aged in demi-muids on the lees for approximately 12 months, without lees stirring. Vincent Latour favors this restrained approach to élevage, allowing the wine to gain depth and texture from its time on the lees while preserving clarity, energy and a strong sense of terroir.
The 2024 Clos des Magny offers the richness expected from Meursault while remaining beautifully poised. Aromas of ripe pear, yellow apple, citrus and white flowers are joined by subtle mineral and gently savory notes. The palate is supple and layered, with a creamy texture balanced by bright acidity and a fine mineral backbone.
As the wine opens, additional notes of orchard fruit, lemon zest, hazelnut and delicate spice may emerge, leading into a long, refined finish. The absence of lees stirring helps maintain freshness and definition, giving the wine an appealing combination of Meursault richness and precise, energetic structure.
Clos des Magny is an excellent example of Vincent Latour's style: expressive and textural without becoming heavy, with the fruit, élevage and mineral character working seamlessly together. It is delicious now with a little air, yet has the concentration and balance to develop additional complexity with bottle age.
Producer: Domaine Vincent Latour
Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Meursault
Vineyard: Clos des Magny
Vintage: 2024
Parcel Size: Approximately 0.93 hectare
Vine Age: Planted between 1979 and 1983
Élevage: Fermented and aged in demi-muids on the lees for 12 months; no lees stirring
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Beautiful with scallops, lobster, grilled or roasted fish, roast chicken, creamy poultry dishes, mushroom risotto, veal, soft-ripened cheeses and aged Comté.
Latour Vincent, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot 2024 (New Arrival - New Vintage - Introductory Price)
Latour Vincent Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot 2024 is a serious, beautifully structured white Burgundy from Domaine Vincent Latour, the historic Meursault estate run by Vincent Latour and his wife, Cécile. The domaine traces its origins to 1792 and is known for producing Chardonnay with richness and texture while preserving freshness, tension and precision.
This wine comes from a small 0.25-hectare parcel in Morgeot Premier Cru, one of the most important and historically recognized Premier Cru sectors of Chassagne-Montrachet. The vines were planted in 1956 and 1994, bringing together the concentration and complexity of mature vines with the energy and balance characteristic of this celebrated Côte de Beaune terroir.
The wine is fermented and aged in demi-muids on the lees for approximately 12 months, without lees stirring. Vincent Latour's restrained approach to élevage allows the natural power of Morgeot to develop while maintaining clarity, freshness and definition rather than emphasizing oak or excessive richness.
The 2024 shows the broad, generous personality associated with Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru, with layers of ripe orchard fruit, citrus, subtle white flowers and mineral notes. The palate is concentrated and textured, yet balanced by lively acidity and a firm mineral backbone. Delicate savory and lightly toasted nuances add complexity, leading into a long, polished and persistent finish.
Morgeot is particularly known for producing white wines with depth, breadth and impressive aging potential. Latour's old-vine parcel and careful vinification give this bottling both immediate appeal and the structure to develop additional complexity with time in the cellar.
A compelling Premier Cru for collectors and Burgundy enthusiasts, this is an excellent example of Chassagne-Montrachet's combination of power, elegance and mineral precision.
Producer: Domaine Vincent Latour
Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru
Vineyard: Morgeot 1er Cru
Vintage: 2024
Parcel Size: Approximately 0.25 hectare
Vine Age: Plantings from 1956 and 1994
Élevage: Fermented and aged in demi-muids on the lees for 12 months; no lees stirring
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Excellent with lobster, scallops, roasted or grilled fish, halibut, turbot, roast chicken, veal in cream sauce, mushroom dishes, risotto, aged Comté and other rich, savory cheeses.
Patrick Piuze Chablis "1er Cru Montmains" 2025 750ml - 20% Offer
Val de Mer is the second winery of acclaimed Chablis winemaker Patrick Piuze, created in partnership with Moutard-Diligent. The project follows much of the same philosophy as Piuze’s celebrated namesake wines, emphasizing careful sourcing, hand harvesting, spontaneous fermentation and a transparent expression of Chablis terroir.
The 2023 Val de Mer Chablis is produced from Chardonnay grown in three parcels: Des Couverts in the village of Chablis, Préhy near Courgis, and Lignorelles. The wine is fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, preserving freshness, purity and the naturally mineral character for which Chablis is renowned.
Tasting Notes
Bright, crisp and beautifully focused, the 2023 opens with fresh lemon, green apple and subtle orchard-fruit notes. The palate is clean and energetic, combining refreshing acidity with a distinctly mineral character and a lightly saline quality. Citrus and green apple carry through the finish, which is precise, refreshing and wonderfully food-friendly.
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Chablis, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Chablis
Vintage: 2023
Producer: Val de Mer by Patrick Piuze
Farming: Sustainable
Harvest: Hand harvested
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation
Aging: Stainless steel
Alcohol: 12% ABV
Bottle Size: 750ml
Food Pairing
An excellent match for oysters, clams, scallops, shrimp, simply prepared white fish, sushi, roasted chicken, creamy seafood dishes and soft cheeses. Its freshness and mineral character also make it an excellent aperitif.
About Val de Mer & Patrick Piuze
Val de Mer is Patrick Piuze’s second winery and is based in Tonnerre, near Chablis. Piuze is known for a low-intervention approach that puts vineyard character ahead of winemaking technique. Val de Mer follows a similar philosophy to his namesake Chablis wines, while sourcing fruit from different vineyards and producing broader expressions of the appellation. The result is classic, terroir-driven Chablis offering exceptional freshness, clarity and value. Val de Mer by Patrick Piuze Chablis 2023
Chablis, Burgundy, France
100% Chardonnay · 750ml · 12% ABV
Patrick Piuze Chablis "1er Cru Butteaux" 2025 750ml - 20% Offer
Old-Vine Chablis with Richness, Flint and Saline Minerality
Patrick Piuze's 2025 Chablis Premier Cru Butteaux comes from 75-year-old Chardonnay vines rooted in the classic Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils of Chablis. Located on the Left Bank of the Serein, Butteaux forms part of the greater Montmains Premier Cru and is known for producing wines with impressive depth, mineral intensity and a distinctive combination of richness and freshness.
Butteaux sits at the southwestern end of Montmains in a small side valley. Compared with some neighboring Premier Cru sites, its greater clay component gives the wine additional breadth and texture, while the limestone-rich terroir contributes the flinty, chalky and saline character that defines great Chablis.
The early 2025 vintage delivered beautifully ripe fruit while retaining the firm mineral structure and freshness of the region. Patrick Piuze's preference for relatively early harvesting further emphasizes precision and energy, resulting in a Premier Cru that combines generosity with unmistakable Chablis tension.
Tasting Notes
Rich, concentrated and intensely mineral, the 2025 Butteaux opens with layers of citrus, ripe orchard fruit and subtle nutty notes, followed by smoke, crushed stone and pronounced flinty character. The palate has excellent depth and texture from the clay-rich soils, balanced by vibrant acidity and a persistent saline edge. Powerful yet precise, with impressive concentration and a long, mineral-driven finish.
94–96 Points — Heiner Lobenberg
Lobenberg highlights the wine's smoky, nutty and intensely flinty personality, along with its substantial mineral character, salinity and richness. He considers Butteaux one of the particularly exciting, lesser-known Premier Cru sites of Chablis.
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Chablis
Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru
Vineyard: Butteaux
Vintage: 2025
Producer: Patrick Piuze
Vine Age: Approximately 75 years
Soil: Kimmeridgian limestone and clay
Farming: Sustainable
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation
Élevage: Approximately 10 months in used oak barrels
Bottle Size: 750ml
About Butteaux Premier Cru
Butteaux is a distinct climat within the larger Montmains Premier Cru on the Left Bank of the Serein River. Its limestone and clay soils give the wines a compelling combination of structure, richness and minerality. Butteaux is generally fuller and broader than nearby Forêts, yet it retains the smoky, flinty and saline character associated with this section of Chablis. Its relatively small production makes vineyard-designated examples particularly sought after by Chablis enthusiasts.
About Patrick Piuze
Canadian-born Patrick Piuze has established himself as one of Chablis' most distinctive producers, focusing on wines that clearly express the differences between individual vineyards and terroirs. Working closely with a network of growers, Piuze sources fruit from carefully selected parcels throughout Chablis and harvests his grapes by hand—a notable commitment in a region where machine harvesting is common.
In the cellar, Piuze favors a traditional, low-intervention approach. Fermentations occur spontaneously, and his Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines are fermented and aged for approximately ten months in seasoned barrels rather than new oak. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, allowing the character of each vineyard to remain at the forefront.
Food Pairing
An outstanding partner for oysters, lobster, crab, scallops, grilled prawns, Dover sole, roasted or grilled fish, sushi and sashimi, roast chicken and creamy seafood dishes. Its greater richness also makes it particularly successful with butter or cream-based sauces and lightly aged cheeses.
Cellaring
The combination of old vines, concentration, acidity and pronounced mineral structure gives this Premier Cru excellent aging potential. Lobenberg suggests a drinking window of approximately 2028–2045, although it should be beautifully expressive in its youth for those who enjoy powerful, mineral-driven Chablis. Patrick Piuze Chablis Premier Cru Butteaux 2025
Chablis, Burgundy, France
100% Chardonnay · 750ml
Patrick Piuze Chablis "Terroir de Courgis" 2025 750ml - 20% Offer
93 Points James Suckling: Limes, pears, white flowers and wet stones on the nose. Open and balanced, with good acidity and a chalky texture. Approachable now, but better in 2028.
Old-Vine Chablis with Depth, Ripe Fruit and Chalky Minerality
Patrick Piuze's 2025 Chablis "Terroir de Courgis" is a distinctive village-level Chablis from a single vineyard on the Left Bank of the Serein. Planted in 1937, the old Chardonnay vines grow in clay-rich topsoil over classic Kimmeridgian limestone bedrock, producing one of the richest and most generously textured wines in Piuze's Terroir series.
The greater proportion of clay found on the Left Bank contributes weight, texture and ripe fruit, while the underlying limestone provides the freshness, chalky structure and mineral character that define classic Chablis. Piuze vinifies the Terroir wines in tank rather than barrel, keeping the focus firmly on fruit, freshness and vineyard expression.
Tasting Notes
Expressive and beautifully balanced, the 2025 Terroir de Courgis offers aromas of fresh lime, ripe pear and white flowers layered with wet stone and mineral notes. The palate is open and generous, showing juicy orchard and stone fruit balanced by lively acidity and a distinctly chalky texture. Fuller and rounder than many of Piuze's other village Chablis bottlings, it nevertheless retains excellent freshness and a clean, mineral-driven finish.
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Chablis
Appellation: Chablis
Village/Terroir: Courgis
Vintage: 2025
Producer: Patrick Piuze
Vineyard: Single vineyard
Vine Age: Planted in 1937
Soil: Clay topsoil over Kimmeridgian limestone bedrock
Farming: Sustainable
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation
Vinification & Aging: Fermented and aged in tank
Bottle Size: 750ml
About Terroir de Courgis
Courgis lies on the Left Bank of the Serein, an area of Chablis where the soils generally contain more clay than those of the Right Bank. This additional clay tends to produce wines with greater breadth, richness and ripe fruit while preserving the underlying limestone-driven freshness and minerality of Chablis.
Patrick Piuze's Terroir de Courgis comes from a single vineyard planted in 1937. Among his village-level Terroir bottlings, Courgis is typically the most substantial and weighty, characterized by ripe, juicy fruit and a generous texture balanced by classic Chablis acidity and minerality.
About Patrick Piuze
Canadian-born Patrick Piuze has become one of the most distinctive winemakers in Chablis, building his reputation through a remarkable collection of vineyard-specific wines. Rather than blending away the differences between sites, Piuze emphasizes individual terroirs, allowing each village and vineyard to express its own personality.
His cellar approach is deliberately low intervention. Fermentations occur spontaneously, and the village-level Terroir wines are fermented and aged primarily in older stainless-steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, and the wines receive only gentle filtration before bottling. The result is a transparent style of Chablis focused on freshness, texture, minerality and sense of place.
Food Pairing
Excellent with oysters, clams, crab, scallops, shrimp, sushi and sashimi, grilled or roasted white fish, roast chicken and creamy seafood dishes. The additional richness of Courgis also makes it an excellent match for richer shellfish preparations, poultry and soft cheeses.
Cellaring
Already approachable for its generous fruit and open texture, but its acidity and mineral structure should allow it to develop additional complexity with bottle age. James Suckling suggests it will be even better beginning in 2028. ```
Patrick Piuze Chablis "Le Bas de Chapelots" 2025 750ml - 20% Offer
A Remarkable Village Chablis from Just Below Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre
Patrick Piuze's 2025 Chablis "Les Bas De Chapelots" comes from a particularly exciting vineyard situated directly below the Chapelots climat of the renowned Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre. The parcel was planted in 1982 and was introduced to Piuze's lineup with the 2023 vintage, making this one of the newer and more distinctive additions to his collection of vineyard-specific Chablis.
Although classified at the village Chablis level, the vineyard's location immediately beneath one of the Right Bank's celebrated Premier Cru sites gives this bottling unusual pedigree. Patrick Piuze's philosophy is centered on precisely these differences in terroir, producing individual wines from specific vineyards rather than blending away their distinctive personalities.
Tasting Notes
Fresh, approachable and beautifully mineral, the 2025 Les Bas De Chapelots shows bright notes of pear and lime supported by the stony, mineral character associated with classic Chablis. The palate combines juicy fruit with freshness and precision, leading to an impressively long, mineral-driven finish.
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Chablis
Appellation: Chablis
Vineyard: Les Bas De Chapelots
Vintage: 2025
Producer: Patrick Piuze
Vine Age: Vineyard planted in 1982
Location: Directly below the Chapelots climat of Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre
Farming: Sustainable
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation
Malolactic Fermentation: Naturally occurring
Bottle Size: 750ml
About Les Bas De Chapelots
Les Bas De Chapelots is a special village-level site located immediately below Chapelots, a climat within the celebrated Chablis Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre on the Right Bank of the Serein. Its proximity to Premier Cru vineyards makes it an especially compelling example of Patrick Piuze's terroir-focused approach to Chablis.
The vineyard was planted in 1982, and Patrick Piuze first introduced Les Bas De Chapelots as a separate bottling with the 2023 vintage. The wine combines the freshness and accessibility of village Chablis with impressive mineral persistence and a sense of place that makes it particularly attractive for Chablis enthusiasts.
About Patrick Piuze
Montreal-born Patrick Piuze has established himself as one of the most distinctive producers in modern Chablis. Working closely with growers throughout the region, he sources fruit from carefully selected parcels and produces numerous vineyard-specific wines designed to highlight the differences between Chablis' individual terroirs.
Piuze places particular emphasis on old vines and careful harvesting. While machine harvesting is widespread in Chablis, his grapes are harvested by hand. In the cellar, fermentations occur spontaneously and malolactic fermentation proceeds naturally, with a deliberately low-intervention approach intended to keep the vineyard character at the forefront.
Food Pairing
An excellent partner for oysters, clams, shrimp, scallops, crab, sushi and sashimi, grilled or roasted white fish and roast chicken. Its combination of citrus freshness, ripe pear and persistent minerality also makes it a beautiful aperitif and a natural match for fresh and soft cheeses.
Why We Like It
Les Bas De Chapelots occupies an unusually privileged position for a village-level Chablis, sitting directly beneath Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre. With vines dating to 1982 and Piuze's meticulous terroir-driven approach, this is an excellent opportunity to experience a distinctive Chablis site at an especially attractive level.
Lamberti Prosecco 187ml
Lamberti Prosecco 187ml
Named after one of Verona's oldest noble families, Lamberti has been crafting wines from the Veneto since 1964. This single-serve 187ml Prosecco is a delightful expression of the Glera grape — dry, elegant, and effervescent — perfect for intimate celebrations, aperitivo moments, or anytime you want a glass of Italian sparkle without opening a full bottle.
Tasting Notes
Pale straw yellow with fine, persistent bubbles. Delicate aromas of green apple, honeydew, and fresh pear. On the palate, crisp and dry with a clean, refreshing finish.
Winemaking
Fruit is sourced from hillside vineyards across Treviso in the Veneto, harvested slightly before full maturation to preserve natural acidity. Secondary fermentation follows the Charmat method in pressurized tanks, enhancing the Glera grape's aromatic freshness.
Food Pairings
Ideal as an aperitif or alongside light bites. Pairs beautifully with shrimp, small salads, light soups, and delicate fish dishes.
- Grape: Glera
- Region: Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
- Style: Sparkling, Dry (Brut)
- Size: 187ml
Deep Down Marlborough New Zealand Sauvingon Blanc Organic 2024 750ml
Deep Down is a boutique Marlborough producer founded by Clive Dougall and Peter Lorimer — two passionate advocates for organic viticulture, honest winemaking, and wines that genuinely reflect their place of origin. Their philosophy is simple and uncompromising: small batch, single vineyard, wild ferment wines crafted with minimal intervention and maximum transparency. Low or no additions, no shortcuts, and a deep respect for the land and the people who farm it. Deep Down is, as they put it, about trusting intuition, calling time, and taking flight.
The Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from a single certified organic vineyard in Marlborough — New Zealand's most celebrated wine region, situated at the northern tip of the South Island. Marlborough's long, sunny days, cool nights, and free-draining stony soils are the ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional aromatic intensity and natural freshness. Farming organically here is both a commitment and a statement of intent: the vineyard is managed with care and respect, allowing the terroir to express itself without chemical interference.
Vinification follows Deep Down's signature approach: wild fermentation with indigenous yeasts, minimal additions (sulphites, yeast nutrient, clarification enzyme, and bentonite only), and small batch production that allows for close attention at every stage. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc that diverges from the category's typical tropical fruit template — more textured, more complex, and more distinctly its own.
The 2024 opens with an aromatic and distinctive nose of lemon-peel confit, orange blossom, rose petals, and flint, with a wild meadow of herbs and flowers. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with focused acidity, generous texture, and notes of passionfruit curd, puff pastry, and lavender. A slightly oxidative, yeasty quality adds complexity and depth — this is a Sauvignon Blanc for those who want something more than the obvious.
"Aromas of lemon-peel confit, orange blossoms, rose petals and flint. The medium-bodied palate has focused acidity, generous texture and notes of passion-fruit curd, puff pastry and lavender. Wonderfully constructed with a floral edge. From organically grown grapes."
— James Suckling, 93 Points (Vintage 2024).
"A distinctive Savvy B from a small batch producer… A slightly oxidative apple cider character mingles with yeasty, nutty, hay-like aromas and a wild meadow of herbs and flowers. The palate is more muted, the focus primarily on the gently slippery texture, the gentle acidity and bruised orchard fruit and floral flavors."
— Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points. (Vintage 2024).
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Vintage: 2024
Farming: Certified Organic
Vinification: Wild ferment, single vineyard, small batch
Closure: Screwcap
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Fresh oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, herb-forward salads, and light vegetable dishes. Serve well chilled.
Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Bl. de Blancs Non Dosé 1er Cru 2017 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
Terre de Vertus is one of Larmandier-Bernier's most celebrated single-terroir Champagnes — a vintage Blanc de Blancs drawn entirely from Chardonnay grown in the Premier Cru village of Vertus. The fruit comes from two plots within the Les Barillers lieu-dit, situated mid-slope with a southeast exposure, a site the estate has vinified separately since 1995. Farmed biodynamically and fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in old oak casks and large wooden foudres, the wine rests on its lees through winter before undergoing secondary fermentation in bottle and more than five years of additional lees aging. The 2017 was disgorged in May 2023 with zero dosage — no sugar added — preserving the vineyard's exceptionally pure, dry and mineral expression.
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017
93 Wine Advocate: "The 2017 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus imparts a very mineral, almost crystalline character. A vineyard that rarely produces powerful wines, even in the context of 2017, it has retained its personality, though it's a little more generous and slightly less focused than the 2016 rendition. Unfurling from the glass with aromas of lemon peel, honeysuckle and oyster shell, it is medium-bodied, racy and saline-tinged."
93 Vinous: "Creamy, open-knit and quite seductive. Readers will find a generous, sensual Champagne with plenty of early appeal. Dried pear, crushed flowers, mint and chamomile build beautifully over time. This is a fine effort in a very challenging year."
Tasting Notes
Precise, expressive and intensely mineral. The nose opens with lemon peel, dried pear and delicate floral notes, followed by honeysuckle, mint, chamomile and a distinctive oyster-shell salinity. The palate is creamy and generous yet beautifully energized — fine acidity and a taut mineral backbone carry through to a finish that is dry, racy, saline and exceptionally pure. Oak fermentation lends supple texture; zero dosage ensures nothing stands between you and the terroir of Vertus.
Food Pairing
An exceptional partner for oysters and shellfish, sashimi, sushi, scallops, grilled or roasted white fish, lobster, roast poultry and aged cheeses. Its saline character and zero dosage make it especially compelling alongside seafood and dishes built around fresh herbs or citrus.
Specifications
Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region: Côte des Blancs
Village: Vertus
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Blanc de Blancs / Brut Nature / Non Dosé
Dosage: 0 g/L — Zero Dosage
Vintage: 2017
Vineyard: Les Barillers lieu-dit
Farming: Biodynamic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in old oak casks and large wooden foudres
Aging: 5+ years on the lees in bottle
Disgorgement: May 2023
ABV: 12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Larmandier-Bernier
Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 1er Cru (Base 2021) 750ml (Introductory Price)
Longitude is Larmandier-Bernier's chalk-driven, Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs — a wine of remarkable precision and mineral energy that captures the essence of the Côte des Blancs. Made entirely from Chardonnay grown along the celebrated north-to-south line of villages near the 4th meridian — Vertus, Oger, Avize, Cramant and Chouilly — the wine takes its name from this near-straight longitudinal axis of vineyards. Where the estate's Latitude is broad and generous, Longitude is linear, taut and intensely mineral.
The 2021-based release is composed of approximately 60% wine from the cool, energetic 2021 vintage together with 40% from the estate's perpetual reserve, established in 2004. Grapes are gently pressed before undergoing spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation with indigenous yeasts, then fermented and matured in wood on their natural lees without fining or filtration. After blending and tirage, the Champagne undergoes extended bottle maturation before disgorgement in April 2024 with a dosage of just 2 g/L — firmly Extra Brut.
Expert Reviews
93 Decanter: "There's an extra dash of mineral energy and zesty length in this cuvée. Subtly creamy and peppery, yet fulsome in white peach, pear and lemon oil, it gains a savoury, umami depth from 40% addition of perpetual reserve. Always a model non-vintage blanc de blancs."
92 Jeb Dunnuck: "More focus and a compact, linear drive from more chalky soils, with notes of lemon candy, Anjou pear, and a very pretty floral perfume. Medium-bodied, it has a refreshing and fine mousse, with pleasing lift and a clean finish."
92 Wine Advocate: "A considerable increase in intensity and tension compared to Latitude. Medium-bodied, taut and incisive in personality. Offers aromas of white flowers, citrus fruit and oyster shell. Tangy acidity, informed by the long and cool growing season, with mineral-laden undertones, leads to a chalky, long-lasting finish."
92 Wine Spectator: "Hints of lime blossom and pink grapefruit sorbet are a citrusy thread through this sleek, finely knit Champagne. It's racy and lightly spiced, with flavors of yellow plum and chalky mineral set on the delicate mousse."
Tasting Notes
Bright, focused and intensely mineral, the 2021-based Longitude opens with white flowers, fresh citrus, green apple and subtle oyster-shell notes. The palate is taut and energetic — tangy acidity framed by chalk, crushed stone, citrus peel and a delicate saline character. Elegant rather than broad, it finishes long, dry and exceptionally precise. This is classic Côte des Blancs Chardonnay: pure, linear and refreshing, with enough depth from the perpetual reserve to add complexity without sacrificing the wine's crystalline personality.
Food Pairing
An outstanding aperitif and a natural partner for oysters, shellfish, sashimi, sushi, grilled white fish, scallops, fresh goat cheese and delicate poultry dishes.
Specifications
Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region: Côte des Blancs
Villages: Vertus, Oger, Avize, Cramant, Chouilly
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Blanc de Blancs / Extra Brut
Dosage: 2 g/L — Extra Brut
Base Vintage: 2021
Blend: ~60% 2021 base wine, 40% perpetual reserve (est. 2004)
Farming: Biodynamic / organic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation; aged in wood on lees
Disgorgement: April 2024
ABV: 12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Larmandier-Bernier
Isabelle et Denis Pommier Chablis 1er Cru Troesmes Organic 2023 750ml
From the Troesmes sub-climat of Chablis Premier Cru Beauroy, this organically farmed wine reflects the limestone-rich terroir of one of Burgundy’s celebrated white wine regions. Located northwest of the village of Chablis, within the communes of Poinchy and Beine, Beauroy encompasses three sub-climats: Beauroy, Côte de Savant, and Troesmes.
The gently sloping vineyards face south to southeast, with shallow topsoil over Kimmeridgian limestone and white clay. Isabelle and Denis Pommier farm organically and work the soils manually. Grapes are harvested into small 15-kilogram cases and pressed immediately.
Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation take place equally in tank and neutral oak barrels of varying ages. The wine then spends 18 months on its lees, with two-thirds aged in tank and one-third in oak.
Vineyard & Winemaking
- Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru
- Vineyard: Troesmes, within the Beauroy climat
- Exposure: South to southeast
- Soils: Kimmeridgian limestone and white clay with shallow topsoil
- Viticulture: Organic farming; soils worked manually
- Fermentation: Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in 50% tank and 50% neutral oak barrels
- Aging: 18 months on the lees in two-thirds tank and one-third oak
Isabelle et Denis Pommier Chablis 1er Cru Troesmes Organic 2023
Chateau Bel Orme Tronquoy de Lalande Haut-Medoc 2020 750ml
Château Bel Orme Tronquoy-de-Lalande is one of the Haut-Médoc's most storied family estates, with origins dating to the late 18th century. The property was designed in 1750 by Victor Louis — the celebrated architect of the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux — and acquired its full name when the Tronquoy-de-Lalande family elevated the vineyard to prominence in the 19th century. In 1936, Lucienne Quié famously chose this charming manor overlooking the Gironde estuary over Château Pichon Baron, and the estate has remained in the Quié family ever since. Today, the third generation — Anne-Françoise, Jean-Philippe, and Paul-Henri — stewards the property with the same passion and commitment to quality, and since 2012 the estate has been united in destiny with Château Rauzan-Gassies. The Château holds the prestigious Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label, awarded in spring 2024 in recognition of its commitment to ecologically sound agriculture.
The estate's 30-hectare vineyard sits on the finest hillsides of the village of Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, within a Natura 2000 biodiversity site on the banks of the Gironde. The vineyard is planted with 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, farmed according to virtuous, sustainable agriculture with parcel-specific soil management. Clay soils lend the Merlot roundness and vivid, savoury fruit, while drier, draining soils allow the Cabernet Sauvignon to reach optimal maturity with ripe, velvety tannins — the authentic signature of Haut-Médoc.
Each parcel is vinified individually with meticulous attention to terroir expression. The wine is crafted to reflect the natural character of the vintage and the estate's distinctive clay-gravel soils, with careful extraction to build structure without sacrificing freshness or elegance.
The 2020 opens with aromas of blackberries, graphite, and black currant, precise and focused. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with compressed, chewy tannins that are fine and structured, showing excellent concentration and length. A serious, cellar-worthy Haut-Médoc from an outstanding vintage that rewards patience.
"A chewy and tight wine with blackberries, graphite and currant aromas and flavors. Medium body. Compressed and solid with chewy tannins that are focused and fine. Give it two or three years to open. Drink after 2025."
— James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2020).
Grape: Merlot 65%, Cabernet Sauvignon 35%
Region: Bordeaux, France
Appellation: Haut-Médoc
Vintage: 2020
Vineyard: Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, 30 hectares
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Roast lamb, duck confit, braised short ribs, game, aged hard cheeses, and classic Bordelaise preparations.
Chateau D'Arvigny Haut-Medoc 2022 750ml
Château d'Arvigny is a well-regarded estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation, situated on the left bank of the Gironde between the prestigious communes of Margaux and Saint-Julien. The estate benefits from the deep gravel soils that define the finest terroirs of the Haut-Médoc — soils that drain freely, warm quickly, and encourage the deep root systems that produce wines of natural finesse and character. The property is committed to responsible viticulture, following integrated farming practices that prioritize quality and environmental respect.
The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), complemented by Merlot (30%) and Cabernet Franc (10%) — a classic Bordeaux assemblage that delivers the structure and aromatic complexity the Haut-Médoc is known for. Each variety is vinified separately before blending, allowing the winemaking team to select the best lots for the final wine.
The 2022 vintage is one of the finest in recent Bordeaux memory — a warm, dry growing season that produced grapes of exceptional ripeness, concentration, and natural balance. The wines of 2022 are characterized by ripe, generous fruit, supple tannins, and excellent structure, making them approachable young while retaining the depth to evolve with time.
The 2022 d'Arvigny is soft, supple, and fruit-forward, with inviting aromas and flavors of red berries, plum, and gentle spice. On the palate, the wine is smooth and elegant with soft tannins and well-balanced acidity — a polished, approachable Haut-Médoc that delivers genuine Bordeaux character at an accessible price.
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 10%
Region: Bordeaux, France
Appellation: Haut-Médoc
Vintage: 2022
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Roast lamb, grilled beef, duck, mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Drink now or cellar through 2030.
Maynard’s Vintage Port 2000 750ml (Pre-Sale Price - ETA October 2026)
A beautifully mature Vintage Port from the historic 2000 harvest, Maynard’s Vintage Port 2000 combines full-bodied richness, fine aromatic character and the complexity developed through more than two decades of bottle evolution. Produced from traditional Douro grape varieties and crafted by winemaker Álvaro van Zeller, this is a compelling expression of classic Portuguese Vintage Port.
Vintage Port represents one of the Douro Valley’s most age-worthy wine styles. Produced from the fruit of a single harvest, it spends only a relatively short period in wood before bottling, with its long-term development taking place gradually in the bottle.
Region & Style
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro Valley
Appellation: Porto
Wine Type: Fortified Red Wine
Style: Vintage Port
Vintage: 2000
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: 20% ABV
Winemaker: Álvaro van Zeller
Grape Varieties
Maynard’s Vintage Port 2000 is produced from a traditional blend of classic Douro red varieties:
- Touriga Nacional
- Touriga Franca
- Tinta Roriz
- Tinta Barroca
- Tinto Cão
These indigenous grapes are among the varieties historically associated with the production of fine Vintage Port, contributing concentration, structure, aromatic intensity and long-term aging potential.
Winemaking & Aging
The grapes are harvested from the steep vineyard terraces of Portugal’s Douro region at full ripeness. During Port production, fermentation is interrupted by the addition of grape spirit, preserving natural grape sweetness while creating the richness and structure characteristic of the style.
Vintage Port is intended to complete most of its maturation in bottle. With time, its youthful power gradually softens, the deep color begins to evolve and its components become increasingly integrated and complex.
The 2000 Maynard’s has now benefited from substantial bottle age, offering the opportunity to experience a Vintage Port with mature development while retaining the depth and structure for which the style is known.
Tasting Notes
Maynard’s describes the 2000 Vintage Port as having superb color, a full body and a particularly fine aroma and flavor. A distinctive mint character adds freshness and aromatic lift.
With bottle age, the wine gradually softens and develops greater structural and aromatic complexity. The result is a mature, harmonious Port combining richness with elegance and a long, lingering finish.
Serving & Decanting
Serve at approximately 16°C / 61°F.
Mature Vintage Port naturally forms sediment, or “crust,” during bottle aging. Stand the bottle upright for approximately 24 hours before opening so the sediment can settle, then decant carefully before serving.
A generous Port or red-wine glass is recommended to allow the wine’s mature aromas to open and develop.
Food Pairing
Vintage Port is traditionally enjoyed after dinner and is an outstanding partner for Stilton, Gorgonzola and other blue cheeses.
It can also accompany dark chocolate, walnuts, dried fruit and rich desserts. For a savory pairing, Vintage Port can be served alongside richly flavored dishes such as steak au poivre.
Cellaring
Store the bottle horizontally in a cool, dark location with a stable temperature and minimal vibration. Because Vintage Port develops sediment naturally during aging, careful handling and decanting are recommended when the bottle is eventually opened.
About Maynard’s
Maynard’s is the flagship Port brand associated with Fernando and Álvaro van Zeller, continuing the van Zeller family’s centuries-long connection with the Portuguese wine trade.
The Maynard’s name pays tribute to Walter Maynard, an early English Port merchant and ancestor of the van Zeller family. Today, the house produces a range of traditional Ports, including Vintage Ports, aged Tawnies and rare single-harvest Colheitas.
A mature Vintage Port from the turn of the millennium, Maynard’s 2000 offers history, complexity and classic Douro character in a bottle made for memorable occasions and thoughtful gifting.
Maynard’s Vintage Port 2000 750ml
Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 750ml (Pre-Sale Price - ETA October 2026)
A powerful and beautifully structured Vintage Port from one of the most celebrated Douro vintages of the modern era, Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 combines concentrated dark fruit, firm tannins and impressive depth. Produced from traditional Douro grape varieties and crafted by winemaker Álvaro van Zeller, this cellar-worthy Port offers richness and intensity along with the structure for continued development in bottle.
The 2011 vintage produced remarkably concentrated and age-worthy Ports throughout the Douro. Maynard’s expression captures the character of the year with generous fruit, substantial body and a firm tannic backbone balanced by freshness.
Region & Style
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro Valley
Appellation: Porto
Wine Type: Fortified Red Wine
Style: Vintage Port
Vintage: 2011
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: 20% ABV
Winemaker: Álvaro van Zeller
Grape Varieties
Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 is produced from traditional indigenous Douro varieties, including:
- Touriga Nacional
- Touriga Franca
- Tinto Cão
- Old-vine Douro varieties
These grapes provide the intense fruit concentration, color, tannic structure and aromatic complexity essential to a fine, long-lived Vintage Port.
Winemaking & Aging
The grapes are harvested by hand at full ripeness and partially destemmed before crushing. Extended skin contact and maceration help extract the deep color, concentrated flavor and tannic structure characteristic of the wine.
During fermentation, grape spirit is added at the appropriate moment to stop fermentation and preserve the wine’s natural sweetness, aromatic intensity and structure.
The Vintage Port is then matured in oak vats in the Douro under controlled temperature and humidity conditions before bottling. The wine is not stabilized before bottling, allowing it to continue its slow evolution and development in bottle. As a result, natural sediment may form with age.
Tasting Notes
Deep and nearly opaque in color, Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 displays impressive structure, concentration and body. Aromas of ripe red and dark fruits lead into a rich palate dominated by blackberry, blackcurrant and concentrated berry fruit.
The texture is notably creamy and generous, yet the wine possesses a substantial framework of firm tannins that provides definition and excellent aging potential.
Rich fruit continues through the palate into a persistent, concentrated and beautifully structured finish.
94 Points — Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast awarded Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 an outstanding 94 Points.
Reviewer Roger Voss noted the wine’s rich opening, firm tannins and substantial weight, emphasizing the solid structure surrounding its generous blackberry fruit. The combination of abundant fruit and powerful tannins points to excellent long-term development.
The Exceptional 2011 Vintage
2011 is regarded as an outstanding year for Vintage Port, producing wines of remarkable fruit concentration, tannic structure and freshness throughout the Douro Valley.
The finest wines from the vintage were built for extended aging, and Maynard’s 2011 shows exactly those qualities: concentrated fruit, substantial structure and the balance necessary for graceful development over many years.
Serving & Decanting
Vintage Port naturally develops sediment as it matures in bottle. Stand the bottle upright for approximately 24 hours before opening, allowing the sediment to settle, and then decant carefully before serving.
Serve at approximately 16–18°C / 61–64°F in a generous Port or red-wine glass to allow the aromas and flavors to fully develop.
Food Pairing
Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 is an outstanding after-dinner wine and pairs beautifully with Stilton, aged sheep’s milk cheese, blue cheese and other intensely flavored cheeses.
It is equally compelling alongside dark chocolate, chocolate truffles, walnuts, dried fruits and rich chocolate desserts, or simply enjoyed by itself as a contemplative finish to a meal.
Cellaring
This is a serious Vintage Port with the concentration and tannic structure for extended bottle aging. Store horizontally in a cool, dark location with a stable temperature, ideally around 12°C / 54°F.
Although already developing additional complexity with bottle age, the 2011 has the structure to continue evolving beautifully for many years.
About Maynard’s
Maynard’s is the flagship Port brand associated with Fernando and Álvaro van Zeller, continuing the van Zeller family’s centuries-old connection to the Portuguese wine trade.
The Maynard’s name honors Walter Maynard, born in 1652, an ancestor of the van Zeller family and one of the early merchants associated with exporting Port wine from Portugal to England. Today, Maynard’s produces a distinctive collection of Vintage Ports, aged Tawnies and rare single-harvest Colheitas.
A superb 94-point Vintage Port from an exceptional year, Maynard’s 2011 combines concentrated blackberry fruit, formidable structure and impressive aging potential—a compelling bottle for the cellar, gifting or a special vintage-year celebration.
Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 750ml
Maynard’s Port Colheita White Port 1940 750ml (Pre-Sale Price - ETA October 2026)
One of the great rarities of the Port world, Maynard’s 1940 White Colheita is an extraordinary single-harvest White Port from Portugal’s historic Douro Valley. Produced from grapes harvested in 1940 and matured in seasoned oak casks, this exceptionally old Colheita offers the remarkable concentration, complexity and elegance that can develop only through prolonged maturation in wood.
Maynard’s is closely associated with the historic van Zeller family, one of the great names of the Portuguese wine trade. The brand honors Walter Maynard, an ancestor of the family and one of the early merchants involved in shipping Port wine from Portugal to England. Today, the Maynard’s range continues that tradition through a collection of classic and exceptionally rare Ports.
Region & Style
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro Valley
Appellation: Porto / Port
Wine Type: Fortified White Wine
Style: White Colheita Port / Single Harvest Port
Vintage: 1940
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: 20% ABV
Winemaker: Álvaro van Zeller
Grape Varieties
A traditional Douro white blend composed of:
- Códega do Larinho
- Rabigato
- Malvasia Fina
- Arinto
Winemaking & Aging
Unlike a conventional Vintage Port, a Colheita is produced entirely from a single harvest and develops its character through extended maturation in wood. The 1940 Maynard’s White Colheita was carefully selected and matured in seasoned oak casks, where slow oxidative aging transformed the wine and created the extraordinary richness, mellowness and complexity associated with very old Colheita Ports.
Over time, the fresh fruit character of the original white grapes evolves into layers of dried and preserved fruit, nuts, caramelized flavors and spice while maintaining the natural acidity that gives fine old White Port its remarkable freshness and balance.
Tasting Notes
A beautiful golden-amber color immediately reveals the wine’s extraordinary maturity. The bouquet is rich and expressive, showing concentrated aromas of peach preserves and jam, dried fruit, toasted nuts, caramel and warm spice.
On the palate, it is wonderfully complex and harmonious, combining mature sweetness with balancing freshness. Rich fruit and nutty flavors unfold slowly across the palate, followed by subtle oxidative and oak-aged nuances. The texture is silky and luxurious, leading to a long, elegant and persistent finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly chilled at approximately 12–13°C / 54–55°F. Because of its extraordinary age and complexity, this Port is particularly rewarding when served on its own in a proper Port or white-wine glass, allowing the wine to open gradually in the glass.
Food Pairing
An exceptional partner for desserts featuring almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts, as well as crème brûlée, custard-based desserts, dried-fruit cakes and other egg-based pastries. It can also be enjoyed with mature or blue cheeses, including Roquefort, or simply served by itself as a contemplative after-dinner wine.
About Maynard’s
Maynard’s is the flagship Port brand associated with Fernando and Álvaro van Zeller. The name pays tribute to Walter Maynard, born in 1652, an ancestor of the van Zeller family and one of the early merchants connected with the export of Port wine from Portugal to England. The Maynard’s collection celebrates this centuries-old Port tradition, with particular emphasis on aged Tawnies, Colheitas, Vintage Ports and other rare releases.
A remarkable survivor from the 1940 harvest, this extraordinarily mature White Colheita offers both a piece of Port history and a rare opportunity to experience the remarkable longevity of the Douro’s traditional white varieties.
Maynard’s Port Colheita White Port 1940 750ml
Maynard’s Port Colheita White Port 1962 750ml (Pre-Sale Price - ETA October 2026)
An extraordinary single-harvest White Port from 1962, offering more than six decades of history in every glass. Maynard’s White Colheita Port 1962 is a rare expression of the Douro Valley, combining remarkable maturity with elegance, freshness and beautifully developed complexity.
Produced from traditional white grape varieties of Portugal’s Douro Valley, this historic Colheita has developed a magnificent golden-amber color and an intricate aromatic profile shaped by extended maturation in wood.
Region & Style
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro Valley
Appellation: Porto / Port
Wine Type: Fortified White Wine
Style: White Colheita Port / Single Harvest Port
Vintage: 1962
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: 20% ABV
Winemaker: Álvaro van Zeller
Grape Varieties
A traditional Douro white blend composed of:
- Códega do Larinho
- Rabigato
- Malvasia Fina
- Arinto
What Is White Colheita Port?
Colheita Port is produced from grapes harvested in a single year and matured for an extended period in wooden casks before bottling. Unlike Vintage Port, which develops primarily in bottle, Colheita evolves through long oxidative maturation in wood.
For White Colheita, this gradual aging transforms the youthful citrus and orchard-fruit character of the white grapes into a far more complex spectrum of dried fruit, nuts, caramelized flavors and warm spice while retaining the acidity necessary to keep the wine balanced and fresh.
Tasting Notes
The Maynard’s 1962 White Colheita displays a beautiful golden-amber color and an expressive, mature bouquet. Aromas of peach preserves and ripe stone fruit lead into layers of dried fruit, toasted nuts and subtle oxidative complexity.
On the palate, the wine is rich and beautifully composed, with concentrated fruit balanced by freshness and elegance. Its remarkable age has created a seamless texture and impressive aromatic depth, finishing long, complex and refined.
19 Points — Vinho Grandes Escolhas
Vinho Grandes Escolhas awarded the Maynard’s White Colheita Port 1962 an impressive 19 Points.
The wine is noted for its golden-amber color, superb character, concentrated peach-fruit aromas and particularly complex, elegant finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly chilled at approximately 12–13°C / 54–55°F. A proper Port or white-wine glass allows the wine’s extraordinary aromatic complexity to fully unfold.
Because this is such a mature and complex wine, it is especially rewarding when enjoyed slowly on its own after dinner.
Food Pairing
Pair with desserts featuring almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts, as well as crème brûlée, custards, egg-based pastries and dried-fruit desserts.
Its combination of richness and mature complexity also makes it an excellent match for aged cheeses, including hard cheeses and blue cheese, or simply enjoy it by itself as a contemplative after-dinner Port.
About Maynard’s
Maynard’s is the flagship Port brand associated with Fernando and Álvaro van Zeller. The name pays tribute to Walter Maynard, a historic English wine merchant associated with some of the earliest shipments of Port wine from Portugal to England during the 17th century.
Today, Maynard’s continues this centuries-old Port tradition with a collection that includes Vintage Ports, aged Tawnies and exceptionally rare single-harvest Colheitas.
A remarkable piece of Douro history, the 1962 White Colheita is a rare opportunity to experience the extraordinary longevity and complexity of traditionally aged White Port.
Maynard’s White Colheita Port 1962 750ml
Maynard’s Port Colheita White Port 2011 750ml (Pre-Sale Price - ETA October 2026)
An elegant single-harvest White Port from Portugal’s historic Douro Valley, Maynard’s White Colheita Port 2011 combines ripe fruit, freshness and the distinctive complexity created through extended maturation in wood. Produced entirely from the 2011 harvest, this distinctive Port offers a beautiful expression of traditional Douro white grape varieties and the classic Maynard’s style.
White Colheita is one of the more unusual and fascinating categories of Port. Unlike a blended aged White Port, a Colheita comes entirely from one harvest, with the vintage prominently displayed on the bottle. Time in wooden casks gradually develops greater richness, softness and aromatic complexity while preserving the acidity that keeps the wine lively and balanced.
Region & Style
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro Valley
Appellation: Porto
Wine Type: Fortified White Wine
Style: White Colheita Port / Single Harvest Port
Vintage: 2011
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: 20% ABV
Grape Varieties
Maynard’s White Colheita is produced from a traditional blend of indigenous Douro white varieties:
- Códega do Larinho
- Rabigato
- Malvasia Fina
- Arinto
These varieties contribute aromatic character, ripe fruit and, importantly, the natural acidity necessary to balance the sweetness and richness of an aged White Port.
Winemaking & Aging
Produced from grapes harvested in a single year, the 2011 White Colheita follows the traditional method of Port production. Fermentation is stopped through the addition of grape spirit, preserving a portion of the grapes’ natural sweetness.
The wine then develops in wooden casks before bottling. This slow oxidative maturation is fundamental to the Colheita style, gradually transforming youthful fruit into more layered flavors of preserved fruit, nuts, caramel and spice while creating a smooth, harmonious texture.
Tasting Notes
Maynard’s White Colheita displays a beautiful golden-amber color and an inviting aromatic profile centered on ripe peach and peach preserves, complemented by dried fruit, citrus peel and subtle floral notes.
With time in wood, additional nuances of toasted nuts, caramel, honey and gentle spice emerge. The palate is rich yet fresh, with sweetness balanced by bright acidity and a smooth, elegant texture.
The finish is complex, refined and persistent, combining mature fruit character with the freshness that makes aged White Colheita Port particularly distinctive.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly chilled at approximately 12–13°C / 54–55°F in a Port or white-wine glass. A slight chill emphasizes the wine’s freshness while allowing its mature aromas and complexity to develop fully in the glass.
White Colheita can be enjoyed as an aperitif, with dessert or simply on its own as a contemplative after-dinner wine.
Food Pairing
An excellent match for desserts featuring almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts, as well as crème brûlée, custards, fruit tarts and other egg-based pastries.
It is also delicious with dried fruit, caramelized desserts and a selection of mature cheeses. The wine’s balancing acidity prevents richer pairings from becoming overly sweet.
About Maynard’s
Maynard’s represents the centuries-old Port tradition of the van Zeller family, one of the historic names of the Portuguese wine trade. The Maynard’s collection specializes in traditional Port styles, including Vintage Ports, aged Tawnies and rare single-harvest Colheitas.
The house is particularly known for preserving older and unusual expressions of Port, giving wine lovers the opportunity to experience the remarkable evolution that takes place during prolonged maturation in wood.
Elegant, golden and wonderfully complex, Maynard’s White Colheita Port 2011 is a distinctive single-vintage Port offering richness, freshness and the unmistakable character of traditional wood-aged White Port.
Maynard’s White Colheita Port 2011 750ml
Marques de Vitoria RIoja Reserva 2018 750ml
Marqués de Vitoria is a distinguished Rioja producer with a long tradition of crafting wines that express the classic character of the D.O.Ca. Rioja appellation. The estate is committed to producing wines of elegance, balance, and longevity, drawing on the region's exceptional terroir and time-honored winemaking techniques to create Tempranillo-based wines of real depth and refinement.
The Rioja Reserva is sourced from select vineyards within the D.O.Ca. Rioja, where Tempranillo thrives in the region's continental climate — warm summers, cold winters, and the moderating influence of the Cantabrian Mountains and the Ebro River. The combination of clay-limestone soils and carefully managed yields produces grapes of concentration and aromatic complexity.
Following harvest, the wine is aged for a minimum of 24 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, developing the spice, vanilla, and toasted notes that are hallmarks of classic Rioja Reserva. The wine then continues to evolve in bottle before release, ensuring harmony and integration at the time of purchase.
The 2018 Reserva shows a clean, bright cherry-red color developing to maroon. On the nose, complex and intense aromas of ripe plums, cherries, creamy vanilla, and hazelnut are interwoven with spice and well-integrated barrel notes. The palate is medium-bodied, round, and fluid — with dusty, refined tannins, bright acidity, and a long, elegant finish of sweet vanilla spice, succulent plums, and red berries. A beautifully balanced and approachable Reserva.
"A juicy Rioja showing some creamy vanilla and hazelnut characters to the savory plums and cherries. Medium body with round, dusty tannins and a long, bright finish showing plenty of sweet vanilla spices, succulent plums and red berries at the end. Fluid and elegant."
— Zekun Shuai, James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2018).
Grape: Tempranillo
Region: Rioja, Spain
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja Reserva
Vintage: 2018
Élevage: Minimum 24 months in French and American oak barrels
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Roast and grilled meats, lamb, mushroom rice, tuna, cod, and medium-aged cheeses such as Emmental or Gruyère.
Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott Cote-Rotie 2020 750ml (Special Offer Price)
Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott Côte-Rôtie 2020 is a beautifully expressive Northern Rhône Syrah that combines the power and savory complexity of Côte-Rôtie with the domaine's signature elegance and finesse. Produced in extremely limited quantities, this is a refined, age-worthy wine with dark fruit, floral perfume, spice and beautifully polished tannins.
The fruit comes from approximately 40-year-old Syrah vines planted on the schist soils of the Côte Brune in Ampuis. These steep, rocky vineyards are at the heart of Côte-Rôtie and give the wine remarkable intensity, structure and mineral character.
Expert Ratings
94 Points — Vinous
Glistening ruby. Spice- and mineral-accented cherry and black raspberry scents are complemented by suggestions of pipe tobacco, violet, smoky bacon and exotic spices. Densely packed and subtly chewy in texture, offering appealingly sweet, spice-tinged red and dark berry and floral pastille flavors that are supported by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. The mineral note returns on a very long, penetrating finish that features polished tannins and resonating florality.
93 Points — Wine Spectator
Shows seductive violet, crushed plum and spice notes that mingle on the palate, grounded by balsamic and olive tapenade. The dry finish, with power that builds, is marked with a dusting of white pepper. Drink now through 2030.
93 Points — James Suckling
Dark cherries, plums, black olives, grilled meat, earth and cloves on the nose. Medium to full body with fine tannins. Serious and well-balanced with a restrained power and a lively finish with excellent length.
92 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
I loved the 2020 Côte Rôtie, another terrific effort here. Giving up lots of ripe black and blue fruits as well as spring flowers and bouquet garni-like notes, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, has ripe, sweet tannins, and a great finish.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted both in the vineyard and again upon arrival at the winery. Approximately 80% of the fruit is destemmed before a cold maceration in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Fermentation begins naturally with indigenous yeasts, followed by 18 months of aging in French oak barrels.
Production is exceptionally small, at approximately 1,200 bottles, making this a particularly limited expression of Côte-Rôtie.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby with violet reflections, the 2020 Côte-Rôtie offers an expressive aromatic profile of ripe blackberry, dark cherry and plum layered with violet, cracked pepper and savory spice. Subtle notes of olive, smoked meat and earthy minerality add classic Northern Rhône complexity.
The palate is full and concentrated yet remarkably supple, with ripe dark fruit framed by firm, silky tannins and fresh acidity. Peppery spice and mineral notes carry through the long, elegant finish, giving the wine both immediate appeal and excellent potential for further development in the cellar.
About Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott
Graeme and Julie Bott met while working at the renowned Northern Rhône estate of Stéphane Ogier before establishing their own domaine. Beginning with a small cellar in their garage, they gradually planted vineyards in Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph and Seyssuel.
Today, working from their cellar in Ampuis, their philosophy centers on allowing the Northern Rhône's schist and granite terroirs to speak clearly through the wines. Production remains deliberately small, with an emphasis on balance, purity and finesse.
Food Pairing
An excellent partner for grilled or roasted beef, ribeye steak, rack of lamb, braised lamb, duck and slow-cooked game. Its savory, peppery character also pairs beautifully with mushrooms, lentils, roasted root vegetables and dishes featuring rosemary, thyme or black pepper.
Wine Details
- Producer: Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott
- Vintage: 2020
- Country: France
- Region: Northern Rhône
- Appellation: Côte-Rôtie AOC
- Vineyard Location: Ampuis, Côte Brune
- Grape: Syrah
- Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
- Soil: Schist
- Harvest: Hand harvested
- Vinification: Approximately 80% destemmed; indigenous yeast fermentation
- Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels
- Alcohol: 13%
- Production: Approximately 1,200 bottles
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Benoit Dehu Champagne Cuvee Initiation Rose Extra Brut (Base 2022) 750ml (Introductory Price)
Benoît Déhu’s Cuvée Initiation Rosé Extra Brut is an expressive grower Champagne from Fossoy, on the western edge of the Vallée de la Marne in Champagne, France. Déhu is an eighth-generation vigneron whose family estate dates to 1787. After working at Champagne Bollinger, Benoît returned to his family domaine and developed his own highly personal range of naturally farmed, terroir-driven Champagnes.
The 2022 Initiation Rosé is composed of 78% Meunier and 22% Pinot Noir, with 7% still red wine blended into the cuvée to create its delicate rosé character. Meunier plays a central role in Déhu’s work, particularly from his celebrated La Rue des Noyers vineyard, while Pinot Noir brings additional structure, depth and red-fruit character.
Déhu farms with a strong commitment to biodynamic and natural viticulture, including work according to the lunar calendar and the use of traditional vineyard practices. His wines are known for their careful oak vinification and élevage, with many barrels made from trees sourced in the nearby forest of Fossoy.
The 2022 Initiation Rosé is elegant, vibrant and savory, with notes of cranberry, dried flowers, ginger and cinnamon. Bright acidity and fine minerality give the wine energy and precision, while the red wine component lends subtle texture and depth. Despite its delicacy, the wine has impressive persistence and complexity.
Vinous notes that this release was bottled with no dosage, emphasizing its dry, energetic and terroir-driven style. It was disgorged beginning in April 2025, with multiple disgorgements taking place throughout the year.
94 Points — Vinous
“The NV (2022) Extra Brut Rosé Initiation is laced with cranberry, ginger, dried flowers and cinnamon. Elegant and light on its feet, the 2022 is a total delight. This deceptively understated Rosé is gorgeous. Readers should expect a decidedly savory style. The Initiation is 78% Meunier and 22% Pinot Noir, with 7% still red wine blended in. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: April 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year.”
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94 Points
Wine Details
Producer: Benoît Déhu
Wine: Cuvée Initiation Rosé Extra Brut
Base Vintage: 2022
Region: Champagne, France
Area: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Fossoy
Grapes: 78% Meunier, 22% Pinot Noir
Rosé Method: Blend with 7% still red wine
Farming: Biodynamic and natural viticulture
Vinification: Oak vinification and élevage
Dosage: No dosage for this release
Disgorgement: Beginning April 2025; multiple disgorgements
Rating: Vinous 94 Points
Bottle Size: 750ml
Benoît Déhu Champagne Cuvée Initiation Rosé Extra Brut (Base 2022) 750ml
Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc Bundle for - Two Bottles - for $20.00!
Villa Maria · Marlborough · New Zealand · Two-Bottle Bundle
Villa Maria is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated wine estates — a multiple award-winner and a benchmark producer of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Bright, aromatic, and unmistakably Kiwi, their Sauvignon Blanc is the kind of wine that disappears fast. Which is exactly why two bottles make more sense than one.
Expect the classic Marlborough profile: zesty citrus, passionfruit, and fresh-cut grass on the nose, with vibrant acidity, a crisp palate, and a clean, refreshing finish. Versatile, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable.
- Producer: Villa Maria
- Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
- Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
- Bundle: 2 × 750ml bottles
- Bundle Price: $20.00
- Pairings: Oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, Thai cuisine, light salads, aperitif
Two bottles of award-winning New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for $20 — the easiest decision you’ll make today.
Paul Bara Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut "L’Audacieuse" Grand Cru 2016 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
Paul Bara Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut “L’Audacieuse” Grand Cru 2016 is a rare and daring Grower Champagne produced from 100% Chardonnay grown in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy in Champagne’s Montagne de Reims. Bouzy is celebrated primarily for its powerful Pinot Noir — making this pure Chardonnay cuvée an especially unusual and audacious expression of the village’s terroir.
The Chardonnay comes from the Mont des Tours vineyard, where Bouzy’s predominantly chalky soils provide excellent drainage and contribute freshness, precision and a pronounced mineral character. The name L’Audacieuse — “the audacious one” — reflects the house’s bold decision to produce a Blanc de Blancs from a terroir traditionally associated with Pinot Noir.
The 2016 vintage displays a luminous pale-gold color and a fine, persistent mousse. The expressive bouquet offers aromas of green apple, pear, white peach and fresh citrus, joined by delicate white flowers and chalky minerality. With air, more complex notes of fresh almond, brioche, dried herbs and subtle honey begin to emerge.
On the palate, L’Audacieuse is lively and precise, combining vibrant acidity with an elegant, gently creamy texture. Ripe orchard fruit and citrus are balanced by chalky tension and delicate autolytic complexity. The finish is long, clean and refined, with lingering saline and mineral notes that emphasize the purity of the Chardonnay.
The wine spent approximately eight years aging in bottle before release, allowing its freshness and fruit to develop greater depth, texture and complexity. Finished as an Extra Brut with a very low dosage of ~3 g/L, it remains dry, focused and beautifully expressive of its Grand Cru origins. Production of the 2016 vintage was extremely limited — only 3,935 numbered bottles produced.
Wine Details
- Producer: Paul Bara
- Cuvée: L’Audacieuse
- Style: Vintage Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
- Vintage: 2016
- Country: France
- Region: Champagne
- Subregion: Montagne de Reims
- Village: Bouzy Grand Cru
- Vineyard: Mont des Tours
- Grape: 100% Chardonnay
- Dosage: Extra Brut, ~3 g/L
- Aging: ~8 years in bottle before release
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- Production: 3,935 numbered bottles
- Serving Temperature: 48–52°F
About Paul Bara
The Bara family has cultivated vines in Bouzy since the nineteenth century. Today, Champagne Paul Bara farms approximately 11 hectares divided among 33 parcels, all located within the Grand Cru village. The estate combines traditional craftsmanship with sustainable vineyard practices, producing Champagnes known for their structure, elegance and clear expression of Bouzy’s chalk-rich soils.
Why We Like It
L’Audacieuse is a genuinely rare bottle — a Blanc de Blancs from Bouzy, a village that almost never produces one. Eight years on the lees, a single vineyard source, and fewer than 4,000 bottles worldwide make this one of the most compelling and collectible Grower Champagnes we carry. For the serious Champagne lover, it is simply unmissable.
Food Pairings: Oysters, caviar, sashimi, scallops, lobster, grilled prawns, roasted sea bass, citrus-accented poultry, creamy risotto and aged goat cheese.
Paul Bara Brut Réserve Grand Cru NV (Kermit Lynch) 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
Paul Bara Brut Réserve Grand Cru NV is the signature cuvée of Champagne Paul Bara and a classic expression of Bouzy, one of the most celebrated villages in Champagne’s Montagne de Reims. Produced entirely from estate-grown Grand Cru fruit, this non-vintage Champagne combines the generosity and structure of Bouzy Pinot Noir with the freshness and finesse of Chardonnay.
The blend is composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay from vines averaging approximately 35 years of age. Bouzy’s south-facing vineyards and deep clay-limestone soils encourage excellent ripeness while preserving the freshness, mineral definition and balance essential to fine Champagne. Only the first pressing of the grapes is used, and malolactic fermentation is avoided to retain natural acidity and vibrancy.
Light yellow-gold in color with fine, abundant bubbles and a persistent mousse. The bouquet opens with ripe orchard and stone fruits — Mirabelle plum, yellow peach and quince — followed by sweet spice, honey, candied citrus, bergamot and orange peel. On the palate, the Brut Réserve is rich, fresh and beautifully focused, with lively acidity, a fine mineral backbone and the subtle peppery character associated with Pinot Noir from Bouzy. The texture is generous and mouth-filling, yet the finish remains dry, precise and refreshing.
Press Notes
91 pts — James Suckling: "Attractive aromas of pears and sliced apples with hints of yeast follow through to a medium body with bright acidity and a delicate bread-dough finish. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay."
91 pts — Wine Spectator: "A creamy Champagne, offering concentrated flavors of mandarin orange preserves, dried white cherry and grated ginger, underscored by a streak of salty mineral. Well-balanced, with a lip-smacking finish."
Wine Details
- Producer: Paul Bara
- Cuvée: Brut Réserve
- Style: Non-Vintage Brut Grand Cru
- Country: France
- Region: Champagne
- Subregion: Montagne de Reims
- Village: Bouzy Grand Cru
- Grapes: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
- Vine Age: ~35 years on average
- Soil: Clay and limestone over deep chalk
- Vinification: First pressing only; stainless steel; no malolactic fermentation
- Dosage: ~7 g/L (may vary by disgorgement)
- Alcohol: ~12.5%
- Serving Temperature: 46–50°F
About Paul Bara
The Bara family has been rooted in Bouzy since 1833. Today, the historic grower estate farms approximately 11 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards, producing Champagnes admired for their ripe fruit, vinous depth, freshness and distinctive expression of Bouzy’s chalk-rich terroir.
Why We Like It
The Brut Réserve is a benchmark Grower Champagne — Pinot Noir-driven, terroir-expressive and consistently excellent. At this price point, it offers a compelling window into what Grand Cru Bouzy Champagne can be: structured, generous and unmistakably characterful.
Food Pairings: Oysters, shrimp, scallops, smoked salmon, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, creamy mushroom dishes, aged Comté or savory pastries.
Domaine J-L & F Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Les Charmes 2023 750ml (Offer)
This refined white Burgundy is produced from 100% Chardonnay grown in Les Charmes, a village-level lieu-dit in Puligny-Montrachet situated near Meursault’s celebrated Premier Cru Les Charmes vineyard. The southeast-facing site lies at approximately 240 meters in elevation, with mature vines planted in the region’s characteristic clay and limestone soils.
The 2023 vintage offers a luminous white-gold color and an expressive bouquet of fresh lime, grapefruit, crisp orchard fruit and subtle oak. Broad and finely textured on the palate, it combines ripe white-fruit richness with flinty minerality, refreshing citrus acidity and the poised structure characteristic of Puligny-Montrachet. A delicate hint of vanilla adds complexity without overwhelming the wine’s purity and freshness.
The grapes are harvested by hand, gently pressed and allowed to settle before fermentation in French oak barrels, approximately 20% of which are new. Malolactic fermentation and maturation also take place in barrel, producing a beautifully balanced wine with excellent definition, elegance and length.
The Chavy family has cultivated vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet for more than two centuries. Jean-Louis Chavy continues a six-generation family tradition of producing Chardonnay distinguished by precision, finesse, freshness and mineral expression. His son Paul joined the domaine in 2020, helping guide the historic estate into its next generation.
- Grape: 100% Chardonnay
- Country: France
- Region: Burgundy
- Subregion: Côte de Beaune
- Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet
- Vineyard: Les Charmes
- Classification: Village-level lieu-dit
- Soil: Clay and limestone
- Exposure: Southeast
- Vinification: Fermented and aged in French oak, approximately 20% new
- Style: Dry, elegant and mineral-driven white Burgundy
- Serving Temperature: Approximately 50–55°F
Food Pairings: An excellent companion to oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, scallops, lobster, roast chicken, creamy poultry dishes and mild Alpine cheeses.
Domaine J-L & F Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Les Charmes 2023
R.H. Coutier Extra Brut Rose (Base 2022) 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
R.H. Coutier Extra Brut Rosé (Base 2022) is an elegant, Chardonnay-led Rosé Champagne from one of Ambonnay's most respected grower-producers — a family estate with deep roots in this celebrated Grand Cru village of the Montagne de Reims. Composed of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, sourced entirely from organically farmed estate fruit in Ambonnay, this is a Rosé of genuine finesse: pale, precise, and beautifully balanced, with the mineral energy of Grand Cru Chardonnay at its core.
The 2022 base brings generous structure and ripeness — approximately 77% of the blend from the harvest, complemented by reserve wines that add complexity and continuity. Pale and refined in the glass, the Champagne opens with notes of cranberry, wild red berries, dried flowers, and a delicate hint of mint. Subtle earthy and savory nuances emerge with air, adding depth and intrigue. On the palate, the wine is graceful and energetic, with fine, persistent bubbles, fresh acidity, and a clean Extra Brut finish of impressive length and clarity. Light, ethereal, and impeccably balanced.
Awarded 90 Points by Vinous: “A very pretty, nuanced Champagne. Cranberry, dried flowers, mint and crushed autumn leaves all grace this racy, pale-colored Rosé. It’s a touch light and ethereal, with all the elements very nicely balanced.” Organically farmed, grower-produced, and site-specific — a Rosé Champagne of genuine character at an introductory price.
Serve at 46–50°F. Exceptional as an aperitif and a refined partner for smoked salmon, tuna tartare, charcuterie, roast duck, mushroom dishes, soft cheeses, and berry-accented savory preparations.
Geoffroy Champagne 'Lieu Dit Les Tiersaudes' Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru Brut Nature 2019 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
94 Points — James Suckling
93 Points — Wine Spectator
92 Points — Wine Advocate
Geoffroy “Les Tiersaudes” 2019 is an exceptionally limited, single-vineyard Champagne produced entirely from old-vine Meunier grown in Cumières Premier Cru. Fermented and matured in large oak barrels and bottled without dosage, it is a powerful yet precise Blanc de Noirs with concentrated fruit, electric acidity and a distinctly saline mineral finish.
The Vineyard
Les Tiersaudes is a southeast-facing lieu-dit situated on the midslope in the heart of Cumières, in Champagne’s Vallée de la Marne. The parcel lies at approximately 140 meters above sea level on a 15% gradient, with soils composed of fine silt, limestone and flint.
The Meunier vines were planted in 1972 from massale selection. Geoffroy cultivates the parcel biodynamically and has introduced apple, mirabelle, maple, hornbeam and lime trees among the vines to increase biodiversity, encourage soil life and provide natural shade during increasingly warm growing seasons.
The Grape: 100% Meunier.
Although “Blanc de Noirs” is often associated with Pinot Noir, the term refers to any white Champagne made from dark-skinned grapes. Here, Meunier provides ripe fruit, breadth and aromatic complexity while the cool, limestone-influenced soils of Les Tiersaudes preserve freshness and mineral tension.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness and carefully sorted. They are pressed in a traditional Coquard press, with only the finest tête de cuvée juice selected.
Vinification is carried out by gravity with indigenous yeasts. The wine is fermented and matured on its lees in 600-liter oak demi-muids. Malolactic fermentation is avoided, helping retain the wine’s vibrant natural acidity. It is neither fined nor filtered.
No dosage is added following disgorgement, making this a true Brut Nature Champagne with 0 grams per liter of added sugar.
Tasting Notes
The bouquet combines orange marmalade, juicy peach and fresh hazelnut with pear, honeysuckle, grapefruit, dried flowers and gentle spice.
The palate is concentrated and vinous, showing cassis, candied kumquat, ripe citrus and dried fruit. Structured acidity provides a firm backbone, while a plush, finely textured mousse gives the wine breadth and balance.
Notes of toasted bread, crystallized honey, gooseberry and lime emerge with air. A persistent streak of salinity refreshes the long, lemon-tinged finish, leaving the wine rich yet energetic, silky and precise.
Professional Ratings
94 Points — James Suckling: "This bright, dry and lively Champagne shows raspberries, oranges, candied ginger and dried flowers on the nose. Delightfully fruity and spicy, with tension and energy. I like it a lot. Disgorged March 2024. Drink now or hold."
93 Points — Wine Spectator: "A well-built Champagne, with structured acidity providing a firm frame for concentrated flavors of cassis, candied kumquat, toasted raisin bread and crystallized honey. Theres a cottony plushness to the mousse, while a streak of salinity refreshes the racy finish. Disgorged March 2024. 231 cases made, 13 cases imported. - AN"
92 Points — Wine Advocate: "Geoffroy™s 2019 Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs Les Tiersaudes, disgorged without dosage in March 2024, originates from old-vine Pinot Meunier"planted in 1972"on a south-facing mid-slope in the heart of Cumieres. These vines thrive on deeper soils compared to those of Les Collinardins. Aged for one year in oak, mostly demi-muids, this Champagne unveils an aromatic profile of pear, honeysuckle and grapefruit intertwined with notes of gooseberry and lime. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, muscular yet incisive, with a concentrated core of fruit underpinned by electric acidity, concluding with a long, lemon-tinged finish."
The Producer
The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in Cumières since the 17th century. Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy produces distinctive grower Champagnes emphasizing ripe fruit, individual vineyard expression, indigenous-yeast fermentation, restrained dosage and extended cellar aging.
Food Pairing
This structured, gastronomic Champagne pairs beautifully with roast pork, duck, poultry, grilled salmon, seared tuna, scallops, mushroom dishes and aged cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère.
Serving and Cellaring
Serve at approximately 48–52°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. The 2019 is expressive now but has the concentration and acidity to develop additional toasted-nut, honeyed and savory complexity through 2039.
Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Lieu-Dit Les Tiersaudes
Vintage: 2019
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Vintage Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature Champagne
Grape: 100% Meunier
Vineyard: Les Tiersaudes
Vine Age: Planted in 1972
Exposure: Southeast
Altitude: Approximately 140 meters
Soil: Fine silt, limestone and flint
Farming: Practicing biodynamic with agroforestry
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in 600-liter oak demi-muids
Malolactic Fermentation: None
Dosage: 0 g/L
Fining and Filtration: Neither fined nor filtered
Disgorgement: March 2024 for the reviewed release
Bottle Size: 750ml
Geoffroy “Lieu-Dit Les Tiersaudes” Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Brut Nature 2019
Geoffroy Champagne 'Terre Millesime' 1er Cru Extra Brut 2015 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
95 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
93 Points — James Suckling
93 Points — Wine Advocate
Ten years on the lees. One of Champagne's most patient cuvees. Geoffroy's 2015 Terre Millésime is produced only in selected years from the finest barrel and cask selections in Cumières Premier Cru — and held back a full decade before disgorgement. The result is a vintage Champagne of remarkable depth and harmony: ripe stone fruit, dried citrus peel, chalk and iodine, framed by a pillowy mousse and a long, crystalline saline finish. Disgorged July 2024 with zero dosage.
The Place
Cumières is a historic Premier Cru village in Champagne's Vallée de la Marne, situated west of Hautvillers and overlooking the Marne River. Its favorably exposed hillside vineyards are known for producing Champagnes with ripe fruit, vinous texture and expressive personality. Clay and limestone contribute richness and structure; underlying chalk preserves freshness and mineral definition.
The Geoffroy family has cultivated vines here since the 17th century, and Cumières remains the heart of the estate's identity and production.
The Terre Millésime Cuvee
Terre Millésime is Geoffroy's most ambitious and age-worthy cuvee — produced only in exceptional years and never released young. The assemblage is drawn from a selection of barrels and casks chosen through comprehensive tastings, and the composition varies by vintage. In 2015, the blend is 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay.
Following secondary fermentation, the wine spends approximately ten years aging sur lattes before disgorgement. This extended lees contact develops a refined, complex mousse and layers of brioche, toasted nut, spice and savory mineral character that could not be achieved through shorter aging.
The wine is disgorged without dosage — 0 g/L — making it a true Brut Nature despite the Extra Brut designation on the label.
The 2015 Vintage
The 2015 growing season in Champagne was warm and generous, producing concentrated, expressive fruit with excellent natural ripeness. For Terre Millésime, the vintage delivered the depth, structure and aging potential required for a decade of lees maturation. The result is a wine with ripe stone fruit, mature citrus and a muscular yet fresh profile that Jeb Dunnuck describes as having "volume without weight."
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Gentle pressing selects only the finest juice. Fermentation and maturation take place in a combination of oak barrels and larger casks, contributing texture, complexity and a subtle oak influence that frames rather than dominates the wine.
After assemblage, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and spends approximately ten years aging on its lees before disgorgement in July 2024. It is released without fining, filtration or dosage.
Tasting Notes
The 2015 Terre Millésime opens with an expressive bouquet of dried orange peel, apricot, crisp pear, ripe apple and spice, with a faint hint of sage and iodine. Notes of sea spray, toast and gentle oak emerge with air.
The palate is medium- to full-bodied and pillowy, with a rounded, fleshy mousse that fills the palate and enhances the wine's broader structure. Bright acidity and a taut, chalky core provide focus and tension, while the generous mid-palate delivers stone fruit, lemon and savory complexity. The finish is long, dry and mineral, with persistent crystalline salinity and lingering citrus, toast and chalk.
Professional Ratings
95 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: Ripe notes of apricot, black fruits, savory cologne, iodine, sea spray and toast. Medium to full-bodied with volume without weight and a long palate. A rounded mid-palate with a mousse that fleshes out and fills the palate. A touch more oak influence frames the wine while retaining freshness, with persistent crystalline salinity through the finish. They do not produce this cuvée every year, but when they do, they hold it back ten years before disgorgement. 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Disgorged July 2024. Drink 2025–2040.
93 Points — James Suckling: Spicy and expressive, with aromas of grapefruit, cedar, cloves and gingerbread. Firm, dry and vinous, with toasty layers and rounded bubbles. 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. Disgorged July 2024. Zero dosage. Drink now or hold.
93 Points — Wine Advocate: The most harmonious wine in Geoffroy's portfolio this year. As always, the product of barrel and cask selection based on comprehensive tastings, followed by extended maturation sur lattes. The assemblage is never identical year to year. In 2015: 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. Expressive bouquet of dried orange peel, apricot, crisp pear and spice with a faint hint of sage. Medium- to full-bodied and pillowy, with bright acidity and a taut, chalky core leading to a long, saline finish.
The Producer
The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in Cumières since the 17th century. Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy produces distinctive grower Champagnes emphasizing ripe fruit, individual vineyard expression, long cellar aging and restrained dosage. The estate farms approximately 14 hectares, with most vineyards in Cumières and additional parcels in neighboring Vallée de la Marne villages.
Food Pairing
An exceptional gastronomic Champagne for roast chicken, lobster, scallops, mushroom risotto, veal, pork tenderloin, duck and aged cheeses such as Comté, Gruyère or Parmesan. Its depth and saline finish also make it a natural partner for truffles, foie gras and richly sauced poultry dishes.
Serving and Cellaring
Serve at approximately 50–54°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or generous white-wine glass. The 2015 is drinking beautifully now and should continue developing richer brioche, toasted-nut and savory complexity through 2040.
Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Terre Millésime
Vintage: 2015
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Vintage Extra Brut Champagne
Blend: 75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
Farming: Practicing organic and sustainability-focused
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Lees Aging: Approximately 10 years
Disgorgement: July 2024
Dosage: 0 g/L (Brut Nature)
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Meursault Les Vignes Blanches 2023 750ml (Offer)
93 Points — John Gilman, View From the Cellar
92 Points — Wine Spectator
90–92 Points — Jasper Morris, MW, Inside Burgundy
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s 2023 Meursault Les Vignes Blanches is a beautifully concentrated, old-vine Chardonnay from a distinctive village-level climat situated below the celebrated Santenots vineyards. Combining the generous orchard-fruit character traditionally associated with Meursault with vibrant acidity, pale limestone minerality and finely integrated oak, this is a rich yet precise white Burgundy of remarkable depth and persistence.
The wine comes from a tiny 0.41-hectare parcel planted predominantly in 1948. Although Les Vignes Blanches is classified as Meursault Village, its old vines, individual terroir and limited production give it a personality that clearly distinguishes it from a blended village Meursault.
The Place
Meursault lies in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, immediately south of Volnay and north of Puligny-Montrachet. The village is internationally renowned for Chardonnay that combines richness, breadth and silky texture with fresh acidity and a distinctive mineral character.
Meursault has no Grand Cru vineyards, yet its finest Premier Cru and village-level climats produce some of Burgundy’s most complex and age-worthy white wines. The appellation’s varied marl, limestone, gravel and clay soils allow Chardonnay to express a wide range of styles, from supple and nutty to firm, citrus-driven and intensely mineral.
The Les Vignes Blanches Vineyard
Les Vignes Blanches is situated low on the Meursault slope, below Santenots and just south of the Meursault Premier Cru Santenots vineyards. It rests beneath a small rocky rise that contributes natural drainage and an unusually pronounced mineral character for this part of the slope.
The climat takes its name from the pale, gravelly limestone visible throughout the vineyard. Beneath and among this limestone is a meaningful clay component that retains water during warm, dry growing seasons. This combination gives the wine both richness and tension: clay contributes depth, texture and ripe orchard fruit, while the gravelly limestone provides freshness, salinity and mineral definition.
Many growers traditionally blend fruit from Les Vignes Blanches into a broader village-level Meursault. Domaine Clos de la Chapelle instead bottles the parcel separately to preserve its individual character and expression of place.
The Domaine’s Parcel
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle farms approximately 0.41 hectare—just over one acre—of Les Vignes Blanches. Most of the Chardonnay vines were planted in 1948, immediately following the Second World War, making them more than 75 years old at the time of the 2023 harvest.
These deeply rooted old vines naturally produce small quantities of concentrated fruit. Their extensive root systems penetrate multiple soil layers, helping the vines maintain balance during dry conditions and giving the finished wine notable depth, complexity and persistence.
The 2023 growing season demonstrated the value of the site’s water-retentive clay. According to Jasper Morris, the soils held sufficient moisture during the vintage, allowing the grapes to achieve generous ripeness while retaining adequate acidity.
The Grape: 100% Chardonnay.
Chardonnay is Burgundy’s principal white grape and an exceptionally transparent interpreter of terroir. In Les Vignes Blanches, it combines the broad texture and ripe orchard-fruit profile associated with Meursault with citrus freshness, oyster-shell salinity and a finely structured mineral finish.
Viticulture
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s vineyards are certified organic and are cultivated according to biodynamic principles. The estate avoids chemical pesticides and fertilizers, regularly ploughs its soils and carefully controls yields to encourage healthy vines and concentrated fruit.
The grapes are harvested by hand and sorted before pressing. The domaine’s objective is to preserve the purity of the fruit while allowing the individual soil, vine age and vintage conditions of each small parcel to remain clearly expressed in the finished wine.
Winemaking and Aging
The Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed, followed by approximately 24 hours of settling. Fermentation and maturation take place in a combination of French oak barrel sizes, helping the wine develop texture and complexity without allowing the oak to dominate its old-vine fruit or mineral character.
The domaine may use up to 30% new oak for its white wines, with barrels sourced from several respected cooperages. Bâtonnage may be performed once per week for as long as six weeks after fermentation, or until malolactic fermentation begins.
The 2023 Les Vignes Blanches was matured for approximately 14 months in barrel. The use of different barrel sizes helps preserve freshness while contributing restrained notes of vanilla, toast and brioche. The wine is bottled approximately 15 to 18 months after harvest.
Tasting Notes
The 2023 displays a full lemon-yellow color and an expressive, layered bouquet of ripe peach, pear, yellow apple and citrus. With air, aromas of citronella, white flowers, toasted brioche, hazelnut and delicate vanilla emerge alongside a subtle reductive, mineral tension.
The palate is supple, concentrated and beautifully layered. Rich orchard fruit and ripe peach are balanced by vibrant acidity and savory notes of oyster shell and pale limestone. The old vines provide impressive mid-palate depth, while the wine’s mineral structure keeps its generous fruit precise and focused.
Notes of vanilla and toasted brioche are finely integrated into the fruit rather than dominant. The wine builds steadily across the palate, concluding with a long, refined and complex finish marked by citrus, orchard fruit, saline minerals and gentle oak spice.
This is a generous yet disciplined expression of Meursault—reminiscent of the traditional, richly textured style of the village, but supported by enough acidity and mineral tension to remain vibrant and age gracefully.
Professional Ratings
93 Points — John Gilman, View From the Cellar | John Gilman awarded the 2023 Meursault Les Vignes Blanches 93 points, recognizing it as one of the leading white wines in Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s highly regarded 2023 collection.
92 Points — Wine Spectator: Citronella, peach, oyster shell, vanilla and toasted brioche flavors ride the supple texture in this harmonious white. Vibrant and succulent while building to the refined, complex aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2040.
90–92 Points — Jasper Morris, MW, Inside Burgundy
Barrel Sample: Old vines on clay soil below Santenots. A full lemon yellow, with a little reductive tension on the nose. Made in a mix of wood sizes. Nicely layered flesh and fruit on the palate, quite a rich orchard fruit, but balanced by adequate acidity These soils retained the water sufficiently in 2023. A good long finish, rather lovely and not far from old style Meursault. Barrel Sample: 90-92
The 2023 Vintage
The 2023 vintage produced generous, ripe fruit across the Côte de Beaune, but the finest sites maintained the acidity and mineral structure necessary for balance. At Les Vignes Blanches, the clay component retained valuable moisture during warm and dry periods, helping the old vines ripen steadily without losing freshness.
The result is a wine with generous fruit and textural richness, balanced by adequate acidity, limestone tension and a persistent mineral finish.
The Domaine
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is a small, historic Burgundy estate based in Bligny-lès-Beaune and closely associated with Volnay. The domaine takes its name from the historic Volnay Premier Cru Clos de la Chapelle monopole, a walled vineyard situated opposite the Gothic chapel of Notre Dame de Pitié.
The property was acquired in 2011 by Mark O’Connell and his Burgundian partners and renamed Domaine Clos de la Chapelle in honor of its flagship vineyard. The estate now owns and farms approximately five hectares divided among 16 individual terroirs in Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses, Meursault and Corton.
The vineyards are certified organic and farmed according to biodynamic principles. Grapes are harvested by hand, yields are deliberately restricted and intervention in the cellar is kept to a minimum. Total production across the entire domaine averages only approximately 1,800 cases annually.
Food Pairing
Meursault Les Vignes Blanches is an excellent accompaniment to lobster, scallops, crab, halibut, turbot, sea bass and sole meunière. Its combination of richness and acidity also pairs beautifully with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, veal in cream sauce and poultry with mushrooms.
Additional pairings include lobster ravioli, mushroom risotto, creamy pasta, roasted cauliflower and mature cheeses such as Comté, Gruyère or Délice de Bourgogne.
Serving and Cellaring
The domaine recommends serving the wine at approximately 16°C, or 61°F. It may initially be poured slightly cooler and allowed to warm gradually in the glass, revealing additional orchard fruit, hazelnut, brioche and mineral complexity.
When enjoyed young, opening the bottle approximately 30 minutes before serving will help the wine’s subtle reductive character dissipate. Its old-vine concentration, acidity and mineral structure should support graceful development through 2040.
Producer: Domaine Clos de la Chapelle
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Côte de Beaune
Village: Meursault
Appellation: Meursault AOC
Vineyard: Les Vignes Blanches
Classification: Village
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Holding: Approximately 0.41 hectare
Vine Age: Predominantly planted in 1948
Location: Below Santenots on the lower Meursault slope
Soil: Gravelly pale limestone with water-retentive clay
Farming: Certified organic; biodynamic principles
Harvest: Hand harvested
Pressing: Whole-cluster pressed
Aging: Approximately 14 months in French oak
Alcohol: 13.5%
Wine Type: Dry white wine
Bottle Size: 750ml
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Meursault Les Vignes Blanches 2023
Domaine Clos De La Chapelle Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru 2023 750ml (Offer)
95 Points — Wine Spectator
94 Points — Jasper Morris, MW, Inside Burgundy
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s 2023 Corton-Charlemagne is a profound and exceptionally limited expression of one of Burgundy’s most celebrated white-wine vineyards. Produced entirely from Chardonnay, it combines the natural richness and power of the Corton hill with vibrant acidity, stony minerality and the remarkable precision for which the finest Corton-Charlemagne wines are known.
The Place
Corton-Charlemagne is a Grand Cru appellation situated at the northern end of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, where the rounded Hill of Corton rises above the villages of Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses and Ladoix-Serrigny. The appellation occupies the hill’s higher, cooler slopes at approximately 280 to 330 meters above sea level.
These elevated vineyards are planted on steep slopes composed of limestone, marl and thin, stony soils. The combination of altitude, exposure and mineral-rich geology gives Corton-Charlemagne its distinctive balance of concentration, freshness and long-lived structure. Although the appellation covers approximately 60 hectares currently under production, individual domaine holdings are often extremely small.
The Vineyard
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle farms just 0.30 hectare—less than one acre—of Corton-Charlemagne. Its parcel is located on the Pernand-Vergelesses side of the hill, facing west, and is planted with approximately 45-year-old Chardonnay vines. The soils contain a high proportion of limestone and marl, contributing to the wine’s firm mineral backbone, chalky texture and naturally persistent finish.
Production is correspondingly tiny, making this one of the domaine’s rarest and most sought-after bottlings.
The Grape
100% Chardonnay. Corton-Charlemagne is reserved exclusively for white Grand Cru Burgundy produced from Chardonnay. In this remarkable terroir, the grape develops considerable body and concentration while retaining the acidity, mineral tension and definition necessary for extended bottle aging.
Winemaking
Following harvest and sorting, the grapes are whole-cluster pressed. After a short settling of the juice, fermentation takes place in barrel with native yeasts. The wine is then matured in barrel for approximately 12 to 18 months, depending upon the character of the vintage, followed by a light fining before bottling.
Jasper Morris noted that the 2023 was produced from five barrels, with the fruit pressed without prior crushing and one barrel reserved for a longer period of élevage.
Tasting Notes
The 2023 opens with expansive aromas of lemon, ripe apple, fresh citrus, crushed stone and discreetly toasted oak. With air, additional notes of white flowers, orchard fruit and subtle spice begin to emerge.
The palate is broad and expressive yet beautifully controlled, supported by vibrant acidity and a firm, steely mineral backbone. Ripe citrus and apple flavors are layered with chalk, stone and finely integrated oak. There is impressive depth through the middle of the palate, followed by a long, focused and seemingly endless finish marked by freshness, chalky texture and mouthwatering mineral persistence.
This is a powerful yet precise Corton-Charlemagne: already expressive, but structured to reward patient cellaring.
Professional Ratings
95 Points Wine Spectator This white is expansive and expressive, with lemon, apple tart, citronella, stone and toasty oak aromas and flavors. Delineated by vibrant acidity, with well-integrated oak and a chalky feel on the seemingly endless finish.
94 Points — Jasper Morris, MW, Inside Burgundy 5 barrels, without crushing before pressing, one will be kept back for a longer elevage. Quite a deep yellow. The bouquet is very different to Pierre Meurgey’s Corton-Charlemagne (more or less the same fruit but some was crushed), the Clos de la Chapelle version offering more precision but less character. This version has a steely backbone, some ripe citrus, a little flesh, medium tension, apples at the back. Just needs a little more tension for the 4th star. Barrel Sample: 92-94
The Domaine
Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is based in Volnay and takes its name from the historic Volnay Premier Cru Clos de la Chapelle monopole, acquired by Victor Boillot in 1865. After remaining with the Boillot family for nearly 150 years, the estate was acquired in 2010 by Burgundy enthusiast Mark O’Connell and his Burgundian partners.
Today, the domaine cultivates approximately five hectares divided among 16 vineyards, including prized Premier Cru and Grand Cru parcels in Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Meursault and Corton. Annual production is extremely limited, totaling approximately 2,000 cases across the entire estate.
Food Pairing and Service
Serve at approximately 54–57°F. This structured, mineral-driven white Burgundy is an exceptional partner for lobster, scallops, halibut, sea bass, crab, roast poultry, veal in cream sauce, escargots and richly textured cheeses such as Comté or Délice de Bourgogne.
While the wine may be enjoyed young with decanting, Corton-Charlemagne is renowned for its ability to develop for decades. Additional bottle age will allow its citrus, stone and oak elements to integrate while revealing more complex notes of honey, toasted nuts, truffle and spice.
Region: Burgundy, France
Subregion: Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
Village Area: Pernand-Vergelesses side of the Hill of Corton
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Holding: 0.30 hectare
Vine Age: Approximately 45 years
Soil: Limestone and marl
Wine Type: Dry white wine
Bottle Size: 750ml