French Wine

Winemaker Descripton 

Whispering Angel is today's worldwide reference for Provence Rosé. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino), its pale color is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. The rewarding taste profile is full and lush while being bone dry with a smooth finish.

Highly approachable and enjoyable with a broad range of cuisine, Whispering Angel is a premium Rosé that you can drink from mid-day to midnight. 

This rose wine is delicate, clean and minerally. Pale salmon in color. Fresh peach and strawberry on the nose with plenty of red berry fruits. Full bodied and dry, with pink grapefruit and hints of peach on the palate, lively acidity and a long finish.

A beautifully made wine.

Whispering Angel Rose is made by Sacha Lichine and his team at Chateau d'Esclans, in La Motte en Provence, south France. Made from grapes grown from some of the most choice land in the surrounding region of la Motte en Provence, consisting primarily of Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino) and Cinsault.

Expert Review

James Suckling 91 Points | A silky, seductive and saline Côtes de Provence rosé with aromas of small berries, red currants and salt. It’s medium-bodied, succulent, fresh and playful, with a caressing texture and a vivid, saline finish. (2023). 

Seductive translucent pale-yellow color with delicate green reflections. This wine opens up with a very expressive nose with beautiful aromas combining floral and mineral notes. Well balanced and dense, the palate has a powerful attack and reveals superb aromas of lemon, bergamot and hawthorn before ending with a long finish. Winemaker Description. 

Prior Vintages |

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | Fragrance of pomelo, fresh Meyer lemon, yuzu, yellow peaches, white mushroom and peppercorn come together for an elegant, yet bright nose. A saline palate with yellow apples, Bosc pears, white mushrooms and fresh vanilla is carried to a round mouthfeel, with a lengthy and enjoyable finish. (2021). 

Winemaker Description

Deep and dark red. Shiny. Aromas of fresh fruits with red berries and spices. Full, round and racy. Rounded and smooth tannins. A full-bodied, rich and intensely aromatic wine. Full with a long finish and plenty of elegance and finesse due to the well balanced tannins and fruit.

Pair with cold meats, meat, game bird and cheese.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Jeb Dunnuck writes | Leading off the 2020s, the 2020 Côtes Du Rhône is up-front, ripe, and textured, with pretty, medium-bodied aromas and flavors of cherries, flowers, and peppery herbs. It has a soft, elegant mouthfeel and is undeniably delicious.

Joe Czerwinski writes |  Significantly impacted by its elevated Syrah content, Guigal's 2020 Cotes du Rhone boasts expressive aromas of blackberries and blueberries, backed by ample black cherries. It's full-bodied yet supple and fluid, easy to drink and enjoy, with enough black olive and earth notes to ground it and keep it from being a simple fruit bomb.  Drinking 2024 0 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90 Points 

Stuart Pigott writes |  An impressive Cotes-du-Rhone with stacks of blackberry and black raspberry fruit wrapped around a core of moderately dry tannins on the bold palate. Long self-confidently dry finish. A cuvee of 50% syrah, 45% grenache and 5% mourvedre. Drink now. James Suckling 90 Points 

Tina Gellie, Anne Krebieh MW, Michaela Morris write |  Modern, lifted and a bit heady, but attractive and evocative. Black cherry inkiness segues into a dense palate where all the fruit is crammed into a structured body with drying tannins. Herbs and stones hemmed in by a firm grip. A good all rounder. Nominated by Thierry Meyer.  Drinking 2024 - 2030.  - Decanter 90 Points 

Producer Description 

Pretty limpid-purple color, with violet undertones. The nose reveals a seductive aromatic bouquet with notes of red fruit such as blackcurrants and blueberries mixed with notes of leather and violet. The palate is full of freshness and well balanced with aromas of very ripe fruit, pepper and elderberries with very soft tannins giving this wine great drinkability.

James Suckling writes:  A ripe, pretty red with blackberry, dried-tobacco and seaweed aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with firm, lightly chewy tannins and a delicious finish already.  - James Suckling  91-92

Winemaker Description 

La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2023 is a fresh and lively wine that captures the essence of a classic Provence-style rosé. On the nose, it greets with a fragrant bouquet of red berries, including wild strawberries and raspberries, alongside delicate notes of white peach, citrus zest, and a hint of rose petals.

The palate is light and crisp, offering flavors of ripe red fruits, juicy watermelon, and a touch of pink grapefruit, all balanced by a refreshing acidity. A subtle minerality adds depth and complexity, leading to a clean, dry finish that is both refreshing and satisfying. This 2023 vintage is the perfect companion for warm-weather sipping, embodying the bright, easygoing character that makes rosé such a beloved choice for casual enjoyment.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Neal Martin writes | The 2023 Chablis Vieilles Vignes de Sainte Claire comes from 50-60 year old vines. Clearly a level up from the regular cuvée. This displays more mineralité and nuance on the nose with hints of white truffle. The palate is well balanced with a fine line of acidity, quite tensile with pleasing weight. Very harmonious on the finish. This is worth seeking out.  - Drinking 2025 to 2035.  - Vinous 90 Points

Winemaker Description

An alluringly clear pale pink colour with gleaming pastel pink reflections. Fine and elegant, the nose offers a superb aromatic bouquet with notes of red berries and cherry blossom.The mouth is full, vivacious, and distinguished with a refinement that is heightened by delicious notes of blood orange and redcurrant perfectly balanced by a lovely mineral structure and just the right hint of bitterness. These luscious aromas are prolonged on the lingering finish of this elegant, well-balanced wine.

Winemaker Description

Intense color, ruby reflections, shiny. Nose of black fruit, blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry with toasted notes. Authenticity of the terroir through the tannic structure and fruitiness of the wine. The nature of the sandy-gravelly soil acts as a flavor enhancer and is found in the minerality of this wine.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 90 Points | Mulberries, dark plums, dried herbs, burdock and cigar box on the nose. Medium body with powdery tannins. Fruity, with fresh acidity and a flavorful, earthy finish. Drink or hold. 

90 Points Wine Enthusiast: From the slopes just west of Castillon, this is a ripe Merlot-dominated wine. A core of tannins and juicy acidity have combined into a savory wine that will be ready from 2023.

Winemaker Description

Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône is produced from 100% Syrah and is from the the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard. The vineyards are known for their limestone sand, red clay, and pebbles, which give a freshness and intensity to the Syrah grapes. The wine is partially destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts, and vinified in concrete vats.

This Syrah grows in ideal terroirs of the southern Rhône and shows the varietal’s typical spicy notes of sandalwood, violets, and black pepper.

Syrah, with its deep flavors and firm tannins, is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions.  Seared venison or beef with black pepper and thyme or a Moroccan tagine of pigeon or chicken are complimented by the spicy characteristic of Syrah.

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator - Kristen Bieler 90+ Points | A hefty version of Côtes du Rhône, with a lot of stuffing, showing ripe black plum and black currant flavors layered with black pepper and grilled rosemary. Sturdy tannins hem in the creamy palate, with a kick of bitter mineral and graphite through the medium-length finish. Very solid. Drink now through 2028. (2022). 

Jeb Dunnuck | The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône is juicy and up-front, with lots of classic Syrah darker fruits and peppery notes. It's medium-bodied, forward, has plenty of fruit, and is impeccably made.

Rand Sieger, 67Wine: Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône is produced from 100% Syrah and is from the the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard. The vineyards are known for their limestone sand, red clay, and pebbles, which give a freshness and intensity to the Syrah grapes. The wine is partially destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts, and vinified in concrete vats.
This Syrah grows in ideal terroirs of the southern Rhône and shows the varietal’s typical spicy notes of sandalwood, violets, and black pepper.

This wine offers beautiful bright citrus framed by a backbone of clean acidity and minerality with a finish that is clean, bright and refreshing. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

Pale gold in color with delicately toasty aromas alongside fruit and complexity. This wine is creamy and beautifully balanced with a dry, harmonious finish.

Expert Reviews 

93 Points Decanter | Richly biscuity on the nose, with steamed rice, fresh pear and citrus blossom complexity. Creamy mousse dissolves into red apple peel, lemon and stone fruits, with a depth of honeyed biscuits. The Reserve NV from Pol Roger is a blend of base wines from at least three vintages. With 6 months of post-disgorgement ageing, the wine is ready to enjoy now.

James Suckling 92 Points | Fresh Amalfi lemons, pear skins, apples, rhubarb and hints of anise on the nose. Excellent depth and flavor concentration here, with a medium body and creamy bubbles. Fruit and spice deliciously integrated.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 92 Points | The current release of Pol Roger's NV Brut Réserve is quite dramatic, bursting with aromas of mandarin oil, honeycomb, elderflower, fresh bread and musky peach. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it's generous and textural, with a rich core of fruit, lively acids and a pillowy mousse.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | The nonvintage Champagne from this producer always has richness from the Pinot Noir in the blend. This bottling also has a touch of toast, showing some bottle aging. Put the two elements together and this satisfyingly ripe wine is ready to drink.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | Equal parts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier make up the NV Champagne Reserve Brut, with 8 grams per liter dosage. The nose is bright and fresh with green apple and lively lemon lime citrus as well as fresh pastry. The palate is dry though generous, with fruit upfront of ripe red berries and grapefruit. Well-suited as an aperitif, it is ready to drink now or over the next 10 years.

Expert Reviews (2022 Vintage) 

Jeb Dunnuck writes 92 Points | Based on equal parts Syrah and Grenache brought up in used oak, the 2022 Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur is a little gem of a wine offering loads of sweet kirsch and darker berry fruits as well as some peppery Provençal herb and spice-driven aromas and flavors. It's medium to full-bodied, has wonderful purity, and a great finish. It's perfect for drinking over the coming 4-6 years.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Kristen Bieler of the Wine Spectator writes 90 Points | Lush and generous, with a lot of intensity and a floral lift to the notes of raspberry coulis and crushed cherry, this turns firm and structured on the palate, with grippy tannins and iron minerality driving the long finish. A hedonist's red, with a lot of warmth, weight and power. Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2028. 

Winemaker Notes

This vintage is of a beautiful presence, both in its rather sustained red color, as in its aromatic expression of red fruits and undergrowth with nuances of caramel and spices. On the palate, we find very ripe fruit with a nice freshness, the palate is charming. Round and warm, it benefits from good wood support and ends with a long and suave finish. Balanced, Château Loirac has a marked personalit

Critic Notes

James Suckling writes 90 Points | The blueberry and orange-peel aromas are all here. Medium body, fresh acidity and an attractive aftertaste. A little lean, but should soften by 2021. A blend of 60 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 40 per cent merlot.  - 

Neal Martin of Vinous writes |   The 2016 Loirac has a simple but pleasurable bouquet with wild strawberry and briary aromas. It just lacks a little complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with just a touch of greenness on the entry, classic and slightly leafy in style. Pleasant but probably early drinking only. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.  Vinous

Julia Harding of Jancis Robinson writes 15.5/20 Points |  Deep crimson. Vanilla coating over the blackcurrant fruit. Dry-textured and slightly lacking in flesh but the tannins and freshness are good and this should be fine with a good dose of protein. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot.  Drinking 2020 - 2025.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011

Wine Advocate 91 points | The dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by loads of cassis and cherry jam notes intermixed with hints of licorice, incense, roasted herbs and underbrush. Full, fleshy and already irresistible, this 2011 should drink well for a decade. One of the finest Simards made in many years, this estate has gotten serious now that proprietor Alain Vauthier is overseeing the winemaking. From a well-placed vineyard planted in decomposed limestone below Pavie, this sleeper of the vintage is a St.-Emilion fruit bomb. Robert M. Parker, Jr.

89-91 Points James Suckling | A wine with plum, berry and cherry character. Medium body with integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Better after 2015.

Vinous | Bright ruby-red. Sappy, pure aromas of plum syrup, black cherry, graphite and botanical herbs, lifted by a strong floral topnote. Dense, sweet and suave, with intensely flavored, slightly candied red fruit and floral elements. Finishes with rich, spreading tannins and vibrant red berry flavors. When I observed that this is denser and more refined than the very good Simard, I saw Pauline Vauthier's eyes light up: "It's so true: but there's nothing one can do," she said. "The high-density plantings at Haut-Simard [10,000 vines per hectare vs. Simard's 6,000] make all the difference." I would add that in a year like 2011, Haut-Simard's soil, which features more clay and less sand, also place it at an advantage.

Winemaker Description

The grapes for this wine are sourced from the main four appellations, including Sancerre and Pouilly Fume, which are known for their racy, mineral-driven style. The nose is fresh and vibrant with notes of lime zest, ruby grapefruit, green pear and mandarin oranges.

There is an undercurrent of wet stones throughout. True to its terroir, it is refreshing with moderate acidity but it also has some weight in the mid-palate due to being aged on its fine lees. 

Pale gold in color, clear and limpid.  A typical Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc nose, grassy and herbal combining with floral and citrus notes.   Crisp and clean in the mouth  with notes of orange, passion fruit and lots of herbal flavors.

Winemaker Description

Beautiful intense and deep red color with purple reflections. This wine opens up with a powerful, very expressive empyreumatic nose with toasted notes, undergrowth and mushrooms such as truffles subtly mixed with aromas of kirsch. On the palate, it shows elegance with fine tannins that balance the opulent notes of very ripe black fruit and typical Syrah spices with a superb long finish. Serve with beef, lamb and poultry.

Expert Reviews

Natalie Earl of Decanter writes 92 Points |  A Côtes du Rhône that is packed full of bright plump fruit, blueberries, sweet sticky cherries, this has a really turbo-charged fruit profile. Tasty and sweet-fruited, it's fairly rich but still fresh enough for more than one glass. A medium tannic structure lends support to this tasty, loveable wine.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Decanter 92

James Suckling writes 91 Points | Refined on the nose with cherries, blueberries, herbs and warm spices. Medium body with very fine tannins. Textural and velvety with poise and vitality. Flavorful finish with a peppery lift. Drink now. 

Winemaker Description

The Pommery Brut Royal shows a pale yellow color with light green accents. On the nose, it is vivacious and cheerful, fresh, easy, fine, delicate, and open. It has notes of citrus and white flowers combined with small berry notes. Elegant and vibrant in the mouth, it opens with initial notes of berries. 

The wine is round, ample, and delicate, with a nice finish. Clear end notes without any dryness. This wine is harmonious and never grows tiresome to the palate.

Enjoy it at any time of day or night.

Expert Reviews

Lettie Teague writes:  Champagne Pommery Brut Royal  - Although I’m generally not big on glossy Champagne boxes, the groovy Pommery package with its paisley design was pretty eye-catching; happily, the wine inside was good too. A lithesome, compulsively drinkable dry sparkler with notes of citrus and pear and a long minerally finish, the non-vintage wine is a blend of three main Champagne grapes—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier—in equal amounts.  Corporate-owned Pommery Champagne claims to have introduced the first successful dry “Brut” style Champagne to the world in 1874—it’s certainly a style they do well. A terrific aperitif.  - Wall St. Journal, Dec. 16-17, 2023

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Mostly Viognier (55%) but with other permitted white varieties, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc has a medium-bodied, vibrant, pure style to go with lovely peach and tangerine-like aromas and flavors. Drink this outstanding, classy white over the coming 2-3 years. I never cease to be amazed at the quality of the Côtes du Rhône white from this team, especially given the quantities produced.

Winemaker Description 

Yellow gold, clear and brilliant. Freshness on the nose marked by the distinctive aromas of Viognier; white flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach. On the palate it is fruity with plenty of richness and body. A well-rounded wine with elegance, strength and balance.

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger 67Wine.com | Always one of the first rosés to hit the market, this traditional S. Rhone blend comes from 25-50 year old vines grown along the Gassac Riber. It boasts a pleasant, intense nose with hints of strawberries. Full and round on the palate with red fruit flavors.

Winemaker Description

Always one of the first rosés to hit the market, this traditional S. Rhone blend comes from 25-50 year old vines grown along the Gassac Riber. It boasts a pleasant, intense nose with hints of strawberries. Full and round on the palate with red fruit flavors.

Few winemakers have come to define their region like Mas de Daumas Gassac has with the Languedoc. What sets Mas de Daumas Gassac apart is their unflinching commitment to pushing the boundaries — of the appellation’s rules, of conventional farming techniques, of “expected” grape varieties.

Aimé and Véronique Guibert purchased the land in the early 1970s; they had planned to start a farm, but weren’t sure what type of crops they wanted to grow. It took convincing from a Bordeaux-based soil scientist, who saw great grape-growing potential in the limestone-rich land, as densely mineral-laden as Burgundy’s Côte d’Or.

Making wine in the Languedoc is nothing new — the Greeks and Romans were doing it millennia ago. In planting their estate to vines, the Guiberts chose to buck local tradition and plant a wide (very wide) assortment of international grapes; there’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, sure, but also Petite Arvine, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo and more. Prior to owning the estate, the Guiberts traveled the world as part of a family leather business, and became enamored with grapes from far-off and exotic locales. 

Expert Reviews

James Sucking 90 Points |  So much apple character to this fresh, supple and juicy blend of grenache, carignan and syrah. Red apples, warm herbs and baking spices complement the succulent forest berries on the nose, following through to a fruity and mellow finish. Drink now. 

Antonio Galloni of Vinous | The 2023 Rosé Guilhem is a fine warm-weather drink. Pale in color, the 2023 is brisk, vibrant and delightful from the first taste. Hints of grapefruit, white flowers, slate and chalk .

Expert Ratings

James Suckling writes:  Blueberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry in the nose with some sweet tobacco and moss. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and savory. Fruity yet reserved finish. Give this two or three years to open. Try after 2023.  - James Suckling 93

Jane Anson writes:  A Cru Bourgeois Superieur as of the 2018 vintage, giving a good display of understated Médoc charm with its 2019 vintage. Blackberry and black cherry fruits, firm tannins, well measured with an elegant frame. Violet edges to the colour also suggesting bright acidities, a little austere overall at this stage but great potential to develop over the next few years in bottle.  - Decanter 90

Brilliant colour of good intensity with very slight notes of development. The dominant aromas are crunchy damson, black peppercorn. Fresh fruit returns on the palate with wild plum, and a definite balance between the tannic structure, the freshness coming from the acidity and the fat and smoothness provided by the alcohol. A great classic, full of elegance and finesse. To be decanted 30 minutes before tasting.

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Notes 

The new release of our custom Côtes du Rhône is just in, and it’s a good one! This cuvée dates back to the ’80s, when Kermit found an inexpensive source of delicious everyday Côtes du Rhône, and it has been among our best-sellers every year since its inception. We make our blend from a large selection of different wines: a dozen or more tanks are often presented, and countless combinations are tested over the course of several grueling hours in the cellar. At the end, it often comes down to adjusting a half-percentage of this or a smidge of that. Every drop counts!

The 2022 vintage of this wine is very Rhôney—it tastes exactly how Côtes du Rhône should taste. It’s as if the hot summer concentrated the herbal essences of the region’s wild vegetation—la garrigue—giving it a lovely savory note to contrast with its chewy, ripe, mouth-filling fruit. You might also find a stony impression suggestive of the Rhône’s famous riverbed stones, which cover the vineyards.There is enough tannin for it to shine with roasted lamb, should you opt for a regional pairing, but not too much that you can’t gulp it just for the sake of gulping. The finish is surprisingly long and full of perfume.

Our final blend this year features Syrah and Grenache, with a touch of Mourvèdre and other local grapes. We ask for it unfiltered, because we think the extra aroma and flavor is well worth a little bit of sediment.

A harmonious Champagne in an aperitif style that appeals for its fine balance, lightly mouthwatering acidity and pretty flavors of ripe apple and raspberry fruit, pickled ginger, toast and lemon zest. Drink now.

Expert Review

Lettie Teague writes:  Nicolas Feuillatte Réserve Exclusive Brut,  Produced in very large quantities (over 10 million bottles yearly), this non-vintage bottling is produced by a sizable group of Champagne growers, too. Founded by Nicolas Feuillatte in 1976, the company now sources grapes from a staggering 6,000 growers—one out of every three growers in Champagne, according to the company’s press materials. The wine is an equal-parts blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier (40% each), with 20% Chardonnay blended in. It’s fresh and clean and easy to drink—a real crowd-pleaser—with a crisp acidity and pleasant citric note. According to a 2023 Nielsen report, in France it is the most popular Champagne brand of all.  - Wall St. Journal, Dec. 16-17, 2023

Expert Ratings

Georgina Hindle of Decanter 90 Points writes | Blue fruits and cola cubes on the nose. Linear and direct, this is powerful but restrained, with a core of dark, juicy fruits and a mineral undertow giving freshness and a velvety-smooth texture to the tannins. Needs more time to expand and be fully expressive, but this is nice and one I want another glass of. Can be enjoyed today with some time in carafe or hold on for a few more years. Drinking 2022 - 2029.

James Suckling 90 Points | Aromas of blackberries, sweet tobacco and some crushed stones follow through to a medium body with a pretty core of fruit and well-integrated tannins. Give it a year or two to soften. Drink after 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck writes | Black cherries, candied violets, spicy oak, and floral notes all emerge from the 2019 Château La Vaisinerie, a medium-bodied, soft, supple, nicely textured, and impeccably balanced Puisseguin. It's already drinking nicely and should have a solid 8-10 years of prime drinking.   - Jeb Dunncuk

Neal Martin writes | The 2019 La Vaisinerie has thankfully dispensed with the New World ambitions that I found on the nose before, now displaying more refinement and focus. The palate is medium-bodied and pure, with supple tannins, fine acidity and a sensual finish. I am happy to raise my score.  - Vinous

Winemaker Description

Deep color. Very expressive and complex nose with red fruits aromas. The mouth is rich with fines tannins and well-structured with cherry, plum and chocolate aromas. The finish is lightly spicy. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck writes 88-90 Points | The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Reserve checks in as 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that's mostly from the limestone soils in Lirac. Blackberries, ripe cherries, peppery herbs, and floral notes all show, and it's medium-bodied, has a balanced, elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. Readers looking for an impeccably made, high-quality Côtes Du Rhône to drink over the coming 5-6 years or more should grab some.  - Jeb Dunnuck 

Joe Czerwiński of the Wine Advocate writes | The tank-aged 2022 Cotes du Rhone Reserve Mont Redon is mostly from the Gard, with other components from Valreas and Tulette. Blended just before my summer visit last year, it's 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, with energetic aromas of black olives, black berries and black cherries. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, it's round, soft and easy to drink. Enjoy it over the next few years. 

Matt Walls of Decanter writes |   Good depth of colour, really quite dark in the glass. Savoury mulberry, blackberry aromas, good sense of freshness. A very classic expression of Côtes du Rhône with good concentration and structure – no hurry to drink this. The tannins are just a little gruff perhaps, but you wouldn't notice with some hearty food. The word Réserve on the label means the wine is made from bought grapes (possibly supplemented by estate fruit). 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 91 Points | Very fresh with notes of sliced pears, lemons and white peaches plus a touch of white pepper spice and chamomile. It’s medium- to full-bodied with bright acidity and a phenolic touch. Dry.

Winemaker Description 

A kaleidoscope of grapiness, produced exclusively from hand harvested grapes in predominantly clay and limestone vineyards, from a dozen of the most favored localities in and around Riquewihr. Gentil Hugel allies the suave, spicy flavor of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of both Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner. Winemaker Description. 

2Winemaker Description

An intense wine with blackcurrant and raspberry notes complemented by notes of white pepper. Powerful and fruity on the palate with lovely roasted notes, and silky, delicate tannins. Winemaker Description.

Expert Reviews 

90 Points James Suckling | Plenty of crunchy red berries and cherries on the nose with dark cherries, dried thyme and peppercorns. Medium body with firm tannins. Juicy fruit at the center with structure and a vibrant core of peppercorns to the finish. (2022). 

89 Points Jeb Dunnuck | Black raspberries, juicy cherries, peppery garrigue, and violet notes all emerge from Chapoutier's 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Belleruche, a medium-bodied, fleshy, balanced, straight-up delicious. (2022). 

Winemaker Description 

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

Expert Ratings

Wine Spectator | Airy cherry and pomegranate notes are lined with hints of tomato leaf and savory. Quick finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. — JMWine Enthusiast  This rich, Merlot-dominated wine is powered by black-currant fruits. Tannins are still there, with a tough edge that suggests heavy extraction during winemaking. The wine needs to soften. Wait to drink until 2021.

James Suckling 91 Points | Sweet berry and floral aromas follow through to a medium body with nicely integrated tannins and a deliciously juicy finish. Drink now. 

Winemaker Notes

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2020

Jane Anson writes 94 Points |  They do such a good job of enrobing the limestone austerity enough to give a whiff of gunsmoke and toasted oak, without obscuring the blueberry and raspberry fruits, along with salinity and a tingle of minerality. Mathieu Cuvlier director, consultant Julien Viaud.  Drinking 2025 - 2040.  

Jeb Dunnuck writes 94 Points | Another killer wine in the vintage is the 2020 Château Côte De Baleau, which comes from a cooler, north-facing vineyard on the eastern side of the appellation. Almost all Merlot, it offers a medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling, layered style that carries plenty of ripe tannins, terrific mid-palate depth, and textbook Right Bank Merlot notes of red and black cherries, leather, dried flowers, and chalky minerality. It picks up more and more minerality with time in the glass and is a bonafide mineral bomb. Give it just a few years in the cellar and enjoy it over the coming 15-20 years. 

Georgina Hindle of Decanter writes 90 Points | Lashings of liquorice and dark chocolate combine with ripe blackcurrant and plums, giving a serious tone to this wine. It's well built, with good support from gently chewy and present tannins, with a long, minty, salty finish. There are touches of dried fruits to this, raisins and prunes, but the acidity is well balanced and this has a nice weight in the mouth. A little drying by the finish. Heft and power, but not brutish.  Drinking 2024 - 2034.

James Suckling writes 93 Points | Aromas of currants and blackberries with spiced chocolate, dried herbs and wet stones. Medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins and vivid acidity. Structured and meaty. Shows freshness and juiciness to its deep, dark-fruited character. Toned, firm finish. Drink from 2025.  -

Julia Harding MW of Jancis Robinson writes 16+ Points | Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Dark-fruited and a little closed on the nose. On the palate, firm, chewy but balanced. Lots of dark, not-overworked, fresh fruit. Straightforward with smooth tannic finish and enough freshness thanks to both acid and tannins. Not overdone.  Drinking 2026 -2036. 

Lisa Perrotti-Brown of the Wine Advocate | The 2020 Cote de Baleau is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 15th to 30th September and weighing in with an alcohol of 14.2%. It is being aged for 16-18 months in 20% new oak barrels, 60% second-fill barrels and 20% in vats. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little swirling to coax out youthful notions of crushed blackberries, mulberries and kirsch, plus hints of tar and dried Mediterranean herbs. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound with crunchy red and black fruits with a chewy texture and lively backbone lifting the finish.  Drinking 2023 - 2032 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 90 Points | This fresh version offers mirabelle plum, quinine and honeysuckle notes that stay bright and nicely defined through the energetic, salted butter–tinged finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2026.  - Wine Spectator 90

Jeb Dunnuck 90-92 Points |  The 2022 Clos Des Lunes Lune D'Argent Blanc is a pure, balanced, medium to full-bodied white with clean citrus and floral aromatics, a good spine of acidity, and a clean, lengthy finish. It's a classy Bordeaux Blanc based largely on Sémillon. 

James Suckling 92 Points |  Fine reduction with flint and matchstick characters that protect the creamed citrus. Pretty full-bodied and broad at the start with a lightly phenolic middle and a flavorful, saline finish. 70% semillon and 30% sauvignon. Try from 2025.  - James Suckling 92

Vinous 90-92 Points | The 2022 Lune d’Argent shows notable richness, very much in the style of the year. Orchard fruit, white flowers, mint and tangerine. Pear, mint and chamomile open effortlessly. In 2022, Lune d’Argent offers quite a bit of presence, making it a terrific choice for the dinner table. Readers should expect a rich, layered Sauvignon Blanc. Pretty floral notes liven up the finish. 

Winemaker Description 

Lune d’Argent is the heart of Clos des Lunes’ production. They firmly believe in the future of this legendary terroir and its truly original style. With a touch of French oak, the Sémillon is dense and rich, the Sauvignon Blanc refined and precise. This cuvée of dry white wine promises to convey all the magic of Sauternes. 

Winemaker Description 

This crisp, fruit-forward, juicy wine has expressive aromas and flavors of ripe red berries, with nice weight in the mouth. 

If you like Beaujolais, this is one you'll want to come back to again and again. It features strawberry, raspberry, and black fruits. Chill for 20 minutes and enjoy with grilled salmon, roast chicken, lighter meats and of course most vegetarian dishes.

Expert Review

Reggie Solomon writes:  This is a good, hearty and muscular Beaujolais that would pair with grilled vegetables and meats. This wine has a nose of black plum, rosehip, strawberry and blossom. On the palate the wine is firm with red and black fruit predominating.  - Wine Enthusiast 

Expert Review 

Georgina Hindle writes:  Wonderfully aromatic and expressive on the nose - the aromas really just jump out the glass. So inviting. Juicy, red fruits - strawberries, raspberries and red cherries - quite bright and a nice change from the dark fruits. This is lively and fun, light with hints of spice underneath the fruit giving some structure and backbone. Hard not to like for its fruit-forwardness and easy drinking style. Though does have a spicy undertone which comes through on the finish?!   - Decanter 90

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada 67Wine.com | Taittinger La Francaise Brut NV has been a staple for generations in the Champagne world. Their legacy is one of a kind. This particular bottling  opens up with a nose driven by notes of nectarines, hazelnut and some yeasty nuances. Light-bodied with a refreshing mouth-feel and nice consistent bubbles.  Very fresh and enticing finish. The perfect NV Champagne to serve as an Aperitif.
Oscar Garcia Moncada 

Expert Reviews

Lettie Teague writes:  Taittinger Champagne Brut La Française | The family-owned Taittinger Champagne house is synonymous with Chardonnay, from its acclaimed all-Chardonnay prestige cuvée, Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs, to this non-vintage bottling, which is 40% Chardonnay (the remainder, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier). Also notable: Unlike many large Champagne houses that buy most of their grapes from growers and own only a small amount of vineyards themselves, the Taittingers hold over 700 acres. This wine was produced from “at least” 35 different Champagne villages, according to a company fact sheet and spends almost four years on the lees. It is a dry, decidedly crisp, rather subtle and even delicate Champagne with notes of citrus and brioche. While I love the Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, at $200-$250 a bottle, it’s not one I can afford to drink very often. I’ll happily “settle” for drinking the Brut La Française for less than half the price.  - Wall Street Journal December 16-17, 2023.

95 Points Tasting Panel | Bright and lively, this is one of my favorite non vintage Bruts. Crisp and balanced, with smooth, exuberant, Chardonnay-driven style; racy, elegant, and totally charming; long and memorable. 

92 Points James Suckling | A dry, fresh and delicious Taittinger with aromas and flavors of apples, fresh lemons and minerals. Full-bodied. Precise. White pepper and salt at the end. 40% chardonnay and 35% pinot noir, the rest pinot meunier. Three to four years on the lees. Drink now.