French Wine

Château d'Esclans | Whispering Angel Rosé | Côtes de Provence 2025

There is a reason Whispering Angel became the world's most recognized Provence rosé: it is simply, consistently, beautifully made. Sacha Lichine and his team at Château d'Esclans set the benchmark for pale Provençal rosé, and the 2025 continues that tradition with the effortless elegance the wine is known for.

Pale salmon in the glass, it opens with fresh peach, strawberry, and delicate red berry fruit, with a floral lift that is quintessentially Provence. The palate is full and lush yet bone dry — pink grapefruit and hints of peach, lively acidity, and a smooth, round finish with real concentration. Grenache provides the body, Cinsault the freshness, and Rolle (Vermentino) the aromatic lift that ties it all together.

Drink it from mid-day to midnight. It goes with everything and offends no one.

James Suckling 91 Points | An elegant and scented nose of pink cherry pits, peach skin and cherry blossoms. Medium-bodied with fresh, round acidity and a textured finish. Elegant and pure finish. (Vintage 2025). 

Pair with: Grilled seafood · Summer salads · Charcuterie · Light pasta · Goat cheese

• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOP
• Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (Vermentino)
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Dry Rosé
• Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 91 | This has aromas of grapefruit, pomegranates, and biscuits. It's honeyed and sleek with a medium body and supple bubbles. Soft and creamy finish. Majority Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay and Meunier. Around 40% reserve wines.

Decanter 91 | The nose offers yeasty bready aromas topped with fresh citrus, hints of stone fruit and strawberry tart. A palate of fresh croissants, red berries, green apple and lively lemon citrus, with lovely creaminess to the bright finish. A blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier. Up to 45% reserve wines. Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Wine Spectator 90 | This harmonious Champagne boasts a bright streak of tangerine peel–infused acidity, with flavors of ripe green apple, pastry cream and biscuit, plus accents of crystallized honey and candied ginger, all set on the lacy mousse. Drink now.

Jeb Dunnuck 89 | A golden straw hue, ripe with aromas of yeasty bread dough, peaches, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, ripe and juicy with rounded red berried fruit, a supple texture, a pillowy mousse, and a warming finish. Fresh and inviting. Drinking 2023 to 2026.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: NV (Non-Vintage)
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Meunier (20%)
Style: Brut Champagne
Aging: 3 years on the lees

E. Guigal · Côtes du Rhône Rouge · Southern Rhône · France · 2022 · 750ml

E. Guigal is the most celebrated name in the Rhône Valley — a family estate founded in Ampuis in 1946 by Etienne Guigal and now run by his son Marcel, whose obsessive commitment to quality has made Guigal synonymous with the finest expressions of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre from Hermitage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Côtes du Rhône Rouge is Guigal’s benchmark entry-level wine: a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre, partially aged in large oak foudres, and crafted to deliver genuine Rhône character at an honest price. The 2022 vintage was the hottest and driest growing season since 1950 — intense heatwaves followed by mid-August rainfall that promoted ripening and yielded concentrated, full-bodied wines of exceptional richness and depth. Jeb Dunnuck called it “smoking good.” At $18.99, this is one of the most compelling values in French red wine.

Deep ruby in the glass with an intensely aromatic nose of blackberry, black plum, pepper, garrigue, and a whisper of cocoa — generous, expressive, and unmistakably southern Rhône. On the palate: full-bodied and round, with lush dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a long, elegant finish that shows real finesse beyond the abundance of fruit. Three critics, three 90+ scores: Jeb Dunnuck 91, Wine Enthusiast 91, Wine Advocate 90. Drink now through 2028. Pair with charcuterie, braised lamb, beef stew, roast chicken, or a simple cheese board.

• Producer: E. Guigal (est. 1946, Ampuis)
• Wine: Côtes du Rhône Rouge AOC
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Southern Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre
• Aging: Partially aged in large oak foudres
• Style: Full-bodied, generous southern Rhône red
• Scores: Jeb Dunnuck 91 · Wine Enthusiast 91 · Wine Advocate 90
• Drinking Window: Now–2028
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black plum, pepper, garrigue, cocoa, velvety tannins, long elegant finish
• Pair With: Charcuterie · Braised lamb · Beef stew · Roast chicken · Cheese board

The Rhône’s most celebrated name, three 90+ scores — southern France’s most reliable everyday red.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Smoking good — blackberries, pepper, and garrigue in a round, supple, medium to full-bodied style. Remarkable quality for the appellation.”

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
“Black plum and cocoa-dusted aromas bump against raspberry and black tea. Fulsome in body, with red fruit riding all the way to the finish, made more complex by velvety tannins.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Juicy, round and elegant — remarkably dense for the vintage and represents excellent value.”

Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages — Mâconnais, Burgundy 2024

Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy’s most celebrated négociants — a house with over 160 years of history and an unrivalled reputation for honest, terroir-driven wines at every price point. The Mâcon-Villages is their benchmark expression of unoaked Burgundy Chardonnay: sourced from chalk and limestone soils across the Mâconnais, fermented in stainless steel with no oak contact, and crafted to deliver the pure, bright, food-friendly character that has made this appellation a perennial favorite. Wine Spectator awarded it 88 points. At under $17, it is one of the most compelling values in all of white Burgundy.

Floral and inviting on the nose: apple blossom, citrus zest, and white peach. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing — bright green apple and lemon, underpinned by a nuanced mineral thread from the limestone soils, with a clean, lively finish and excellent balance. The quintessential unoaked Burgundy Chardonnay — effortlessly drinkable and endlessly food-friendly.

Wine Spectator 88 — Unoaked Burgundy Chardonnay of bright purity and limestone minerality.

• Producer: Louis Jadot, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Mâcon-Villages AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Soils: Chalk and limestone, Mâconnais
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, no oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Apple blossom, citrus zest, white peach, green apple, lemon, limestone minerality
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, roast chicken, light pasta, goat cheese, summer salads

A 160-year Burgundy house at its most approachable — Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages is the benchmark for what unoaked Chardonnay can be.

Winemaker Description

Bright powder-pink with silver highlights. The nose offers a delicate bouquet of roses and red fruit, evolving toward tangy notes. On the palate, beautiful balance of freshness, liveliness, and deliciousness — strawberry and peach with tension and a long, saline, mineral finish. A blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah, harvested early morning to preserve fruit freshness and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks.

About La Vieille Ferme

Produced by the Perrin family — the same family behind Château de Beaucastel — La Vieille Ferme Rosé is affectionately known as the "Chicken Wine" for its colorful label and has become a social media favorite for its lightness, character, and exceptional value. Sourced from the Ventoux appellation in the southern Rhône Valley, this rosé delivers Provençal charm at an unbeatable price.

Food Pairings

Serve at 10–12°C. Ideal with hors d'oeuvres, cold buffets, tomato salads, grilled meats, and summer-style dishes. Perfect chilled on its own as a porch or patio sipper.

Product Details

• Producer: La Vieille Ferme (Perrin Family)
• Appellation: Ventoux, Rhône Valley, France
• Grapes: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Dry, light-bodied, fruit-forward Provençal rosé
• Format: 750ml

Jean Marc Brocard Chablis Sainte Claire Biodynamic — Chablis, Burgundy 2024

Jean Marc Brocard is one of Chablis' most respected and forward-thinking producers, farming biodynamically across his estate to honor the region's singular Kimmeridgian limestone terroir. Chablis is the northernmost appellation of Burgundy — a place where Chardonnay expresses itself with a precision, purity, and mineral tension found nowhere else in the world. The Sainte Claire is Brocard's entry point into the appellation and a benchmark for what classic Chablis should be: 100% Chardonnay, hand-harvested, naturally fermented with minimal intervention, and vinified without synthetic inputs. Nothing added, nothing taken away — just the wine and its terroir.

The 2024 pours a pale gold with green reflections. The nose opens with lemon, yellow stone fruit, and fresh citrus — clean, precise, and inviting. On the palate, it's wrapped and balanced with a tangy, layered character: Kimmeridgian minerality, crisp acidity, and a clean saline finish that makes it one of the most food-friendly whites in the shop. Serve well chilled and let the terroir do the talking.

"Farming biodynamically to honor the region's singular limestone terroir — hand-harvested, naturally fermented, minimal intervention. The result is a wine that speaks directly of its terroir." — Jean Marc Brocard

• Producer: Jean Marc Brocard, Chablis, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chablis AOC
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic; hand-harvested; no synthetic inputs
• Vinification: Natural fermentation, minimal intervention
• Terroir: Kimmeridgian limestone
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, yellow stone fruit, citrus, Kimmeridgian minerality, crisp acidity, saline finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, clams, grilled sole, plateau de fruits de mer, goat cheese, leek tart, roast chicken with lemon

Classic Chablis from one of the appellation's most committed biodynamic producers — Kimmeridgian limestone, natural fermentation, and the kind of saline precision that makes it irresistible with a glass of oysters.

Côtes du Rhône Syrah from One of the Southern Rhône’s Most Historic Estates

Château de Saint Cosme has been in the hands of the Barruol family since 1490, making it one of the oldest continuously family-owned estates in the Rhône Valley. Under Louis Barruol, who took over in 1992, Saint Cosme has become a benchmark for the appellation. The 2024 Côtes du Rhône — 100% Syrah from the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard, with limestone sand, red clay, and pebbles — is fermented with natural yeasts and vinified in concrete vats, delivering a wine of remarkable purity, freshness, and character at an exceptional price.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024 

• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: "A pure core of fresh blackberry, crunchy plum and violet in this vibrant version, with the subtlest brushing of vanilla. Layers of graphite and fine-grained tannins provide a solid framework. Compact, with savory details emerging toward the solid, medium-bodied finish, grounded in salty mineral notes and a waft of alder smoke. Drink now through 2028."

Winemaker Notes

100% Syrah from the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard. The vineyards are known for their limestone sand, red clay, and pebbles, which give freshness and intensity to the Syrah grapes. Partially destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts, and vinified in concrete vats. Typical spicy notes of sandalwood, violets, and black pepper.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 100% Syrah
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Producer: Château de Saint Cosme (Barruol family, est. 1490)
• Vintage: 2024
• Vinification: Partially destemmed, natural yeasts, concrete vats
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine — exceptional with grilled beef or venison with black pepper and thyme, roasted duck, pork, mushroom dishes, and Moroccan tagines.

Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Réserve Blanc — Southern Rhône 2025

Famille Perrin’s Côtes du Rhône Réserve Blanc is the calling card of one of the Southern Rhône’s most prestigious winemaking dynasties — the same family behind the legendary Château de Beaucastel. Blending Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, and Roussanne from carefully selected vineyards across the appellation, this wine delivers a Châteauneuf-du-Pape-style experience at an everyday price. At under $15, it is one of the most compelling values in all of Southern France.

The color is a luminous pale gold with delicate green reflections. The nose is expressive and aromatic: ripe pear, nectarine, honey, and a lift of lilac and fresh herbs. On the palate, it is full-bodied and generous, with a lively, saline finish that brings freshness and beautiful length. The sweetness of stone fruit blends harmoniously with subtle floral notes, giving the wine a complexity that evolves beautifully in the glass.

• Producer: Famille Perrin (Château de Beaucastel), Southern Rhône, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC
• Blend: Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe pear, nectarine, honey, lilac, fresh herbs, saline finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled trout, bouillabaisse, shrimp with garlic butter, mild curry, saffron rice, goat cheese, charcuterie

A Beaucastel-pedigree white at an honest price — Famille Perrin’s Réserve Blanc is the benchmark for what everyday Côtes du Rhône can be.

Château Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé — Provence 2025

Château Miraval is the benchmark of Provence rosé — a 1,200-acre estate near the village of Correns, just north of Brignoles, in the heart of the appellation. The vineyards sit on clay and limestone soils, partially terraced at an average elevation of 350 meters, with significant day-to-night temperature swings that preserve the natural acidity and aromatic precision that define the Miraval style. Farmed organically, the estate blends Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Rolle into a rosé of exceptional refinement and consistency. The 2025 vintage was shaped by intense summer heat and early maturity — smaller-than-average berries with concentrated, expressive aromatics and the characteristic freshness of Provence. The result is one of the finest Miraval rosés in recent memory.

The color is an elegant, bright pale pink with silvery undertones. The nose is refined and captivating: a superb aromatic bouquet of white flowers, grapefruit, and white peach, with saline and lemony hints that signal the minerality to come. On the palate, it is ample, fresh, and luscious — vibrant white-fleshed fruit punctuated by saline and citrus notes that underscore its freshness and impart a beautiful, stony minerality. The finish is clean, long, and irresistibly Provençal. Serve well-chilled at 44–48°F.

“Beautiful aromatic power combined with the freshness characteristic of Provence wines.” — Château Miraval, 2025 Vintage Notes

• Producer: Château Miraval, Correns, Côtes de Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle
• Farming: Organically Farmed
• Terroir: Clay and limestone, terraced vineyards at 350m elevation
• Style: Elegant, mineral-driven, pale Provence rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, grapefruit, white peach, saline minerality, citrus, long fresh finish
• Serve: Well-chilled at 44–48°F
• Best Paired With: Aperitif, salads, grilled fish, Mediterranean cuisine, sushi, soft cheeses

The icon of Provence rosé — Miraval 2025 is elegance, minerality, and the south of France in every glass.

Les Pierres Grises — "the grey stones" — takes its name from the limestone outcroppings that define the terrain of Saint-Véran, the southernmost appellation of Burgundy's Mâconnais.

Produced by Domaine Delaye, this 100% Chardonnay channels that stony terroir directly into the glass: bright citrus, clean acidity, and a precise mineral finish that punches well above its price point. One of the great values in white Burgundy.

About the Domaine

Domaine Delaye is a family estate rooted in the Mâconnais, farming the grey limestone soils of Saint-Véran with a focus on terroir-driven, unoaked Chardonnay. Their approach is straightforward: let the vineyard speak.

• Grape: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Saint-Véran AOC, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Unoaked, mineral, fresh

Food Pairings

• Grilled white fish, oysters, or shrimp scampi
• Chicken Cordon Bleu or roasted turkey
• Goat cheese, Brie, or pasta with lemon-butter sauce
• Spring pea risotto

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer: Always one of the first rosés to hit the market, this traditional Southern Rhône blend comes from 25–50 year old vines grown along the Gassac River. It boasts a pleasant, intense nose with hints of strawberries — full and round on the palate with bright red fruit flavors.

Few winemakers have come to define their region like Mas de Daumas Gassac has with the Languedoc. Aimé and Véronique Guibert purchased the land in the early 1970s, guided by a Bordeaux-based soil scientist who recognized the limestone-rich terroir's great grape-growing potential — as densely mineral-laden as Burgundy's Côte d'Or.

What sets Mas de Daumas Gassac apart is their unflinching commitment to pushing boundaries — of the appellation's rules, of conventional farming techniques, and of "expected" grape varieties. Having traveled the world as part of a family leather business, the Guiberts planted an eclectic assortment of international grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petite Arvine, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, and more.

Tasting Notes

The 2025 Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Rosé is one of the most anticipated value rosés of the year — effortlessly chic and tasting far more expensive than its price tag suggests.

Pairings: Tabbouleh, grilled chicken, niçoise salad, or spicy appetizers like shrimp ceviche.

Domaine Olivier Foucher Sancerre Blanc — Loire Valley 2024

Domaine Olivier Foucher's Sancerre Blanc is a textbook expression of what the Loire Valley does best — and the 2024 vintage delivers with exceptional clarity and energy. Sourced from the storied hillside vineyards of Sancerre, the wine is crafted from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on the region's signature limestone and flint soils, producing a wine of impeccable balance, structural tension, and mineral precision. Wave after wave of mouth-puckering acidity and a mineral-packed finish make this one of the most exciting values in the appellation.

The nose is bright and inviting: freshly squeezed lime, lemon zest, gooseberry, peach blossom, and a pleasant grassy note. On the palate, it is crisp and lively with excellent precision and energetic focus — everything is where it should be, making this Sauvignon Blanc almost too easy to drink. The finish is long, clean, and refreshingly mineral.

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Senior Wine Writer — "A classic mineral-driven Sancerre with a lovely bouquet and deliciously refreshing palate. Excellent precision and energetic focus on the finish."

• Producer: Domaine Olivier Foucher, Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Soils: Limestone and flint (silex)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lime, lemon zest, gooseberry, peach blossom, grassy notes, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, scallops, smoked trout, shellfish, goat cheese salad with apples and walnuts

Crisp, focused, and unmistakably Sancerre — Domaine Olivier Foucher's Blanc is the benchmark for Loire Sauvignon Blanc at an honest price.

La Petite Lune Rouge — Graves, Bordeaux 2022

La Petite Lune is the entry-level expression from Clos des Lunes — a project founded by the owners of Domaine de Chevalier, one of Pessac-Léognan's most celebrated Grand Cru Classé estates, in collaboration with Stéphane Dérenoncourt, widely regarded as one of the top winemakers in France. The vineyards sit a stone's throw from Chevalier's famed plots in Graves, and the wine is built on a special selection of vineyard lots handpicked by Dérenoncourt and vinified by Bernard's team at Domaine de Chevalier. The aim: a wine that is slightly more modern in styling than a classic Bordeaux, with an excellent quality-to-price ratio — and at under $20, it delivers exactly that.

The 2022 is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. The nose is pretty and inviting — blackberry, dried tobacco, and herbal notes with a classic Graves character. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and mouth-filling with generous fruit, supple tannins, and a delicious, clean fruit finish. Approachable now and built for easy enjoyment.

"Founded by the owners of Domaine de Chevalier and Stéphane Dérenoncourt, one of the top winemakers in France — a Bordeaux of excellent quality-price ratio." — Clos des Lunes

• Producer: Clos des Lunes (Domaine de Chevalier & Stéphane Dérenoncourt), Graves, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Bordeaux AOC
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, dried tobacco, herbal notes, medium-bodied, supple tannins, clean fruit finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, roast chicken, duck, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses

Grand Cru Classé pedigree and Dérenoncourt's touch at an everyday Bordeaux price — the smartest under-$20 red in the shop.

Clos des Lunes Lune d’Argent — Bordeaux Blanc 2023

Clos des Lunes is one of Bordeaux’s most compelling white wine stories — an estate in the heart of the Sauternes appellation that has dedicated itself entirely to producing world-class dry white wine from legendary sweet wine terroir. Lune d’Argent (“Silver Moon”) is the estate’s flagship cuvée, blending the density and richness of Sémillon with the refinement and precision of Sauvignon Blanc, aged with a touch of French oak to add complexity without obscuring the magic of the terroir.

The 2023 vintage was harvested in multiple passes from August 28 through September 21, allowing optimal ripeness across the blend. The result is a vibrant, medium-bodied white with vivid acidity, a chalky mineral finish, and outstanding depth — floral, orchard fruit, honeyed grapefruit, golden apple, and a lovely umami complexity from the Sémillon. Four critics, four outstanding scores.

James Suckling 93 • Vinous 92 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • Decanter 91 — “A top value pick!”

• Producer: Clos des Lunes, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bordeaux Blanc
• Blend: 70% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
• Aging: Touch of French oak
• Harvest: Multiple passes, Aug 28 – Sep 21
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Orchard fruit, honeyed grapefruit, golden apple, citrus, chalky minerality, umami complexity
• Best Paired With: Grilled lobster, pan-seared scallops, roast chicken, soft-ripened cheeses, foie gras

Sauternes terroir, dry white ambition, four 91+ scores — Lune d’Argent is one of the great white wine values in Bordeaux.

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.

Isle Saint Pierre IGP Méditerranée Rosé — Southern France 2025

Isle Saint-Pierre takes its name from a small island at the mouth of the Rhône river, where 200 hectares of vines grow on sandy, silty, alluvial soils that lend the wine a subtle iodized salinity and a distinctly Mediterranean character. The blend is a generous one — Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Nielluccio, Vermentino, and Colombard — farmed sustainably and vinified with cold maceration and 100% free-run juice to preserve maximum freshness and aromatic lift. The result is a bistro-style rosé that over-delivers at every turn.

The 2025 pours a pale, luminous pink. The nose is lively and inviting — ripe strawberry, fresh red fruit, and a hint of dried fig with a whisper of floral lift. On the palate, it's vibrant and easy-drinking with an elegant texture and a lingering fresh finish that keeps you coming back. Serve well-chilled at 8–10°C and open it without ceremony — this is a wine built for the moment.

"An exceptional value in Southern French rosé — lively, vibrant, and delicious at every turn." — 67Wine Staff

• Producer: Isle Saint-Pierre, IGP Méditerranée, Southern France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: IGP Méditerranée
• Blend: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Nielluccio, Vermentino, Colombard
• Terroir: Sandy, silty, alluvial soils — island at the mouth of the Rhône
• Vinification: Cold maceration, 100% free-run juice, aged in tank
• Farming: Sustainable
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Serve: 8–10°C
• Tasting Notes: Ripe strawberry, fresh red fruit, dried fig, elegant texture, fresh finish
• Best Paired With: Aperitifs, light salads, grilled fish, Mediterranean seafood, charcuterie

Southern French rosé at its most honest and enjoyable — sustainably farmed, screwcap sealed, and priced for every day of the summer.

Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages — Beaujolais, Burgundy 2024

Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy's most celebrated négociants, and their Beaujolais Villages is the house's calling card for everyday drinking done right. Sourced from the granite-rich hillside vineyards of the Beaujolais Villages appellation — a step above basic Beaujolais — this 100% Gamay is vinified to highlight the grape's natural exuberance: bright acidity, low tannins, and an irresistible cascade of red and black fruit. Chill it for 20 minutes and it becomes one of the most versatile, crowd-pleasing bottles on the table.

The nose opens with ripe strawberry, raspberry, black plum, rosehip, and white blossoms — fresh, fragrant, and immediately inviting. On the palate, the wine is juicy and medium-bodied with firm red and black fruit, a lively acidity, and a clean, fruit-forward finish. It is the kind of wine that disappears fast — and for good reason.

Wine Enthusiast — "A good, hearty and muscular Beaujolais that would pair with grilled vegetables and meats. Nose of black plum, rosehip, strawberry and blossom. On the palate the wine is firm with red and black fruit predominating." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Louis Jadot, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Beaujolais Villages AOC
• Region: Beaujolais, Burgundy, France
• Varietal: 100% Gamay
• Style: Juicy, fruit-forward, low-tannin red wine
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, raspberry, black plum, rosehip, white blossoms, bright acidity, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled salmon, roast chicken, grilled vegetables, charcuterie, soft cheeses

A benchmark Beaujolais Villages at an honest price — Louis Jadot's Villages bottling is the go-to for effortless, food-friendly French red wine any night of the week.

Château de Ribebon Bordeaux Supérieur — Bordeaux, France 2020

Château de Ribebon has one of the more remarkable backstories in Bordeaux — the estate was formerly a hunting lodge for King Louis XVI, and today it is part of the distinguished Aubert family portfolio, one of the most respected names in the region. Farmed from 40-year-old vines and crafted in the classic Petit Château tradition, Ribebon represents exactly what Bordeaux Supérieur does best: honest, terroir-driven wine at an accessible price, made with the same care and philosophy as estates that cost far more. The 2020 vintage is widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade.

The wine pours a deep ruby. The nose is inviting and well-defined — juicy black fruits, blackcurrant, plum, spice, and a touch of toast from careful oak aging. On the palate, it's structured and well-balanced with a savory, slightly earthy character, medium-to-full body, and a smooth mouthfeel. Still young and developing, it rewards patience — best from 2025 onward, but approachable now with decanting.

"A well-balanced wine, structured and still young. Spice and toast as well as juicy black fruits. The wine is on its way, but should not be drunk before 2025." — Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points

• Producer: Château de Ribebon (Aubert Family), Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
• Varietal: Merlot-dominant blend
• Vine Age: 40 years
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Wine Enthusiast 90 (Roger Voss)
• Drink: Best from 2025; decant if opening now
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, plum, spice, toast, earthy, structured tannins
• Best Paired With: Gourmet burgers, lamb chops with rosemary, duck confit, beef stew, mushroom risotto, aged Comté

A 90-point Bordeaux Supérieur from a former royal hunting lodge — Aubert family quality, 40-year-old vines, and one of Bordeaux's finest recent vintages at a Petit Château price.

Winemaker Description — Vintage 2024

One of the great secrets of the Guigal family is their mastery of white Rhône varieties. While only 8% of Rhône wines are white, a full 25% of Guigal’s production is white — making them the single largest producer of white wines in the region. This seamless blend represents unbelievable value.

Led by 60% Viognier — a grape Guigal helped revive — the wine is rich yet fresh, vibrant and food-friendly. An ideal pairing for seafood, poultry, creamy pasta, soft cheeses, and more.

• Producer: E. Guigal
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: 60% Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Famille Perrin | Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France | 2023

Five generations of the Perrin family have farmed the Southern Rhône with an unwavering commitment to terroir and biodynamics — a philosophy rooted at Château de Beaucastel since 1974. The Réserve is their benchmark Côtes du Rhône: Grenache-led, Syrah-spiced, and built with the same precision and respect for the land that defines their flagship wines. The 2023 delivers opulent dark fruit, fine tannins, and a long, expressive finish at an exceptional price.

Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Farming: Biodynamic
Closure: Screwcap
Drink: Now–2028

Tasting Notes

• Kirsch, very ripe black fruit, truffle, and undergrowth on the nose
• Toasted, empyreumatic notes with Syrah spice
• Elegant palate | Fine tannins | Opulent dark fruit | Long finish

Pairings: Beef, lamb, roasted poultry, charcuterie

Henri Bourgeois | Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc | Val de Loire IGP | Loire Valley, France | 2024

Henri Bourgeois is one of the Loire Valley's most storied estates, with roots in Sancerre stretching back generations. The Petit Bourgeois is their entry into the broader Val de Loire appellation — a wine that delivers the house's signature precision and aromatic lift at an exceptional price point. Sourced from carefully selected Loire vineyards, it captures everything that makes the region's Sauvignon Blanc so compelling.

The 2024 is remarkably aromatic: floral and fresh on the nose with citrus blossom, green apple, gooseberry, and a whisper of passion fruit. On the palate, bright acidity and a clean, vivid texture carry flavors of lemon zest, crisp apple, and fresh herbs to a lively, refreshing finish. Pure, precise, and an outstanding value.

• Producer: Henri Bourgeois
• Appellation: Val de Loire IGP, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2024
• Closure: Screwcap
• Serve: 46–50°F
• Pairings: Halibut in lemon butter, grilled white fish, seafood, goat cheese, vegetable dishes
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2024

• Vinatis — 18/20 (~93 pts): Excellent value. Floral, soft, and fruity — ideal for aperitifs, cheese, and seafood.

Château Larose Trintaudon — Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois Supérieur 2019

Château Larose Trintaudon is one of the Haut-Médoc’s most celebrated Cru Bourgeois estates — elevated to Cru Bourgeois Supérieur as of the 2018 vintage, a distinction that reflects the consistent quality and ambition of this property. The 2019 vintage, one of Bordeaux’s finest in a generation, is a textbook expression of understated Médoc elegance: structured, fruit-driven, and built to age.

The nose opens with blueberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry, layered with sweet tobacco, moss, and violet edges. On the palate, the wine is fleshy and full-bodied with chewy, polished tannins, cassis, bitter plum, and a savory, mineral-tinged finish that lingers with chalky precision. Give it two to three years and it will reward handsomely.

James Suckling 93 • Decanter 90 • Wine Spectator

• Producer: Château Larose Trintaudon, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2019
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, Haut-Médoc
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blueberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, tobacco, cassis, chalky minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2023–2032+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, aged hard cheeses

A critically acclaimed Haut-Médoc at a Cru Bourgeois price — one of the best value Bordeaux reds in the cellar.

Louis Roederer · Collection 246 · Brut NV · Champagne · France

Louis Roederer is among the last great family-owned Champagne houses, and Collection 246 is its non-vintage flagship — a wine of uncommon ambition and transparency. Based on the 2021 base vintage, Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon made a bold call: bumping Chardonnay to 54% (vs. the typical 44%) to navigate a challenging year, blending in 35% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and 11% Meunier. The blend draws on 55% base 2021 wines, 30% perpetual reserve stretching back to 2012, and 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask — a Cristal pedigree at a fraction of the price. Triple 93 points from Wine Spectator, Vinous, and James Suckling.

The Collection 246 opens with white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, and biscuit — precise and inviting. On the palate, brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, and slate. The mousse is silky and soft, the finish creamy and chalky with delicate spice and floral accents. Harmonious, impeccably balanced, and built to drink beautifully now through 2030.

Expert Reviews

“A harmonious Champagne with impeccable balance, depth and focus. White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit, retaining vibrancy and grace. Chalky underpinning on the creamy finish with delicate spice and floral accents. Drink now through 2030.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Positively stellar. Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. No hard angles or awkward contours — impeccably done and absolutely delicious.”
— Vinous · 93 Points

“Pretty and elegant aromas of pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. Silky, fresh and beautifully balanced with very soft bubbles.”
— James Suckling · 93 Points

• Producer: Louis Roederer, Reims, Champagne, France
• Cuvée: Collection 246 (base vintage 2021)
• Blend: 54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 11% Meunier
• Reserve: 30% perpetual reserve (back to 2012) + 10% Cristal-plot cask-aged juice
• Vinification: 24% fermented in oak; ~30% malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: 7 g/L Brut
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, biscuit, orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, slate, chalky finish
• Pairings: Oysters, sushi, lobster, creamy risotto, Brie, Chaource
• Drink: Now through 2030

WS:93 · V:93 · JS:93 · Champagne — Cristal reserve wines, Chardonnay-forward precision, and triple 93-point acclaim from one of the great family houses.

Elegant, food-friendly, and consistently delightful, the Chateau Graville-Lacoste Graves Blanc 2024 is a benchmark expression of white Bordeaux — a classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle from one of the appellation's most reliable estates.

Crisp, aromatic, and refreshingly versatile, this is the kind of bottle that earns a permanent place on your table. 

Located in the Graves appellation of Bordeaux, Chateau Graville-Lacoste is a family-owned estate with a long tradition of producing expressive, terroir-driven white Bordeaux. Imported by the legendary Kermit Lynch, the estate's Graves Blanc is celebrated for its harmony, freshness, and remarkable food versatility — a wine that consistently overdelivers at its price point.

Expert Review

Madison H. Brown, Kermit Lynch Importing: “Brimming with honeysuckle, lychee, and citrus, this Bordeaux blend is reliably harmonious with Eastern cuisine — sushi, dumplings, Szechuan dishes, light curries, and vermicelli bowls all jive. I sampled a glass or two with saag paneer, butter chicken, and naan and found the Graves’ acidity a refreshing foil to the meal’s garam-masala-scented richness.”

Tasting Profile

Pale gold with bright highlights. Fresh and aromatic on the nose — honeysuckle, lychee, citrus zest, cut grass, and a hint of tropical fruit. Crisp and refreshing on the palate with lively acidity, a clean mineral backbone, and a dry, precise finish. Classic white Graves: harmonious, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable.

Food Pairings

Serve well-chilled (44–48°F). Exceptionally versatile — pairs beautifully with sushi, dumplings, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, light curries, grilled fish, goat cheese, and fresh salads. One of the most food-friendly whites in Bordeaux.

• Producer: Chateau Graville-Lacoste
• Appellation: Graves AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle
• Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

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

Alix Carlin · Sancerre Blanc · Loire Valley · France · 2025

Alix Carlin is a rising name in Sancerre — a producer crafting Sauvignon Blanc in a gentle, flowery, mineral style that captures the essence of the appellation without excess. Sancerre is the Loire Valley’s most celebrated white wine appellation, where Sauvignon Blanc grown on the region’s distinctive flinty soils (silex) and limestone (Kimmeridgian chalk) produces wines of extraordinary aromatic precision and mineral tension. Carlin’s approach is restrained and elegant: generous fruit, perfect balance, and a dry, refreshing mineral finish that makes this a terrific value in an appellation where prices can quickly climb.

The 2025 is delicious and refined — flowery and aromatic on the nose with classic Sancerre character: citrus, white flowers, and a whisper of flint. On the palate, it is generous yet perfectly balanced, with bright acidity and a clean, dry mineral finish that lingers with elegance. The ideal aperitif, and a natural partner for the table.

• Producer: Alix Carlin, Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC, Loire Valley
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Style: Dry white — flowery, mineral, refined
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white flowers, flint, bright acidity, dry mineral finish
• Pairings: Crottin de Chavignol (classic), goat cheese, oysters, shellfish, sole, cod, white fish, aperitif

Sancerre AOC — flowery, mineral Sauvignon Blanc from a refined Loire producer. Generous, balanced, and a terrific value in the appellation.

Olivier Leflaive Les Sétilles — Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy 2023

Olivier Leflaive is one of Burgundy's most respected négociant-éleveurs, founded in 1984 in Puligny-Montrachet by a member of the legendary Leflaive family — one of the most storied names in white Burgundy. The maison specializes in white wines from the Côte de Beaune and is known for sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking. Les Sétilles — named for the small stones found in the vineyards — is the flagship entry-level wine and one of the most consistently praised value Burgundies on the market. While technically labeled as a Bourgogne Blanc, the fruit is sourced primarily from vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault, two of the Côte de Beaune's most celebrated white wine villages. The result is a wine with the DNA of much more expensive village-level Burgundy at a fraction of the price — a genuine insider's choice for those who know.

The nose offers aromas of white flowers, peach, grilled almond, and lemon peel on a mineral-tinged background, with appealing Granny Smith apple and nectarine fruit and a hint of white blossom. The attack is full and warm on the palate, with a surprisingly fresh texture for the vintage — lively acidity driving spicy, bitter citrus through to an elegantly long and lasting finish. Astonishing quality given the volume of production.

Decanter 90 — "Appealing Granny Smith apple and nectarine fruit aroma with a hint of white blossom. Surprisingly fresh texture for the vintage, and an elegantly lovely finish — astonishing quality given the volume of production."

Wine Spectator 90 — "Peach, almond, toasty oak and earth notes highlight this plush white. Backed by lively acidity that drives the spicy, bitter citrus finish. Fine balance and length."

• Producer: Olivier Leflaive, Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bourgogne Blanc AOC
• Fruit Sources: Puligny-Montrachet & Meursault vineyards
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, peach, grilled almond, lemon peel, Granny Smith apple, nectarine, mineral, lively acidity, long finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Lobster with drawn butter, seared scallops, grilled fish, roast chicken with tarragon, veal, Brie, aged Comté, light cream pasta

Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault fruit at a Bourgogne Blanc price — Les Sétilles is Burgundy's best-kept secret and one of the great white wine values under $40.

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve — Champagne NV

Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Réserve is one of Champagne’s most enduring benchmarks — a non-vintage blend whose overall composition has remained virtually unchanged for nearly fifty years. Sourced from more than twenty top vineyards across the Marne, the wine blends 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, and 30% Chardonnay, with over 50% reserve wines spanning up to 15 vintages. Aged 36 months on the lees and finished with just 3 grams per liter dosage, this is a Champagne of exceptional precision, generosity, and effortless elegance — equally at home as an apéritif or at the dinner table.

The nose offers ripe pear, raspberry, gingerbread, toast, and honey with a touch of cut hay. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with soft, creamy bubbles, bright acidity, and a crystalline texture — tense and precise, yet generous and rounded. Spring flowers, brioche, and lime linger on a long, delicate, ethereal finish.

James Suckling 93 — “Lovely aromas of raspberries, gingerbread, toast and honey. Generosity and concentration of flavor, with soft, creamy bubbles. Delicious now.”
Wine Advocate 91 — “Long, delicate and ethereal Champagne.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 — “A classic. Real richness and depth, structured and open with honeyed aromas and ripe, rounded white fruits.”

• Producer: Billecart-Salmon, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Champagne, France
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
• Reserve Wines: 50%+ across up to 15 vintages
• Aging: 36 months on lees; 6 months post-disgorgement
• Dosage: 3 g/L (Extra Brut style)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe pear, raspberry, gingerbread, brioche, honey, spring flowers, lime, creamy bubbles
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, smoked salmon, soft cheeses, fried chicken, light pasta dishes

Nearly fifty years of consistency, precision, and elegance — Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Réserve is the Champagne house that never needs to shout.

67Wine Buyer's Note

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine
Stephanie Fumoso is the great-granddaughter of Eugène Bonfils, who founded Domaine Gour de Chaulé in 1900. The estate has 10 hectares in the village of Gigondas, planted mainly to Grenache with small percentages of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The 2022 Cuvée Tradition is a pure expression of this beautiful part of the Southern Rhône — juicy, herb-infused strawberry fruit on the nose accented with crushed pepper and savory spices. Energetic and lively in the mouth, with a gentle grip of tannins and a lick of acidity on the long, elegant finish. Well balanced and perfectly suited to the dinner table — serve with braised meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty Mediterranean dishes.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling — 93 Points
"A refined, chiseled and bright red based mostly on Grenache with the addition of Syrah and Mourvèdre. The nose is precise and charming, with notes of wild strawberries, dried flowers, wet stones, and baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Fresh and well-balanced. Beautiful volume. Silky texture with a purity of fruit and a harmonious finish. Drink or hold."

Vinous — 93 Points
"The full-bodied 2022 Gigondas Cuvée Tradition 1871 is a total delight. Succulent red fruits mingle with floral tones and a pinch of dried herbs. Smooth tannins and bright acidity neatly structure this silky-textured Gigondas, which culminates with a concentrated, sapid finish. Give it two more years in bottle to develop even more complexity."

About the Vineyard

Several important vineyard sites form this Gigondas, including Gour de Chaulé, Les Blaches, and Les Bousquets. The Grenache vines average well over a half century in age, contributing the concentration and complexity that defines this cuvée.

Product Details

• Producer: Domaine Gour de Chaulé
• Region: Gigondas AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault
• Vine Age: 50+ years
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Full-bodied, structured Southern Rhône red
• Format: 750ml

Studio by Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé — Provence 2025

Studio by Miraval is a collaboration between the celebrated Perrin Family — the force behind Château Beaucastel and some of the Rhône’s greatest wines — and the legendary Miraval estate in Provence. Named as a tribute to the recording studio where Pink Floyd recorded The Wall, this wine embodies the spirit of Art de Vivre around the Mediterranean. Strongly influenced by sea spray and the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea, the salty, almost iodized soils of the estate give the wine a unique coastal character that sets it apart from the crowd. The 2025 vintage — marked by intense summer heat, early maturity, and beautifully concentrated, aromatic berries — earned 90 points from Decanter and is punching well above its price.

The color is a seductive, clear, bright pale-pink with pastel reflections. The nose is all finesse and elegance: small red fruit, cherry blossom, and a superb aromatic bouquet. On the palate, it is lively and ample — blood orange, redcurrant, and cranberry are perfectly balanced by a fresh mineral structure and a hint of bitterness, with a long, tasty finish that lingers with iodized freshness.

Decanter 90 — “Concentrated, a really nice balance between cranberry and citrus. Open and lifted and aromatic, floral, dry and full of flavour. This is punching above its weight for the price.”

• Producer: Studio by Miraval, Perrin Family, Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Style: Dry Rosé
• Terroir: Mediterranean coastal soils with sea spray influence
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry blossom, small red fruit, blood orange, redcurrant, cranberry, fresh mineral structure, iodized finish
• Serve: Well-chilled at 44–48°F
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, seafood, light salads, goat cheese, Provençal cuisine; perfect as an apéritif

Pink Floyd’s studio, the Perrin Family’s expertise, and the Mediterranean’s soul — Studio by Miraval is the Provence rosé that always earns its place at the table.

Mary Taylor Anjou Blanc — Pascal Biotteau, Loire Valley 2024

If no wine region on earth can rival the stylistic diversity of France's Loire Valley, the appellation of Anjou offers the perfect microcosm of the region as a whole. This gorgeously subtle Chenin Blanc comes from fourth-generation winemaker Pascal Biotteau in the village of Saint-Jean-de-Mauvrets — situated on the old Roman road from Angers to Poitiers, along the border of Anjou's two sub-regions. Imported by Mary Taylor, whose mission is to bring honest, terroir-driven wines from small European producers to American tables at fair prices, this is Loire Chenin Blanc at its most pure and unpretentious.

The nose is bright and inviting: crisp green apple, ripe pear, white peach, and delicate floral notes with hints of honey and citrus zest. On the palate, it is vibrant and well-balanced with refreshing acidity, a clean mineral-driven finish, and the quiet confidence that only old-vine Chenin Blanc from Anjou can deliver. Drink now through 2027.

"The perfect microcosm of the Loire — fresh, mineral, and utterly honest." — Mary Taylor Wines

• Producer: Pascal Biotteau, Saint-Jean-de-Mauvrets, Anjou, Loire Valley, France
• Importer: Mary Taylor Wines
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Anjou Blanc AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chenin Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, pear, white peach, honey, citrus zest, mineral finish
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled white fish, oysters, lobster bisque, soft cheeses, fresh goat cheese, light poultry, spring vegetable risotto

A textbook Anjou Blanc at a price that makes it an everyday essential — this Chenin Blanc is the Loire in a glass.

Château Bel-Air Lussac Saint-Émilion 2020 — Bordeaux, France

Château Bel-Air is a benchmark estate in Lussac Saint-Émilion, the satellite appellation just north of Saint-Émilion proper, where clay-limestone soils and a cooler microclimate produce Merlot and Cabernet Franc of remarkable depth and elegance. The 2020 Cuvée Jean & Gabriel — equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, raised in one-third new French oak — is a standout achievement in an exceptional vintage. James Suckling awarded it 92 points; the Wine Advocate 91; Jeb Dunnuck 90 — calling it “well worth seeking out” with 8–10 years of prime drinking ahead.

The nose is complex and inviting: crushed raspberries and blackberries, kirsch, lavender, dark spices, and a whisper of wild mushroom and damp earth. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied, with savory layers of red and black fruit, soft tannins, and a seamless, balanced finish of outstanding length.

James Suckling 92 • Wine Advocate 91 • Jeb Dunnuck 90 — “Seamless, balanced mouthfeel and outstanding length.”

• Producer: Château Bel-Air, Lussac Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Lussac Saint-Émilion AOC
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: One-third new French oak
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, raspberry, kirsch, lavender, dark spice, earthy, seamless finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 8–10 years
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, beef bourguignon, aged Comté, mushroom risotto

A 92-point Right Bank Bordeaux at an honest price — Château Bel-Air is the benchmark for what Lussac Saint-Émilion can be.

Domaine Schoffit Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes Sec — Alsace 2024

Bernard Schoffit is one of Alsace’s most celebrated and quietly brilliant producers — a pioneer in the region’s greatest Grand Cru, Rangen de Thann, where he has reclaimed 6.5 hectares of near-vertical, abandoned slopes through sheer determination and ambition. His gift for winemaking extends well beyond Rangen: from his vineyards near Colmar, he applies the same rigorous approach to yields and viticulture, coaxing extraordinary wines from old vines with intense varietal purity, concentrated fruit, and perfect balancing acidity.

This Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes is sourced from steep slopes near Colmar, from vines planted between 60 and 75 years ago. Pure Auxerrois — bone dry, elegant, and unusually smooth. The nose offers delicate yellow plum, white berry fruit, stony minerality, and a subtle hint of spice. On the palate, it flows with poise and grace — bright, fluid, and surprisingly fresh, with a long, concentrated finish that belies its modest price.

“Unusually smooth and fluid, just flowing and bright… exceptionally serene.” — Vinous, 91 Points (2023 prior vintage)

“Elegant, yet complex and rich. Delicate yellow plum and white berry fruit intermingles with stony minerality and a subtle hint of spice.” — Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

• Producer: Domaine Schoffit, Colmar, Alsace, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: 100% Auxerrois (Pinot Blanc Auxerrois)
• Vine Age: 60–75 years old
• Style: Bone Dry (Sec)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Yellow plum, white berry, stony minerality, citrus, subtle spice, long finish
• Best Paired With: Alsatian tarte flambée, grilled trout, roast pork, soft-ripened cheeses, charcuterie

Old vines, a legendary producer, and a price that makes it an instant cellar staple — Schoffit Auxerrois is one of Alsace’s great white wine values.

Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV — Aÿ, Champagne, France

Bollinger is one of Champagne's most storied and revered houses — a family-owned Grande Marque founded in 1829 in Aÿ, at the heart of the Pinot Noir-dominant Montagne de Reims. Fiercely independent, resolutely traditional, and uncompromising in quality, Bollinger is the only major Champagne house to still ferment a portion of its reserve wines in magnum and to use a significant proportion of oak-aged reserve wines in its blends. The Special Cuvée is the house's flagship non-vintage Brut — a benchmark of the Bollinger style and one of the most consistently celebrated Champagnes in the world. The current release is based on the 2019 vintage (45%), blended with 55% reserve wines, with 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier — approximately 10% vinified in oak barrel, with around 40% reserve wine kept in magnums.

The color is a rich, youthful golden hue. The nose is classic and complex: golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone, black cherry, dried apple, marzipan, and toasty sourdough — the unmistakable Bollinger signature of depth, richness, and biscuity autolytic character. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet elegant and light on its feet, with a ripe and luxurious feel, racy acidity, and a pillowy, refined mousse. Savoury, biscuity notes carry through to a long, inviting finish with just a hint of warmth. Exceptional now, with plenty of life ahead.

Decanter 95 — "A classic Champagne done well. Notes of marzipan, toastiness and leesy sourdough. Classic for a reason — would only elevate any table it finds itself on."

Jancis Robinson 17/20 — "A particularly stunning rendition of Bollinger. Very fine texture, remarkably fine mousse. Savoury, biscuity notes. Great length — a lovely example."

Jeb Dunnuck 93 — "Classic and ripe with lush, rounded aromas of golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone and black cherry. Full-bodied yet elegant. One of the best entry wines to the range from this house — a benchmark wine."

James Suckling 93 — "Lovely density and fine-bubble texture. Dried apple and apricot, spice, zest and ginger. Always really well done."

Robert Parker 92 — "Bursting from the glass with honeyed apples, crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry, ripe lemons and fresh walnuts. Charming, characterful — Special Cuvée is firmly back where it belongs."

• Producer: Bollinger, Aÿ, Champagne, France
• Style: Non-Vintage Brut Champagne
• Blend: 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier
• Reserve Wine: 55% (including ~40% aged in magnum)
• Base Vintage: 2019
• Oak: ~10% vinified in barrel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone, black cherry, dried apple, marzipan, sourdough, pillowy mousse, long finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, grilled fish, roast chicken, aged Comté, charcuterie, aperitivo

James Bond's Champagne of choice — Bollinger Special Cuvée is the benchmark non-vintage Brut, and one of the great Champagnes at any price.

Our Review - 67Wine.com

Expert Reviews

About Taittinger

Taittinger is one of the few remaining family-owned Champagne houses, synonymous with elegance and Chardonnay. La Française is their flagship non-vintage Brut — a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 25% Pinot Meunier, aged 3–4 years on the lees for exceptional depth and refinement.

• Producer: Taittinger
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Style: Non-Vintage Brut
• Blend: 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier
• Lees Aging: 3–4 years
• Vineyards: 35+ Champagne villages, 700+ acres estate-owned
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, brioche, nectarine, hazelnut, white pepper
• Best For: Aperitif, celebrations, gifting, special occasions

Concours Général Agricole Paris — Silver Medal

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer, writes: A lovely alternative to Sancerre, hands down delicious with refreshing purity and harmonious balance. The aroma is enticingly perfumed with scents of white peach, honeydew melon and lemon verbena. Lively and energetic in the mouth, with freshness and purity in every sip. Nice mineral finish. Perfect with salads, light poultry and grilled fish.

About the Domaine

Located in Pouilly-sur-Loire in the heart of the Loire Valley, Domaine Gilles Chollet farms 30 acres of clay-limestone and sandy soils with southwestern exposure. Vines are cultivated using sustainable "Lutte Raisonnée" methods. Gilles worked the vineyards for over a decade before taking over from his father, investing in high-performance fermentation equipment to maximize aromatic expression.

• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Appellation: Pouilly Fumé AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2021
• Format: 750ml
• Farming: Lutte Raisonnée (sustainable)