French Wine

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Côte du Py Organic — Beaujolais 2024

Jean Foillard is one of the founding members of Beaujolais’s legendary Gang of Four — alongside Marcel Lapierre, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Guy Breton — the group of vignerons who, inspired by the teachings of Jules Chauvet, staged a quiet revolution against the industrial Beaujolais of the 1980s. Their manifesto: old vines, no synthetic herbicides or pesticides, late harvesting, rigorous sorting, minimal sulfur, no chaptalization, no filtration. The result is Morgon as it was always meant to be — structured, mineral, and age-worthy, with none of the bubblegum and banana aromas that plagued the region’s commercial wines. Jean and Agnès Foillard farm nearly 14 hectares, most of them on the Côte du Py — the famed granite and schist slope above Villié-Morgon that is the pride of the appellation. Vinous awarded the 2024 Côte du Py 92 points.

The nose is serious and mineral: earthy stone, plum, red and black fruit, and black tea leaves with crushed stone. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively on entry, with a skip in its step — a Côte du Py with energy and precision, finishing with an assiduous sprinkle of white pepper and a long, harmonious close. Jean raises his wines in older Burgundy barrels, lending a velvety lushness that makes them irresistible young despite their considerable aging potential.

Vinous 92 — "A mélange of red and black fruit, black tea leaves and crushed stone. Fresh and lively on the entry, a Côte du Py with a skip in its step and an assiduous sprinkling of white pepper towards the harmonious finish." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Domaine Jean Foillard, Villié-Morgon, Beaujolais, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Morgon, Beaujolais
• Vineyard: Côte du Py — granite and schist soils
• Varietal: 100% Gamay
• Farming: Certified Organic, no synthetic inputs, minimal sulfur, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Earthy stone, plum, red and black fruit, black tea, crushed stone, white pepper, velvety finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–10+ years
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, duck confit, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, soft cheeses

A 92-point organic Morgon from one of Beaujolais’s most important estates — mineral, structured, and built to age.

Expert Review

Yohan Castaing of the Wine Advociate writes 90 Points | A blend of 41% Grenache, 31% Cinsault, 12% Mourvèdre, 8% Tibouren, 5% Syrah and 3% Carignan, the 2022 Cotes de Provence Rose Lampe de Meduse possesses a fresh, fruit-driven bouquet with aromas of citrus, lemon oil, red berries, wild strawberry and menthol. Crunchy, juicy and perfectly balanced with a medium-bodied palate, it’s long and penetrating with lively acids, an iodine-salty finish and a clean and mouthwatering texture.  Drinking 2023 - 2025. (2022).

Experience the Elegance of Pineau des Charentes

Amber with gold glint Nose: complex and elegant - notes of honey, tilleul, fleur de vigne mixed with fresh fruits like peach, prune, fig and dry almond, pate de coing, with a hint of vanilla. Mouth: very fresh at the beginning, nice balance between the sweetness and the acidity of the pineau. The aromas are persisting with fruity notes.

Producer Maison Ferrand is the result of the encounter in 1989 between Alexandre Gabriel and one of the oldest winegrowing families in the Cognac region. Alexandre Gabriel’s intention was to breathe new life into the Ferrand cognacs and make it the world’s best cognac.

He wanted to maintain age-old, craft-based production methods which were worlds apart from mass production techniques, and sought to bring back to market the true expression of Grande Champagne’s - known as Cognac’s finest region - great terroir. It is around these core values of authenticity and character that Maison Ferrand built up its business, first with cognac, then with other distinctive fine spirits such as gin whose particular character is based on a unique production method, and our rums which are matured using a very special technique.

Nowadays, Maison Ferrand is a highly regarded company that distributes its fine spirits in more than 40 countries, in some of the world’s most prestigious outlets. Maison Ferrand draws on a dynamic team of people who nurture a passionate interest in what they do. In France The Company’s head office and production facility is located amid the vineyards of Charente, in the 18th century Chateau de Bonbonnet in Ars. Maison Ferrand has made considerable investments to meet its exacting quality requirements and support its expansion: its production facility is one of the most efficient in the region and includes an ultramodern blending hall which was unveiled in 2004. Maison Ferrand also co-owns Logis d’Angeac, a 100-hectare (247-acre) vineyard in the heart of Grande Champagne, which features a distillery that dates back to 1776. In addition to its head office in Ars,Maison Ferrand also has an office in Viroflay, in the Paris region. 

What is Pineau des Charentes?

Pineau des Charentes is a delightful French aperitif that originates from the Charente region. This unique blend is crafted from a combination of freshly pressed grape juice and Cognac, offering a complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and sweet. The exquisite balance of fruitiness and alcohol makes it a perfect drink for any occasion, whether served as an aperitif or enjoyed alongside dessert. The allure of Pineau des Charentes lies not only in its taste but also in its rich traditions, making it a beloved choice in France and beyond.

Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

The Pierre Ferrand Pineau des Charentes presents an exquisite palate experience. You will find floral aromas combined with notes of ripe fruits such as apricot, pear, and citrus. The sweetness from the grape juice complements the depth of the Cognac, creating an indulgent yet balanced finish. As you sip, observe the smooth texture and slight acidity that invigorates the senses, making this Pineau des Charentes a captivating drink that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

How to Enjoy Pineau des Charentes

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply unwinding after a long day, Pierre Ferrand Pineau des Charentes offers versatile serving options. It can be enjoyed chilled as a sipping treat, poured over ice, or mixed creatively into cocktails. Pair it with fresh cheeses, charcuterie, or light desserts for an elevated dining experience. Its adaptability makes it a fantastic addition to any bar cart, pleasing a variety of tastes and preferences among wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

Expert Review

Expert Reviews 

98 Points Vinous | The 2020 Pape Clément is outrageously beautiful. Dark, virile and imposing, the 2020 is a rare vintage of Pape Clément that is vertical and statuesque in feel. Dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves infuse the palate with tremendous depth. In a word: magnificent. - Antonio Galloni

98 Points James Suckling | Lots of blackberry, iodine and crushed stone here. Some black pepper and graphite, too. Full body and medium, fine tannins that have a powdery texture and open in the mouth. So much going on. Iodine and iron undertones with some raw mushroom bring you back for more. Muscular. This is for the cellar. Drink after 2027.

97+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I loved the 2020 Château Pape Clément, and this beauty is up there with the top wines in Pessac. Checking in as equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged 18 months in 90% barrels and 10% in foudre, it offers a deep purple hue to go with a powerful, concentrated profile displaying both red and black fruits, lots of spicy, chocolate, flowery incense nuances, full-bodied richness, and an almost salty, bloody character on the finish. This beauty shows the concentrated yet utterly classic, focused, elegant style of the vintage and has so much to love.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast | This ancient estate, an oasis in the suburbs of Bordeaux city, offers a wine that is packed with promising tannins. The important and rich black fruits reveal concentration, density and the potential of the development of a fine balance and structure as it matures.

95 Points Decanter | Tannic heft from the get-go, though this does have a lovely fresh, clean and precise core with a narrow, focused frame so the elements come across as quite tight and severe right now but well worked. It has class, no doubt, on the high-toned scale, potent and upfront but there's gorgeous detail and precision to the fruit, acidity and tannins. Slick and classy with lots of glamour that plays to the strengths of the vintage.

95 Points Wine Spectator | This is snazzed up with flashy toast, but there's ample mulberry, cassis and plum compote fruit to soak it up, while notes of licorice and sweet spice fill in the background. A late tug of warm earth keeps this grounded. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

94 Points Robert Parker | Aromas of rich cherries, cassis, burning embers, violets and dark chocolate introduce the 2020 Pape Clément, a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy wine that's ripe, layered and generously extracted but also a touch deeper and more reserved than the flashy 2019. While it would be an exaggeration to say that this estate's red wines are making much of a shift in the direction of restraint, the style is certainly less aspirational than it was a decade ago.

Winemaker Description

Château de La Maltroye’s Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge Boudriotte 2021 spills forth with a bouquet of red and dark berries — blackberry, cherry, and raspberry — complemented by subtle earthy and floral hints of violet and a touch of spice from oak aging. Elegant and medium-bodied, with finely integrated tannins and a lingering finish. Seductive and delicious.

About Boudriotte

Boudriotte is one of Chassagne-Montrachet’s most celebrated Premier Cru vineyards for red wine — a rarity in an appellation better known for its whites. Located on the southern end of the village, Boudriotte’s clay-rich soils produce Pinot Noir of exceptional depth and structure, with the earthy, mineral character that distinguishes the finest red Burgundies of the Côte de Beaune. At Château de La Maltroye, Boudriotte is the flagship red — a wine that consistently demonstrates why Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge deserves far more attention than it receives.

About Château de La Maltroye

Château de La Maltroye is one of Chassagne-Montrachet’s most historic and respected estates, with origins dating to the 18th century. The domaine farms a significant holding of Premier Cru vineyards in both Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay, producing wines of genuine terroir character with a philosophy rooted in traditional Burgundian winemaking — careful viticulture, minimal intervention, and patient aging. Under the direction of the Cournut family, the estate has maintained its reputation as one of the village’s most reliable and authentic producers, for both its celebrated whites and its underrated reds.

Food Pairings

Roasted duck, guinea fowl, rabbit in mustard sauce, mushroom dishes, aged Epoisses, Comté, and classic Burgundian preparations. A Premier Cru red Burgundy built for the table — drink now through 2030.

Product Details

• Producer: Château de La Maltroye
• Vineyard: Boudriotte (Premier Cru)
• Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Aging: Oak aged
• Vintage: 2021
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Style: Elegant, medium-bodied Premier Cru red Burgundy
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description

Bright, ruby-red color. The nose is very expressive with notes of wild strawberry, cherry and Mediterranean herbs.

On the palate, the wine is beautifully supple. Tannins are silky and the tasty finish reveals notes of black pepper, red fruits and a hint of eucalyptus.

Winemaker Description

Lightly touched by wood aging, this ripe Mercurey Blanc is both crisp and rich. Its briskness brings a mineral edge while the ripeness produces generous apple and apricot fruit. Matured on fine lees with regular stirring, the wine possesses remarkable body and smooth richness that are central to its balance. Ready to drink now.

About Philippe Le Hardi

Philippe Le Hardi is one of Burgundy’s most respected négociant-éleveurs, based in Santenay on the southern Côte de Beaune and specializing in wines from the Côte Chalonnaise and Côte d’Or. With deep roots in the region and a commitment to expressing the character of each appellation, Philippe Le Hardi produces wines that balance Burgundian tradition with approachability. Their kosher range — certified Kosher for Passover and Mevushal — is crafted to the same standards as their full portfolio, bringing authentic Burgundy to the kosher table. The Mercurey Blanc is sourced from the Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy’s most underrated appellation for white wine, where Chardonnay on limestone and clay soils produces wines of real depth and mineral character at outstanding value.

Food Pairings

Grilled fish, roasted chicken, veal in cream sauce, soft ripened cheeses, mushroom risotto, and light pasta dishes. A natural match for Shabbat dinners, Passover seders, and holiday tables. A versatile, food-friendly white Burgundy.

Product Details

• Producer: Philippe Le Hardi
• Appellation: Mercurey Blanc AOC, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Aging: Lightly oaked, matured on fine lees with regular stirring
• Certification: Kosher for Passover, Mevushal
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Crisp, rich, mineral white Burgundy
• Format: 750ml

Pascal Agrapart · Complantée Extra Brut · Grand Cru

Six-Grape Field Blend · Avize, Champagne, France · 750ml

Producer & Terroir

Established by Arthur Agrapart in 1894, the family domaine has bottled under its own label since its inception. Based in Avize in the Côte des Blancs, its approach centers on expressing village terroirs and a steadfast commitment to organic viticulture. Ambroise Agrapart joined his father Pascal with the 2018 vintage.

Complantée brings together Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier, co-planted as a field blend. The retained reviews describe different releases, so their base-vintage, disgorgement and dosage details should not be assumed to identify the bottle currently offered.

Tasting Character

The reviews below describe floral and citrus aromas, pear, almond and mineral notes, with fine bubbles and a persistent finish. Individual releases vary, from the airy depth described by Vinous to the more austere, high-acid expression reviewed by Wine Advocate.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling, 94 Points, reviewed June 2022: This has a pretty nose of white flowers, daffodils, blanched almonds, lemons, white grapefruit and salted peanuts. Bright and full of personality with very fine bubbles. Open and vibrant. Made from a field blend of 6 varieties, co-fermented in barriques.

Vinous, 94 Points, reviewed December 2024, release described as 2020: The NV Extra Brut Complantée Grand Cru is terrific. It’s bright and persistent, with terrific balance. The blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane, Petit Meslier and Chardonnay, all co-planted, works so well in adding what the vintage itself is missing. White pear, jasmine, crushed rocks, mint and sage all take shape in the glass. Airy and light on its feet, with terrific depth, the 2020 is superb. (AG)

Wine Advocate, 92 Points, reviewed December 2024, 2021-based release disgorged August 2024: The NV Extra Brut Grand Cru Complantée, disgorged in August 2024 with a dosage of three grams per liter, derives from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbanne and Petit Meslier, all planted (in 2003 and 2015) within the same three plots in Avize. The maturity of each grape variety is different; however, they are harvested on the same day. Based on the 2021 vintage with just 10% reserve wines from 2020, it’s a wine with a chiseled, rather austere personality, marked by the cool season and defined by its vegetal material. Unfurling from the glass with scents of elderflower, lychee, mint and lemon zest, it’s medium-bodied with screeching acidity, concluding with a long, precise finish. Right now, it expresses the grape varieties more strongly than the place, but Ambroise hopes that, as the vines grow older, “it will be easier to read the terroir.” Stylistically, it could not be more different from Avizoise. (KK

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Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Try chilled with oysters, delicate seafood or a simple fish dish. A white-wine glass is a useful option for exploring the field blend’s aromatic detail.

Wine Details

• Producer: Pascal Agrapart
• Cuvée: Complantée
• Appellation: Champagne
• Village: Avize
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Style: Extra Brut
• Country: France
• Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier
• Viticulture: Organic practices, as described in the existing estate notes
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Taittinger · Brut Prestige Blanc · Non-Vintage

Champagne Blend · Champagne, France · 750ml

House Style & Blend

Taittinger Prestige Brut brings together Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier from at least 35 villages. The blend’s 40% Chardonnay lends elegance and freshness, balanced by 35% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier.

Fruit is harvested by hand and pressed promptly in the vineyard. The must is cold fermented under temperature-controlled conditions, then rests until the end of winter before blending. A second fermentation takes place in bottle in Taittinger’s cool cellars, followed by three to four years of ageing on the lees.

Tasting Notes

Pale gold in the glass, with fine, persistent bubbles. Peach, white flowers, vanilla pod and brioche aromas lead into fresh fruit and honey flavors, giving this Champagne a delicate, balanced character.

Winemaker Description

This wine has a subtle, pale gold color with fine, persistent bubbles. It is delicate, with aromas of peach, white flowers, vanilla pod, and brioche on the nose and flavors of fresh fruit and honey on the palate.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

The producer recommends seafood and white meat. Serve chilled as an aperitif, or try alongside scallops, roast chicken or delicate fish dishes.

Wine Details

• Producer: Taittinger
• Cuvée: Brut Prestige Blanc
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne
• Country: France
• Blend: 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier
• Harvest: By hand
• Ageing: Three to four years on the lees
• Alcohol: 12.3%, according to the existing technical data
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Burghound 93 Points | A more reserved if equally airy and elegant speaks more of acacia, green apple and zest, all of which is trimmed in enough wood to notice. Here too there is excellent volume and punch to the medium-bodied that flash noticeably more minerality on the beautifully persistent finish. Like the Pucelle, this possesses a simply gorgeous texture that can be replicated by no other commune in the Côte. It's worth pointing out that the Pucelle and Cailleret are quite similar qualitatively but they offer two very different expressions. Outstanding. ♥

Decanter 94 Points | Chartron’s Clos du Cailleret is a regal premier cru. This emblematic cuvée of the Chartron family is particularly successful in 2021, with exotic aromas of guava and pomelo, lemon, and spice. The texture is concentrated and rich, with no lack of acidity but an equally impressive richness in extract for balance. The vines come from the Chartron parcel of nearly a hectare at the northern end of the Clos. The grapes are lightly crushed and slowly pressed before fermentation in cask (25% new)—genuinely delicious wine. 

Expert Review

Vinous 95 Points | The 2017 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru has an expressive bouquet that is a dead ringer for a Dujac, conveying plenty of energy and earthy black fruit laced with undergrowth and sea cave scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and quite a firm backbone. Fresh from the start to the refreshing, elegant, saline finish that gets the saliva flowing. Excellent."

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2013 

Josh Raynolds of Vinous writes 96 Points |  (made with 50 percent whole clusters) Bright purple. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet of fresh black and blue fruit, candied licorice and Asian spice scents develops a sexy floral note as the wine opens up. Vibrant and appealingly sweet on the palate, offering intense, smoke-tinged black currant, boysenberry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors energized by a refreshing snap of juicy acidity. Blends richness and vivacity with a deft hand and finishes extremely long and gently tannic, leaving a sappy blue fruit note behind. Drinking 2023 - 2032.

James Suckling writes 97 Points | The most brooding nose of the trio of La La's with dark coal smoky aromas and dark stones, graphite and cocoa powder. Fruits are in the very dark plum and blackberry spectrum but flavors are held in a more savory mode with assertive, powerful clean-cut tannins that hold endless length. Truly a masterpiece. Best from 2022 and for two decades or more.

Joe Czerwinski of The Wine Advocate writes 94 Points | The 2013 Cote Rotie La Mouline shows none of the vintage’s sometimes dry tannins. It offers crisp black fruit—plums and blackberries—underscored by hints of pencil shavings, espresso and grilled meat. Suave and long, it should drink well for a couple of decades. Drinking 2020 - 2035. 

James Molesworth of the Wine Spectator writes 96 Points | Very ripe, with layers of fig, boysenberry and plum compote forming the core, inlaid liberally with licorice snap, roasted apple wood and Turkish coffee notes. Shows lots of heft, but everything pulls together on the finish, exhibiting drive and definition. Best from 2020 through 2040. 65 cases imported.

Jeb Dunnuck writes 94+ Points | One of the more restrained and fresh vintages of this cuvée out there, the 2013 Côte Rôtie La Mouline still has a classic Mouline floral, gamey, and spicy bouquet to go with medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. With good concentration, notable complexity, sweet tannin, and plenty of length, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for 15+. Drinking 2022 - 2037.

Richard Hemming MW of Jancis Robinson writes 18/20 Points | Hickory smoke, violets, tobacco, black-cherry fruit, pepper and a touch of stemmy herbal character. Super-fine tannins, and quite light body with a finish that isn't as expansive as the palate. Still young, so the length may well develop. Drinking 2019 - 2033 

Winemaker Description

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Average age of the vines is 44 years. Replanting of these vines takes place in lots. 222 acres producing 22,000-30,000 cases.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 97 Points | Rather tight, with an alluring whiff of cocoa that lures you in before disappearing into the core of steeped plum, roasted fig and blackberry coulis notes. Sandalwood, black tea and loam elements fill in on the long and expansive finish. This seems to be lying in wait for what could be a very long time in the cellar before unfurling fully. Best from 2018 through 2045. 15,833 cases made.

Wine Enthusiast 100 points | Almost black in color, this stunning wine is gorgeous, rich and dense. It s grand and powerful, with a strong sense of its own importance. The beautiful tannins and the fragrant black currant fruits are palpable. It s a great wine, with huge potential.

Wine Advocate 98 Points | The 2010 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot (a 3% difference from the barrel sample shown two years ago), achieved relatively high alcohol of 13.32%, according to administrator Charles Chevalier. The wine is very impressive, not as fleshy, flamboyant and massive as the 2009, but nevertheless, a big, rich, full-throttle Lafite-Rothschild meant to age a half century or more. Deep purple, with notes of white chocolate, mocha, cedar and charcoal as well as hints of vanillin and creme de cassis, the wine is full-bodied yet has that ethereal lightness that makes it a Lafite. Rich, with good acidity, precision and freshness, this is a slightly zestier version of the 2009 as well as more restrained and structured than that particular vintage. It will need at least 10-12 years of cellaring and keep for 50+ years.

Expert Review

John Gilman 96 Points | This is my first taste of Domaine des Closiers top bottling, les Trezellières, which is made from a parcel of old vines and given fully two years aging in barrel, with somewhere between ten and twenty percent of the casks new. The 2019 les Trezellières is beautifully deep and refined aromatically, delivering scents of black cherries, cassis, Cuban cigar wrapper, a very complex base of soil, a touch of Cheval Blanc-like menthol, a gentle dollop of tree bark, cedar and a topnote of cigar smoke. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, elegant and rock solid at the core, with great focus and complex, superb soil undertow, fine-grained tannins and a very long, pure and classy finish.

The small percentage of new oak gives this wine more refinement than the les Coudraies bottling, but because it is no more than twenty percent new oak, the wood influence is far more subtle out of the blocks than in Clos Rougeard’s Le Bourg bottling, which is the closest comparison I can think of for this brilliant young Saumur Champigny. Give this beautiful wine plenty of time in the cellar to properly resolve its tannins and completely blossom! (2019). 

Winemaker Description 

To taste Emeric’s brandy is to confront one of the wildest and most potent homemade concoctions in any cellar in the Rosenthal family of growers. According to local tradition, he blends this heady elixir with twice the volume of unfermented grape must—mostly Chardonnay—to create his Macvin du Jura, which throws politeness out the window and offers the imbiber a juicy, flagrant, undeniably delicious version of the recipe.

Winemaker Description

The weather in 1953 was very favourable to vine growth and the crop was both plentiful and of excellent quality.

The growing season began with a warm, wet April, followed by a very warm, but dry month of May.  June and July were cool and rainy, whereas August and September were dry and slightly warmer than average.

Flowering went very well in May because it did not rain very much. Even though June and July were cool, which slowed down the growth cycle somewhat, the harvest was able to begin on the 21st of September. The grapes were excellent because August and September we very dry and hot.  Yields were high, but 1953 Cheval Blanc shows that quantity and quality are not incompatible.
Degree of alcohol: 12°.

This is a great vintage for Cheval Blanc. The wine is very well-balanced and still elicits enormous praise.

Winemaker Description 

The delicate and complex olfactory expression opens on aromas which remind of white flower, exotic fruits. There is a very beautiful complexity for a vintage where the end-of-season’s sun brought a lot to the aromas. Excellent complexity that translates into great and elegant richness. Nice attack, straight and bright, it takes place with elegance on fruity notes associated with a dense structure and a beautiful acidity which brings a great length in the end of the mouth. There are aromas of exotic fruits (litchi, mango).

Purchased by the Comte Lafond, an ancestor of the current owner, Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, Château du Nozet and its surrounding vineyards have a reputation for producing the finest Pouilly-Fumé. The vineyards are in Pouilly-Fumé Contrôlée, which includes Pouilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Andelain and Tracy-sur-Loire at the eastern end of the Loire Valley (including the vineyard of the Château du Nozet estate).

Both clay and limestone influence the delicate characteristics in Ladoucette Baron de L Pouilly-Fumé. This Grande Cuvée of Pouilly Fumé is produced exclusively in the best years and from the first pressing of the estate’s grapes. Winemaker Description. 

Le Petit Haut Lafitte · Pessac-Léognan · 2022

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot | Bordeaux, France | 750ml

Producer & Terroir

Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a second wine of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. The estate's gravel soils in the Graves territory provide the setting for a Cabernet-led Bordeaux blend, combining structure with Merlot's supple fruit.

Respect for nature and biodiversity guides the estate's work in both vineyard and cellar. Vines propagated through its nursery on Ile de Lalande help maintain genetic diversity, while organic compost, wooded areas, hedges and beehives support life throughout the estate.

Tasting Notes

Cassis, plum, blueberry and blackberry alongside floral, graphite and spice nuances. Cabernet Sauvignon brings a focused backbone and polished tannins, balanced by fleshy fruit, lively freshness and a long finish.

Expert Reviews - 2022

Decanter, 94 Points (Barrel Sample: 94) Beautiful nose, blackcurrant, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, tobacco, cherries, crushed stones, blue fruit and bramble fruits. Sleek and straight, nice acidity, but this is quite linear with the Cabernet really giving the backbone, length and overall structure. Feels a bit tense, but it does have texture too so it’s not austere or harsh, just strong. Really well built, delivering power no doubt, but keeping a soft juiciness underneath. Very medicinal - clove, liquorice, unmistakable Cabernet speaking here, but feels clean and well worked. Nothing sticking out too much with body, plushness and cool freshness. Good potential, really impressively constructed.

Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points (Barrel Sample: 92-94) A more straight, focused, structured wine, the 2022 Le Petit Smith Haut Lafitte is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot brought up in a mix of new and used oak. It's a powerful, medium to full-bodied, structured Graves offering classic darker, almost blue fruits, some violet, floral, and graphite nuances, fine yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. It's another clearly outstanding wine from this team.

James Suckling, 94 Points Aromas of currants and blackberries with orange peel and rose petals follow through to a medium body with racy and polished tannins that go on for a long time. Vivid and energetic. Second wine of Smith Haut-Laffite. 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 Points (Barrel Sample: 90-92) A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the 2022 Le Petit Haut Lafitte possesses a delicate yet perfumed bouquet of cassis, plum, blueberry, dark berries and hints of flowers (violet and lilac). It’s medium-bodied, fleshy, lively and charming, with an elegant yet fresh finish.

Pairing & Serving

Suggested pairings: roast lamb, grilled beef, mushroom dishes or aged hard cheeses. Serve slightly below room temperature; decanting can help the wine open in the glass.

Wine Details

• Producer: Château Smith Haut Lafitte
• Wine: Le Petit Haut Lafitte
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Pessac-Léognan
• Region: Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot
• Size: 750ml

A Cabernet-led Bordeaux for lovers of dark fruit, fresh definition and structured elegance.

Ayala’s Brut Nature is a zero-dosage Champagne that highlights the House’s remarkable vinification expertise. After nearly four years of cellar aging, the wine reveals an elegant complexity.

The blend primarily features Chardonnay, with a touch of Pinot Noir and a small amount of Pinot Meunier, resulting in a balanced, pure expression. 

Expert Ratings

92 VINOUS:  Pale gold. Nervy lime, ginger and floral scents, with suggestions of iodine and tarragon. Tightly wound, mineral-driven citrus fruit flavors put on weight with air and take a turn to deeper nectarine and pear. Unfolds slowly on the finish, hanging on with excellent tenacity and resonating mineral and floral notes.

91 Wine Enthusiast: With zero dosage, this is a particularly dry Champagne. However, a few extra months before release has softened the taut nature of the Chardonnay and allowed the red grapes to come through. The result is a success, ripe and full, while having a fine structure. Drink now.

Generous fruit and silky texture meet in this elegant Premier Cru red Burgundy. The 2023 vintage opens with expressive aromas of blackcurrant and licorice, followed by a full, rounded palate with notes of mocha. Supple tannins and lively freshness carry the wine into a long, graceful finish.

Made from 100% Pinot Noir, “En Chevret” comes from an east-facing vineyard just below “Les Caillerets,” near the border with Meursault. Vines averaging 25 years of age grow in clay-limestone soils, with grapes harvested by hand.

Traditional fermentation in open vats is followed by ten to twelve months in French oak barrels, 35% new, crafted at Louis Latour’s own cooperage. This careful aging complements the wine’s fruit and adds depth to its polished character.

Expert Rating

95 James Suckling: Spicy, lifted notes of black cherries, dried herbs, pencil shavings, potpourri and cola. Tightly wound with finely tuned tannins and energetic acidity, this has a textural, grippy and fruit-driven palate. There's so much to love here for early drinking with fine structure and a mineral finish. Drink or hold.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Place: Volnay, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Volnay Premier Cru AOC
Vineyard: En Chevret
Style: Dry red wine, oak-aged
Aging: 10–12 months in French oak, 35% new
Serving temperature: 59–63°F (15–17°C)
Producer’s cellaring potential: 7–15 years

Generous and elegant, this classic white Burgundy combines a full palate with bright citrus and mineral freshness. The 2023 vintage opens with aromas of lemon, honeysuckle, and delicate vanilla. Fresh almond and citrus flavors unfold across the palate, with a subtle vanilla accent leading into a refined mineral finish.

Made from 100% Chardonnay grown in Meursault’s marl-limestone soils, the wine comes from hand-harvested grapes on vines averaging 25 years of age. This celebrated village in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune is renowned for white wines that balance richness with finesse.

Barrel fermentation and full malolactic fermentation develop its rounded texture, followed by eight to ten months in French oak barrels, 15% new, from Louis Latour’s own cooperage.

A lovely choice for an elegant dinner, it pairs beautifully with grilled sea bass, shrimp and avocado, veal in a cream sauce, or Beaufort cheese.

Expert Rating

93 Points · James Suckling: “Refined and vibrant, combining richness and complexity with a lifted, saline edge. Aromas of ripe citrus, orchard fruit and white flowers mingle with hints of hazelnuts and crushed chalk. Medium- to full-bodied and gently creamy, it’s energized by bright acidity and a precise mineral thread. The finish is long, pure and harmonious.”

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Meursault AOC — Village
Style: Dry white wine, barrel-fermented and oak-aged
Aging: 8–10 months in French oak, 15% new
Serving temperature: 54–57°F (12–14°C)
Producer’s cellaring potential: 3–5 years

Richly textured and refined, this Premier Cru white Burgundy opens with inviting aromas of brioche and vanilla. The 2023 vintage offers a full, rounded palate layered with acacia honey and almond, finishing with an elegant mineral touch that brings definition to its generous character.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, “Sous le Puits” comes from a southeast-facing vineyard near the top of the Blagny hillside, just above “La Garenne.” Its name, meaning “Under the Well,” references a nearby spring. Vines averaging 35 years of age grow in clay-limestone soils, with grapes harvested by hand.

Fermentation takes place in oak barrels with full malolactic fermentation, followed by eight to ten months of aging in French oak, 50% new, from Louis Latour’s own cooperage. The result is a beautifully expressive Chardonnay with richness, depth, and finesse.

Expert Rating

95 Points · James Suckling: “Aromas of flint, grapefruit rind, orchard fruit, chalk and fresh herbs. The high-tension palate is precise with mineral-driven acidity and a textural, rounded mouthfeel. Perhaps the most linear and focused release of the 2023 premier cru whites.”

92 Points · Wine Spectator: “Plush yet dense, with peach, apple, vanilla and nutmeg aromas and flavors. Underlined by solid acidity, this just tails off a little on the finish. The oak spice notes linger.”

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru AOC
Vineyard: Sous le Puits
Style: Dry white wine, barrel-fermented and oak-aged
Aging: 8–10 months in French oak, 50% new
Serving temperature: 54–57°F (12–14°C)
Producer’s cellaring potential: 5–7 years 

Power, elegance, and exceptional pedigree come together in this Grand Cru Chardonnay from Burgundy’s celebrated Corton hillside. The 2023 vintage reveals a brilliant pale-yellow color and expressive aromas of toasted almond and vanilla. Generous and full-bodied, the palate unfolds with fresh almond and roasted coffee notes, leading to a long, richly layered finish. Sourced from southeast-facing vineyards with stony limestone soils, this wine reflects Louis Latour’s historic connection to Corton-Charlemagne, where the family is the appellation’s largest vineyard owner. Hand-picked grapes undergo barrel fermentation and full malolactic fermentation, followed by eight to ten months in 100% new French oak barrels crafted at the house’s own cooperage. Awarded 98 points by James Suckling, this distinguished white Burgundy offers the depth for special-occasion dining and a producer-estimated cellaring potential of 10–15 years. Serve alongside lobster, fine fish dishes, shellfish, or mature cheeses for a memorable pairing.

Expert Ratings

98 James Suckling: Fantastic depth and length to this wine, showing aromas and flavors of sliced apples, stone, flint,matchstick and white pepper. It's full-bodied and reserved, with very fine layers of bright fruit and minerals. Tight, structured and compact with a long finish. Already impressive, but best after 2027.

94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Latour's 2023 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru wafts from the glass with notes of pear, mandarin oil and peach mingled with notes of struck match and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless, it's rich and textural, with a sweet, layered core of fruit and an expansive finish. Now bottled under Diam, it should age with grace.
Barrel Sample: 92-94

93 Wine Spectator: Opulent, creamy and expansive, this white fills the mouth, offering peach, apple, quinine and salty mineral flavors embraced by vanilla and toasty oak notes. There’s a tactile sensation, and this still lacks integration, yet all of the components are there, along with power and length.

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Aloxe-Corton, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France.

An exceptionally refined expression of Chardonnay, Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs is crafted entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, one of Champagne’s most celebrated terroirs for Chardonnay.

The cuvée brings together fruit from the prestigious villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, producing a Champagne of remarkable purity, precision and mineral intensity. Billecart-Salmon blends wines from two different years, allowing the House to capture both freshness and complexity while maintaining its signature elegant style.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, the wine is vinified in stainless-steel tanks to preserve its delicate fruit and mineral character. Between 20% and 50% reserve wines are incorporated into the blend, adding depth and complexity, while extended aging of approximately 4 to 5 years on the lees creates its refined texture and beautifully integrated mousse.

In the glass, Le Blanc de Blancs displays a luminous golden color with subtle green reflections and an exceptionally fine stream of bubbles. The mousse is delicate yet generous, giving the Champagne an elegant and polished appearance.

The bouquet is precise and mineral-driven, revealing aromas of white flowers, fresh butter and brioche, followed by bright citrus and subtle chalky notes. With time in the glass, the wine develops additional layers while retaining a remarkable sense of finesse and freshness.

On the palate, it is beautifully creamy yet vibrant. Flavors of fresh almond, lemon zest and citrus are carried by a distinctly chalky texture, reflecting the limestone-rich soils of the Côte des Blancs. A delicate meringue-like richness adds softness and depth, while the Champagne’s natural acidity keeps the palate fresh, energetic and beautifully balanced.

The finish is long, smooth and mineral, with a subtle saline note that adds precision and makes the wine particularly compelling at the table. Billecart-Salmon describes the cuvée as combining impressive vinosity with an unexpectedly fresh finish — a style that appeals especially to lovers of elegant, mineral-driven Champagne.

Vineyards

100% Grand Cru Côte des Blancs

Avize · Chouilly · Cramant · Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

Tasting Notes

Color: Luminous gold with delicate green reflections
Aromas: White flowers, brioche, fresh butter and mineral notes
Palate: Lemon zest, citrus, fresh almond, chalk and delicate meringue
Style: Creamy, precise, elegant and mineral-driven
Finish: Long, refined and saline

Winemaking

Vinification: Stainless steel
Reserve Wines: Approximately 20–50%
Lees Aging: Approximately 4–5 years
Recommended Cellaring: 8–10 years for a 750ml bottle
Serving Temperature: Approximately 50°F / 10°C
Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Oysters · Caviar · Scallops · Langoustines · Seafood carpaccio · Ceviche · Turbot · Sushi

Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs is a beautifully precise Grand Cru Champagne, combining creamy Chardonnay richness with brilliant citrus freshness, chalky minerality and the effortless elegance for which the House is renowned.

The wine itself is Billecart-Salmon’s classic Brut Réserve, presented in the distinctive red-and-black limited-edition label. Billecart-Salmon and (RED) first collaborated nearly a decade ago and have renewed the partnership with a limited release, with a portion of each bottle sold supporting critical healthcare programs in communities most affected by AIDS.

Crafted from the three classic Champagne varieties — Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir — Brut Réserve is sourced from outstanding sites throughout Champagne. The blend incorporates a significant proportion of reserve wines, giving the cuvée impressive consistency, complexity and depth while retaining the graceful, refined character for which Billecart-Salmon is known.

In the glass, it shows a brilliant straw-gold color and an exceptionally fine stream of persistent bubbles. The bouquet is clean and precise, opening with white stone fruits, fresh orchard fruit and delicate floral notes, followed by subtle hints of biscuit and toast.

The palate is beautifully balanced and silky, with flavors of crisp apple, pear and citrus complemented by gentle roasted and biscuity notes. Fine mousse and vibrant acidity give the wine wonderful energy, while a mineral backbone carries through to a long, fresh and elegant finish.

This is a wonderfully versatile Champagne: sophisticated enough for celebrations, yet balanced and food-friendly enough to enjoy throughout a meal. Serve well chilled as an aperitif or pair with oysters, shellfish, sushi, smoked salmon, light poultry dishes and soft cheeses.

Tasting Notes

Color: Bright straw gold with fine, persistent bubbles
Aromas: White fruits, orchard fruit, flowers and delicate biscuit
Palate: Crisp apple, pear, citrus and subtle toasted notes
Style: Fresh, refined, harmonious and beautifully balanced
Finish: Long, mineral and elegant

Food Pairings

Oysters · Caviar · Sushi · Smoked salmon · Shellfish · Roasted poultry · Soft cheeses

Limited Edition

The distinctive (RED) label is more than special packaging: it represents Billecart-Salmon’s partnership with (RED). The current collaboration contributes $5 from every (BILLECART-SALMON)RED bottle sold to support programs fighting AIDS and expanding access to essential healthcare.

Please note: This is the classic Billecart-Salmon Réserve cuvée in a special limited-edition (RED) presentation; it is not a red or rosé Champagne. 

Billecart-Salmon · Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon Brut Rosé 2013 · Champagne, France

Created as a tribute to Elisabeth Salmon, co-founder of Billecart-Salmon, this prestige rosé combines Pinot Noir’s depth with Chardonnay’s finesse. First created in 1988, the cuvée is represented here by the 2013 vintage in a 750ml bottle.

Character & Style

The supplied notes describe luminous salmon-pink color with copper reflections, berry fruit, floral perfume, blood orange, pastry, and a chalky finish. A delicate, silky texture balances concentration and freshness. The listed blend is 53% Pinot Noir and 47% Chardonnay, with a dosage of 4.4 g/L.

Expert Reviews

Vinous · 97 Points
The 2013 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon is much more exuberant than the 2012, even though on the surface, that does not exactly align with the respective vintages. The decision to use a bit more new oak, more still red wine and a touch higher dosage to soften the natural austerity of the year paid off handsomely. Rose petal, blood orange, spice and kirsch confer a decidedly exotic flair. The ample, substantial finish is striking. Dosage is 4.4 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 2024. (AG)

James Suckling · 96 Points
Very fragrant wildflower honey, citrus, sliced apple, nutmeg and pastry aromas. It's beautifully fresh and saline on the palate, with fantastic concentration, but in a delicate, silky way. Long, elegant and chalky finish. 53% pinot noir (Ay, Mareuil-sur-Ay (9%) and Bouzy) and 47% chardonnay (Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger). 4.4 g/L dosage. Disgorged January 2024. Drink now or hold. (CN)

Jeb Dunnuck · 96 Points
The 2013 Champagne Elizabeth Salmon Rosé pours a deeper copper/salmon color, but not too dark, with more orange undertones. It offers notes of smoky wet stone, pithy grapefruit, and licorice. It has a long, fruity feel on the palate, with verticality and a fluffy mousse. The focus and backbone of Chardonnay really play into it in this vintage, which I prefer. Drink over the coming 20 years. Made from 53% Pinot Noir from Aÿ (sélection massale) and Bouzy, with red wine from parcels in Mesnil-sur-Aÿ, and 47% Chardonnay from Oger, Cramant, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. It was 5% barrel vinified and 95% stainless steel.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate · 94+ Points
Disgorged in January 2024 with a dosage of 4.4 grams per liter, the 2013 Rosé Elisabeth Salmon emerges from this cool, late-ripening vintage as a rather giving, generous rendition. It unfurls in the glass with aromas of dried apricot, dark cherry and grapefruit mingled with a subtle hint of mocha. On the palate, it is full-bodied, ample and enveloping, offering a sweetly fruited core underpinned by tangy acidity, culminating in a precise, perfumed finish. This is a fleshy, though somewhat old-fashioned Champagne that, at present, does not quite attain the depth of Louis Salmon of the same vintage; however, it would not be surprising to see it improve considerably with additional time on cork following disgorgement. It is composed of an almost equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and was vinified almost entirely in stainless steel, with full malolactic fermentation. Rating: 94+

Winemaker Notes

A very luminous visual presence with soft salmony and slightly coppery glints of light. A very seductive blend of stunning brilliance draped in elegant effervescence. A sensual, refreshing expression of red and black berry fruits, sublimated by the floral elegance of peony and violet. An exquisite sensation of aromatic fullness rich in fully ripened fruits (blueberry and cherry pit). Beautifully refined and mature olfactory notes, opening on to the inimitable scent of fragrant roses and salty sea spray. A tactile, wholly delicate, impact of measured yet bewitching power. A harmonious flowering of moreish flavors and pastries (cherry clafoutis, Canada apples and blood orange jelly). A delicate mouth structure, progressing towards a finish on a hint of chalkiness and zest of Corsican clementines.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled in a white wine glass to explore the aromatic detail. Consider langoustines, lobster, salmon, fine poultry, or wild mushroom and truffle risotto.

Wine Details

• Producer: Billecart-Salmon
• Cuvée: Elisabeth Salmon
• Vintage: 2013
• Origin: Champagne, France
• Style: Brut Rosé
• Blend: 53% Pinot Noir, 47% Chardonnay
• Vineyards listed: Grand Cru and Premier Cru
• Chardonnay villages listed: Oger, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
• Pinot Noir villages listed: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Bouzy
• Oak vinification listed: 5%
• Lees aging listed: 115 months
• Dosage: 4.4 g/L
• Disgorgement cited in the reviews: January 2024
• Bottle size: 750ml

Not Available for Immediate Delivery. Please allow 3-5 business days for fulfillment.

Powerful · Mineral · Structured · Saline · Age-Worthy

A profound Grand Cru Chablis with remarkable concentration, old-vine depth and a long, mineral finish.

Domaine William Fèvre’s Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2022 is a serious and commanding expression of one of the most celebrated vineyards in Chablis. Les Clos is renowned for producing wines of exceptional structure, power and longevity, and William Fèvre’s 2022 captures that character with impressive purity and depth.

The domaine owns approximately 4.1 hectares within Les Clos, with its parcels situated toward the top of the hill. A significant portion of the vines are remarkably old, with roughly half planted by William Fèvre’s father in the 1940s and 1950s. These mature vines contribute extraordinary concentration, complexity and mineral intensity to the finished wine. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The 2022 vintage opens gradually in the glass, revealing aromas of ripe citrus rind, crisp orchard fruit and delicate white flowers, framed by a subtle touch of youthful reduction. The bouquet is restrained at first, but there is an unmistakable sense of purity and depth beneath the surface.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, dense and satiny, with layers of white fruit, lemon, green apple and mineral character. Vibrant acidity provides energy and lift, while a pronounced chalky and saline quality gives the wine remarkable definition.

There is tremendous concentration here, but also finesse. The wine carries both power and precision, building across the palate toward a long, stony finish marked by citrus, white peach and persistent salty minerality.

Among William Fèvre’s Grand Cru bottlings, Les Clos is one of the most structured and substantial. It is a wine built for the cellar, with the depth, acidity and mineral backbone to develop additional complexity over many years.

Food Pairing

Pair with lobster, langoustines, scallops, Dover sole, turbot and other rich seafood, as well as roast poultry, veal and refined dishes prepared with beurre blanc or delicate cream sauces.

Its combination of richness, acidity and mineral intensity also makes it an excellent partner for mature cheeses and more elaborate seafood preparations.

Serve lightly chilled to allow the wine’s texture, old-vine concentration and mineral complexity to fully emerge.

Professional Ratings

98 Jasper Morris: Mostly from old vines, a good half planted between 1948 and 1952. Translucent lemon and lime colour. The bouquet is not ready to unfurl yet there is a sense of sublime purity about the nose. A wine in perfect harmony on its wide bench of white fruit. Just a little touch of spice behind, good acidity. Sign up for this! Barrel Sample: 95-98

96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2022 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos is a serious, structured wine, unwinding in the glass with aromas of ripe, waxy citrus rind, crisp orchard fruit and white flowers, framed by a deft touch of youthful reduction. Full-bodied, dense and satiny, it's layered, concentrated and multidimensional, with the most structure and substance of any wine in the range, but also the greatest need for patience to realize all its considerable potential. Rating:-96+

95 Decanter: Small yield, very concentrated, with masses of density on the palate. Plenty of drive and energy but has finesse to balance out the power. White peach fruit characters, vibrant acidity and a pronounced mineral, salty finish. Very long future ahead. Fèvre owns 4.1ha of the 25ha total within Les Clos. Its plots situated on the top of the hill, with 50% of the vines planted by William Fèvre's father in the 1940s and 1950s.

93 Vinous: The 2022 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru has a surprisingly primal bouquet with gooseberry, melon, fruits de mer and citrus peel, with more oyster shell scents developing as it opens, though never quite achieving the flair of the Valmur. The palate is well-balanced, steely and strict, with fine intensity and a saline finish. But it doesn't quite have the precision of Fevre's best cuvées at the moment. Barrel Sample: 91-93

92 Wine Spectator: Greengage, apple, lemon and mineral flavors are aligned with a bright structure and chalky texture in this lively white. Dynamic and balanced, with a lingering aftertaste of stone and stone fruit.

The Style

Powerful, concentrated and deeply mineral — a monumental Grand Cru Chablis with remarkable old-vine depth, vibrant acidity and exceptional aging potential.

Not Available for Immediate Delivery. Please allow 3-5 business days for fulfillment.

Chiseled · Mineral · Saline · Powerful · Precise

A profound Grand Cru Chablis combining extraordinary mineral intensity, vibrant citrus and a long, crystalline finish.

Among the most distinctive wines in the William Fèvre portfolio, Bougros Côte Bouguerots Grand Cru 2023 comes from a remarkable parcel at the lower, dramatically steep portion of the Bougros Grand Cru vineyard, close to the Serein River.

While classic Bougros is often known for its broad, generous and powerful character, Côte Bouguerots offers a very different expression. Cooler nights and the steep slope contribute remarkable freshness, tension and mineral definition, creating a Chablis of exceptional precision and energy.

The vineyard rises on an incline of approximately 40%, one of the steepest sections of the Chablis Grand Cru hillside. William Fèvre's Côte Bouguerots holding totals approximately 2.2 hectares, with the majority of the vines planted in 1979. The combination of mature vines, steep exposure and Chablis' celebrated Kimmeridgian soils gives this wine its extraordinary concentration and unmistakable mineral character.

The 2023 vintage opens with an expressive yet finely controlled bouquet of lemon zest, lime, white peach and pear, layered with delicate white flowers, oyster shell, chalk and subtle marine notes.

On the palate, it is concentrated and beautifully structured, showing remarkable purity and energy. Citrus and ripe stone fruit are framed by vivid acidity and a pronounced mineral backbone. Notes of crushed stone, chalk and sea spray run through the wine, leading to an exceptionally long, clean and saline finish.

There is impressive power beneath the surface, yet the wine remains elegant and finely chiseled. Its combination of concentration, freshness and mineral tension makes Côte Bouguerots one of the most compelling and age-worthy expressions in the William Fèvre range.

Food Pairing

A magnificent partner for oysters, lobster, langoustines, scallops and crab, as well as grilled or roasted fish. It is equally impressive with Dover sole, turbot, poultry, veal and refined dishes finished with butter or delicate cream sauces.

Serve lightly chilled rather than excessively cold to allow the wine's aromatic complexity, texture and minerality to fully emerge.

Professional Ratings

95 Decanter Magazine: Initially a bit restrained, the fruit opens up on the palate with notes of white peach, nectarine and Mirabelle plums, accented with a salty minerality and a hint of spice. Chiselled and fine but still impressively powerful. Fèvre owns more than a third of Bougros; 2ha are located in this unique parcel that rises steeply from the river in south-southwest-facing slopes, producing this exotic, concentrated wine that will live for decades.

95 Jasper Morris: The usual lime tint to the pale colour. Wonderfully chiselled, not seeing the sunshine here, just the vineyard. A burst of concentrated fruit through the middle, a pure kimmeridgian streak of energy, breadth and depth together, powerful all the way through. Barrel sample: 93-95

95 James Suckling: Limey, mineral and chalky nose with lots of marine substances and some green citrus. Pure energy, with excellent texture, precision and agility. Long, limpid and saline finish.

95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Sourced from a site closer to the river, defined by a steep 40% gradient and cooler nights, the 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Côte Bouguerots is entirely different from the fleshy, muscular Bougros bottling. It offers aromas of lemon oil, oyster shell and white flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, it is taut and structured, with bright acidity, ample dry extract and a long finish. Stylistically, it recalls Les Preuses more than the usual Bougros archetype. Of the 2.2 hectares, 1.8 were planted in 1979.

92 Wine Spectator: his is generous, displaying peach, apple, lemon verbena and grapefruit flavors. Corralled by vivid acidity that emerges midpalate and defines the stone fruit and mineral finish. Approachable now for its fleshy appeal and harmony. Drink now through 2036.

The Style

Intense, crystalline and deeply mineral — a rare Grand Cru Chablis where power meets extraordinary precision, freshness and saline energy.

William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Côte Bouguerots 2023

Aromas of candied lemon and acacia flowers rise from the glass with effortless charm. On the palate, brioche and wet stones unfold across a broad, expansive texture — supported by bright, ripe acidity and a long, complex finish that speaks to the quiet elegance only great Burgundy can offer.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru, Burgundy, France
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml

For nearly 200 years, Maison Louis Jadot has been a guardian of Burgundy's viticultural heritage. Managing hundreds of carefully tended parcels passed down through generations, the house combines deep respect for terroir with precision winemaking. Their private nursery — founded in 1995 — preserves old-vine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir genetic material, ensuring future vintages carry the same soul as those of the past.

Latour Vincent Saint-Aubin "Cuvée Thomas" 2024 is a fresh, refined and beautifully energetic white Burgundy from Domaine Vincent Latour, the historic Meursault estate run by Vincent Latour and his wife, Cécile. Formerly known as Domaine Latour-Labille, the domaine dates back to 1792 and is known for producing Chardonnay that combines texture and generosity with freshness, tension and precision.

This cuvée comes from a small 0.214-hectare vineyard parcel known as Le Village, planted in 1989. The vineyards of Saint-Aubin generally sit around 100 meters higher in elevation than Meursault, helping to preserve freshness and acidity while contributing to the lively, mineral character that makes the appellation increasingly sought after by Burgundy lovers.

The wine is fermented and aged on the lees in one- and two-year-old demi-muids, allowing it to develop texture and complexity without excessive oak influence. The cuvée is named after Vincent Latour's son, Thomas, giving this bottling a particularly personal connection to the domaine.

The 2024 Cuvée Thomas is expressive and vibrant, showing aromas of fresh citrus, green and yellow apple, white flowers and subtle stone fruit. The palate is focused and energetic, with bright acidity, a finely textured mid-palate and a distinctly mineral edge.

As the wine opens, delicate notes of lemon zest, pear, white peach and subtle savory spice emerge, while the higher-elevation terroir keeps the wine fresh and lifted. The finish is clean, persistent and precise, with an appealing balance of fruit, texture and tension.

Saint-Aubin has become one of the Côte de Beaune's most exciting sources of high-quality Chardonnay, offering much of the character and complexity associated with its famous neighbors while often delivering exceptional value. Cuvée Thomas is a particularly elegant example, combining mature vines, careful élevage and the natural freshness of its elevated vineyard site.

Producer: Domaine Vincent Latour
Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France 🇫🇷
Appellation: Saint-Aubin
Cuvée: Cuvée Thomas
Vineyard: Le Village
Vintage: 2024
Parcel Size: Approximately 0.214 hectare
Vine Age: Planted in 1989
Élevage: Fermented and aged on the lees in one- and two-year-old demi-muids
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Excellent with grilled fish, scallops, oysters, roast chicken, herb-roasted poultry, creamy seafood dishes, goat cheese, Comté and lighter mushroom preparations.

Fabrice Gasnier is one of Chinon's most committed and expressive producers — a devoted practitioner of biodynamic viticulture whose wines are celebrated for their aromatic purity and terroir-driven precision. La Cravantine is his singular sparkling wine: a 100% Cabernet Franc Méthode Traditionnelle rosé from the Loire Valley, bone-dry, intensely fresh and finished with bubbles so fine and persistent they put many Champagnes to shame.

For the 2023 vintage, La Cravantine is released for the first time as a Millésime — a single-vintage bottling rather than the non-vintage blend of previous years. Fermented in bottle on its own residual sugar from the first alcoholic fermentation and aged for at least one year sur lattes, the wine is a pale rosé of remarkable delicacy and structure. Biodynamically farmed Cabernet Franc from Chinon delivers a wine that is simultaneously serious and utterly delicious.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate: "La Cravantine is a pale rosé colored Cabernet Franc sparkling wine with a very delicate mousse. Fermented on the bottle with its own residual sugar from the first alcohol fermentation and after at least one year sur lattes, the wine opens with an intense yet fine and elegant brioche and ripe apple bouquet. On the palate, this is an intense, round and textural, highly delicate fizz with a super elegant and refined mousse and a long, intense and aromatic, sustainably structured finish. A fabulous wine for aperitifs, breakfasts and desserts."

Tasting Notes

Pale rosé in the glass with an exceptionally fine, persistent mousse. The nose is elegant and inviting — brioche, ripe apple, strawberry and white peach, with a clean mineral undercurrent. The palate is bone-dry, round and textural, with a spicy, firm structure and a long, aromatic finish. Fresh, precise and wonderfully versatile.

Food Pairing

Perfect as an aperitif and equally at home with oysters, sushi, grilled fish, fried foods, soft cheeses and light desserts. One of the most food-friendly sparkling wines in the Loire.

Specifications

Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc (100%)
Country: France
Region: Loire Valley
Appellation: Chinon
Style: Sparkling Rosé / Méthode Traditionnelle
Dosage: Brut
Vintage: 2023 (first Millésime release)
Aging: Minimum 1 year sur lattes
Farming: Biodynamic / organic
ABV: ~12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Fabrice Gasnier

Vieille Vigne du Levant is one of Larmandier-Bernier's most profound and sought-after Champagnes — a single-vineyard Blanc de Blancs produced entirely from old-vine Chardonnay in the Grand Cru village of Cramant. The parcel, known as Bourron du Levant, faces east toward the rising sun, producing grapes of remarkable concentration, ripeness and mineral intensity. The vines are approximately 60 to more than 85 years old, with deep root systems that penetrate the chalk-rich soils of the Côte des Blancs, giving the wine exceptional depth and complexity while retaining the precision and energy that define Larmandier-Bernier.

Farmed biodynamically, the grapes are gently pressed before undergoing spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation with indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats. The wine is matured on its lees during its first year without fining or filtration, followed by extended bottle aging in the estate's cool cellars. As a true vintage, single-parcel Champagne, there is no blending with other years or vineyard sites. The 2014 was disgorged in March and September 2023 with a dosage of just 2 g/L, allowing the character of Cramant and the old vines to remain entirely at the forefront.

Expert Reviews

95 Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Blanc de Blancs Vieille Vigne du Levant rises from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, peach and pear, mingled with notes of freshly baked bread. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, concentrated and incisive, with a deep core of fruit, considerable tension, racy acidity and a precise, saline finish. Expect a slightly more powerful and more giving rendition than the 2013 and simultaneously a touch more tensile."

94 Vinous: "A gorgeous, vinous Champagne. It emerges from 60-to-80-year-old vines on Cramant's east-facing slope. Tangerine peel, hazelnut, spice, menthol and dried flowers are all signs of a Champagne that has arrived at its peak of maturity. Even so, the balance here is exquisite. Readers seeking Champagne with a bit of bottle-age complexity will adore this."

Tasting Notes

Deep, vinous and beautifully concentrated, the 2014 opens with citrus oil, ripe pear and peach alongside freshly baked bread. With air, more mature nuances emerge — tangerine peel, hazelnut, dried flowers, spice and subtle menthol. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, combining remarkable richness with racy acidity and striking tension. A pronounced chalky, saline mineral character carries through the exceptionally long, precise finish. This is a Champagne of both power and refinement, showing the complexity of mature old-vine Chardonnay without sacrificing freshness. Delicious now, it also has the structure and concentration for continued aging.

Food Pairing

Superb on its own as a contemplative aperitif, Vieille Vigne du Levant is equally impressive at the table. Pair with roast poultry, chicken with morels, lobster, scallops, turbot and creamy seafood dishes or preparations with rich cream-based sauces.

Specifications

Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region: Côte des Blancs
Village: Cramant
Classification: Grand Cru
Style: Blanc de Blancs / Extra Brut
Dosage: 2 g/L — Extra Brut
Vintage: 2014
Vineyard: Bourron du Levant
Vine Age: ~60 to 85+ years
Farming: Biodynamic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats; aged on lees without fining or filtration
Disgorgement: March / September 2023
ABV: 12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Larmandier-Bernier

Château Magnol is one of the Haut-Médoc's most distinguished Cru Bourgeois estates, with a certified classification dating back to 1932. Situated at the southern end of the appellation, close to the city of Bordeaux, the estate benefits from a privileged terroir and the guidance of Hubert de Boüard de Laforest — owner of the legendary Château Angélus — who serves as consulting winemaker. The estate is also certified vegan friendly, reflecting a commitment to both quality and responsible production.

The vineyards are planted on the classic gravelly, clay-limestone soils of the Haut-Médoc, producing a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This traditional Bordeaux assemblage delivers the structure, depth, and aromatic complexity that define the appellation's finest wines.

In the cellar, de-stalked grapes undergo careful optical sorting before alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperatures (22–26°C) with gentle daily pump-overs. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in 350-liter French oak barrels, with 30% new oak, imparting refinement and depth while preserving the wine's natural freshness and fruit character.

The 2023 opens with a deep, bright ruby color and an intense yet refined aromatic profile of ripe plums, black currants, and figs, interwoven with elegant notes of vanilla, cinnamon, licorice, and a delicate hint of menthol. On the palate, the wine is broad and expansive with velvety, beautifully ripened tannins, concentrated dark fruit, and well-integrated oak leading to a long, polished finish.

"A solid and structured red with medium body and very fine, compact tannins. Succulent and lively with good focus and length."
— James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

"This estate's vineyards at the southern end of the Haut-Médoc region close to the city of Bordeaux has produced a smooth, ripe wine. The spice and licorice aroma lead to black currant flavors and balanced juicy acidity, with touches of the wood aging coming through at the end. Drink from 2028."
— Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Region: Bordeaux, France
Appellation: Haut-Médoc, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
Vintage: 2023
Élevage: 12 months in 350L French oak barrels; 30% new oak
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Red meat, game, and ripe cheeses. Try with Pyrénées cheese, black cherry jam, and walnut bread. Best served at 16–18°C (60–64°F).

Only 120 cases imported to the United States

Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott Condrieu 2022 is an elegant and beautifully expressive Viognier from one of the Northern Rhône's most celebrated white wine appellations. Rich and aromatic yet remarkably fresh, it combines the lush fruit and floral character of Condrieu with the mineral precision and energy that define Graeme and Julie Bott's style.

The wine comes from approximately 25-year-old Viognier vines planted on the steep granite soils of Condrieu. These demanding hillside vineyards naturally produce small yields, helping to create a wine with concentration, depth and a strong sense of place.

Expert Reviews

93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2022 Condrieu from Graeme & Julie Bott is a lovely classic in the making, unfurling in the glass with aromas of spring blossoms, white fruits, flowers, apricots and honeysuckles mingled with delicate spicy notes. Bright and vibrant, it's medium to full-bodied, enrobing and precise with a sappy, charming mid-palate that segues into a sappy, delicately phenolic finish. Made from purchased grapes, fermented in barrels and matured for nine months in large barrels, this is a strong effort.

93 Wine Spectator: A floral, bright and expressive white, with elderflower and white peach flavors shored up with crushed flint minerality, fresh-cut chive notes and zippy acidity. Lacy in feel, showing terrific purity throughout and ending with a clean finish. Drink now through 2025. 375 cases made, 120 cases imported.

92 James Suckling: A fruity nose with fresh pears, green apples, fresh apricots, herbs and mild spices. It’s medium-bodied with a caressing texture. Well-balanced with a spicy and mineral edge. Precise with a succulent finish. Drink or hold.

91 Jeb Dunnuck: A clean, classy, medium-bodied effort from this estate, the 2022 Condrieu has textbook tart apricot and orange blossom-like fruit as well as some spicy, mineral nuances. I love its balance, and it has good acidity and a great finish. It's going to shine on the dinner table.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted in the vineyard before being whole-bunch pressed. After cold settling, fermentation takes place in barrel, followed by approximately 10 months of aging in French oak barrels before bottling. Production is extremely limited, at approximately 2,000 bottles.

Tasting Notes

Golden in color with pale yellow highlights, the 2022 Condrieu opens with expressive aromas of ripe peach, apricot and fresh yellow fruits accented by delicate white flowers and subtle violet notes. The palate is rich, concentrated and silky, yet beautifully balanced by freshness, mineral tension and a subtle saline character.

Despite its generous texture, the wine remains bright and energetic throughout, finishing long and precise with a delicate savory bitterness that brings definition and balance to the ripe Viognier fruit.

About Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott

Graeme and Julie Bott met while working at the renowned Northern Rhône domaine of Stéphane Ogier before establishing their own estate. Their vineyards are centered around the Northern Rhône, where they focus on expressive, pure wines that emphasize freshness and the distinctive character of their hillside terroirs.

Food Pairing

A beautiful match for rich and creamy dishes. Pair with vegetable risotto, roast or poached poultry with cream sauce, foie gras, or other dishes where the wine's generous texture can complement richness while its freshness keeps the pairing lively and balanced.

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott
• Vintage: 2022
• Country: France
• Region: Northern Rhône
• Appellation: Condrieu AOC
• Grape: 100% Viognier
• Soil: Granite
• Vine Age: Approximately 25 years
• Harvest: Hand harvested
• Vinification: Whole-bunch pressed; barrel fermented
• Aging: Approximately 10 months in French oak barrels
• Production: Approximately 2,000 bottles
• Bottle Size: 750ml

La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 2020 is Benoît Déhu’s flagship single-vineyard Champagne, produced from 100% Meunier grown in the village of Fossoy on the western edge of the Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France.

Benoît Déhu is an eighth-generation vigneron whose family estate dates to 1787. After spending several formative years at Champagne Bollinger, Déhu returned to his family domaine and began developing his own highly personal range of naturally farmed, terroir-driven Champagnes.

At the heart of his project is La Rue des Noyers, a 1.7-hectare parcel that Benoît began farming independently in 2011. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically, with approximately 0.40 hectares traditionally worked by horse. The name La Rue des Noyers refers to the trees that once bordered the parcel.

This is an unusually focused Champagne: one vineyard, one grape variety and one vintage. Made entirely from Meunier, La Rue des Noyers is designed to explore the character and potential of a grape that historically played a supporting role in Champagne blends but can produce wines of remarkable depth, energy and complexity when treated as a serious single-vineyard variety.

The wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels, many of which are made from trees harvested in the nearby forest of Fossoy. The wine spends approximately 11 months on its lees in barrel before bottling. It is made with minimal intervention, bottled unfined and unfiltered, and finished as a Brut Nature with no dosage.

The 2020 is a dry, vinous and mineral-driven expression of Meunier, combining ripe orchard fruit and citrus with savory notes, subtle spice, toasted nuances and a pronounced saline character. The oak adds texture and complexity without obscuring the wine’s energetic structure and distinctive sense of place.

La Rue des Noyers captures the signature Déhu style: intense, vibrant and energetic, with beautiful tension and fine minerality. It is a distinctive grower Champagne for those interested in single-parcel wines and the increasingly important role of Meunier among Champagne’s most progressive producers.

Vinous rates the 2020 La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 89 Points, noting this single-vineyard Champagne within Benoît Déhu’s distinctive range of biodynamically farmed, minimalist wines from the Vallée de la Marne.

Wine Details

Producer: Benoît Déhu
Wine: La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature
Vintage: 2020
Region: Champagne, France
Area: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Fossoy
Vineyard: La Rue des Noyers
Vineyard Size: 1.7 hectares
Grape: 100% Meunier
Farming: Biodynamic; a portion of the vineyard is worked by horse
Vinification: Fermented and aged in oak barrels
Élevage: Approximately 11 months on the lees in barrel
Fining / Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
Dosage: No dosage / Brut Nature
Rating: Vinous 89 Points
Bottle Size: 750ml

Benoît Déhu Champagne La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 2020 750ml