French Wine

Winemaker Description

A dominant fruitiness (blackcurrant, cherry), blackberries with a small spicy note. A supple and round on the palate with melted tannins and a beautiful length with a lot of finesse.

Perfect with red meats, either grilled or roasted, cold cuts, vegetable salads, meat or poultry tarts, simmered beef and vegetables (pot-au-feu). Veal, cold tabbouleh, or hard cheeses like Gouda.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Round and ripe, with mulled cherry and steeped tea flavors edged in graphite, warm earth and singed alder. Grippy tannins hold firm, keeping the generous finish honest. Incense smoke blows from start to finish. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Syrah and Cinsault. 

Winemaker Description 

The Côtes-du-Rhône Reserve is more serious effort than the regular Côtes-du-Rhône bottling that showcases the estate’s ability to marry richness with finesse. Moderately tannic and endowed with a beautiful structure, this Côtes-du-Rhône develops greedy notes of fresh fruit (crushed strawberry, blackberry) on their crunchiness, supported by a hint of licorice.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 95 Points | The lead pencil and blackcurrant aromas are very impressive. Full-bodied and tannic, but very velvety with fine texture. Lots of pretty fruit. Typical for the appellation. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Try after 2028.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The 2020 L'Esprit De Chevalier is more restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. It's a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2020 Esprit de Chevalier has a very perfumed, floral bouquet with pressed iris and peony infusing the blackberry and blueberry fruit. Very controlled and classic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with quite concentrated black fruit laced with white pepper and a touch of Provençal herbs. Slight viscosity here, powerful with a generous finish, this is a superb Deuxième Vin that should give 12-15 years' drinking pleasure.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Fleshy and demonstrative, the 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier bursts with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish, it will drink well young.

Winemaker Description

Domaine de Chevalier is renowned for its ability to produce great wines even in unfashionable vintages thanks to its unique terroir and a draconian selection in the vineyard and the cellar. In fact, this philosophy at times requires vineyard workers to carry out five waves of picking in order to pick only the ripest possible grapes.

Furthermore, as of 1986, the planting of young vines led to the creation of both a red and white second wine called Esprit de Chevalier. This includes vats that do not have quite the structure and focus of the grand vin as well as wine made from young vines, Vats that go into red Esprit de Chevalier must nevertheless be complex, well-balanced, well-structured and, above all, elegant enough to be in keeping with Chevalier’s image. Esprit de Chevalier is a charming red wine with many of the same qualities as the grand vin and the added advantage that can be enjoyed earlier.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Classic granite notes of cassis and darker cherries, graphite, crushed stone, pepper, and violets all emerge from the 2023 Saint Joseph Offerus. Medium-bodied, focused, and beautifully balanced on the palate, with textbook Saint Joseph tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a crisp, mineral-laced finish, it will evolve nicely over the coming 8-10 years. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider) 88-91 Points | Medium-bodied, fresh, fruity, floral, and soft with polished fruits.

The Wine Independent 91 Points | Sweet berries with spices; creamy and polished tannins; velvety texture.

Vert de Vin 90 Points | Fruity, with pulpy and generous fruit, precise and firm tannins.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description 

100% Gewurztraminer from estate fruit averaging 35 years-old. Certified Organic and Biodynamic. White wine. Alsace, France. The 2022 vintage expresses a powerful and complex bouquet of exotic fruits, flowers, and spices. The enveloping palate strikes a delicate balance between power and finesse.

Domaine Albert Mann is heralded the world over as being in the top-tier of Alsace producers. Using organic methods guided by biodynamic practices, the Domaine cultivates precisely controlled yields to obtain grapes of elevated maturity and complexity, resulting in wines that produce their own unique style. Never heavy, clumsy or out of balance, each carefully-crafted vintage presents a beautiful delineation of flavors and precise textures. Winemaker Description. 

Producer Description 

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 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).

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator by Kristen Bieler writes 89 Points | Apple, pear and citrus cream are backed by a laser beam of acidity and crushed flint. Warm hay and heather notes add dimension, while the finish is crackling and linear. Drink now through 2026. 2,500 cases imported.

Memo Notes Summary 

De Ladoucette is unique in that it utilizes no oak in its vinification, aging the wine on its fine lees in glass-tiled tanks. This process maximizes the fresh, terroir-driven characteristics of the Sauvignon Blanc grape.

Color: Pale golden-green, bright and limpid.

The nose is delicate yet complex, exhibiting a beautiful array of white flowers (lilac, white blossoms), citrus fruits (grapefruit, lemon peel), and exotic fruit (lychee, mango). The quintessential flinty/mineral aroma, known as fumé (smoke), is usually present, especially as the wine opens.

The classic, mineral-driven profile of Pouilly-Fumé makes it one of the most versatile white wines for dining:

• Seafood: A perfect match for all shellfish, including oysters, scallops, and shrimp, as well as grilled white fish (sea bass, turbot).

  Cheese: The traditional pairing is goat cheese, especially Crottin de Chavignol or fresh Chèvre. Its acidity cuts through the cheese's creaminess beautifully.

  
  

  Poultry & Other: Light white meats, salads, and vegetable dishes like asparagus risotto or chicken with a cream/lemon sauce.

Expert Reviews 

92 Points Wine Spectator:  A vivacious Champagne, this shows flavors of black cherry, toast point, white peach puree and salted almond set on a finely detailed mousse. Creamy and mouthwatering on the spiced finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Drink now.

92 Points Decanter:  Racy nose of real finesse appeals instantly. A well-hewn palate with bright florals and red fruit notes with delicate flavours of honey. Blend : 20% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier, 50% Pinot Noir

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | The Champagne is balanced between a soft Brut character and crisper lemon flavors. That balance gives a fine wine, open and easy, but with a fine bite of acidity at the end.

90 Points Wine & Spirits | Clean Champagne, green-gold in color with the flavor of peaches just coming into ripeness, this wine’s cool mineral savor brings to mind grapes sautéed in butter, as in sole Véronique, with which this wine would partner well.

90 Points James Suckling | This has attractive aromas of croissants, sourdough, dried lemons, apricots, figs and walnuts. Soft and balanced on the palate, with a medium body, creamy mousse and a dry, rounded finish. Drink now.

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger, 67Wine Buyer: The 20 hectares of Château La Rame are set on a clay-limestone soil blessed with an exceptional substratum marked by a bed of fossilized oysters dating from the Tertiary era. The hillside vineyards overlook the Garonne River and face full south as they slope down towards the river. The vineyards are planted 75% to Semillon and 25% to Sauvignon Blanc with an average age of 50 year.

This is a fresh, bright bordeaux blanc with aromas of citrus and white stone fruits backed by subtle herbs and bracing minerality. Incredible complexity for an amazing price!

Producer Description 

The grapes for this cuvée (95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon) come from a four hectare hillside parcel of clay and limestone soil with a full southern exposure that overlooks the Garonne River in Sainte-Croix-du-Mont. 

Memo Summary Notes

95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon

The vines have an average age of 25 years. After a manual harvest, the grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled vats and left on the fine lees for six months prior to bottling. 

Situated 25 miles southeast of the city of Bordeaux, Château La Rame is among the oldest and most renowned properties in the Sainte-Croix-du-Mont appellation. The estate, which sits on a hill overlooking the Garonne River, was the property of the Baron de Vertheuil, Governor of the Ile d’Oleron, after the French Revolution.

It has been recognized throughout its history as one of the prime sites for producing outstanding wine (gold medals at exhibitions in Bordeaux in 1895 and in Paris in 1900). The property was purchased by Claude Armand, the father of the current owner, Yves Armand, at a time when the appellation had fallen out of favor. The Armand family has undertaken to re-establish Sainte-Croix-du-Mont as an appellation of merit set to rival the great estates of Sauternes and Barsac.

The 20 hectares of Château La Rame are set on a clay-limestone soil blessed with an exceptional substratum marked by a bed of fossilized oysters dating from the Tertiary Period. The Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc vines are planted on hillsides overlooking the Garonne River. 

The 2025 Château La Rame Bordeaux Blanc Sec is a crisp, vibrant white that serves as a masterclass in value from one of Bordeaux’s most historic estates. While the estate is world-famous for its sweet wines from Sainte-Croix-du-Mont, this "Sec" (dry) bottling is a favorite among sommeliers for its "oyster-shell" minerality and electric freshness.

• The "Perfect" Pair: Fresh oysters, mussels in white wine, or goat cheese (Chèvre).

• The "Bordeaux" Pair: Grilled white fish with a squeeze of lemon and sea salt.

Expert Reviews 

Audrey Frick writes: (Tasted November 7, 2022) The NV Champagne La Cuvée Brut Rosé is entirely Pinot Noir from 10 crus in the Montagne de Reims. It is forward in the glass with ripe currants, fresh herbs, and smoky perfume. This continues to the palate, with notes of ripe wild raspberry and tangerine, and it has a medium to full-bodied texture that is pure and lightly savory on the finish. Fantastically paired with beef tartar and other richer raw preparations, this is a wonderful and food-friendly expression. Drink 2022-2032.  - Jeb Dunnuck 92

Winemaker Description

The result of a long history, Burgundy and its wines are known worldwide. Pinot Noir is a native grape variety of the area. Bourgogne Pinot Noir is the regional appellation whose wines can come from any part of Burgundy. This wine exhibits the characteristics of the great red Burgundies.

Our Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2021 has a ruby color. Its nose reveals notes of blackcurrant buds. Its round and fresh palate offers notes of cherry for a soft finish.
Food Pairing: Grilled meat - mature cheeses. Winemaker Description.

The Lucien Crochet Sancerre La Croix du Roy Blanc 2023 is a highly-regarded wine that represents a classic, structured style of Sancerre from the Loire Valley, France.
Lucien Crochet is one of Sancerre's most consistent and respected producers, and this bottling is praised for its balance of texture and freshness.

La Croix du Roy" is typically the most full-bodied and structured of Crochet's standard Sancerre offerings.

The wine's rich texture and vibrant acidity make it highly adaptable:

* Classic Pairing: Goat cheese (Crottin de Chavignol).
* Seafood: Poached salmon, sushi, oysters, or Moules Frites.
* Other: Dishes featuring fresh herbs and white sauces.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com writes | Chenin Blanc is a grape that generally flies under the radar screen, which to me is baffling given its charming character and pleasant drinkability. Father and son Francois and Julien Pinon work exclusively with Chenin Blanc on their 15 hectare estate in the Vallée de Cousse. Their work in the vineyard is in complete in harmony with natural and they have been certified organic by Ecocert since 2003. 

The 2022 Vouvray Buvez du Bon Pinon sports a gorgeous bouquet reminiscent of a walk through an orchard field during spring blossom. Aromas of white stone fruits, peaches, pears, wildflower honey and quince emerge from the glass with lively fanfare. Energetic and effortless in the mouth with refreshing lift and well balanced vibrant acidity, with a long and tangy delicious finish. 

This is a wine that will add cheerful accompaniment to chicken, seafood, salads and vegetable dishes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

John Gilman - The View From The Cellar writes 94 Points | The special old vine bottling of Vouvray Sec, “Buvez du Bon Pinon”, made its debut in the 2020 vintage. Readers may remember that Julien Pinon made this wine in hommage to his greatgrandfather, Camille Pinon, and the wine is made from vines planted by Camille in the immediate aftermath of World War II in 1945, in a parcel of Silex Noir soils. The wine is barrel-fermented and raised in the same old casks, which happen to be the oldest that the family still owns. The 2022 follow-up to the brilliant 2020 version is also outstanding, offering up a deep and complex bouquet of apple, quince, beeswax, flinty soil tones, white lilies, iris blossoms and a touch of citrus peel in the upper register. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, young and complex, with a rock solid core of fruit from these ancient vines, great soil signature, zesty acids and superb balance on the long, vibrant and very promising finish. The 2022 version is a touch more reticent out of the blocks than the 2020, which wore its heart on its sleeve upon release, and tucking this beautiful bottle of Vouvray in the cellars for a handful of years before pulling corks would be well rewarded.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Neal Martin writes: The 2019 has a beguiling bouquet with red berry fruit, truffle and light Provençal herb scents that are beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. This is exquisite in terms of balance, silky smooth, building gradually with a harmonious and quite effortless finish. Divine - this is a stellar showing. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. - Vinous 97

Georgina Hindle writes: A rich, full and heady nose. On the palate there's ripe blackcurrant, red cherries, raspberries and strawberries but also some mint, black pepper and truffle. Excellent precision and density with a seductive dark chocolate edge. Feels well handled with a sense of classicism. A powerful, muscular and confident wine, but with suppleness - this has density but also grace with a cooling finish comprising liquorice, mint and soft salinity. A great wine. Drinking - Decanter 97

James Suckling writes: A perfumed nose of mulberries, plums, chocolate orange and cloves. Hints of toffee, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Caressing, velvety and rich core of dark fruit. So supple and polished. 88.5% merlot, 7% cabernet sauvignon and 4.5% cabernet franc. Drink after 2024. - James Suckling 95

William Kelley writes: The 2019 Gazin is a fleshy, dramatic wine that wafts from the glass with aromas of ripe berry fruit mingled with subtle hints of truffle and violets, its new oak already entirely integrated. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, it's broad and textural, with lively acids, powdery tannins and fine length on the finish. - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94

Jeb Dunnuck writes: While the 2019 Château Gazin isn't going to match the 2018, it's an elegant, solid Pomerol delivering spicy red and black cherry fruits, notes of cedary herbs and flowers, medium-bodied richness, silky yet building tannins, and a great finish. This elegant, nicely structured, balanced beauty will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20 years. - Jeb Dunnuck 94

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 94 Points | A driven, balanced , flavorful, textural and lively Crozes-Hermitage, showing aromas of dark cherries, spiced plums, wild herbs and warm spices. It's medium-bodied with fine tannins. Superb texture and balance here with a long, succulent and vivid finish. Drink or hold.

Vinous 91+ Points | Fermented with 100% whole clusters, the 2023 Crozes-Hermitage displays ripe red fruit tones, stemmy touches and pencil shaving, licorice and cedar aromas. Medium- to full-bodied and fresh, the 2023 is shaping up to be a delicious red Crozes-Hermitage. A long, defined finish wraps it up.

Winemaker Description

In France’s Northern Rhone Valley, there are few names as revered as Graillot. It was in 1985 that the late, legendary Alain Graillot, who after working with the venerable Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac, came back to his home in Crozes-Hermitage to start his own domaine. With each passing year his devotion to the art of making hauntingly delicious Syrah from his organically farmed, stone-laden vineyards, was rewarded with an ever growing and highly dedicated following around the world. Alain’s sons Maxime and Antoine have been in charge since 2008, continuing the legacy set forth by their father. All the work is still completely the same as it ever was: hand-harvesting, organic farming, whole-cluster fermentation, and aging the wines primarily in 1-to-3 year old barrels purchased from some of the top estates in Burgundy.

New York Times Reviewed 

"A rare bargain from the prestigious St.-Émilion region, this is merlot from a Bordeaux point of view. As with all good Bordeaux, this is a refreshing drink of wine. At first it’s a bit tight, but with time in the glass it becomes quite floral, with firm tannins, focused and linear. It’s not an aperitif wine; drink it with food." ~Eric Asimov, New York Times Top 20 Under $20

Winemaker Description 

The Caprice has a ruby color with garnet. The nose is fruity (cherry and raspberry) and tasty with a nice expression of ripe Merlot. On the palate, the attack is fresh with fine and elegant tannins.

Winemaker Description 

Pale yellow color with hints of green. You get on the nose a touch of oak, lots of finesse and minerality with white flowers, lemon and apple scents. On the mouth, the wine is fresh, round and fruity with aromas of melon, kiwi, peaches and apricot and a nice minerality. Overall, the wine is nicely balanced and fresh with a great length. 

Memo Summary Notes

Famille Vincent Pouilly-Fuissé "Marie Antoinette" 2023 is a signature Chardonnay from the Mâconnais region of Burgundy. This cuvée serves as a tribute to Marie-Antoinette Vincent (grandmother of current proprietor Antoine Vincent) and is crafted to be an approachable, high-quality introduction to the prestigious Château-Fuissé style.

Winemaker Description 

The Vitallis Pouilly Fuisse has great concentration on the nose, reflecting the old vines. Intense aromas of dried fruits, Acacia, nuts and honey. Very long in the mouth with elegant, but ripe flavors, minerality and spiciness. 

Winemaker Description 

Olivier Foucher followed a classic career path: studies in viticulture and oenology, a few years of collaboration with his parents and taking over the family estate after his father's retirement in 2011. Today, he and his wife cultivate 10.5 hectares of vines.

Light lemon in color, the wine has a delicate floral scent, with a touch of lime zest and tangerine on the nose. The palate is full of white-fleshed fruits — particularly peach and pear — that blend with more exotic, softer notes of grapefruit and papaya.

Wave after wave of mouth-puckering acidity and a mineral-packed finish will keep you coming back for more! Perhaps the most impressive feature of the wine is its impeccable balance of flavor intensity, structural tension, and length: everything is where it should be, making this Sauvignon Blanc almost too easy to drink.

Memo Summary Notes

"Le Chant du Silex" (The Song of the Flint) suggests, the grapes are grown in Silex (flinty) soils. This specific soil type is prized in Sancerre for imparting a smoky, "gunflint" minerality and great aging potential to the wine.

The focus is on precision and "tension," aiming for a wine that is energetic and bright rather than overly tropical.

Silver Medal: Awarded at the 2025 Concours Mondial du Sauvignon for the 2024 vintage.

67 Wine (Bart Hopkins): Praised as a "classic mineral-driven Sancerre with excellent precision.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 92 Points | Delicious and well-structured for an entry-level Beaujolais, this has stacks of blackberry and forest-berry aromas, restrained ripeness and such a lively acidity that it dances over your palate. Yet, it also has so much character, with a hint of autumn bonfire smoke. Spot-on balance at the precise and elegant finish. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description

Exceptionally fruity! Palmer & Co has created a rosé combining exceptional fruitiness and delicate notes of spice. At the heart of the blend lies a unique Solera of Pinot Noir, a perpetual reserve of several decades reflecting the House’s celebrated expertise. The intense nose is dominated by the energising aroma of wild strawberries with tantalising light notes of red and black currants in the background, overlaying very delicate notes of vanilla and cinnamon spice. Fresh and full-bodied on the palate, it is drawn out in finely tannic, succulent bubbles in the same register of fruity elegance. 

Expert Reviews

Expert Rating

Ultimate Beverage Challenge 91 Points | Complex, earthy, foresty aromas abound in this exotic bouquet that's sweet/sour in nature. Taste is supple, sweet, nutty, almost sherried. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Decanter 95 Points | A pretty and fragranced nose, then a sense of true classicism with bright, shining acidity underpinning crushed-velvet tannins and undertones of cola, liquorice and cool blue fruit. Slightly lean but also with lots of Cabernet characters supporting the frame – good weight and focus, with drive. Quite linear and straight, but this works and makes you come back for more.

James Suckling 95 Points | A refined, classic Pauillac with cassis, pencil shavings, ash and cherries. Juicy and really fine on the palate with silky tannins unwound into a layered, long finish. A refined, elegant interpretation that does not fall short on intensity. Real finesse here.

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of the vintage's successes, wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis and raspberries mingled with notions of violets, rose petals, pencil shavings and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, with a deep, layered core of pure fruit framed by ripe acids and sweet tannins, its suave, charming profile means that it will offer a broad drinking window. A slightly lower percentage of new oak, with lighter toasts, is reflected in better barrel integration out of the gates.

The Wine Spectator by Antonio Galloni 93 Points | The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a super-expressive wine. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend, and that translates in the wine's flavor profile. Plum, dried herbs, menthol and spice gradually emerge. Although the 2021 is a bit tight today, it comes across as more of a medium-term proposition.

Expert Review- Vintage 2018

Wine Enthusiast 89 Points | The power of the Merlot in this wine is palpable. It is not a shy wine, instead packed with black fruits and solid, rich tannins. . Drink from 2022.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2018 Château Chatain Lalande-de-Pomerol is a classic Right Bank Bordeaux that offers a lot of the charm of its famous neighbor, Pomerol, but at a much more accessible price point. The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux was notably warm and "solar," resulting in wines with high ripeness and concentration.

Winemaker Description 

The dominance of Sauvignon Blanc reveals intense flavors of white flowers, citrus and white fruits. While in the mouth the Semillon brings roundness, volume and richness with pleasant notes of citrus fruits. A fine liveliness leads to a great finale. Certified organic. 

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 96 Points | One of the vintage's most powerful, muscular wines is the 2022 Lynch-Bages, a full-bodied, broad-shouldered Pauillac that unfurls in the glass with aromas of cassis, cherries, mint, pencil shavings and petroleum jelly, framed by nicely integrated new oak. Liberally extracted, its deep core of fruit is underpinned by an imposing chassis of rich, powdery tannin and lively acids. Always rather forbidding from barrel, Lynch Bages always seems to come together in bottle, and the 2022 has the makings of another success for this address.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | The second wine of Lynch Bages is the 2022 Echo De Lynch-Bages, a ripe, medium to full-bodied, structured beauty with a kiss of classic Lynch Bages richness and depth. Cassis, black raspberries, graphite, dried flowers, and hints of chocolate all define the aromatics, and it has ripe, fine tannins, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. 

James Suckling 94 Points | Crushed stone and lead pencil with blackcurrants. Full-bodied. Chewy and flavorful. Structured. Baby Lynch. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot and 5% cabernet franc. 

Decanter 93 Points | Blue fruits, subtle perfume, a juicy blackcurrant and stony minerality on the nose. Supple and juicy, a real sense of fun with detail to the fine tannins. Well balanced, gorgeous texture, depth and characterful. A great second wine still with terroir markers, a salty finish, chalky texture and grippy tannins. Still concentrated and serious, there’s an intensity to the fruit but really well delivered. Will be a beauty. 

Memo Summary Notes

Echo de Lynch-Bages 2022 is the second label of the iconic Fifth Growth Pauillac estate, Château Lynch-Bages. In the 2022 vintage—a year defined by extreme summer heat and drought—this wine achieved a remarkable level of concentration and power, earning it the nickname "Baby Lynch" from top critics.

Pair with

• Classic: Roast leg of lamb with garlic and thyme or a thick-cut ribeye steak.

• Game: Venison with a blackberry reduction (to mirror the fruit in the wine).

• Hard Cheese: Aged Gouda or Mimolette.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Pouring a bright pale yellow hue, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut is from 2019, with 40% each Pinot Noir and Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. It opens to reveal notes of wet asphalt, ripe white peach, and fresh redcurrant. Medium-bodied and approachable, it has a rounded mid-palate, a chalky and pithy texture with a lively yet fine mousse, and a light note of brûléed grapefruit rind on the finish. It’s an attractive and balanced wine with a clean finish. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A lithe and graceful Champagne, with sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon and oyster shell. Fine and satiny in texture, offering a persistent, lightly spiced finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | A blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay, the NV Réserve Brut from Champagne Leclerc Briant is showing well today, evoking a lively, fresh bouquet of pear, verbena, lime tree, herbs and menthol. Moderately weighted and tense, it's vinous and energetic with an incisive mid-palate and a mouthwatering, fresh finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 91 Points | Blackcurrants, black olives and dried herbs with some smoked-meat and charred-wood character. It’s medium-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Focused and flavorful. Lightly chewy. Better from 2024.

Vinous 90 Points | The 2018 Bernadotte is a flamboyant, unctuous Haut-Medoc that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Inky, jammy dark fruit, mocha and sweet spice envelope the palate in a racy, expressive everyday red that delivers the goods. The 2018 is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot.

Winemaker Description

An elegant golden straw yellow with amber highlights. Its aromas are radiant, revealing bright yellow-fleshed fruits (apple, pear, yellow peach), honey, floral nuances (lime blossom) and elegant blond notes (brioche and fresh nuts). The palate is seductive, richly flavorful and smooth combining generosity and subtlety, fullness and vigor, followed by a delicately fresh crispiness (fruit with seeds), to reveal the magical balance of Champagne. 

Expert Reviews 

93 Points The Somm Journal | When it comes to finesse, this classic—roughly equal parts Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with a slightly smaller amount of Chardonnay—doesn’t miss: It’s comme il faut from the unending bead onward. Joined by biscuit and almond aromas, ripe golden apple on the nose turns to green on the palate, where citrus—lime, grapefruit, mandarin orange—cycles through high-flying acidity even as luscious pear adds weight and chalk conveys elegance through the finish. 

92 Points Wine Spectator | An elegant version, fine and creamy in texture and backed by lively, orange peel acidity. A streak of smoke-tinged minerality underscores flavors of almond madeleine, poached pear, anise and preserved lemon. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Drink now.

91 Points James Suckling | This is showing aromas of apricots, grapefruit, pears and short crust. Some walnuts, too. Medium-bodied, with soft bubbles and tasty nut and pie crust notes at the end. Blend of pinot noir, meunier and chardonnay. 24 months on the lees.

90 Points Wine Spectator | A hint of smoke wafts through flavors of black currant, lemon-infused pastry cream and crystallized honey in this fresh, well-meshed Champagne, with a touch of Mandarin orange peel and a fine mousse.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast by Roger Voss 92 Points | This ripe blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc is balanced. A perfumed, tobacco and spice aroma and dusty black fruits give promise in this ageworthy wine, reinforced by the tannins and structure. Drink from 2027. 

Winemaker Description

Intense purple robe. Rich fruity nose of ripe Merlot: chocolate and toasty oak flavors. Fresh red fruits with fresh strawberry notes, light spices, harmonious tannins, with exceptional freshness. It has all the characteristics of ageing potential and concentration.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

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

Winemaker Description 

Whispering Angel is a blend of Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvedre grapes. Strikingly pale pink in color, the aromas are fresh and fruity. On the palate, it is bone dry through the finish. The name really suits the delicate nature of this wine.

Producer Description 

Enchanting and complex nose of red fruit, tobacco leaf, licorice and delicate spices. Super-sensual palate that’s rich and refined, with so many nuances that you could spend hours studying it. Stunning interplay of ripe fruit with raw-meat and smoked-bacon character. Very long, silky finish that makes it hard not to take another gulp. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 99 Points | An undeniable star in Margaux, the 2022 Château Brane-Cantenac checks in as a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 1% each Cabernet Franc, Carménère, and Petit Verdot. This deep purple-hued beauty offers up a sensational perfume of darker currants and cassis that gives way to more floral, spicy oak and graphite nuances with air. With flawless overall balance, ripe, velvety tannins, terrific purity, and a great finish, this riveting Brane-Cantenac already offers pleasure, yet I wouldn't be surprised to see this firm up with 4-5 years of bottle age, only to reemerge later and drink beautifully for 30+ years. It's one of the truly greats in the appellation, and readers will love to have this beauty in the cellar.

Decanter 98 Points | Crushed velvet smoothness and almost weightless purity. Gorgeous aromatics – wild flowers, bramble fruit and soft cinnamon. Bright berry fruit, salty mineral touches and a hint of liquorice create charm and depth. This exudes Margaux elegance with bounce, finesse and fleshiness. Already so enjoyable but built to develop further. An utterly delicious wine that captures the essence of the vintage.

Jane Anson 98 Points | Deep plum colour, touch of grilled campfire smoke on the aromatics, good lift through the finish, this is so enjoyable, clearly skilled and full of joy. One of the wines of the vintage, totally delivers on En Primeur beauty. 

Winemaker

Chateau Brane-Cantenac was for many years the home of Lucien Lurton - it is now owned and run by his son Henri. Its vineyards are located west of the village of Cantenac in the Margaux appellation. Brane-Cantenac's vineyards are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (4.5%), and Carmenere 0,5%, and lie on fine, gravelly soils. Vinification includes up to 18 months of wood ageing, a third to a half in new 'barriques'.

Winemaker Description 

Instead of the typical tropical and grassy notes of Sauvignon Blanc, this wine offers refreshing hints of crushed rock and citrus. This distinct minerality comes from the limestone parcel where it originates, known as "Les Pierres Plates" or "the flat stones," which is filled with fossilized shells from the Kimmeridgian period. This same type of soil is found in Chablis and parts of Champagne, producing bone-dry, flinty, and almost saline wines that are ideal for pairing with shellfish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine de Reuilly "Les Pierres Plates" Sauvignon Blanc 2024 is a striking example of why wine enthusiasts often call Reuilly the "hidden gem" of the Loire Valley. Produced by Denis Jamain, this wine is famous for its "Chablis-like" personality—bone-dry, intensely mineral, and chiseled.

The name translates to "The Flat Stones," referring to the specific vineyard site composed of Kimmeridgian limestone—the same ancient, fossil-rich soil found in Chablis and Sancerre. This provides the wine with its signature high-tension acidity and flinty "wet stone" finish.

This wine’s bracing acidity and saline notes make it a "super-pairing" for seafood and regional French snacks:

• Shellfish: Fresh oysters on the half-shell or chilled shrimp.

• Cheese: Classic Loire pairing with goat cheeses like Crottin de Chavignol or Valençay.

• Light Fare: Spring pea risotto, asparagus salad, or ceviche with plenty of lime juice.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux) 91 Points | Crisp citrus, white pear, a ton of peach juice, slate, cloves, this is unfussy, easy drinking, and great value. Pierre Lurton home estate.

James Suckling 91 Points | Light, crispy stone fruit with gooseberries and guava. Dry, this has light to medium body and good acidity. Medium finish.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni/Neal Martin) 90 Points | Just bottled, the 2024 Marjosse is pretty hard to beat for its quality and price. Brisk, dry and inviting... White flowers, citrus peel, mint and almond linger."