Bernie’s Handpicked Selections — 16% Off

William Fèvre · Chablis Champs Royaux · Chablis AOC · Burgundy · 2024

William Fèvre is one of Chablis’ most storied domaines, farming 37 hectares across the appellation’s most prized exposures on both banks of the Serein river. Champs Royaux — the “Royal Fields” — draws from vineyards rooted in Kimmeridgian limestone, the ancient seabed of oyster fossils and marine sediment that defines Chablis’ signature minerality. Fermented on native yeasts in predominantly stainless steel with full malolactic conversion, this is a textbook expression of the appellation: linear, fresh, and built for the table.

The 2024 opens with a clean, inviting nose of citrus, white fruit, and a whisper of chalk. On the palate, it is fresh and supple — medium-bodied with bright acidity, a subtle mineral thread, and a slightly oaky finish that adds just enough texture without obscuring the wine’s essential freshness. Classic Chablis character at an exceptional price point.

• Producer: William Fèvre
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chablis AOC, Burgundy, France
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Soils: Kimmeridgian limestone (oyster fossils & marine sediment)
• Vinification: Native yeasts; 95% stainless steel, 5% old French oak; full malolactic fermentation
• Aging: 10–12 months stainless steel; 5–6 months old French oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white fruit, crushed chalk, subtle oak, linear mineral finish
• Pairings: Oysters, grilled seafood, chicken in cream sauce, soft cheeses
• Serve: Well-chilled, 44–48°F

Chablis AOC — Kimmeridgian minerality and classic Burgundian precision from one of the appellation’s benchmark estates.

Producer Notes

With the desire to bring the best of Tuscany to wine lovers worldwide, Ruffino has contributed significantly to the fine image Italian winemaking holds on the international scene today. The Riserva Ducale Tan Label is their benchmark Chianti Classico Riserva — a wine of great complexity that expresses authentic Sangiovese character. Intense aromas of cherry, plum, and violet open the bouquet, fading gracefully into tobacco, chocolate, cinnamon, and spicy black pepper. Full-bodied and powerful on the palate with elegant tannins perfectly supported by good acidity. The finish is long and complex, with sweet tobacco and powerful notes of plum and clove.

Food Pairings

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or grilled lamb chops
• Slow-braised short ribs or wild boar ragù
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano
• Mushroom risotto or truffle pasta

67Wine Buyer's Note

Bernie & Dorothy, Paulo & Barbara, and Annie — Follow the Drinker® (August 2025)
This is just a terrific wine. We drank it with burgers, roast chicken, and hanger steaks — and it just worked so well. 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah, the wine fills your mouth with black fruit and cherry-like flavors and does it all in a gentle way. Finishes absolutely clean, fresh, and mouthwatering. Everyone enjoyed drinking it.

Winemaker Description

Ruby red, nicely bright. Fresh cherry and blackberry on the nose with notes of cracked pepper. Dark berry and touches of anise on the palate, with sweet cherries and raspberry. The quality of winemaking is evident — a Parisian brasserie favorite.

Product Details

• Producer: Domaine Pélaquié
• Region: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
• Vintage: 2023
• Drinking Window: Now–2030
• Format: 750ml

Louis Latour Mâcon-Villages “Chameroy” — Southern Burgundy 2025

Maison Louis Latour has been one of Burgundy’s most storied négociants since 1797, and the Mâcon-Villages “Chameroy” is their benchmark expression of Southern Burgundy Chardonnay. Named after their historic Clos Chameroy bottling facility in Beaune, this wine is sourced from carefully selected growers with holdings in the most esteemed vineyards of the Mâcon-Villages zone — the calciferous terrain that gives the wine its characteristic freshness and mineral lift. Fermented in stainless steel with complete malolactic fermentation and aged 8 to 10 months on lees, it delivers the classic white Burgundy experience at an accessible price.

Beautiful pale gold in the glass. The nose is enticing and expressive: exotic fruits, citrus, a hint of lemon, and delicate garden herbs. On the palate, it is round and generous — fresh almond, a subtle muscat touch, and a pleasantly fresh citrus finish with beautiful tension. Suave, billowing, and unmistakably Burgundian.

• Producer: Maison Louis Latour, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Mâcon-Villages AOC, Southern Burgundy
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, full malolactic; aged 8–10 months in stainless steel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Exotic fruit, citrus, lemon, garden herbs, fresh almond, muscat touch, fresh finish
• Best Paired With: Shellfish, white fish, charcuterie, Comté cheese, lemon-butter sauces

Classic Southern Burgundy at its most approachable — Louis Latour’s Chameroy is the benchmark for everyday white Burgundy done right.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Decanter 93 Points | A cuvée from Lemelson's five organic estate sites, this Pinot Noir is savoury and bright-fruited. The Thea's Selection shows red currant, tart cranberry, and roughly chopped mint. The palate stays savoury with pine sap and dried herbs accenting intense pomegranate fruits, dried lavender, and structured black tea and clove notes.

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | Snappy and vibrant, with tart cherry, cranberry, green tea and spice flavors that zip along toward sleek tannins. Drink now through 2032. 

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Thea's Selection has a bright red hue and is expressive with aromas of spiced cherries, forest herbs, and dried orange peel. It’s bright and medium-bodied, with a snappy freshness, chalky tannins, and a lifted finish.

Lemelson Vineyards Pinot Noir Thea's Selection 2022 - A True Expression of Terroir

Winemaker Description

As their house cuvee, Lemelson's Thea's Selection is a blend from their five organic, estate vineyards that span three different Willamette Valley AVAs. As such, it is a wonderful representation of the vintage across all their sites. The nose is inviting and earthy with black cherry, black currant and plum fruit that is nuanced by subtle notes of black tea, chocolate, mushroom, and lavender. This wine is rich and supple with silky tannins and a juicy core which transitions into a long finish that leaves the taste of brambly fruit on the palate. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2022 Lemelson Vineyards "Thea's Selection" Pinot Noir is a masterful "house cuvée" that blends fruit from five of Lemelson's organically farmed estate vineyards across the Willamette Valley.

The 2022 vintage in Oregon is often called the "rollercoaster year" due to an early spring frost followed by a record-warm summer, resulting in wines with high aromatic intensity and serious textural power.

• Food: Its savory edge makes it perfect for roasted duck, mushroom risotto, or herb-crusted lamb. It also has enough acidity to cut through fatty charcuterie or a classic salmon dish.

Rich Flavor Profile and Aroma

Lemelson Vineyards Pinot Noir Thea's Selection 2022 showcases an impressive range of flavors and aromas. It offers notes of ripe cherry, raspberry, and subtle hints of spice that develop with each sip. The complexity of this wine is enhanced by its beautiful acidity and smooth tannins, which create a well-rounded texture. Because this wine is crafted from carefully selected grapes, it demonstrates the true character of the Willamette Valley, making it a must-try for any wine enthusiast.

Craftsmanship Behind the Wine

This particular selection is a testament to the dedicated craftsmanship at Lemelson Vineyards. The grapes are hand-harvested, ensuring that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Moreover, the fermentation occurs in small batches, allowing for precise control and a more intimate expression of the vineyard's quality. As a result, each bottle captures the essence of the vintage while reflecting the vineyard's commitment to sustainability and excellence.

Perfect Pairings and Occasions

Lemelson Vineyards Pinot Noir Thea's Selection is exceptionally versatile when it comes to food pairings. It complements a variety of dishes, such as grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie board. Therefore, you can effortlessly serve it at casual gatherings or more formal dinners. This Pinot Noir is not only a delightful choice for wine lovers but also makes for an excellent gift for friends or family who appreciate quality wines.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

93 Points Wine Spectator: "This packs in some serious plum compote and cassis flavors, liberally wrapped in dark licorice and finishing with a swath of sweet toast and tobacco on the broad finish. Nice mineral underpinning keeps it honest. Fairly accessible despite its heft."

Winemaker Description

The Cabernet opens with fresh fruit, aromas of black currant, ripe raspberry, wild sage, graphite, crushed rose petals, and fennel seed. The palate is elegant, complex, rich, and refreshing with a long finish that is supported by supple tannin and beautifully integrated French Oak.

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot

About the Producer

Since first working in her family's Mendocino vineyards, Kathryn Hall dreamed of a place to showcase fine wines alongside expressive art and masterful architecture. Now, Kathryn and Craig Hall have created an unrivalled destination in the Napa Valley — where more than 30 years of winemaking excellence and innovation meets contemporary design to celebrate life and inspire the senses.

The Halls acquired the historic St. Helena Bergfeld Winery in 2003 and re-opened as HALL St. Helena in July of that year. With a rich history spanning 150 years, HALL St. Helena was once the home of the Napa Valley Co-Op, producing 40% of Napa Valley's wines. In 2013, the Hall family completed the restoration of the 1885 Bergfeld Winery — California's first LEED® Gold Certified winery — alongside a stunning Visitor Center and state-of-the-art gravity flow winemaking facility.

HALL's estate vineyards encompass more than 500 acres of classic Bordeaux varietals. As winegrowers, the Halls have a strong respect for the environment and a commitment to cutting-edge vineyard technology. Under the artisanship of winemaker Megan Gunderson, HALL Wines continue to set new heights in Napa Valley winemaking.

Producer Notes

The Oddero estate is one of Piedmont’s most storied Barolo producers, with impressive vineyard holdings throughout the entirety of the denomination. The classic Barolo bottling incorporates younger vines from sites in La Morra as well as Bricco Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto, and draws from Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, and Galina. The 2021 vintage is a standout — aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting, with crushed flowers, red and blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes. Fine, polished tannins and a long, savoury finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

• Decanter 93 pts | Evocatively scented with wild red berries, vanillin, and spice. Fine tannins increase steadily across the palate alongside richness of raspberry fruit. Hints of tea and citrus lead to a savoury, mouth-cleansing finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving. — Michaela Morris
• Vinous 92 pts | Fabulous. Aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, red/blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes build nicely in the glass. Polished, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. — Antonio Galloni

Food Pairings

• Braised beef short ribs or osso buco
• Truffle pasta or mushroom risotto
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno
• Roasted lamb or wild boar

Pierre Lurton’s Personal Estate — Bordeaux’s Best-Value Rouge

Château Marjosse is the personal estate of Pierre Lurton — Managing Director of the legendary Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem. Located in the north of Entre-Deux-Mers, Marjosse produces some of the best-value wines in all of Bordeaux, and the 2022 Bordeaux Rouge is a standout: a Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, earning 91 points from both Vinous and James Suckling. The clay-limestone soils preserved remarkable freshness in this hot, dry vintage.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Vinous — 91 pts: “A bright, nervy red. Floral notes, orange peel, mint and white pepper lend notable energy throughout. An atypically vibrant wine for the year — a pretty significant shift toward greater freshness.”
• James Suckling — 91 pts: “Pretty and vibrant, showing subtle cream to the red berries, currants and citrus on the nose. Quite firm and juicy on the palate with lightly chewy tannins and a fine, medium-long finish. Drink from 2025.”
• Decanter — 90 pts: “Blue fruit, bell pepper and a touch of spice on the nose. A generous palate with well-managed tannins and darker, more brooding black fruit and violets on the finish.”

Winemaker Notes

Chateau Marjosse Bordeaux Rouge 2022 750ml

A Merlot-based blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec from clay-limestone soils in Entre-Deux-Mers. The 2022 vintage delivered exceptional concentration, while Marjosse’s terroir preserved the freshness and vibrancy that defines this estate’s style.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
• Appellation: Bordeaux AOC, Entre-Deux-Mers, France
• Producer: Château Marjosse (Pierre Lurton)
• Vintage: 2022
• Soils: Clay-limestone
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile Bordeaux — excellent with grilled steak, roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, and aged Comté.

Winemaker Description

The Ramsay Pinot Noir California 2023 is a beautiful ruby red that bursts with cherries, raspberries, and a touch of cassis. Medium-bodied with wonderful depth of flavor, fresh fruit joins with soft oak to create a beautifully long and smooth finish that satisfies from first sip to last.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck, grilled salmon, or herb-roasted chicken.
• Casual: Mushroom risotto, charcuterie boards, or a classic burger.
• Cheese: Brie, Gruyère, or a mild aged Gouda.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 90 Points | A flattering version, with star fruit, white peach and verbena notes backed by a rounded, shortbread-accented finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Memo Summary Notes

Château Haut Selve Graves Blanc 2024 is the newest release of this high-performing white Bordeaux. The 2024 vintage in Graves is characterized by vibrant acidity and intense aromatic profiles, as the cooler-than-average spring followed by a warm summer allowed for excellent "aromatic snap" in Sauvignon Blanc.

Varietals - Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Wine Advocate 94 Points: Pretty aromas of honey, allspice and roasted almonds complement a core of peach and quince fruit. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with a dynamic interplay of textural breadth and energetic acidity, offering layered flavors on the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: Refined and elegant, with notes of pure white flowers, lemon curd, and white peach. Medium to full-bodied with a silky mouthfeel driven by citrus — tangerine, orange sherbet — with great texture and a long, decadent finish.

Wine Spectator 91 Points: Polished and sleekly layered, with honeydew, pear and spice flavors that build structure toward the handsome finish. Drink now through 2026. 220 cases made.

Winemaker Description

Brick House Chardonnay Cascadia Organic Biodynamic 2021 750ml

Brick House’s “Cascadia” is the winery’s reserve-level Chardonnay — a highly regarded, estate-grown wine from Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge AVA. Hand-crafted on a 40-acre farm that has been at the forefront of sustainable viticulture for decades, it is made with an Old World sensibility: organic and biodynamic farming, minimal intervention, and an unwavering focus on terroir expression. One of Oregon’s benchmark Chardonnays.

Pairing Suggestions

• Rich Seafood: Scallops in brown butter, roasted salmon, or halibut with lemon-cream sauce.
• Poultry: Roast chicken with herbes de Provence or pheasant.
• Earthy Dishes: Mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or roasted root vegetables.