French Wine

Le Marquis de Calon Segur Saint-Estephe 2023 750ml

Explore Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur: a premium Saint-Estèphe wine. This distinguished second wine from Château Calon-Ségur has earned 94 points from James Suckling, 93 points from Wine Advocate, 91 points from Vinous Media, and 91 points from Decanter. The 2023 vintage is a blend of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. The Marquis of Calon-Ségur reflects the unique terroir of the Saint-Estèphe region, known for its exceptional soil and climate that nurture high-quality grapes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling - 94 Points

Graphite and dark fruit come through clearly on the nose and follow through to a medium body with dusty tannins and a juicy finish. Attractive and pure fruit with a hint of chocolate at the end. A solid second wine for Calon Segur. 50% merlot, 48% cabernet sauvignon, 1% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc. Drink after 2027.

Wine Advocate - 93 Points (91-93)

The 2023 Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur is a blend of 50% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, incorporating the estate's finest Merlot plots that generally go into the grand vin but which didn't match with Calon's best Cabernet Sauvignon lots this year. Offering up aromas of cassis, plums, burning embers and spices, framed by a deft touch of new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and structured, with impressive density and muscle, built for the cellar.

Vinous Media - 91 Points

The 2023 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur has a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, clean and precise, classic in style with estuarine/briny scents in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins but there is still a firm backbone to this Deuxième Vin, and it gently fans out on the graphite-tinged finish. One of the best Le Marquis in recent years.

Decanter - 91 Points

Dark fragrance to the nose. A little tight but this also has an ease about it with density to the grippy tannins that have a fruity, fleshy aspect to them as well as a clear wet stone, slate minerality that lingers on the tongue. A little firm on the finish, but structured and polished still with a juicy mouthwatering red cherry centre. Will be nice to taste it calms. Not so long but there's nice character here nonetheless. 3.6pH. Ageing 17 months, 30% new. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Château Calon-Ségur - Legendary Estate

Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur is the second wine of Château Calon-Ségur, one of Bordeaux's most legendary estates. The estate has a rich history and produces wines of exceptional quality.

Second Wine - Solid Quality

A solid second wine for Calon Segur. Second wines offer excellent value while maintaining the estate's quality standards.

One of the Best Le Marquis in Recent Years

One of the best Le Marquis in recent years. The 2023 vintage represents exceptional quality for this second wine.

Saint-Estèphe - Bordeaux, France

From the Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux, France. Saint-Estèphe is known for producing powerful, structured wines with excellent aging potential.

Unique Terroir of Saint-Estèphe

The Marquis of Calon-Ségur reflects the unique terroir of the Saint-Estèphe region, known for its exceptional soil and climate that nurture high-quality grapes.

Gravelly Soils

This wine is crafted from a blend of carefully selected varietals, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in the area's gravelly soils. The terroir imparts distinctive character.

2023 Vintage

The 2023 vintage showcases exceptional quality. This year produced wines of remarkable concentration and balance.

Blend: 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

50% merlot, 48% cabernet sauvignon, 1% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc. This blend is Merlot-dominant, unusual for Saint-Estèphe.

Finest Merlot Plots

Incorporating the estate's finest Merlot plots that generally go into the grand vin but which didn't match with Calon's best Cabernet Sauvignon lots this year. This makes the 2023 Le Marquis particularly special.

Ageing 17 Months, 30% New Oak

Ageing 17 months, 30% new oak. The oak aging is carefully calibrated to complement the fruit without overwhelming it.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep ruby red
Aroma: Graphite and dark fruit. Aromas of cassis, plums, burning embers and spices. Mixture of red and black fruit. Dark fragrance. Bouquet of dark fruits like blackcurrant and plum, intertwined with subtle notes of cedar and spice
Palate: Medium body. Medium to full-bodied. Dusty tannins. Deep and structured. Impressive density and muscle. Pliant tannins with firm backbone. Grippy tannins with fruity, fleshy aspect. Rich blackberry, delicate chocolate, and hints of vanilla. Luxurious mouthfeel
Finish: Juicy finish. Graphite-tinged finish. Wet stone, slate minerality lingers. Juicy mouthwatering red cherry centre. Hint of chocolate at the end. Lingers long

Graphite & Dark Fruit

Graphite and dark fruit come through clearly on the nose and follow through to the palate. The graphite character is distinctive and adds complexity.

Aromas of Cassis, Plums, Burning Embers & Spices

Offering up aromas of cassis, plums, burning embers and spices. The aromatic complexity is exceptional.

Mixture of Red & Black Fruit

Has a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, clean and precise. The fruit expression is pure and well-defined.

Classic in Style

Classic in style with estuarine/briny scents in the background. The maritime influence is characteristic of Saint-Estèphe.

Dark Fragrance

Dark fragrance to the nose that is inviting and complex. The aromatic profile is rich and layered.

Deft Touch of New Oak

Framed by a deft touch of new oak that enhances without dominating. The oak integration is skillful.

Medium Body

Medium body provides elegance and drinkability. The palate is medium-bodied with excellent balance.

Medium to Full-Bodied

It's medium to full-bodied, offering substance and structure. The wine has presence and weight.

Dusty Tannins

With dusty tannins that provide structure. The tannin texture is fine and well-integrated.

Deep & Structured

Deep and structured, demonstrating serious winemaking. The wine has depth and complexity.

Impressive Density & Muscle

With impressive density and muscle, built for the cellar. The concentration is remarkable.

Pliant Tannins with Firm Backbone

With pliant tannins but there is still a firm backbone to this Deuxième Vin. The structure is excellent.

Grippy Tannins - Fruity & Fleshy

Density to the grippy tannins that have a fruity, fleshy aspect to them. The tannins are substantial yet approachable.

Wet Stone, Slate Minerality

As well as a clear wet stone, slate minerality that lingers on the tongue. The mineral character adds complexity and freshness.

Juicy Finish

And a juicy finish that is refreshing and satisfying. The finish is mouthwatering and appealing.

Graphite-Tinged Finish

And it gently fans out on the graphite-tinged finish. The mineral character persists through the finish.

Juicy Mouthwatering Red Cherry Centre

But structured and polished still with a juicy mouthwatering red cherry centre. The fruit core is vibrant and pure.

Attractive & Pure Fruit

Attractive and pure fruit showcasing quality fruit selection. The fruit character is clean and expressive.

Hint of Chocolate at the End

With a hint of chocolate at the end adding richness. This subtle note adds sophistication.

Robust Structure & Depth

The distinct characteristics of Saint-Estèphe impart a robust structure and depth to the wine. Each sip reveals the essence of the land.

Vibrant & Complex

Offering a taste that is both vibrant and complex, making it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Built for the Cellar

Built for the cellar with excellent aging potential. Drink after 2027 for optimal enjoyment.

Drink After 2027

Drink after 2027 to allow the wine to develop fully. The wine will reward patience.

Harmonious Blend

This harmonious blend creates a luxurious mouthfeel that lingers long after the last sip. Showcasing the winemaker's expertise and commitment to excellence.

Transitions from Casual to Fine Dining

It's a wine that transitions beautifully from casual gatherings to fine dining experiences. The versatility is remarkable.

Versatile Food Pairing

Perfect with:

• Roasted meats (lamb and beef)
• Rich, creamy cheeses
• Chocolate desserts
• Classic French coq au vin
• Hearty beef stew
• Grilled steaks

Complements Savory Roasted Meats

Its bold profile complements a variety of culinary delights, from savory roasted meats like lamb and beef. The wine stands up beautifully to rich foods.

Perfect with Rich, Creamy Cheeses

To rich, creamy cheeses and decadent chocolate desserts. The pairing possibilities are extensive.

Elevates Flavors of the Meal

Consider pairing it with a classic French coq au vin or a hearty beef stew, allowing the wine's rich character to elevate the flavors of the meal.

Enhances Every Culinary Experience

Whether at a dinner party or a special occasion, this exquisite wine enhances every culinary experience. Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur is not just a wine; it's an experience.

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Spectator – 94 Points | “A sleek, smoky, sultry red, with violet high tones gilding a dense, ripe palate of wild berries alongside a woodsy character. Polished tannins give this a solid frame.” Best from 2026–2035.
• Wine Advocate – 94 Points | “A pure, elegant bouquet of flowers, dark berries, and spices with licorice notes. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and refined with velvety tannins, bright acids, and a long, ethereal finish.”
• Jeb Dunnuck – 93+ Points | “Blackberries, cassis, leather, and graphite define this perfumed, complex Hermitage. Medium to full-bodied with tons of sweet fruit, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Give it a few years.”
• James Suckling – 93 Points | “Complex roasted nose with deep red fruit aromas. Fleshy and elegant with restrained tannins. Polished, accessible, yet structured with a stony finish. Drinkable now, best from 2025.”

Tasting Notes

A polished, energy-filled Hermitage with intense aromas of blackberries, cassis, leather, violet, graphite, and roasted spices, accented by licorice and mineral notes. The palate is dense yet lively, with velvety tannins, bright acidity, and a long, ethereal finish. Subtle smoky, woodsy undertones and structured stony notes give it remarkable precision and serious aging potential.

About the Wine

Domaine des Tourettes is the flagship Hermitage of Delas Frères, one of the Northern Rhône’s most respected négociant-éleveurs. The 2022 is sourced from two prized sectors of the legendary Hermitage hill: Les Bessards (7 hectares of granite-rich soils) and Les Grandes Vignes (2 hectares of the highest vines on the hill). Fermented with 80% whole clusters for Les Grandes Vignes, then matured for 15 months in Burgundian oak barrels (25% new). The result is a Hermitage of remarkable elegance, structure, and complexity — approachable now with decanting, but built to shine over the next decade and beyond.

Cellaring

Approachable now with 1 hour decanting; best from 2026 through 2035+.

Food Pairing

Outstanding with roasted lamb, venison, beef short rib, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses.

Product Details

• Appellation: Hermitage AOC, Northern Rhône, France
• Varietal: Syrah 100%
• Vineyards: Les Bessards & Les Grandes Vignes
• Aging: 15 months, Burgundian oak (25% new)
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Delas Frères

Memo Summary Notes

A valuable fruity style wine from Bordeaux, where the Merlot variety is evident. A typical representative of the Graves region, rich and elegant. It has a silky taste with a pleasant spicy touch and a touch of barrel on the finish. 

Château Haut Selve Graves Rouge 2022 is a modern classic from the Graves region of Bordeaux, known for its power and precision. Produced by the Lesgourgues family (Vignobles Lesgourgues), this vintage has benefited from the high concentration typical of the 2022 growing season.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 96 Points -  #13 in Top 100 Wines of France, 2024 |  It’s hard to imagine a dessert wine that’s better balanced than this, because the acidity and richness seem to dance across your palate. It’s dense and complex, with myriad aromas of dried fruit, candied citrus, floral honey and fresh garden herbs, but the final impression is of incredible clarity and precision. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | Pouring a youthful yellow/golden hue, the 2023 Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont offers spicy notes of ginger, yellow flowers, poached golden apples, hay, and freshly rained-on asphalt. Medium-bodied, it excels and takes things to the next level with its texture, and its sweetness feels both luxurious and weightless. This exceptional offering has tremendous potential for aging and pairings. Drink over the coming 15 years or more.

Vinous Media 95 Points | The 2023 Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont is a ripe, round, serious, suit-wearing wine style that's upright and conservative. It’s sweet (74g/l) but never feels luscious, and yet there's a tropical character to the fruit that gives richness to this reserved style. The effect of the flint is clear in the 2023’s sense of freshness. It's textured, pure, balanced and harmonious.

Memo Summary Notes

Domaine Huet is the spiritual home of Chenin Blanc in Vouvray, and their "Le Mont" Moelleux 2023 is a masterclass in balance. While "Moelleux" denotes a sweet wine, Huet’s style is never syrupy; it relies on the electric acidity of the Chenin grape and the flinty "perron" soils of the Le Mont vineyard to create a wine that feels energetic and precise.

The 2023 vintage was a challenging but rewarding year. A rigorous selection process was required (rejecting 25% of the crop) to ensure only the cleanest, most concentrated fruit made it into the Moelleux bottlings.

Pair with 

he "Classic": Pan-seared foie gras with a quince reduction or a traditional Tarte Tatin.

Savory: Spicy Thai or Szechuan cuisine (the sugar tames the heat, while the acidity cleanses the palate).

Cheese: Matured Roquefort or a long-aged Comté.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Vinous 93 Points | The pale lemon-gold colored 2019 Coutet is a thrill ride from the get-go, exploding from the glass with fantastically intense scents of tangerine peel, lime blossoms and lemon marmalade over a core of pineapple upside-down cake, candied ginger, ripe apricots and clover honey plus suggestions of chanterelles and musk perfume. The palate is equally electric and exhilarating, prancing around the palate with a whole myriad of candied citrus, stone fruit and citrus flavors, charged by a racy backbone of acidity, finishing beautifully textured and with an epically long firework display of minerals. Apart from all that, it is pretty darn delicious.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A soft-edged and forward-styled version, with lemon meringue, warmed peach and fresh pineapple and mango notes all mixing together. Features a pie crust accent that holds sway on the finish. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Drink now.

Memo Summary Notes

The Château Coutet 2019 is widely considered one of the standout sweet wines of its vintage in Barsac. Known as the "First Growth of Barsac" (Premier Cru Classé), Coutet is famous for its "knife-like" acidity (the name Coutet is derived from the Gascon word for knife), which provides a refreshing counterpoint to its intense sweetness.

Pair with 

Classic: Foie gras terrine or Roquefort blue cheese. 

Savory: Roast chicken with herbs or spicy Asian cuisine (the sweetness tames the heat).

Dessert: Fruit tarts, particularly those with apricot, peach, or lemon curd.

This Chablis is a textbook expression of the vintage. Bright citrus and green apple lead, followed by subtle white florals, a clean mid-palate, and a distinctly mineral, oyster-shell finish. The wine is focused, energetic, and quietly textured, making it a natural fit for by-the-glass programs and classic seafood-driven menus.

The 2023 has already earned strong critical recognition. Decanter praised it as a “faithful and delicious reflection of the 2023 growing season in Chablis,” awarding it 93 points, underscoring its precision and sense of place, while Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarded the wine 90 points, citing its clarity and balance.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Stuart Pigott of JamesSuckling.com 95 Points | This astonishing white Burgundy squares the circle of excellent ripeness and concentration with great freshness and vitality. Lovely aromas of bergamot and candied lime peel with a creaminess that’s deftly wrapped around the firm mineral core. Very long, focused and polished finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Unfiltered. Drink or hold. 

Bill Nanson of Burgundy Report | Also an airy, modestly floral super-attractive aromatic. Hmm, not a fat or generous wine but one with wonderful airy fruit quality. That’s a gorgeous wine – bravo. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine Boris Champy "Presse Verticale 382" 2022 is a masterclass in high-altitude, biodynamic Burgundy. Boris Champy—former director of legendary estates like Louis Latour and Clos de Lambrays—acquired this estate in 2017 with a mission to prove that the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune is the future of the region due to its cooler climate.

The "382" in the name refers to the 382-meter elevation of the "Montagne de Cras" plot in Nantoux, while "Presse Verticale" highlights his use of a traditional vertical basket press for a gentler extraction.

Pair with

• Seafood: Pan-seared sea bass with fennel, smoked salmon, or lobster risotto.

• Poultry: Roasted farm chicken with tarragon or a classic Gratin Dauphinois.

• Cheese: Pairs beautifully with an 18-month aged Comté or a creamy Brillat-Savarin.

Expert Reviews

~ Rosé made using the saignée method
~ Zero dosage
~ Natural
~ Very low sulphur content
~ Aromas of red fruits, mandarin orange and white pepper
~ Pinot Noir

Vinification of the Brut Nature Rosé cuvée

~ Rosé made using the saignée method with maceration in vats lasting 3 days
~ Only the juices from first pressing are used
~ Minimal use of sulphur
~ No filtering
~ Use of gravity to avoid oxidation
~ Then total and natural malolactic fermentation
~ Zero dosage
~ 100% of the wines are made in vats to preserve freshness
~ After bottling the cuvée is aged for 2 to 3 years sur lattes (on laths)

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir

FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal as an aperitif. Goes perfectly with salmon carpaccio or scallops, sushi, grilled meats. Serve at: 45°F.

TASTING NOTES: On the nose, very evocative of strawberry and raspberry with a floral note of rose petals. The palate recalls red fruits and is augmented by hints of citrus fruit, mandarin orange and a small, very refined touch of white pepper.

Expert Review -  Vintage 2020

The Wine Enthusiast by Roger Voss writes 92 Points | From a specific parcel in the Haut Selve estate, the wine is rich and dense. Its black chocolate aroma gives a hint of the wine's ripeness. On the palate, this is a a powerful, smoothly textured wine, packed with black fruits and tannins. It is worth aging further, to be drunk from 2026.

Winemaker Description 

– Density: 2250 vines/acre
– Pruning: double guyot
– Sun exposed leaf area up to 3.2 acres
– Organic manure (faba beans and oats) and then scraping of the soils
– Limited yield to 38 hl/ha
– Sustainable agriculture

Vinification

– Prefermented cold maceration of 4 days, to extract aromas
– Alcoholic fermentation controlled between 26 and 28°C
– Total maceration between 3 and 4 weeks
– Malolactic fermentation in oak barrels
–  Ageing: 12 months in French oak barrels
– 1/3 of new barrels (Nadalié, Vicard, Sylvain, Mercier, Seguin Moreau, Marques, Garonnaise)

Tasting notes and Pairing | With beautiful cherry tints and orange reflects, this wine offers an intense nose of jammed morello cherry with elegant woody notes. Supple and structured, the palate is well balanced by ripped tannins.

Memo Summary Notes

Tasting Notes

    •    Appearance: Dark garnet red.

    •    Nose: Complex aromas of red and black fruits, spicy and mentholated notes, and subtle empyreumatic (smoky/toasted) woodiness.

    •    Palate: Velvety and dense with fresh fruit flavors; floral notes and violet appear on a long, structured finish with well-coated tannins.

    •    Drinking Window: Best enjoyed from 2024, reaching its peak between 2028 and 2030.

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Bourgogne Rouge — Burgundy 2024

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur is one of Volnay's most respected family estates, and their Bourgogne Rouge is one of the great overachievers in all of Burgundy. Sourced from a single hectare of Pinot Noir planted between 1963 and 1970 in the lieu-dit Petit Près — situated just below the village-level Volnay vineyard Les Pasquiers, near the Meursault border — the wine is aged entirely in used barrels for 12 months to preserve the purity and transparency of the fruit. Allen Meadows of Burghound awarded it an Outstanding Top Value designation, calling it "a lovely Bourgogne."

The nose is cool, fresh, and finely etched: small red berries, cherry, red currant, spice, and a whisper of earth. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with succulent, delicious fruit, ample minerality, and a notable sense of refinement for its appellation level. The finish is persistent and ever-so-slightly rustic in the best Burgundian sense — and the wine has the structure to reward 2–3 years of cellaring.

Allen Meadows (Burghound) — Outstanding Top Value! — "A lovely Bourgogne worth considering."

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2024

Allen Meadows – Burghound | Outstanding Top Value | The slightly more elegant nose of mostly red berries and spice is cool and fresh. There is a bit more volume to the delicious and succulent middleweight flavors that conclude in an ever-so-mildly rustic finish that offers better depth and persistence. This is a lovely Bourgogne and worth considering — plus it has the stuffing to repay 2 to 3 years of keeping.

• Producer: Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur, Volnay, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Bourgogne Rouge AOC
• Vineyard: Lieu-dit Petit Près, below Volnay Les Pasquiers, near Meursault border
• Vines Planted: 1963–1970
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vinification: Aged 12 months in used barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, cherry, red currant, spice, earth, minerality, persistent finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 2–3 years
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, chicken with mushrooms, charcuterie, Comté, pinot-friendly bistro fare

A Burghound Outstanding Top Value — Bitouzet-Prieur's Bourgogne Rouge punches well above its appellation with the soul of a village-level Volnay.

Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits — Burgundy 2020

Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer is one of Burgundy’s most compelling small estates, and their Hautes-Côtes de Nuits is a masterclass in what old vines and meticulous winemaking can achieve at a village level. Sourced from one hectare of 60-year-old Pinot Noir planted in the lieux-dits En Foigery and Les Castaings in Magny-lès-Villers, the 2020 vintage is vinified with a pre-fermentation cold soak and spontaneous fermentation in cement tank, then aged 18 months in a combination of two-thirds 228-liter barrels (20% new oak) and one-third terracotta jar — a rare and thoughtful approach that preserves freshness and amplifies terroir. Bottled without filtration for maximum purity and expression.

The nose is spicier and slightly more deeply pitched than expected for the appellation: plum, black cherry, and subtle earth. On the palate, bigger and richer medium-weight flavors are framed by fine tension and lip-smacking minerality — fresh but serious, with clean, elegant tannins and an impressively long finish. Allen Meadows of Burghound calls it simply: “One to buy.”

Allen Meadows, Burghound — “A spicier and slightly more deeply pitched nose of plum, black cherry and subtle earth gives way to bigger and richer medium-weight flavors that also possess fine tension on the impressively long finish. One to buy.”

• Producer: Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vine Age: 60 years
• Vineyards: En Foigery & Les Castaings, Magny-lès-Villers — 1ha
• Vinification: Cold soak, spontaneous fermentation in cement, 18 months in barrel (20% new) & terracotta jar, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Plum, black cherry, spice, earth, mineral, red fruit, elegant tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–8 years
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom tart, gratin dauphinois, mild aged cheeses

Sixty-year-old vines, terracotta aging, and zero filtration — Hoffmann-Jayer’s Hautes-Côtes de Nuits is village Burgundy at its most honest and compelling.

Winemaker Description

Since its 175th anniversary, Pol Roger has decided to offer a very limited range of older vintages from its iconic cuvées. After the original disgorgement, these bottles were then returned to the famously deep and cool Pol Roger cellars for additional extended maturation where they have rested undisturbed until their release.

Blanc de Blancs 2002 is a champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay selected from the finest Crus of the Côte des Blancs: Oiry, Chouilly, Cramant, Avize and Oger. Produced in limited quantities, this cuvée has matured for 10 years prior to disgorgement.

This is a thoroughbred, elegant sparkler. With its delicate acidity, apple and grapefruit flavors, and tense, steely texture, it is an extremely well-balanced wine. Although it is ready to drink now, it could certainly age in bottle for many years.

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | This is a thoroughbred, elegant sparkler. With its delicate acidity, apple and grapefruit flavors, and tense, steely texture, it is an extremely well-balanced wine. Although it is ready to drink now, it could certainly age in bottle for many years.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Firm, with a toasty base mixing with flavors of quince paste, pastry, dried apricot, raw almond and a hint of lemon curd. There's a clean-cut note of minerally salinity throughout, accompanied by a fine bead and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2022. 100 cases imported.

Bottle Size: 750ml | Region: Champagne, France

The 2009 L d’Or delivers a richer, slightly broader expression of this iconic single-vineyard Muscadet while retaining its hallmark finesse and mineral precision. The warmer vintage brings notes of ripe pear, lemon curd, and white peach alongside the classic aromas of crushed granite, oyster shell, and fresh herbs. On the palate, it’s generous yet impeccably balanced, with supple texture lifted by bright acidity and a long, saline, stony finish. A beautifully mature Muscadet that combines depth, freshness, and terroir transparency—released directly from the domaine’s cellar and drinking at a gorgeous point today.

The 2008 L d’Or is a strikingly fresh and finely structured mature Muscadet, drawn from old vines rooted in the estate’s signature granite soils. This vintage shows lifted aromas of citrus oil, green apple skin, crushed stone, and sea breeze, layered with subtle notes of almond and fennel as it opens. On the palate, it’s tense, vibrant, and beautifully chiseled, carrying the classic saline edge that defines great Muscadet. Long, mineral, and impeccably balanced, this is a superb example of how L d’Or evolves with time—precise, elegant, and still remarkably youthful despite its age.

Winemaker Description

Domaine De Souch. Located at the foot of the Pyrenees, near the Atlantic Ocean, at an altitude of 332 meters above sea level. This is where the pure, crisp wines of Domaine De Souch are produced. Winemaker Yvonne Hegoburu was 60 years old when she decided to start making wine here in 1987. At the time, she was one of the first to work entirely biodynamically in the region. Today, she owns 7 hectares of land; the vineyards face south and are largely planted with Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng.

Yvonne Hegoburu, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 95, was living proof that it is never too late to follow your winemaking dreams. It all started when Yvonne and her husband René purchased 16 hectares of land in the Jurançon region in southwest France. The couple lived together in the small hilltop village of Laroin until 1987, when René unexpectedly passed away. Yvonne recalled how the duo would fervently discuss their winemaking dreams; in her husband’s honor, she decided to pursue viticulture for the first time at the age of 60. Today, Domaine de Souch is comprised of 7 hectares of biodynamically farmed vines, which have been certified since 1994.

Yvonne was taken by biodynamics early on. She believed that farming without herbicides and pesticides is the truest and most honest form of winemaking. The vines are double guyot trained and rooted into flinty clay soils. All fruit is hand-harvested and comes from south-facing vines grown at 1,000+ feet above sea level. The vineyards are mostly dedicated to Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, two of southwest France’s most well-known varieties.

Yvonne herself said it best in the acclaimed documentary, Mondovino: “I planted vines when my husband died. Ever since then, all this love inside me, I give it to the vines. I talk to them. I have an exchange with them. I ask them to drive their roots deep down into the soil to get the best from the land.” Yvonne worked the vines tirelessly until 2014, when she handed over the operation of the domaine to her son Jean-René, who continues to make wine in the style of his mother to this day. We are inspired by the Hegoburu family’s robust work ethic and passion for honest viticulture as the domaine continues into the next generation.

The vineyards have been fully biodynamically certified since 1994. The yields are low, never more than 30 hl per hectare, and the soil consists of heavy "flinty" clay called poudingues. This combination results in intense wines with high acidity and exceptional minerality.

Winemaker Description

The dry jurançon perfectly represents the style of the estate: precise, pure and grandiose. a straight, tense white wine. the attack is lively, the mid-palate is incredibly intense and the finish never ceases to delight us. the blend of native grape varieties is judiciously developed for a stunning result. its aging potential is certain.

For over thirty-five years, Domaine de Souch has been a pioneer in producing modern-style Jurançon wines. Certified organic and biodynamic since 1994, their south-facing terraced vineyards are nestled on steep slopes with views of the Pyrenees Mountains. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine de Souch "Cuvée Monplaisir" Jurançon Sec 2024 is a standout white wine from one of the most soulful estates in Southwest France. The winery was famously founded by Yvonne Hegoburu, who began her winemaking journey at the age of 60 in honor of her late husband and became a pioneer of biodynamics in the region.

The ultimate partner for shellfish (oysters, crab, lobster). It also cuts beautifully through the richness of sheep’s milk cheeses (like Ossau-Iraty), grilled trout, or summer salads with citrus vinaigrettes.

Expert Reviews - Base 2021

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | Emmanuel Brochet’s NV Le Mont Benoit (2021 base), which includes 40% reserve wines from 2020 and 2019, was disgorged in May 2024 with a dosage of four grams per liter—slightly higher than usual. He notes that this modest adjustment was necessitated by the incisive profile of the base vintage. The wine unfurls from the glass with aromas of green apple, chamomile and peeled almond. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, chiseled, bright and laden with electric acidity, culminating in a long, chalky finish marked by a distinctive bitterness. Stylistically, this bottling slightly diverges from recent iterations shaped by a string of warm vintages, but qualitatively speaking, it is unmistakably the same superb cuvée. While Brochet himself expresses a degree of dissatisfaction due to its higher malic acid, such critique speaks to the standards of a perfectionist. This rendition, in all likelihood, will age beautifully over the coming years.  

Memo Summary Notes

The Emmanuel Brochet Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut "R21" is a highly sought-after, "unicorn" grower Champagne. It is crafted by Emmanuel Brochet, a cult producer based in Villers-aux-Nœuds on the Montagne de Reims, known for his tiny production and extremely meticulous organic farming.

The "R21" notation indicates that the base year for this non-vintage release is the 2021 harvest.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 95 Points | The 2022 Echezeaux Grand Cru is absolutely exquisite, not to mention a significant step up in the range. Impossibly silky tannins and deep, penetrating aromatics give the Echezeaux its seductive personality. Medium in body and polished, with phenomenal balance, the Echezeaux shows how compelling the vintage is. There is no heaviness at all, nor any sign of a growing season marked by severe heat and drought.

Winemaker Description 

With a more textured and intense character than Échezeaux, Grands-Échezeaux presents a rich, almost rustic profile. The wine offers a concentrated palate of dark fruits, with gamey nuances and bramble hints, wrapped in a structured yet velvety texture. It's a wine of depth and character, often described as having a "monastic" quality. It is “Grands” before being Échézeaux. It is a country gentleman, aristocrat and dreamer. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 98 Points | The iodine, blackberry and rose-stem character comes through clearly. Plenty of fruit and depth. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that caress the palate and provide endless flavors of Indian spices, flint, nutmeg and light crust. Such refinement and integrity. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The 2023 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches (Domaine) is showing nicely, bursting with aromas of sweet berries, spices, orange zest and new oak. Medium to full-bodied, succulent and lively, with chalky grip on the finish, it will offer a broad drinking window.

Decanter 93 Points | Lovely cherry fruit with hints of lavender and rosemary. The texture is silky and dense, almost fat. There is more clay here, and less limestone than in Les Cras, and the tannic structure is not as firm. The grapes are from Drouhin's massive 6.75ha here, not far from Pommard; they are partially destemmed and fermented on native yeasts before ageing in cask (25% new) for 14–18 months.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 94 Points | Aromas of redcurrants, flowers and spices, such as nutmeg. Some cherries, too. It’s full-bodied, yet racy and energetic. Chewy tannins. Structured. One of the best Cos Labory in a long time. This needs three or four years to come together.

Decanter 92 Points | A Cru Classé that in recent years has clearly been striving to catch up with its 1855 neighbours. It remains far less polished than the other classified growths in the appellation, but that gives it a charm all of its own. There are plenty of firm tannins here, with cassis and bilberry fruits, along with clear austerity that is going to need a few more years to soften. A serious wine with a sense of identity, takes its time to reveal its hand and may move up when retasted in bottle. Tasted twice one week apar

Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Cos Labory remains rather brawny, but it certainly has a ton of character. Black cherry, plum, gravel, licorice and scorched earth add to an impression of rusticity. Even so, there is plenty of depth and more than enough energy to support many years of fine drinking.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | A classic Saint-Estèphe nose of darker currants, damp earth, leafy herbs, and cedar emerges from the 2019 Château Cos Labory, a medium-bodied, balanced 2019 with good mid-palate concentration, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. It deserves 3-5 years of bottle age and will keep for 15-20 years.

Pre-Arrival - Expected date for delivery and/or pick up Thursday February 12, 2026

Expert Reviews

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth, Wine Spectator.

"one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck. 

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | A perfumed, elegant and complex version, with inviting, high-toned notes of red currant and cherry draped with warm licorice. The palate starts out supple, then solid ballasts of graphite and fine tannins firm everything up for a fresh, focused finish that wafts with smoked sandalwood. Brown bread, cinnamon and nutmeg add complexity, with penetrating mineral depth. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre. 

Pre-Arrival - Expected date for delivery and/or pick up Thursday February 12, 2026

Expert Comments

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth,

Wine Spectator one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck.

THE WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS : One thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunu Expressive, perfumed and ripe, with a glossy stream of bitter cherry and steeped plum anchored by bolts of iron. Warm spice, licorice, sanguine and grilled anise notes merge in, with a vivid flash of alpine herbs and singed alder smoke. A weighty, well-structured red that’s still unwinding yet is impressively approachable

JAMES SUCKLING 98 POINTS: Enormously deep and concentrated, but this is so subtle and defies easy description. The superfine tannins give this an incredibly fine texture, the richness building in the finish without adding anything to the impression of weight. From three old-vine grenache vineyards that have limestone, sand and galet soils. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS: Black raspberries, ground pepper, white pepper, and sappy floral notes all make an appearance in the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Colombis, another remarkable wine from this family. With medium to full-bodied richness, it's incredibly well-balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. As with the estate’s other cuvées, it reminds me of their 2020. As usual, this cuvée is 100% Grenache that’s from a mix of three parcels (Rayas, Les Roues, and Colombis). It was not destemmed and was brought up in a mix of concrete, foudre, and clay jars.

VINOUS 96 POINTS: The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis is magnificent, bursting from the glass with prominent rose petal, crushed violets, strawberry compote, spicy licorice, dried herbs and minty shadings. Enveloped in velvety tannins, the perfumed 2023 is shaping up to be a wildly alluring Colombis, closing with a subtle phenolic kick on the focused finish. I can’t wait to taste it from bottle.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS: A pure Grenache Noir planted in the north part of the appellation and vinified with 30% whole bunches, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis has turned out beautifully. Evoking aromas of rose, dark cherries, spices and dark berries, it’s medium- to full-bodied, seamless and satiny with a beautifully ethereal finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous 100 Points | The 2022 Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru is a real head-turner. What a wine! As is so often the case, Romanée St. Vivant is not an obvious wine, rather it is a Burgundy of detail, of understatement, of total class. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red-toned fruit, mint, white pepper, blood orange and exotic spice.

Decanter 97 Points | The Romanée-St-Vivant has developed more complexity since bottling, with a savoury, almost gamey edge to the lush berry fruit aromas and a hint of spice. The grip and freshness of the wine are impressive and seem to carry this wine to a new level of intensity. Although this wine had originally seemed ethereal and silky, the substantial nature of the structure is now evident, aided perhaps by the stricter selection. Bertrand de Villaine confirms that two parcels in this vineyard were pulled up due to issues with the rootstock, leaving them 23,699 bottles in 2022.

The Wine Spectator 97 Points | Shy, suggesting cherry, strawberry and spice flavors. Nonetheless, there is plenty of structure and length.

Winemaker Description

Dark red with delicately organ-colored edge the color, the nose reminiscent of ripe, dark stone fruit. In the mouth, notes of spices join in. The fellow drinker dreamed a club from the deer with cranberries.

Promesse is the second wine from Chteau Franc Maillet and represents wonderful value. This estate is located very close to the Pomerol plateau and bears all the hallmarks for which the region is celebrated for.

On the nose, it has notes of violets and a touch of truffle and black berries, whilst on the palate it is silky and velvety with a rich long voluptuous finish.

Pair with roast beef, lamb, mushrooms or truffles, for an elegant drinking experience

Grape variety: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet franc

Winemaker Description 

This has always been the top vineyard at the estate and produces Meuiner with fruit flavors that veer towards exotic hints of mandarin orange, papaya, guava and even litchi, alongside the more typical red-fruit flavors that one might expect from Meunier.

• Practicing organic
• 100% Meunier
• A single site on the top of the hill in Cuisles
• Terroir of green clay and limestone marl
• Yes malo
• Fermented and aged in stainless steel
• Aged 48 months on the lees
• Dosage: 0.5g/L

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Jasper Morris 93 Points | An attractive mid crimson colour. A fine fresh bouquet, elegant fruit, not too demonstrative, but with a graceful detailed red fruit, alpine strawberry and little raspberry notes. Very nicely put together, all about the fruit more than the structure. Drink from 2030-2037.

Winemaker Description 

Supreme elegance! Beautiful color, with intense and bright reflections. The diversity of the aromas is striking: wild cherry, nutmeg, camphor wood, fine leather... Later on, the wine takes on a subtle aroma of truffle, producing the most varied palette. With its perfect balance between tannin and acidity, the wine has a fleshy, sturdy body. Powerful and long aftertaste. A wealth of harmonious sensations characterizes this great Burgundy.

This wine is a testament to elegance and complexity, with an intense bouquet of violets and spices, leading to a palate of profound silkiness. It exhibits an ethereal balance of fruit, earth, and minerality, where each sip reveals layers of flavor from dark cherries to subtle truffles. The finesse and depth of this wine make it a benchmark for Pinot Noir, showcasing the ultimate expression of its terroir. "As if, in this square of earth, the gods had bequeathed us a memory of the fascinating vestige of a timeless perfection.” — Richard Olney. Surface area: 1.81 hectares.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

White Burgundy is typified by aromas and flavors of green apple and lemon and is defined by its structure and expression of minerality. This wine is a synthesis of finesse and freshness that is enhanced by the fruitiness that Chardonnay can bring.

Pair with fish in white sauces, warm shellfish, hard cheese, or on it's own as an aperitif.

Expert Review

The Wine Advocate by Kristaps Karklins 92 Points | Paillard’s NV Bouzy Grand Cru Les Parcelles XX hails from the 2020 vintage and, in keeping with the tradition, incorporates 20% reserve wines. It embodies the signature blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from the sun-drenched, south-facing slopes of Bouzy. The bouquet is expressive, unfolding with aromas of pear, ripe citrus and warm spices, mingling with nuances of toasted bread and orange zest. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, showcasing a livelier, more luminous fruit profile than its predecessor, driven by racy acidity and finishing with a pronounced saline finish. True to the estate’s approach, maturation take place in 350-liter oak barrels, with the final cuvée composed from a mosaic of approximately 25 distinct parcels across Bouzy. The dosage is set at two grams per liter. 

Winemaker Description 

Les Parcelles is a precise expression of Bouzy terroir vinified by the Paillard brothers; the powerful Pinot Noir from south-facing slopes is balanced by the finesse of the chalky subsoil. Produced mainly from the 2020 harvest, with 20% reserve wines, this cuvée is composed of 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. Fermented in oak, it is cellared for three years on lees before disgorgement. Dosage: 2 gr/l. 

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Grown from a select plot of old vines, this beautiful expression of Valmur is full bodied and rich, with warm oak spices, ripe citrus, white peach, acacia and honeycomb. Approachable in its youth, the wine will cellar well through 2030.

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Méditerranée Blanc is intended as a fresh tasting, juicy and easy-to-enjoy white wine. Aromas and flavors of peach, lemon and wild herbs are accompanied by salty minerality.

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Gold colour. On the nose, it is fresh with a nice combination of fruit, mineral and floral nuances. Elegant and refreshing, it is straightforward and concentrated. It first develops aromas of ripe fruit and then finishes on delicate mineral and lively notes. The wine shows great purity.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

Pale-yellow color. Fresh, very pleasant, open tea and mineral aromas. Well balanced, with an excellent freshness. A nice dry wine with enjoyable fruitiness. Crisp, easy-drinking wine.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.