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.

Tasting Notes: A beautifully pale pink, which is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. Palate : Fresh red berry fruit characteristics with floral notes. Ripe and fleshy feel on the palate. Finish : Great concentration. Smooth and round finish.

Expert Review (2024 vintage)

James Suckling 92 Points: A well-rounded, focused and delicious rosé showing dried raspberries, frozen strawberries and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Balanced and driven, with a lively center palate and a persistent, flavorful finish.

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 writes:  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.  - James Suckling 91

Julia Sheppard writes:  Tasted in magnum, 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 the larger format lending lovely creaminess to the bright finish. Veuve Clicquot's iconic Yellow Label is a blend of 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier and 50% Pinot Noir, which provides the cuvée's signature structure. Up to 45% reserve wines in the blend ensure consistency.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Decanter 91

Alison Napjus writes:  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. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.  - Wine Spectator 90

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  Comprising 85% of production, the NV Champagne Yellow Label Brut is 40% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and the rest Meunier, with 35-40% reserve wine. Entirely fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, it spends three years on the lees, and the wine sees 9 grams per liter of dosage, but the house does not disclose the disgorgement date. A golden straw hue, it’s ripe with aromas of yeasty bread dough, peaches, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, it’s ripe and juicy with rounded red berried fruit, a supple texture, a pillowy mousse, and a warming finish. Fresh and inviting, this is a solid and consistent aperitif to enjoy over the coming several years.  Drinking 2023 to 2026.  - Jeb Dunnuck 89

Winemaker Description

The 2022 Rhône vintage faced extreme heat and drought, with the hottest and driest growing season since 1950, surpassing even the 2003 vintage. Dry conditions in winter and spring were followed by intense heatwaves in June and July, causing significant stress on the vines. Mid-August rainfall provided some relief, promoting ripening, but yields were still notably low. The resulting wines are concentrated and full-bodied, with rich fruit.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck - 91 Points - May 9, 2025 "The Cotes Du Rhone is smoking good, offering up blackberries, pepper, and garrigue in a round, supple, medium to full-bodied style. Based on 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre, partially aged in oak foudres, this impressive effort shows remarkable quality for the appellation.

Known as “chicken wine” and a favorite on social media for a long time, this rosé impresses with its lightness and character. Soft pink with silver reflections, notes of roses, red berries and a hint of citrus on the nose. Juicy and lively on the palate with aromas of strawberry, peach and a fine salty minerality on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Color & Presentation: Bright powder-pink with silver highlights.

Harvest Details: The 2024 harvest occurred between August 2 and October 3, aiming for grapes at perfect maturity—balanced, expressive, with good acidity and freshness, promising aromatic richness and aging potential.

Vinification: Grapes are harvested early in the morning to preserve fruit freshness and avoid aroma oxidation, then pneumatically pressed. Fermentation lasts ~15 days in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by slight fining and bottling.

Grape Varieties: A blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah.

Tasting Profile:

• Nose: Delicate bouquet of roses and red fruit, evolving toward tangy notes.
• Palate: Beautiful balance of freshness, liveliness, and deliciousness, with hits of strawberry and peach, tension, and a long finish with saline and mineral elements.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions: Serve at 10–12 °C, ideal with hors d’oeuvres, cold buffets, tomato salads, grilled meats, and other summer-style dishes.

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 - Vintage 2019 

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 

On the nose, notes of lemon, yellow fruits. The mouth is wrapped, balanced, and tangy. A specific wine while gluttony.
Pair with shellfish, salmon, tuna, solegateau net for pears, and vanilla cream.

Memo Summary Notes

This wine’s high acidity and saline finish make it a natural partner for:
    •    Raw Seafood: Oysters on the half shell (the classic match).
    •    Rich Fish: Salmon quenelles or trout amandine.
    •    Cheese: Sharp or creamy French cheeses like Comté, Roquefort, or young Chèvre.

Winemaker Description 

The wine has a pale-gold colour with beautiful a shine. The nose is expressive and fruity, dominated by aromas of juicy fruit. There are touches of honey, adding a warm dimension. Elegant aromas of ripe pears bring a touch of freshness. On the palate, the wine is full bodied and gourmet, with a lively and saline finish that brings freshness and beautiful length. The sweetness of the nectarine blends harmoniously with subtle notes of lilac, giving the wine a beautiful floral complexity. A balanced wine with a persistent finish.

This 2024 vintage which should stand out for its aromatic richness and its aging capacity. Varietals: Grenache blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier. 

This is a wine with an incredible freshness and great depth. It will be a wonderful match for Mediterranean dishes and fish.

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.

Memo Summary Notes

Varietals - Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah 

The 2024 La Vieille Ferme Rouge is the latest release from the legendary Perrin family (the same family behind the iconic Château de Beaucastel). This wine is a global benchmark known for its consistent quality and unpretentious, fruit-forward style.

The 2024 vintage in the Southern Rhône was a "vigilant" one for growers, but the result is a wine noted for its aromatic richness and vibrant tension.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

The Wine Spectator 90 Points by Kristen Bieler 90 Points | There's 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, which is grounded in salty mineral notes and a waft of alder smoke. Drink now through 2028. 27,000 cases imported. 

Winemaker Description

Château de Saint Cosme has been in the hands of the Barruol family since 1490. Louis Barruol took over from his father in 1992. 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.

Memo Summary Notes

Given its primary Syrah focus and spicy, dark-fruit character, it pairs well with:

• Grilled and Smoked Meats (especially beef or venison with black pepper).

• Roasted Pork and Duck.

• Dishes featuring herbs (thyme, rosemary), mushrooms, and onions.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com | Crisp and lively with a delightful snap of citrus on the nose. Light, dry and minerally in the mouth, with aromas and flavors of lemon zest, fresh lime, quince and wet stones, framed with a scintillating touch of green pea and jalapeno. Clean and refreshing, easy and uncomplicated, this is a good wine to keep in the refrigerator for anytime sipping, and it makes a great match to shellfish and foods.

Winemaker Description 

Clean and refreshing on the palate with notes of melon and a mineral frame. This wine can be enjoyed when young but will also age well for 1-2 years after bottling. Pairs perfectly with antipasti, bruschetta, goat cheese, ham pastry or an arugula salad. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Juicy red berries, herbes de Provence, pepper... Medium-bodied and nicely balanced, with savory tannins and tons of personality and charm.

Natalie MacLean 90 Points" | Lifts bright red-berry and herbes-de-Provence aromatics... savory tannins and balanced mid-weight structure."

Winemaker Description 

The Chave family is based in a small village on the northern right bank of the Rhone. There have been Chaves growing vines on the famous Hermitage hill since 1481. Gerard Chave took over from his father in 1970 and rapidly achieved megastar status due to the extraordinary quality of his wines and has since passed on the winemaking responsibilities to his son Jean-Louis.

Their unmatched meticulousness continues through five centuries to render venerable expressions of the purest of Rhône terroir.

Winemaker Description 

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

The name of the wine, ‘Les Pierres Grises,’ refers to the grey rocks that define the terrain of Saint Veran and this wine always keeps this terroir directly in focus.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024 

James Suckling writes:  Elegant and precise, with aromas of wild strawberries, pink nectarines and subtle citrus peel layered with delicate floral notes and a touch of crushed stones. The medium-bodied palate is sleek and finely textured, driven by bright acidity and highlighted by a clear mineral backbone. The finish is lingering and refreshing. Drink now or hold.  - James Suckling 92

Yohan Castaing writes:  A gourmand, lively bouquet of pomegranate, red berries, spices and iodine introduces the 2024 Cotes de Provence Rose from Miraval, a moderately weighted, juicy and round wine with lot of energy, concluding with a mouthwatering finish.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90

Winemaker Notes

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.

Like in the Northern Rhône, the 2023 vintage was full of contrasts in Provence, requiring composure and meticulous and permanent attention of our vines. After a dry winter, the spring was particularly wet with episodes of hail which caused damage. Following these heavy rains, we had to face significant spells of mildew before a particularly hot and dry summer.

The harvest thus began early on September 6th. Due to these climatic hazards, the harvest offers a limited quantity but with magnificent quality. The wines are now resting peacefully in the cellar. In the fall, we were also able to harvest a good crop of olives, around 15 tonnes.

Winemaker Description

Pretty, blackberry, dried-tobacco and herbal aromas and flavors.  Medium-bodied, mouth filling flavors and a delicious fruit finish.  A blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc located a stone's throw from Chevalier's famed vineyards in Graves. Based on a special selection of vineyard lots handpicked by Deroncourt and vinified by Bernard’s team at Domaine de Chevalier, the Clos des Lunes aims to be little more modern in styling with an excellent quality-price ratio.

Founded by the owners of Domaine de Chevalier & Stephane Derenoncourt, one of the top winemakers in France, the Clos des Lunes 2022 is no ordinary Bordeaux.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2019

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

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc

Our Professional Review 

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer, writes:  A classic mineral driven Sancerre with a lovely bouquet of freshly squeezed lime, lemon zest, gooseberry and peach blossom with a pleasant grassy note. Crisp and lively in the mouth, deliciously refreshing,  with excellent precision and energetic focus on the finish.  

Winemaker Description 

Wave after wave of mouth-puckering acidity and a mineral-packed finish will keep you coming back for more! Perhaps the most impressive feature of the wine is its impeccable balance of flavor intensity, structural tension and length: everything is where it should be, making this Sauvignon Blanc almost too easy to drink. This is an exceptional seafood wine — think oysters, scallops, smoked trout, shellfish — but it is also perfect for a salad of fresh greens with apples, goat cheese and walnuts.

Winemaker Description (Vintage 2023)

A fresh wine driven by citrus and white fruit. Fresh and supple, with a very slightly oaky finish, and marked by they typical mineral notes.

Pair with grilled seafood or chicken in a cream sauce. And, as always, oysters.

The “Royal Fields” of Chablis sit atop a layer of Kimmeridgian soils rich in minerals and oyster fossils which are famed for the freshness they give these classic wines, a freshness that comes through clearly in this bottling. Made from a selection of vineyards with ideal exposures on both banks of the Serein river, gentle winemaking and malolactic fermentation make for a linear, fresh white.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

VARIETY: 100% Chardonnay

VINEYARD: 37 hectares across the Chablis region on Kimmeridgian subsoil

WINEMAKING: Fermented on its own yeasts in mostly stainless steel (five percent in old French oak) with full malolactic conversion.

AGING: 95% stainless steel, 10-12 months; 5% old French oak, 5-6 months
 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 93 Points | This is round and compact with vivid acidity and a light phenolic edge to it. It has a floral character with fresh orchard fruit and stones. Medium-bodied and nervy with a chalky finish. Outstanding depth. 70% semillon and 30% sauvignon.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2023 Lune d'Argent was picked from August 28 to September 21 over several passes through the vines. It comprises 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. The Lune d’Argent has an open nose, a little lighter than expected, though it gains intensity with aeration. Scents of Golden Delicious apple and light grass clippings emerge from the glass. The palate is nicely balanced with a fine bead of acidity, fresh and sapid, presenting a lovely umami sensation. It has a fair bit of complexity toward the pithy finish thanks to that Sémillon. Excellent.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Crushed citrus, honeyed grapefruit, and a beautiful chalky, mineral character all emerge from the 2023 Clos Des Lunes Lune D'Argent Blanc, a vibrant, medium-bodied white that has good acidity, a straight, focused texture, and outstanding length.

Decanter 91 Points | Green peas and crisp green apples on the nose with citrus aromas. Juicy and alive, exotic pineapple, apricot and almost sweet lemon juice aspects, nothing too bitter or harsh at all, round with a gentle creaminess that comes in towards the mid palate while staying quiet lean and direct. Much less severe and acidic than I was thinking, really balanced and harmonious and so enjoyable to drink with a slate and mineral finish. A top value pick!

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. 

Our Professional Review

67Wine.com Staff Notes | An exceptional value in Southern French rosé!  Domaine Isle Saint-Pierre is a lively, vibrant quaffer that over delivers at every turn.  It is simply a delicious, easy-drinking “bistro-style” wine that is perfect for everyday drinking! Ripe strawberry. Fruity nose that gives an elegant in-mouth texture, with hints of red fruit and dried fig with a lingering fresh taste.

Winemaker Description 

Varietals - Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Nielluccio, Vermentino, Colombard

Delight your senses with Isle Saint Pierre Mediterranee Rose, an exquisite representation of the remarkable Rhone region. This elegant Rose from the IGP Mediterranee appellation exemplifies the exceptional characteristics of the varietals of the region. Combining Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Arinarnoa, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, this captivating blend is cultivated sustainably in the 200 hectares vineyard located on an island at the mouth of the Rhone river. The sandy, silty, alluvial soils add depth and complexity to this luscious Rose, handcrafted with cold maceration and 100% free-run juice to preserve its fresh and fruity character. Aged in tank, the wine emerges as a remarkable representation of the Mediterranean tradition, an exceptional value that brings a slice of Southern France right to your table.

Indulge in the enticing allure of Isle Saint Pierre Mediterranee Rose, presented with an elegant, airy robe of shiny, pale rose petal hues. This delightful Rose captivates with its fresh and fruity nose that wafts a harmonious melody of red fruits. The palate is invitingly frank, carrying an impressive volume of sweetness that intrigues the senses. The saline terroir adds an intriguing iodized note, an homage to the vineyard's proximity to the sea. Savor this wine between 8 and 10 degrees to appreciate its full aromatic potential and vibrant flavor profile.

The Isle Saint Pierre Mediterranee Rose is the perfect accompaniment for an aperitif or as a distinguished companion to Mediterranean cuisine. Its light, crisp character pairs wonderfully with a range of dishes from light salads to flavorful seafood, adding a refreshingly sweet and fruity touch to your meal. Enjoy this exemplary Rose at the optimal temperature between 8 and 10 degrees for the best gastronomic experience. Experience the vibrant essence of Southern France with every sip of this versatile and delightful wine.

Come, enjoy the Isle Saint Pierre Mediterranee Rose, and let its taste transport you to the romantic landscapes of the Rhone region, where the wine embodies the spirit and character of its unique terroir.

Winemaker Description 

Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes comes from the predominantly limestone plateau of the same name, located in the town of Lugny. This wine with an ample, velvety and spicy mouthfeel reveals floral and fruity aromas (honey, acacia, citrus) which gives it a unique style of this particular plot of vines in the Mâconnais region. 

Because it is unoaked and has a touch of weight, it is incredibly versatile:

• Seafood: Pan-seared sea bass, garlic shrimp, or sushi.

• Poultry: Classic roast chicken with lemon and thyme.

• Cheese: It is the classic pairing for goat cheese (specifically Chabichou or Selles-sur-Cher), as the wine's acidity cuts through the creamy cheese.

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.

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer: 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. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2025 Moulin de Gassac Guilhem Rosé is one of the most anticipated value rosés of the year, continuing the legacy of the Guibert family (the pioneers behind the legendary Mas de Daumas Gassac). Produced in the Languedoc region of Southern France, it is celebrated for being an "effortlessly chic" wine that tastes far more expensive than its price tag suggests.

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

Winemaker Description 

Alix crafts this delicious and refined Sancerre Blanc in a gentle, flowery, mineral style. It is generous, yet perfectly balanced with a dry refreshing mineral finish, and it’s a terrific value. Serve with goat’s milk cheese, oysters, shellfish and white fishes, or as a the perfect aperitif.

Memo Notes

Pair with

• Goat Cheese: The classic pairing—especially Crottin de Chavignol.

• Seafood: Oysters, shellfish, and white fish (sole, cod, etc.)

  
  

   

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. 

We recommend this wine to be enjoyed young for its intense crunchy black fruit notes. The mouth displays silky yet bold tannins, red fruit notes and a slightly spicy finish.

Grilled red meats (grilled rib steak), delicatessen (game terrine, cured ham) and cheeses will ideally pair with this terroir driven Côtes du Rhône.

Grape Varieties Mostly Grenache Noir & Syrah, then Mourvèdre and Carignan

Château Mont-Redon owns 25 hectares of vines in the Côtes du Rhône appellation. Around the towns of Orange and Roquemaure, their Côtes du Rhône vines are planted on stony, limestone-clay plains. The generous sun encourages the grapes to reveal all their best qualities on these terroirs. They also purchase premium wines from the top growers in the region to make wines under the label “Réserve Mont-Redon”.

Memo Summary Notes

August 2025, Dinners:  This is just a terrific wine.  We drank this wine with burgers, roast chicken, 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 of our friends enjoyed drinking it.  -  Bernie & Dorothy, Paulo & Barbara, and Annie - Follow the Drinker®

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Wine Spectator 89 Points | Gentleness and ripeness are rendered in a lovely way in this version, which offers dusty earth and chalky mineral hints. Shows real depth, with black pepper, pretty lavender and simmering incense notes in the backdrop, anchored by a foundation of iron. Drink now through 2028. 10,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported. 

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.

Winemaker Description 

Attractive dark ruby-red and brilliant this classic Bordeaux is explosive, intense and complex at the same time. The palate entices due by its ampleness, richness, fullness as well as by the aromatic finish on the palate. Harmonious and long, the ideal accompaniment to a game such as leg of lamb with herbs or goat’s cheeses. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Expert Review

Winemaker Description 

Crisp, fresh, and refreshing with notes of citrus, cut grass, and subtle tropical fruits. 

Winemaker Description 

The nose is fruity with aromas of ripe cherries and spices. This wine is medium-bodied with lively acidity and silky tannins.

50% Grenache, 50% Syrah

Winemaker Description

A very different year from 2022! After the spring frosts, the sun was long in coming, and the end of spring was marked by a lot of rain and humidity.
No drought to deplore this year, but excess humidity throughout the year, and until the harvest.

Diseases (mildew and powdery mildew) set in very early in the vines, the result of a cool and humid summer.

The 2023 harvests were marked by a lot of loss of grapes, due to rot (acetic pitting), linked to excess humidity.

For wines, the 2023 vintage is fresher than the previous year, with less alcohol concentration.

The aroma is rather floral and very fresh, with a nice balance. For reds, the tannins are more supple and the aromas are finer and more delicate.

If no wine region on earth can rival the stylistic diversity on display in France’s Loire Valley, the appellation of Anjou offers the perfect microcosm of the region as a whole. Long a staple of the bistros of Paris, the area is home a to a mind-bogglingly vast array of expressions— from white to red, bone-dry lusciously sweet, still to sparkling— derived from a handful of different grapes, from Cabernet Franc and Gamay to Sauvignon Blanc and Charodnnay. But one grape variety could be called the most distinctive of all: Chenin Blanc.

Sourced from vineyards that fall exactly along the border of the two sub-regions of Anjou, this gorgeously subtle white from fourth-generation winemaker Pascal Biotteau comes from the village of Saint-Jean-de-Mauvrets, situated on the old Roman road from Angers to Poitiers. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Mary Taylor Anjou Blanc Pascal Biotteau 2023 is a beautifully fresh and expressive Loire Valley white, made from Chenin Blanc. It offers bright aromas of 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 and a clean, mineral-driven finish.

Sourced from the rolling vineyards of Anjou in the Loire Valley, France, this elegant Chenin Blanc captures the region’s signature freshness and purity. Pascal Biotteau crafts this wine with a focus on terroir-driven expression, resulting in a lively, food-friendly white that pairs beautifully with seafood, soft cheeses, or light poultry dishes. A perfect choice for lovers of crisp, mineral-driven wines.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | Brimming with red fruit aromas, with notes of spices and dried herbs including laurel. Rich and fleshy, but with healthy tannins and an excellent freshness that drives the very harmonious finish. This producer’s biggest wine is a blend of wines from the left and right banks of the Rhone. Roughly 50-50 grenache and syrah. Drink now.

Winemaker 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.

Our Professional Review 

This old vines Pinot Blanc Auxerrois comes from steep slopes near the town of Colmar. It is 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

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 91 Points | The 2023 Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes, from vines planted between 60 and 75 years ago, is a pure Auxerrois. The palate is unusually smooth and fluid, just flowing and bright. This moves with poise and grace, living off its smooth texture and surprising freshness. The 2023 is exceptionally serene. (Bone-dry)

Winemaker Notes

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 Côte de Baleau has an expressive nose with clean and precise blackberry, graphite, pressed violet and iris scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a little more flesh than the Poujeaux. It's crisp, focused and mineral-driven, with plenty of energy on the finish derived from the limestone part of the vineyard. This is superb.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | Made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc aged 25% new oak, the 2022 Château Cote De Baleau has a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a brilliant nose of smoky red and black fruits, spring flowers, graphite, and crushed stone. I love its overall purity, and it's medium to full-bodied and has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and a great finish.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | This is stylish, with a core of mulled black cherry and black currant fruit that glides through, laced with chestnut, violet and alder hints, all backed by a tug of warm earth on the lengthy finish. Solid. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2038. 4,500 cases made.

James Suckling 93 Points | Very elegant with blackberries, black olives, spice and a hint of cedar on both the nose and palate. It's medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins that provide both length and beauty. Hard not to drink now. A blend 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. Try after 2028.

Decanter 93 Points | RIpe blackcurrants and soft scents of vanilla and clove on the nose. Juicy and lively with lovely crushed stone, powdery mineral tannins that support the fruit and don't overwhelm. This has a vein of spice running all the way through that gives a nice counter to the fruit and high acidity. It feels well worked with purity and precision. Really easy to enjoy with subtle power and lots of life.

Memo Summary Notes

The Château Côte de Baleau 2022 is a standout Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé that has gained significant traction since its acquisition by the Cuvelier family (who also own the prestigious Clos Fourtet). The 2022 vintage is particularly lauded by critics as a "best value" of the year, offering high-level Bordeaux elegance without the typical triple-digit price tag.

Classic Right Bank pairings work best—think grilled lamb chops with rosemary, beef tenderloin, or earthy mushroom dishes.

Expert Reviews

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 91 Points | The NV Brut Rosé (base 2020) is another wine that points to the progress Mathieu Roland-Billecart has made here in recent years. Pliant, creamy and super-expressive, this edition is striking. It has a good bit of textural richness and is fresher than the 2018 tasted alongside it. Of course, some of that may be as simple as time in bottle. Pomegranate and grapefruit are laced into the brisk, finely cut finish. This release is based on 2020, with 46% reserve wines back to 2014. Dosage is 4.7 grams per liter. Disgorged: second trimester 2023.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Tim Hewson of Decanter writes 92 Points | Based on the 2020 vintage, Billecart-Salmon's signature rosé appears to be on its finest form of recent years under cellar master Florent Nys, full of fragrant, crunchy redcurrant, red cherry and orange fruit with an alluring hibiscus-like floral lift and subtle green peppercorn spicing. The Meunier wraps the intensity of the vintage base in a little softness that keeps the focus on effortless ease (helped by the selection of delicate Chardonnays and young, fresh reserve wines), all adding up to a rosé of immediacy and charm, sweet-natured without sweetness and fragrant without overt fruitiness. 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 92 Points | Dark spices, blackberries, warm stones and hints of black vanilla, walnut and oyster sauce. Tannins are tight and chewy on the medium- to full-bodied palate and need some time to soften. Better in 2025 but already delicious.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The 2020 de Bel-Air has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and pretty notes of crushed raspberries and blackberries, kirsch and lavender, plus wafts of fallen leaves, wild mushrooms and damp soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is delicately styled with loads of savory characters intertwined with red and black berries layers, framed by soft tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on an earthy note.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Another terrific wine in the vintage, the 2020 Château Bel-Air Cuvée Jean & Gabriel checks in as equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc raised in one-third new French oak. Redcurrants, sandalwood, cherries, and leafy herbs all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a seamless, balanced mouthfeel and outstanding length. It's well worth seeking out and has 8-10 years of prime drinking ahead of it.

Winemaker Description

Cherry mixed with raspberries put together in a medium to full-bodied well made Cotes-du-Rhone. A sweet touch of licorice enhance the beautiful palate. A mouth-filling wine in a pure Rhône style.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Maison Barelle Côtes du Rhône is a quintessential Southern Rhône red that emphasizes fruit-forward "gulpability" and value. This vintage benefits from the region's 2023 conditions, which favored freshness and approachability over heavy extraction.