Introductory Offer Wines

Expert Reviews — 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. Will evolve nicely over the coming 8–10 years.

Winemaker Description

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint Joseph OFFERUS 2023 750ml

The Offerus is produced by Chave Sélection, the négociant arm of the legendary Chave family — one of the Northern Rhône’s most revered dynasties. While the Domaine’s own Saint-Joseph commands upwards of $130, the Offerus delivers a similar pedigree and granite-driven terroir character at a fraction of the price. Pure Syrah sourced from the granitic hillsides of Saint-Joseph, it is a benchmark insider value in the appellation and a testament to the Chave family’s uncompromising standards across every tier of their portfolio.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence, roasted duck breast, or beef daube.
• Classic French: Hearty cassoulet, charcuterie board, or braised short ribs with olives.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire, or a firm washed-rind cheese.

Pierre Moncuit Coulmet Brut Blanc de Blancs (Base 2020) is a beautifully expressive Grower Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from the Côte de Sézanne, just south of the famed Côte des Blancs. Produced by the historic family-run house of Pierre Moncuit, this cuvée offers a fresh and approachable introduction to the domaine's elegant, Chardonnay-driven style.

Though labeled non-vintage, this release is based on the 2020 harvest. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and aged on the lees for approximately 24 months before release, giving it lovely texture and finesse while preserving its bright, mineral character.

In the glass, Coulmet opens with inviting aromas of white peach, lemon zest, green apple, fresh flowers, and light pastry notes. The palate is crisp and lively, with fine bubbles and flavors of citrus, orchard fruit, chalk, and subtle brioche. Clean, balanced, and refreshing — an exceptional aperitif and a wonderful match for shellfish, sushi, light seafood dishes, and soft cheeses.

A terrific value in Grower Champagne and a perfect bottle for those discovering the purity and charm of Blanc de Blancs.

"The NV (Base 2020) Brut Blanc de Blancs Coulmet, from vines in Sézanne, is soft, open-knit and gracious, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Baked apple tart, apricot, dried flowers and spice are all beautifully laced together. This is such a pretty and alluring Champagne. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2025."
— Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media | 91 VM

"The wine (Base 2020) offers up a lovely nose of pear, raw almond, chalky soil tones, bread dough and a topnote of white flowers. On the palate the wine is bright, zesty and full-bodied, with a good core of fruit, fine mineral undertow, elegant mousse, brisk acids and fine length and grip on the complex and well balanced finish. Good juice. (Drink between 2024–2045)"
— Jeb Dunnuck | 90 JD

Wine Details

• Producer: Pierre Moncuit
• Cuvée: Coulmet
• Style: Brut Blanc de Blancs
• Base Vintage: 2020
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Subregion: Côte de Sézanne
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel
• Aging: Approx. 24 months sur lie
• Dosage: 7 g/L
• Disgorgement: May 2025

About Pierre Moncuit

Based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne Pierre Moncuit is a historic family estate particularly renowned for its Chardonnay-based Champagnes. While the estate's flagship Delos cuvée comes from Grand Cru Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Coulmet draws from the family's holdings in the Côte de Sézanne — a region prized for its rounder, fruit-forward expression of Chardonnay.

Why We Like It

Coulmet delivers the hallmark precision and elegance of Pierre Moncuit at an accessible price point. The Côte de Sézanne fruit adds a generous, approachable character that makes this an ideal everyday Champagne — and a compelling introduction to the world of Grower Champagne.

Mineral · Fresh · Elegant · Precise · Persistent

A beautifully structured Premier Cru Chablis with orchard fruit, floral lift and classic mineral tension.

Domaine William Fèvre’s Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2023 is a refined expression of one of Chablis’ most respected Premier Cru vineyards. Montmains is known for producing wines with excellent freshness, firm mineral structure and the ability to develop beautifully with time.

Under longtime winemaker Didier Séguier, William Fèvre brings together fruit from multiple parcels across Montmains, including sections of Forêts and Butteaux. The result is a wine that combines the vineyard’s characteristic restraint and mineral grip with impressive depth, elegance and persistence. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The 2023 vintage opens with delicate aromas of white blossom, freshly cut golden apple and subtle brioche, joined by notes of green apple, gooseberry, acacia flower and gentle spice.

On the palate, the wine is lively, fresh and beautifully balanced. Bright orchard fruit is carried by crisp acidity, while a firm mineral backbone adds structure and definition. There is excellent substance beneath the freshness, giving the wine both immediate appeal and the potential to develop additional complexity in the cellar.

The finish is long, precise and persistent, with a cool mineral character and subtle saline quality that are unmistakably Chablis.

Food Pairing

Pair with oysters, scallops, crab, lobster and grilled white fish, as well as roast chicken, veal, creamy seafood dishes and fresh goat cheese. Its combination of freshness and structure also makes it an excellent partner for dishes finished with light butter or cream sauces.

Serve lightly chilled to allow the wine’s floral aromas, orchard fruit and mineral complexity to fully emerge.

Professional Ratings

95 Decanter Magazine: In the hands of Fèvre winemaker Didier Séguier, premier cru Montmains has a certain initial reserve. But with time, the green apple and gooseberry notes, touched with acacia blossoms and spice, open up on the palate. The texture is lively and fresh, yet there is substance here as well. The grapes are assembled from 10 parcels throughout Montmains, including some in Forêts and Butteaux. Séguier explains that Butteaux is deep in the valley and further from the Serein so it ripens later. The grapes are fermented in tank and older casks for 40–50% of the harvest.

94 Jasper Morris: Assembled earlier today, so cloudy and this procedure also masks the nose. Classic Montmains behind, with the usual reductive grip, yet also some elegance, very persistent. The lees were first class, says Didier Seguier and this certainly has the makings of a first class Montmains. Barrel sample: 91-94

94 Wine Enthusiast: Delicate aromas of white blossom, brioche, freshly cut golden apple, and dried grass draw in the nose with feathery opulence. The palate is rich with citrusy acidity that plays second fiddle to fall-rip- ened orchard fruit that washes across wet stone on the finish. Editor’s Choice.

93 James Suckling: Lovely elegance with a chalky, marine-like character to the nose, along with lime and minerals. Medium weight, with chalky notes and some white fruit leading to a pithy, lightly salty, bitter finish. Very attractive.

92 Wine Spectator: There’s a sleek feel to this white despite its rich texture, revealing lemon, apple and flint flavors, plus a hint of honey. Harmonious and enticing, this ends with citrus and stone elements. Shows fine expression and length.

The Style

Fresh, elegant and mineral-driven — a classic Premier Cru Chablis with beautiful tension, depth and a long, precise finish.

J. Vignier Ora Alba Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut — Côte des Blancs 2013 Base

Ora Alba — "the first light of day" — is J. Vignier's interpretation of northern Côte des Blancs Chardonnay at its most luminous and precise. Produced entirely from Grand Cru fruit sourced from three prestigious villages — Cramant, Chouilly, and Oiry — the cuvée draws on deep Cretaceous chalk complemented by marl and clay, a geology that yields Champagne of both mineral tension and generous texture. Cramant contributes structure and pronounced chalky minerality, Chouilly adds elegance and ripe fruit, and Oiry brings freshness and linear precision. Vinified and aged in stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation, then aged on the lees for an extended period before disgorgement, the 2013 base gives the wine exceptional depth and a decade-plus of development. Certified sustainable by Socofret.

Fresh and refined on the nose: lemon zest, white peach, green apple, and delicate white flowers, with subtle brioche and toasted almond emerging with air. The palate is precise and energetic — layers of citrus, orchard fruit, and chalky minerality carried by fine bubbles and a softly creamy texture. The finish is long, dry, and elegant, with a persistent mineral drive that speaks clearly of its Grand Cru origins.

"Ora Alba is the Vignier family's vision of northern Côte des Blancs Chardonnay — bright, luminous, and deeply mineral."

• Producer: J. Vignier, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Base Vintage: 2013
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Villages: Cramant, Chouilly & Oiry
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs Brut
• Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and clay
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by Socofret
• Vinification: Stainless steel; full malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: Extended aging before disgorgement
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, white peach, green apple, white flowers, brioche, toasted almond, chalky minerality, long dry finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, caviar, lobster, scallops, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses

A 2013 base. Three Grand Cru villages. Extended lees aging. J. Vignier's Ora Alba is northern Côte des Blancs Blanc de Blancs at its most precise and compelling.

A polished and expressive Brunello offering ripe Tuscan fruit, savory woodland character, refreshing acidity and a firm, age-worthy finish.

Wine Description

Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2020 is an elegant and layered expression of Sangiovese Grosso from one of Montalcino’s most historic estates. Situated southwest of Montalcino, the CastelGiocondo vineyards rise approximately 300 to 400 meters above sea level, with favorable southwest-facing exposures and a diverse combination of clay, sand and schist soils.

This varied landscape brings complexity and definition to the wine. The 2020 vintage opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, raspberry and pomegranate, followed by violet, rose and subtle woodland notes. With time in the glass, savory layers of licorice, white pepper, star anise, toasted spice and earth begin to emerge.

Medium to full-bodied, the palate begins soft and velvety, with generous ripe fruit balanced by refreshing acidity and dense, finely structured tannins. The finish is long, savory and mineral-driven, showing the depth and restraint expected from classic Brunello di Montalcino.

Winemaking

The Sangiovese Grosso grapes are carefully selected in the vineyard and again at the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, with frequent pump-overs during the early stages to encourage color, aroma and gentle extraction. The wine is subsequently matured in wood and refined in bottle until it reaches its characteristic balance and harmony.

About CastelGiocondo

CastelGiocondo is a remarkable historic estate dominated by an ancient castle and medieval village. Its vineyards benefit from elevation, well-drained soils, warm Tuscan sunshine and cooling Mediterranean influences—all ideal conditions for producing structured, aromatic and long-lived Sangiovese.

The diversity of the estate’s soils and exposures allows Frescobaldi to create a Brunello with remarkable depth and evolving complexity. Each glass reveals something new, from vibrant red and dark fruit to floral, earthy and spice-driven nuances.

Food Pairing

An excellent companion to braised beef, osso buco, roasted lamb, wild mushrooms, truffle dishes, aged Pecorino Toscano and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It is also a natural match for traditional Tuscan preparations, including pappardelle with wild-boar ragù and bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Serving Suggestions

Serve at approximately 60–65°F in a large red-wine glass. When enjoyed young, decanting for one to two hours will help reveal the wine’s aromatic detail and soften its youthful structure. Delicious beginning in 2026, it also has the balance and tannic foundation for further development in the cellar.

Expert Ratings

94  James Suckling: Pretty Brunello with licorice, smoky woodland and ripe black cherries. Medium-bodied, soft and velvety at the start, then thick with an austere finish. Refreshing acidity. Good definition and savoriness here, yet it’s mostly fruity. Needs time to develop greater complexity. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.

93 Decanter: Davide Bozzon has been the resident winemaker at Castelgiocondo since this 2020 vintage. Given the hot conditions, he kept macerations to under 28 days to rein in the power and keep the wine from becoming too heavy. After one year in neutral barriques, it refines for a further two in large Slavonian oak casks. Grenadine and macerated red plum are topped with chocolate, rosemary and oregano. Smooth and polished on entry, luxurious fruit is laced with espresso and leather. Despite its girth, a concentration of frisky acidity persists through the core. That charming touch of Tuscan rusticity is felt in its dry, dusty tannins on the back end.

93 Wine Spectator: Fresh and expressive, this red displays cherry, raspberry, earth, leather and menthol flavors. There are gripping tannins, yet it's the vivid acidity that makes a stronger impact as it propels the long finish. Best from 2028 through 2045. 25,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.

92 Jeb Dunnuck: Pouring a saturated magenta/ruby hue, the 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is warming with ripe fruit on the nose, including tarry notes of baked black cherries, pine sap, polished leather, and toasted oak spice. While it's full-bodied, it keeps a snappy lift of crunchy acidity, with a rich coating texture and notes of dark chocolate-covered orange on the finish.

Wine Details

Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2020

Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | 750ml

92 Points by Antonio Galloni, Vinous

The 2021 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Montagne de Reims No. 2, from vines in Villers-Marmery, is bright and very nicely sculpted. Lemon peel, white flowers, dried herbs, chalk and white pepper all race out of the glass. This Blanc de Blancs really sizzles with tension and salivating energy. The No.2 is the only wine in the range that incorporates some purchased fruit. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: March 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year.

~ Antonio Galloni, VINOUS – November 2025

R. Pouillon & Fils | Les Châtaigniers | Extra-Brut | Festigny, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 2019 | Organic

R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards with rigorous organic principles and a deep commitment to expressing the individual character of each parcel — producing wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir transparency.

Les Châtaigniers is a distinctive single-vineyard Champagne from the village of Festigny, situated on the left bank of the Marne Valley in the Vallée du Flagot. The parcel's calcareous clay soils create an especially expressive terroir for Pinot Meunier — a grape that is often underestimated in Champagne but capable of extraordinary depth, structure, and refinement in the right hands and the right site. The clay-rich soils encourage generosity and texture, while the calcareous component contributes freshness, precision, and a firm mineral backbone.

The fruit is harvested by hand and vinified in oak casks ranging from new barrels to vessels up to ten years old, then rested for approximately 18 months in neutral barriques before bottling. Full malolactic fermentation adds roundness and creaminess. Beginning with the 2019 vintage, Pouillon extended his innovative Méthode Fabrice Pouillon to all estate Champagnes — using naturally sweet grape juice from the domaine for the secondary fermentation and dosage rather than externally sourced sugar, preserving a more direct connection between the finished Champagne, its fruit, and its vineyard of origin.

Broad, vinous, and deeply expressive. Aromas of golden apple, quince, ripe pear, and subtle red fruit joined by floral, herbal, and gently savory notes, with hints of flint, warm spice, toasted grain, and earthy minerality. On the palate, the natural roundness of Pinot Meunier is balanced by vibrant acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. Generous fruit and supple texture are anchored by mineral tension, giving the wine both richness and energy. The finish is long, dry, and layered — lingering orchard fruit, chalk, spice, and a delicate reductive character. A gastronomic Champagne with the depth and structure to accompany an entire meal.

Pair with roasted poultry, pork, veal, creamy mushroom dishes, fried seafood, richer fish preparations, washed-rind cheeses, and aged Comté.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Les Châtaigniers
• Style: Extra-Brut
• Appellation: Festigny, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Grape: Pinot Meunier (100%)
• Vintage: 2019
• Farming: Organic
• Soils: Calcareous clay (Vallée du Flagot)
• Vinification: Oak casks (new to 10 years old); Méthode Fabrice Pouillon
• Élevage: ~18 months in neutral barriques; full malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: Extra-Brut (estate grape juice)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2019

• WineLens — 95 pts: Complex and distinctive — apple, quince, herbal and floral notes with touches of flint and gentle reduction. Medium to full-bodied with excellent freshness and acidity, beautiful roundness, impressive dimension, and a long finish.

Geoffroy “Expression” Premier Cru Brut is the signature non-vintage Champagne of this historic grower-producer. Built around the 2021 harvest and enriched with an equal proportion of reserve wines from a perpetual blend begun in 1970, Expression brings together ripe orchard fruit, red-fruit nuance, chalky minerality and a finely detailed mousse.

The blend is sourced from Premier Cru vineyards in Cumières and Hautvillers in the Vallée de la Marne. Pinot Noir and Meunier provide body, fruit and vinous depth, while Chardonnay contributes citrus freshness, precision and lift. A very low dosage of 3 grams per liter gives the wine a dry, focused profile while preserving the generosity and expressive fruit that define the Geoffroy style.

The Place

Expression reflects vineyards planted on the right bank of the Grande Vallée de la Marne, primarily around the Premier Cru village of Cumières, with additional fruit from Hautvillers Premier Cru.

Cumières lies between the Marne River and the forested slopes northwest of Épernay. Its favorably exposed hillside vineyards are particularly well suited to Pinot Noir and Meunier, producing wines with ripeness, generous fruit and notable vinosity. Chardonnay brings additional freshness and finesse to the final blend.

The soils vary across the source parcels and include clay-limestone, marl and sand. Clay contributes breadth and fruit concentration, while limestone and chalk provide freshness, structure and a persistent mineral character. The varied soils and exposures allow Geoffroy to create a layered Champagne that expresses the broader personality of the Vallée de la Marne rather than a single vineyard.

The Expression Cuvée

Expression is considered the introductory or foundational cuvée of Champagne Geoffroy, but its production is far from simple. The wine is assembled from several vineyard parcels, three grape varieties and an extensive collection of reserve wines.

The Geoffroy family describes Expression as its “memory wine,” connecting the character of the current harvest with previous generations. Each release combines a substantial proportion of the base vintage with wine drawn from the estate’s perpetual reserve, which was established by René Geoffroy in 1970.

This reserve system gives the Champagne consistency and complexity while allowing each new base vintage to remain visible. The youthful energy of 2021 is balanced by the depth, texture and maturity contributed by reserve wines spanning many previous harvests.

The Base-2021 Blend

The base-2021 release is composed of:

35% Meunier
35% Pinot Noir
30% Chardonnay

Approximately 50% of the blend comes from the 2021 harvest. The remaining 50% comes from Geoffroy’s perpetual reserve, which contains wines dating from its establishment in 1970 through the years preceding the 2021 harvest.

Meunier contributes aromatic fruit, suppleness and immediate charm. Pinot Noir gives the wine structure, depth and subtle red-fruit character. Chardonnay adds citrus freshness, floral lift and mineral precision.

Together, the three varieties produce a Champagne that is ripe and generous without becoming heavy, with firm acidity and chalky minerality preserving energy throughout the finish.

The 2021 Base Vintage

The 2021 growing season in Champagne was cooler and more difficult than several of the warm, dry vintages that preceded it. Careful vineyard selection was essential, but successful growers produced wines with bright acidity, aromatic freshness and a distinctly classical Champagne profile.

In Expression, the lively character of the 2021 base wine is complemented by the broader texture and maturity of the perpetual reserve. The result combines the freshness and tension of the vintage with the depth and continuity of a multi-vintage blend.

Viticulture

Champagne Geoffroy follows a practicing-organic and sustainability-focused approach in the vineyard. The estate avoids chemical weedkillers, encourages biodiversity, cultivates cover crops and works the soil to maintain healthy microbial activity and deeper root systems.

The grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and carefully sorted before pressing. Geoffroy’s emphasis on ripe, healthy fruit is especially important because Expression is intended to display both freshness and a distinctive vinous richness.

The source vines are generally more than 30 years old and are distributed among multiple Premier Cru parcels in Cumières and Hautvillers.

Winemaking

The grapes are pressed in a traditional Coquard press. Vinification is conducted parcel by parcel, allowing the character of each vineyard, grape variety and soil type to be assessed before the final blend is assembled.

The base wines are fermented and matured in a combination of temperature-controlled enameled tanks and neutral oak barrels. The perpetual reserve is maintained in concrete tanks, which allow the reserve wine to develop texture and complexity without contributing overt oak flavor.

Malolactic fermentation is only partially completed for this release. Retaining a portion of the wine’s natural malic acidity helps preserve freshness and tension, while partial malolactic fermentation softens the texture and adds balance.

The assembled Champagne underwent secondary fermentation in bottle and matured for approximately 30 months on its lees. Extended lees contact contributes the creamy mousse and subtle notes of brioche, bread dough and pastry found in the finished wine.

The dosage is only 3 grams per liter, giving Expression a notably dry profile. This restrained dosage highlights the wine’s acidity, chalky mineral character and savory complexity while allowing its ripe fruit to remain expressive.

Tasting Notes

The base-2021 Expression pours a bright straw-yellow color with a persistent stream of fine bubbles. The bouquet opens with fresh apple, pear, quince and preserved lemon, accompanied by red currant, ripe black cherry and orange peel.

As the wine opens, additional notes of white flowers, crushed chalk, toasted brioche, pastry cream, smoke and subtle nuttiness emerge. The reserve-wine component contributes depth and maturity, while the 2021 base preserves aromatic freshness and energy.

The palate is medium-bodied, focused and beautifully balanced. Firm acidity is wrapped in a creamy, finely detailed mousse, producing a Champagne that feels both energetic and polished. Orchard fruit and citrus are joined by subtle red-fruit flavors, toasted bread and a lightly pithy texture.

A distinct mineral foundation runs through the wine, bringing notes of crushed stone and chalk to the foreground. The finish is crisp, savory and persistent, with preserved lemon, brioche and mineral flavors lingering after each sip.

Expression is approachable upon release, but its combination of reserve-wine complexity, vibrant acidity and extended lees aging allows it to develop additional richness and harmony with short-term cellaring.

Professional Ratings

93 Points — James Suckling: "Dry with delicious sliced-apple and chalk aromas and flavors with crushed-stone undertones. It™s medium-bodied with a focused palate and a crisp, delicious finish. Nicely done. Drink now." 2025-08-05

92 Points — Wine Spectator: "A mouthwatering version, with firm acidity swathed in the creamy, finely detailed mousse, this offers a rich, tightly meshed range of ripe black cherry, preserved lemon, toasted brioche, smoke and pastry cream flavors. A minerally underpinning drives the finish. Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged September 2024. 750 cases imported. - AN"

91 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: "A bright yellow hue, the NV Champagne 1er Cru Expression Brut is from the 2020 vintage but includes perpetual reserve wines going back to 1970. The nose displays notes of nectarine, golden apples, hay, and a hint of nuttiness or bread. Medium-bodied, with good balance on the palate, it™s quite harmonious and very tasty all around, with a fluffy mousse, notes of orange citrus, and a clean, savory finish. It™s quite approachable and will drink well now or over the coming 5-7 years. 5 grams per liter dosage."

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vines in Cumières since the 17th century. Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy represents the fifth generation of his family to grow grapes and produce wine in the Vallée de la Marne.

The family began placing greater emphasis on estate-bottled Champagne after the Second World War. In the 1970s, René Geoffroy decided to retain the family’s entire crop for Champagne production rather than selling grapes to larger houses. He also established the perpetual reserve that remains central to Expression today.

The estate now farms approximately 14 hectares, with most of its vineyards located in Cumières and additional parcels in Hautvillers, Damery and Fleury-la-Rivière. Although the winery and cellars are now located in Aÿ, the identity of Champagne Geoffroy remains deeply connected to the slopes of Cumières.

Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy’s approach combines careful vineyard work, ripe fruit, parcel-by-parcel vinification and restrained dosage. The wines are known for their balance of vinous depth, energetic acidity and precise expression of the Vallée de la Marne.

Food Pairing

Expression is an excellent aperitif, but its texture, low dosage and substantial reserve-wine component also make it a versatile food Champagne.

Serve with oysters, shrimp, crab cakes, smoked salmon, seafood pastries, scallops, sushi or tempura. It also pairs beautifully with roast chicken, veal sweetbreads, pork tenderloin, mushroom tart, aged Comté and other firm, savory cheeses.

The wine’s acidity and chalky finish cut through butter and cream, while its orchard-fruit, brioche and subtle red-fruit flavors complement roasted poultry, pastry-based appetizers and richer seafood dishes.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 46–50°F. A white-wine glass rather than a narrow flute will allow the wine’s orchard fruit, brioche, mineral and reserve-wine aromas to develop more fully.

Expression is ready to drink upon release and may be enjoyed over the next five to seven years. Additional bottle age will soften the mousse and encourage more developed notes of toasted nuts, honey, pastry and dried orchard fruit.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Expression
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Villages: Cumières Premier Cru and Hautvillers Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Non-Vintage Brut Champagne
Base Vintage: 2021
Blend: 35% Meunier, 35% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay
Vintage Composition: 50% 2021 and 50% perpetual reserve
Perpetual Reserve: Established in 1970
Soils: Clay-limestone, marl and sand
Vine Age: Generally more than 30 years
Farming: Practicing organic and sustainability-focused
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Press: Traditional Coquard press
Fermentation: Enameled tanks and neutral oak barrels
Reserve-Wine Aging: Concrete tanks
Malolactic Fermentation: Partial
Lees Aging: Approximately 30 months
Dosage: 3 grams per liter
Disgorgement: September 2024
Alcohol: Approximately 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy “Expression” Premier Cru Brut Champagne — Base 2021

The 2023 Roland Green Vineyard Pinot Noir is a distinctive single-vineyard expression from The Eyrie Vineyards, combining the elegance and freshness associated with the Dundee Hills with a darker, more fruit-forward personality. Brambly blackberry fruit, savory undertones and firm, textured tannins give this limited-production Pinot Noir both immediate appeal and excellent potential for further development in bottle.

Named in honor of Roland Green Lett, the vineyard was first planted in 1988 to Pommard and Wädenswil Pinot Noir clones. The site rises from approximately 540 to 720 feet elevation and enjoys a direct southern exposure. Eyrie describes Roland Green as a site capable of producing Pinot Noir with exceptional texture, depth and finesse. More recent plantings, including vines established in 2016, complement the mature blocks and add an especially bright, fresh fruit character to the wine.

Like Eyrie’s other estate vineyards, Roland Green is certified organic and farmed according to regenerative, no-till principles. The winery focuses on maintaining healthy soil ecosystems and naturally balanced vines rather than relying on intensive intervention. The elevated, south-facing site and volcanic Dundee Hills soils contribute both ripeness and structural definition to the finished wine.

Eyrie’s single-vineyard Pinot Noirs are deliberately handled with a restrained cellar approach so that differences in vineyard site remain clearly visible. Native yeast fermentation, small fermentation vessels and extended élevage are central to the program, emphasizing texture, freshness and the individual character of each vineyard rather than overt winemaking influence.

The 2023 Roland Green is particularly expressive and fruit-driven, with brambly blackberry taking center stage. Compared with some of Eyrie’s more reserved vineyard selections, this vintage is somewhat more forward and immediately generous, while retaining the structure and savory character associated with the site. Dusty, textured tannins frame the dark fruit and provide a firm finish that should become increasingly integrated with additional bottle age.

Expert Rating

95 Points — Paul Gregutt

Gregutt highlights the influence of Roland Green’s younger vines, noting their bright, fresh fruit character. He describes the 2023 as more fruit-forward than some of Eyrie’s other vineyard selections, centered on brambly blackberry fruit with textured, dusty tannins that should soften further with time in bottle. Only 193 cases were produced.

With its combination of ripe dark fruit, freshness, firm structure and Dundee Hills elegance, the 2023 Roland Green Vineyard offers a particularly compelling expression of Eyrie’s vineyard-focused approach to Pinot Noir.

Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Roland Green Vineyard
Clones: Pommard & Wädenswil
Elevation: Approximately 540–720 feet
Exposure: South-facing
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 193 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml

Named for a longtime friend of the winery, Daphne Vineyard contains just 1.5 acres of Pinot Noir, planted to the Pommard clone beginning in 1974. The Pinot Noir vines sit approximately 820 to 860 feet above sea level, near the top of this dramatically elevated site. The vineyard’s soils are exceptionally shallow—averaging less than ten inches over large underlying boulders—which contributes to the wine’s distinctive intensity, mineral character and naturally limited yields.

Daphne is the highest of Eyrie’s estate Pinot Noir sites. Its elevation and exposed position bring cooler conditions and help preserve acidity, while the mature vines produce very small clusters of intensely flavored fruit. Eyrie farms its vineyards organically and employs regenerative, no-till practices intended to protect soil biology and allow each vineyard to express its individual character.

Eyrie’s restrained winemaking philosophy places vineyard character ahead of cellar technique. Native fermentation, gentle handling, minimal racking and extended élevage are used to preserve freshness, aromatic complexity and transparency of site. The approach produces wines that can be compelling when young while also developing beautifully over extended bottle age.

The 2023 Daphne Vineyard Pinot Noir is especially concentrated and expressive. Layers of raspberry, blueberry and marionberry are carried by lively acidity, while earthy and exotic savory notes bring additional complexity. Hints of mushroom, sassafras and sandalwood emerge as the wine opens, leading into a long, slowly unfolding finish.

Expert Rating

96 Points — Paul Gregutt

Gregutt describes the 2023 Daphne as showing terrific concentration, with raspberry, blueberry and marionberry fruit supported by energetic acidity and nuances of powdered mushroom, sassafras and sandalwood. He also emphasizes its lingering finish. Only 153 cases were produced, making this one of Eyrie’s most limited single-vineyard Pinot Noirs.

Powerful without sacrificing elegance, the 2023 Daphne Vineyard is a compelling expression of old-vine Dundee Hills Pinot Noir. Its combination of concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, mineral depth and savory complexity makes it particularly suited to further development in the cellar.

Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Daphne Vineyard
Clone: Pommard
Pinot Noir Plantings: Beginning in 1974
Pinot Noir Area: Approximately 1.5 Acres
Elevation: Approximately 820–860 Feet
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 153 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml

Floral · Chalky · Saline · Pure · Elegant

A beautifully refined Premier Cru Chablis with vibrant citrus, crushed-shell minerality and a long, cool saline finish.

Domaine William Fèvre’s Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys 2023 is a graceful and highly distinctive expression of the left bank of the Serein. Les Lys is a historic climat within the celebrated Vaillons Premier Cru, situated toward the upper portion of the hillside and known for producing Chablis of exceptional elegance, freshness and finesse.

William Fèvre owns approximately 0.99 hectare in Les Lys, an east-facing parcel planted on clay soils over Chablis’ famous Kimmeridgian limestone. Historically associated with French royalty, the vineyard combines a privileged location with a cooler personality that allows the fruit to ripen slowly while preserving beautiful acidity and mineral definition.

The 2023 vintage opens with bright aromas of green apple, lemon oil and fresh stone fruit, joined by white flowers, subtle herbs and delicate marine notes. With air, layers of oyster shell, chalk and crushed stone become increasingly pronounced.

On the palate, the wine is precise, fresh and beautifully balanced. Orchard fruit and citrus are carried by lively acidity, while a finely textured chalkiness gives the wine shape and definition. There is an appealing suppleness through the mid-palate, but the overall impression remains cool, mineral and distinctly Chablisien.

The finish is long and refreshing, marked by crushed shell, citrus zest and a lingering saline quality. Les Lys is less about sheer power than purity, elegance and mineral tension, making it a particularly refined expression of William Fèvre’s Premier Cru holdings.

Winemaking is deliberately gentle to preserve the character of the vineyard. The fruit is handled largely by gravity, followed by delicate pressing and natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. The wine is matured with a restrained use of older French oak before completing its élevage in stainless steel, maintaining freshness and allowing the terroir to remain at the forefront.

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for oysters, clams, scallops, shrimp and grilled seafood, as well as delicate white fish such as sole, halibut and sea bass.

Its combination of freshness and texture also pairs beautifully with roast chicken, poultry in a light cream sauce, goat cheese and gently seasoned vegetable dishes.

Serve lightly chilled to allow the wine’s floral character, subtle fruit and mineral complexity to fully emerge.

Professional Ratings

94 James Suckling: More green stone fruit and chopped herbs on the nose, with crushed shells and mineral. Bright, dry and medium-weighted, with a nicely chalky mouthfeel despite the vertical, zestier acidity. Stony, cool and pure on the finish.

93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Sourced from a north-facing site beneath forest cover with clay-rich soils, a parcel selection in Vaillons, the 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys is among the most quintessentially Chablisien wines in the portfolio and is harvested around a week later than the fruit that enters the Vaillons bottling. It offers aromas of oyster juice, white flowers, lemon oil and Granny Smith apple, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, incisive and pure palate that is elegant yet racy and fresh, concluding with a long, saline finish.

93 Vinous: The 2023 Chablis Les Lys 1er Cru comes from a single hectare of vines. Lime, red apple and touches of orange pith and peach skin develop in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a taut line of acidity, silky smooth, very composed with a lot of finesse on the finish. This is one of the domaine's hidden gems and should not be under-estimated.

92 Jasper Morris: Clear pale lemon yellow. The nose is taking coaxing but has the precision. Very good tension, still with delicacy despite the concentration, nothing dilute here, good tension with a little bitterness at the back. Barrel sample: 90-92

92 Wine Enthusiast: This is a particularly well-balanced Cha- blis. Aromas of green apple, lightly browned toast, and lilac open on the nose accented by dried white blos- som. The saline-dusted palate washes across crushed shells and rides a wave of chalky acidity that becomes more emergent on the finish.

The Style

Elegant, cool and mineral-driven — a beautifully precise Premier Cru Chablis combining floral finesse, chalky freshness and a lingering saline finish.

William Fèvre Chablis 1er Cru Les Lys 2023

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

Produced from 100% Chardonnay, this refined white Burgundy comes from Les Champs Gains, a highly regarded Premier Cru vineyard situated high on the slope above Les Folatières in Puligny-Montrachet. The vineyard’s name translates to “fields reclaimed from the forest,” reflecting land that was historically cleared for cultivation.

The elevated, cool site lies approximately 340 to 360 meters above sea level. Its stony clay-limestone soils contain abundant pebbles and relatively little clay, contributing freshness, vibrant acidity and a distinctly mineral character. The domaine’s mature vines bring added concentration, depth and complexity to the wine.

The 2023 vintage opens with fresh, bright aromas of orchard fruit, citrus and delicate white flowers. The palate is fine-boned, precise and tightly woven, offering lively citrus fruit, refreshing acidity and an elegant mineral core. Subtle toasted notes from restrained oak aging add complexity without obscuring the wine’s purity. The finish is long, balanced and beautifully focused, suggesting excellent potential for further development in the bottle.

Following whole-cluster pressing and a period of settling, fermentation takes place with natural yeasts. The wine is matured for approximately eleven months in barrel, including 25–30% new oak, followed by an additional period in stainless-steel tanks. Bâtonnage is avoided, helping preserve the wine’s freshness, clarity and individual expression of terroir.

The Chavy family has cultivated vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet for more than two centuries. Today, Jean-Louis Chavy and his son Paul continue the family’s six-generation tradition, producing Chardonnay recognized for its elegance, precision, balance and clear expression of Puligny-Montrachet’s limestone-rich soils.

• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Subregion: Côte de Beaune
• Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru
• Vineyard: Les Champs Gains
• Classification: Premier Cru
• Vine Age: Mature vines, approximately 40 to 50 years old
• Altitude: Approximately 340–360 meters
• Soil: Stony clay-limestone with abundant pebbles
• Vinification: Whole-cluster pressed and fermented with natural yeasts
• Aging: Approximately 11 months in barrel, including 25–30% new oak, followed by stainless-steel maturation
• Alcohol: Approximately 13%
• Style: Dry, floral, precise and mineral-driven white Burgundy
• Cellaring: Enjoyable young, with approximately 7–8 years of aging potential
• Serving Temperature: Approximately 50–55°F

Food Pairings: An elegant companion to oysters, scallops, lobster, grilled or roasted fish, roast chicken, veal, creamy mushroom dishes, Comté and other mild Alpine cheeses.

Domaine J-L & F Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Champs Gains 2023

Produced from 100% Chardonnay, this distinguished white Burgundy comes from Les Clavoillons, a Premier Cru vineyard situated in the heart of Puligny-Montrachet. The vineyard lies between Les Pucelles to the south and Les Folatières to the north, placing it among some of the appellation’s most celebrated Chardonnay terroirs.

The approximately 40-year-old vines are planted at an elevation of about 230 meters, with a southeast-facing exposure and chalky limestone soils containing a higher proportion of clay. This lower-slope location gives Les Clavoillons a character that is typically richer and rounder than Puligny-Montrachet vineyards situated higher on the hillside, while retaining the appellation’s signature freshness and mineral precision.

The elegant 2023 vintage opens with aromas of lime blossom, fresh citrus, white peach and crisp apple. The palate is graceful and beautifully balanced, offering a creamy texture supported by fine acidity and a distinct mineral backbone. As the wine unfolds, delicate notes of baking spice and toasted brioche emerge, adding complexity to the long, refined finish.

The Chavy family has lived and worked in Puligny-Montrachet for more than two centuries. Jean-Louis Chavy established his own domaine in 2004 and today farms nearly seven hectares, including prized Premier Cru parcels in Les Clavoillons, Les Folatières, Les Champs Gains and Les Perrières. His wines are known for their purity, elegance and restrained use of oak, allowing each vineyard’s individual character to remain at the forefront.

• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Subregion: Côte de Beaune
• Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru
• Vineyard: Les Clavoillons
• Classification: Premier Cru
• Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
• Altitude: Approximately 230 meters
• Exposure: Southeast
• Soil: Chalky limestone with a higher concentration of clay
• Alcohol: Approximately 13%
• Style: Dry, elegant, creamy and mineral-driven white Burgundy
• Serving Temperature: Approximately 50–55°F

Food Pairings: An excellent match for oysters, raw seafood, grilled fish, scallops, lobster, roast poultry, veal, creamy mushroom dishes and mild Alpine cheeses.

Domaine J-L & F Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Clavoillons 2023

An emblematic white Burgundy from the historic Amiot family estate, this Chassagne-Montrachet is produced from Chardonnay grown across approximately twelve parcels situated along the lower slopes of the appellation. Exposures ranging from northeast to southwest help create a beautifully balanced wine with aromatic complexity, freshness and mineral definition.

The 2023 vintage opens with expressive aromas of ripe peach, yellow apple, pear, acacia blossom and tangerine, complemented by touches of vanilla and honey. The palate is creamy and generously textured, revealing flavors of orchard fruit, caramelized pineapple and almond, supported by lively acidity and a distinctive stony mineral character.

Rich yet precise, this old-vine Chardonnay combines the depth and generosity associated with Chassagne-Montrachet with an elegant freshness that carries through the long, finely balanced finish.

“Made from some of Guy Amiot’s older vines, this delightful wine has aromas of peach, acacia honey, and tangerine blossom. Well-structured with balanced acidity, it has flavors of caramelized pineapple, tropical fruit salad, and a touch of crushed quartz in the finish.” —Robb Report, March 2025

Serving and Pairing

Serve lightly chilled with lobster, scallops, roasted poultry, grilled fish, creamy pasta dishes, mushroom risotto, or soft and semi-firm cheeses. Delicious now, with the structure and balance to develop additional complexity with careful cellaring.

Wine Details

Producer: Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils
Vintage: 2023
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet
Wine Type: Dry White Wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 2023

A refined Premier Cru white Burgundy produced from Chardonnay grown in Les Champsgains, a well-exposed vineyard situated in the middle of the Chassagne-Montrachet hillside. Its eastern exposure and clay-limestone soils encourage excellent ripeness while preserving freshness, structure and mineral definition.

The 2023 vintage displays a bright golden color with green reflections. Floral aromas of honeysuckle, carnation and peony are joined by fresh apple, pear and citrus. The palate is rich and creamy, with concentrated orchard fruit, lively acidity and a finely chiseled mineral character.

Elegant yet intense, the wine finishes dry and persistent, with citrus zest, subtle herbal nuances and a restrained austerity that should soften and gain complexity with bottle age.

Critical Acclaim

Allen Meadows, Burghound: 88–91 Points “A more citrus-suffused nose freely reveals its combination of apple, pear and herbal tea nuances. There is outstanding intensity, if barely average density, to the utterly delicious flavors that conclude in a chiseled, moderately austere and impressively persistent finish that could also use more depth.”

Serving and Pairing

Serve lightly chilled with lobster, scallops, roasted fish, poultry in a cream sauce, mushroom risotto, creamy pasta dishes or soft and semi-firm cheeses. Enjoy for its youthful freshness or cellar carefully to allow greater depth and complexity to develop.

Wine Details

Producer: Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils
Vintage: 2023
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru
Vineyard: Les Champsgains
Classification: Premier Cru
Vineyard Area: 0.404 hectares
Exposure: East
Soil: Clay and limestone
Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
Wine Type: Dry White Wine
Bottle Size: 750ml
Suggested Drinking Window: 5–8 years
Estimated Aging Potential: Up to 10 years under proper storage conditions

Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Champsgains 2023

Domaine Guy Amiot’s Chardonnay comes from a northeast-facing parcel with a moderate slope and deep clay-limestone soils. These conditions create a wine that combines generous texture and ripe fruit with freshness, structure and mineral precision.

The 2023 vintage offers aromas and flavors of fresh and baked apple, ripe pear, white flowers and subtle toasted notes. The palate is rich and rounded, balanced by lively acidity and a distinctive stony minerality that carries through the long, saline finish.

Expressive yet refined, this Premier Cru white Burgundy offers both immediate appeal and the structure to develop additional complexity with careful bottle aging.

Serving and Pairing

Serve lightly chilled with lobster, scallops, roasted fish, poultry in a cream sauce, mushroom risotto, creamy pasta dishes or soft and semi-firm cheeses.

Wine Details

Producer: Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils
Vintage: 2023
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru
Vineyard: Clos Saint-Jean
Classification: Premier Cru
Vineyard Area: 0.2462 hectares
Exposure: Northeast
Soil: Clay and limestone
Vine Age: Approximately 25 years
Wine Type: Dry White Wine
Alcohol: 13.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Suggested Drinking Window: 5–8 years
Estimated Aging Potential: Up to 10 years under proper storage conditions

Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Clos Saint-Jean 2023

92 Points - Wine Spectator
89-91 Points - Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy

Two vineyards. Two soils. One seamless expression of Meursault. Domaine Clos de la Chapelle's 2023 Cuvee Confluence draws from En Marcausse and Les Vignes Blanches, contiguous lieux-dits whose contrasting geology gives this village-level Chardonnay a complexity that rivals many a Premier Cru. Clay-driven richness meets limestone-driven tension, and the result is a white Burgundy of genuine depth, harmony and length.

The Place

Meursault occupies the heart of the Cote de Beaune, flanked by Volnay to the north and Puligny-Montrachet to the south. It is one of Burgundy's most celebrated white-wine villages, internationally recognized for Chardonnay that combines generous orchard fruit, hazelnut complexity and a pronounced limestone-derived mineral character with vibrant, food-friendly acidity.

Although Meursault has no Grand Cru vineyards, its finest Premier Cru and village-level climats produce some of Burgundy's most distinctive and age-worthy whites. The appellation encompasses approximately 382.64 hectares of white-wine production, including 103.79 hectares of Premier Cru, planted predominantly to Chardonnay in a complex mosaic of limestone, marl, clay and gravel.

The Meaning of Cuvee Confluence

The name Confluence speaks to a meeting of opposites: old vines and young, two adjoining vineyards, two distinct but complementary terroirs. Although En Marcausse and Les Vignes Blanches share a boundary, the soil composition shifts noticeably at the point where one vineyard meets the other, and it is precisely this contrast that defines the wine.

The Vineyards

En Marcausse lies immediately below Les Petits Charrons on the Meursault slope. Natural drainage is encouraged by a break in the topography, while the vineyard's higher clay content contributes body, texture and breadth to the finished wine. The domaine farms approximately 0.20 hectare here.

Les Vignes Blanches takes its name from the pale, gravelly limestone that characterizes the site. These chalkier soils deliver greater mineral tension, freshness and precision. The domaine holds approximately 0.41 hectare, farmed from both younger and older vines. For the 2023 vintage, Jasper Morris noted that a section previously planted to Pinot Noir has been top-grafted to Chardonnay, a change that will further strengthen the domaine's white-wine holdings from 2025 onward.

The Grape: 100% Chardonnay

Chardonnay is uniquely sensitive to variations in soil, elevation and exposure. In the limestone and clay soils of Meursault, it produces wines of generous orchard-fruit character, citrus freshness, hazelnut complexity and a distinct mineral or saline undertone. In Cuvee Confluence, it expresses both sides of the blend simultaneously: the rounded texture and ripeness of clay-rich En Marcausse, and the citrus-driven freshness and chalky tension of Les Vignes Blanches.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle's vineyards are certified organic and cultivated according to biodynamic principles. Soils are worked regularly, chemical pesticides and fertilizers are avoided, and yields are carefully controlled to encourage concentration and a clear expression of each individual site.

Grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification is conducted with minimal intervention, allowing the contrasting personalities of En Marcausse and Les Vignes Blanches to remain visible in the finished wine. Fermentation and maturation in oak barrels add texture and complexity, with restrained notes of toast, vanilla and spice that integrate into rather than dominate the wine's fruit and mineral core.

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Cuvee Confluence opens with aromas of ripe peach, yellow apple and pear, lifted by citrus peel, white flowers, toasted hazelnut and a delicate oak influence. The palate is supple, juicy and harmonious, with flavors of peach, apple tart and ripe citrus framed by oyster-shell salinity and finely integrated toasted oak. The clay-rich component contributes roundness and depth; the limestone soils bring acidity, mineral tension and focus. Subtle notes of vanilla, butterscotch and hazelnut emerge toward the finish. Despite its generous fruit and texture, the wine remains fresh and balanced, concluding with impressive harmony, mineral persistence and length.

Professional Ratings

92 Points - Wine Spectator: This beautifully integrated white features peach, apple tart and oyster shell flavors framed with toasty oak. Supple and juicy, this ends with echoes of vanilla and butterscotch. Shows excellent harmony and length.

89-91 Points - Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy (Barrel Sample): The Cuvee Confluence comes from the top of Vignes Blanches and Marcausses, where the pinot part has now been top-grafted to chardonnay (which will really deliver from 2025). Mid lemon yellow. A pleasing fruit on the cusp between white and yellow, decent acidity, some length, not quite the flow which gave me such pleasure in the Vignes Blanches.

The Domaine

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is a small, historic Cote de Beaune estate based in Bligny-les-Beaune, closely associated with the renowned village of Volnay. It takes its name from the Volnay Premier Cru Clos de la Chapelle monopole, a walled vineyard situated opposite the historic chapel of Notre Dame de Pitie, acquired in 2011 and renamed in honor of its flagship terroir.

Today the estate farms approximately five hectares across 16 individual terroirs in Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses, Meursault and Corton. All vineyards are certified organic and farmed biodynamically. Grapes are harvested by hand, yields are kept low and cellar intervention is minimized. Total production averages only approximately 1,800 cases annually, making each bottling highly limited.

Food Pairing

Cuvee Confluence is an excellent partner for roast chicken, sole meuniere, halibut with brown butter, sea bass, scallops and lobster ravioli. It also pairs beautifully with creamy mushroom dishes, risotto, pork tenderloin, veal in a light cream sauce and mature cheeses such as Comte or Gruyere.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 16 degrees C (61 degrees F). Slightly cooler service will emphasize citrus and mineral character; allowing the wine to warm gradually in the glass will reveal additional texture, hazelnut and oak-spice complexity. The 2023 is expressive enough to enjoy young with a little air, but its acidity and mineral structure should support several years of further development in the cellar.

Producer: Domaine Clos de la Chapelle
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Cote de Beaune
Village: Meursault
Appellation: Meursault AOC
Classification: Village
Cuvee: Cuvee Confluence
Vineyard Sources: En Marcausse and Les Vignes Blanches
Source Parcels: Approximately 0.61 hectare combined
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Soils: Clay-rich (En Marcausse); pale gravelly limestone (Les Vignes Blanches)
Farming: Certified organic; biodynamic principles
Harvest: Hand harvested
Wine Type: Dry white wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

A landmark Rioja with old-vine depth and modern elegance. First produced in 1986, Barón de Chirel helped establish a new direction for premium Rioja, combining Marqués de Riscal’s heritage with Bordeaux-inspired winemaking. The 2020 vintage delivers a compelling combination of concentrated fruit, complex aromatics and substantial structure.

Sourced from low-yielding vineyards around Elciego, with vines approximately 80–110 years old, this wine captures the intensity of exceptional old-vine fruit. Individual parcels are fermented separately in French Allier oak vats, followed by 16 months in French oak barrels and a further 20 months of bottle maturation before release.

Tasting Notes

Expressive aromas of dark berries, violets and graphite unfold with subtle leather and integrated oak. The palate is rich and concentrated, with layers of dark fruit supported by ripe, energetic tannins. Its combination of depth, structure and aromatic complexity makes this a distinctive choice for collectors and lovers of powerful Rioja.

Ratings & Critical Acclaim

100 Points — Guía Proensa
The producer lists a perfect 100-point score for the 2020 vintage.

97 Points — Guía Peñín 2026
A standout score for the 2020 vintage, confirmed by Marqués de Riscal.

96 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: From century-old bush vines, the 2020 Baron de Chirel blends Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon aged entirely in French oak. It’s made in a modern style, powerful, intensely concentrated, and undeniably herbal and earthy. It can only be made in certain vintages because the two varieties ripen so differently – Tempranillo early and Cabernet late – so getting them to hit around the same time has been challenging over the years; sadly, climate change may be changing that, with Cabernet ripening sooner than it often used to. Currant, tobacco leaf, and dark cherry exude from a full-bodied core of supple tannin and lovely violet aromatics, a true testament to how well these grapes work together in the right hands.

93 James Suckling: Iodine, mussels and some dark chocolate with blackberries and dark plums. Pretty opulent and a little more generous than the 2021 and 2019. More muscular, too, with fine-grained tannins and a long, creamy finish.

93 Points — Wine Enthusiast: Commanding intensity and palate coating tannins lead the charge with this full-bodied Tempranillo. Aromatics of crushed fennel seed, wet tobacco, and cocoa linger through flavors of dark fruits robed in spiced chocolate. A kiss of balsamic appears through the finish. Lavish, structured, and delicious..

Food Pairings

Pair with roasted lamb, grilled steak, venison or slow-cooked game. It also complements cured ham and mature cheeses, making it an excellent centerpiece for a Spanish-inspired dinner.

Wine Details

Producer: Marqués de Riscal
Wine: Barón de Chirel
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Style: Full-bodied red wine
Principal Grape: Tempranillo
Aging: 16 months in French Allier oak barrels, followed by 20 months in bottle before release
Alcohol: 15.5% ABV
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C / 61–64°F

Fresh, delicate and effortlessly inviting, Marqués de Riscal Rosado brings an elegant expression of Rioja to the glass. The winery has crafted rosé since the 1960s, drawing on young vineyards to create a style that emphasizes bright fruit, freshness and a smooth texture.

Made from Tempranillo and Viura using the pressing method, this pale-pink rosé offers fragrant red-berry aromas accented by white blossoms. Its soft, rounded palate balances natural fruitiness with a refreshing character, leading to a clean, lingering finish.

A versatile choice for relaxed entertaining, seafood dinners or an aperitif, this is a rosé to enjoy for its youthful charm and lively fruit.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast — 89 Points
An appealing, harmonious rosé with melon and red-apple aromas, delicate floral notes and a stony undertone. Citrus freshness brings definition and lift, making it particularly enjoyable while young.
Review summary — John Sumners, September 2026.

Food Pairing: Grilled fish, shrimp, shellfish, light pasta and rice dishes.

Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grapes: Tempranillo and Viura
Style: Fresh, fruit-forward rosé
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 46–50°F (8–10°C)

95 Points Decanter • 92 Points Vinous

A new chapter in the history of Marqués de Riscal, Barón de Chirel Rioja Blanco 2024 is the winery’s first white wine produced in Rioja. Also known as Viñas Centenarias, it draws its distinctive character from century-old vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, where white grape varieties grow among historic red-wine plantings.

Crafted from Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca, this expressive white combines the concentration of old vines with freshness and finesse. Fermentation in French oak is followed by approximately eight months of lees aging, adding texture and complexity while preserving the wine’s vibrant character.

Floral aromas and stone-fruit notes meet a mineral edge. The palate is broad and persistent, with a rounded texture balanced by lively acidity and subtle oak influence. An elegant white Rioja with the depth to complement fine cuisine and the structure for further bottle development.

Expert Ratings

Decanter — 95 Points April 21, 2026 : "Fine and assertive, with remarkable poise and focus. Deft use of wood, building a toasty, almondy frame around the fleshy white peach and yellow apple core. Precise and fluid with a pleasantly tense acid line, assertive lemon zest and Conference pear crunch. A wine that delivers a lot without trying too hard. Beautiful, laidback modern classicism. Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca bunches were pressed whole, without destemming or crushing, and the free-run must transferred to 600L French oak foudres, no more than 10% new, where spontaneous fermentation was followed by about eight months' maturation, with weekly lees stirring via rotation of the barrels."

95 James Suckling - July 28, 2026: "A vibrant and a creamy new white with sliced lemons, honeysuckle and honeycomb on the nose. Light phenolics. Medium-bodied with subtle depth and intensity. Fermented and aged seven month in 600-liter barrels. Viura and a touch of garnachia blanca."

Vinous — 92 Points: April 6, 2026 "The 2024 Blanco Baron de Chirel (Viura and other white varieties from Rioja Alavesa) was fermented in foudre and aged in barrel. Sourced from old vines, it opens with pear and field herbs, with evident oak shaping the profile. Broad and enveloping on the palate, chalky tension tightens the structure, leading to a flavorful finish marked by cream and caramel. Frank and distinctly Viura."

Food Pairing: Poultry, rice dishes, gently seasoned stews and Japanese cuisine.

Region: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grapes: Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca
Vineyards: Century-old plantings
Aging: Approximately eight months on the lees in French oak
Alcohol: 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml

94 Points Wine Spectator • 94 Points James Suckling

Named for the celebrated architect behind Hotel Marqués de Riscal, Frank Gehry Selection brings together the estate’s winemaking heritage and a spirit of creative ambition. Carefully selected fruit from estate vines more than 80 years old gives this distinctive Rioja remarkable depth and character.

The 2019 vintage underwent meticulous berry-by-berry sorting before aging for 26 months in French oak barrels. This exacting approach produces a wine that combines concentration and structure with freshness and polished tannins.

Deep cherry in color and almost opaque, it reveals layered aromas of ripe dark fruit, balsamic nuances and subtle minerality. The palate is rich and enveloping yet lively, with refined tannins and a persistent finish accented by toasted French oak. Its firm structure and bright acidity provide a foundation for further bottle development.

Professional Ratings

94 Points Wine Spectator - May 31, 2025 "Freshly brewed coffee, eucalyptus, black licorice and dried violet notes offer an enticing mesh of aromas on the nose of this rich, layered red. Shows concentration and subtle power in a sleek, well-knit form structured by finely sculpted tannins. There's a pure beam of black currant alongside flavors of fresh, loamy earth, dried mint, olive and dark chocolate."

James Suckling — 94 Points
94 Points James Suckling - July 28, 2025 "A creamy and polished wine with black currant, chocolate and coffee aromas. It's medium- to full-bodied with lovely fruit and tannins and a hint of dried fruit."

Food Pairing: Roast beef, grilled lamb, poultry, gently seasoned casseroles, cured ham and medium-aged cheeses.

Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Principal Grape: Tempranillo
Vine Age: More than 80 years
Aging: 26 months in French oak
Alcohol: 15%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)

96 Points Wine Enthusiast • 95 Points James Suckling • 93 Points Club Oenologique

Crafted from grapes grown on vines more than 80 years old, this Tempranillo-led Gran Reserva combines depth, elegance and the character of mature Rioja. Fruit comes from Marqués de Riscal’s own vineyards and longstanding grower partners. The 2018 vintage spent 28 months in French oak, developing a rounded texture and beautifully integrated oak character.

Deep cherry in color with violet highlights, it offers layered aromas of dark fruit, balsamic notes and delicate oak toast. The palate is generous and polished, with concentrated, rounded tannins and a lingering finish. A refined Rioja with the structure for further cellaring and the complexity to complement a memorable meal.

Professional Reviews

Wine Enthusiast — 96 Points | Cellar Selection
Blackberry, savory olive and dried herbs introduce a layered palate of plum and raspberry, with floral accents, cocoa and sage. Velvety tannins carry the fruit into a persistent finish. Recommended drinking through 2038.
Review summary — Mike DeSimone, October 2024.

James Suckling — 95 Points
Praised for its depth and complexity, this wine combines berry fruit with subtle vanilla, dried citrus, pepper and earthy mushroom nuances. The palate delivers intensity and generous fruit, balanced by fine spice and a particularly long finish. Suitable for drinking now or further cellaring.
Review summary — Zekun Shuai, JamesSuckling.com.

Club Oenologique — 93 Points
Awarded in The Rioja Report 2024, as confirmed by the winery’s vintage technical sheet.

Food Pairing: Roasted lamb, grilled beef, game dishes, cured ham and aged Manchego.

Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grapes: Tempranillo-led blend
Aging: 28 months in French oak
Alcohol: 14.5%
Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)

95 Points Wine Enthusiast • 93 Points Vinous • 91 Points Wine Spectator

Originally created to celebrate the winery’s 150th anniversary, this distinguished Gran Reserva honors the winemaking traditions of Rioja Alavesa. Produced only in excellent vintages, it draws its character from old vineyard plots with vines more than 80 years old, delivering impressive concentration, complexity and elegance.

Crafted in the winery’s restored 1883 cellar, the 2017 vintage was aged for 32 months in French oak barrels, followed by a further three years in bottle. This extended maturation refines its substantial tannins, creating a wine that balances power with a polished, rounded texture.

Deep, dark cherry in color, it offers complex aromas of toasted oak, balsamic notes, black pepper and cinnamon. The palate is rich and structured, with generous depth and concentrated tannins that carry through to a long, silky finish. A distinctive Rioja for special dinners, thoughtful gifts and the cellar.

Professional Ratings

Wine Enthusiast — 95 Points
Deep garnet in color, this wine has a nose of black currant and caramel. Black cherry, cassis, mocha, butterscotch, violet and anisette flavors are wrapped in a sheath of opulent tannins that peel away to reveal a eucalyptus-infused finish.

Vinous — 93 Points
A Rioja with a Bordeaux influence, the 2017 Gran Reserva 150 Aniversario is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from Rioja Alavesa and aged in oak barrels. Displaying a garnet color, the nose reveals herbs and oak with hints of pepper, blackberry and mocha. Dry, juicy and taut, the substantial, concentrated palate lingers with a black fruit core. This is a tasty red crafted with care in a crowd-pleasing style.

Wine Spectator — 91 Points
A skein of sweet tobacco, vanilla and red licorice winds through the baked cherry and black plum fruit, leather, dark chocolate and spice notes offered in this elegant red. Underlying tannins are supple and well-integrated, and the rich, lasting profile is brightened by a subtle tang of mandarin orange peel acidity. Drink now through 2030.

Additional Accolades: 99 Points Guía Vinos Gourmets 2024 • 98 Points Guía Vivir el Vino 2024 • 97 Points Guía Peñín 2024.

Food Pairing: Roast lamb, grilled beef, game casseroles, cured ham and mature cheeses.

Region: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja DOCa, Spain
Blend: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aging: 32 months in French oak, followed by three years in bottle
Alcohol: 15%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)

A fresh, inviting expression of Rioja, Arienzo de Marqués de Riscal Crianza 2022 showcases Tempranillo’s vibrant fruit and approachable character. Sourced from vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, this versatile red combines youthful energy with the mellow complexity of 17 months of aging in American oak.

Bright red-fruit aromas mingle with subtle notes of vanilla, coconut and oak spice. The palate is generous and supple, offering juicy cherry and raspberry flavors, a creamy texture and gentle, well-integrated tannins. A persistent, lightly spiced finish makes this an appealing choice for everyday enjoyment and relaxed meals with friends.

Professional Reviews

90 Jeb Dunnuck: A Tempranillo from younger vines, the 2022 Arienzo Crianza spent 17 months in American oak and is made in an approachable, fruity style. Offering great value, it’s a showcase of red cherry and raspberry dipped in vanilla, with a creamy texture and delicate, well-integrated tannins.

90 Wine Enthusiast: Enticing and approachable with great versatility, this Tempranillo Crianza leads with red fruits sweetened by vanilla bean and integrated spice. Melting tannins provide succulent texture carrying in to a juicy long finish. Best Buy.

Food Pairing: Grilled chicken, grilled red meats, swordfish and aged cheeses such as Manchego.

Region: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grape: Tempranillo
Aging: 17 months in American oak
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)

At Marqués de Riscal, there used to be “winemaker’s wines” among its historic reservas, like the Reserva Medoc and the XR, which never became commercial names. In the tradition of the cellarmasters from Bordeaux that have long been part of Riscal’s story, the winemaker marked some of the barrels in chalk with the letters XR (Extra Reserva) as a consequence of having found special characteristics which were not present in other wines. These wines were never sold but served as a reference point for the winemaker. This custom lasted almost a century, between the harvests of 1869 and 1964. In 2015, Marqués de Risca released a wine named XR, paying tribute to all the master winemakers who have helped to forge a part of the greatest history of Spanish wine in Marqués de Riscal.

Expert Reviews

94 Points James Suckling - July 17, 2025 "Dark mushrooms, spices and leather with cedar and black plums. Ripe yet juicy with plenty of blackberries and a twist of citrus and vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with dusty tannins and a very lengthy finish. Pretty traditional and linear, this Rioja is excellent to drink now but will benefit from extra time in bottle."

93  Points Wine Enthusiast - May 1, 2026 "Classic and focused with dark, layered flavors, this XR Reserva captures a deeper tone of Tempranillo with a body of black fruits, wet tobacco, spiced cocoa, and a drop of pine resin. Flavor fills the mouth while the wine maintains restraint with a medium body and plenty of length. Melting tannins bring persistence and the potential to enjoy after several more years in cellar."

93 Jeb Dunnuck - November 16, 2025 "An ode to blending, the 2021 XR by Marques de Riscal Reserva is Tempranillo and Graciano made in a fruity, modern style, with sweet tannins and 25 months of American oak aging. Dark cherry, vanilla, and a rich dusting of cocoa powder give it a lustiness across layers of full-bodied concentration and decadence. Ready to enjoy, it will remain enjoyable another 10-12 years."

92 Points Wine Spectator - November 3, 2025 "A structured version, with sculpted tannins wrapped in a fleshy range of coulised black cherry and black raspberry fruit, plus accents of candied violet, fennel seed, milled pepper and cured tobacco. Harmonious, this expands nicely on the palate and through the spiced finish."

VINEYARD

Marques de Riscal’s important vineyards holdings and long term contracts are focused around a specific quality approach. For their Reservas they work exclusively with old vines, from before the 1970s, as they firmly believe that these are critical for the delicate Tempranillo grape to achieve appropriate concentration. They work in the coolest area of Rioja (Rioja Alavesa), at elevation, on soils that accentuate freshness and detail, and with a touch of Graciano; these factors bring forward the winery’s trademark vibrancy, refinement, and aging potential. The XR selection is always a barrel selection but in general can be said to come from vines that have lower natural yields and produce more concentrated fruit.

WINEMAKING

Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature and is not over-extended, in order to bring delineation to the beautiful old vine concentration. The wine spends just over two years in American Oak Barrels with a small percentage in French oak. The beautiful concentration and irresistible fruit are kept at the forefront of the gentle handling process.

VINTAGE

The 2021 season in Rioja Alavesa was defined by a cool, wet spring and a warm, even summer, ensuring steady ripening and excellent balance. Harvest began later than average, with yields slightly reduced but fruit quality exceptional. The wines show Rioja Alavesa’s hallmark tension: vibrant red fruit purity, fine-grained tannins, and lifted freshness. Precision in vineyard work and restrained cellar craft deliver wines of clarity and length that highlight the region’s leadership in expressive, age-worthy Tempranillo.

TASTING NOTE

Expressive aromas of fruit intermingle with a multitude of spices and pepper. The ripe, concentrated fruit shows beautiful complexity.

FOOD PAIRING

Ham, mild cheeses, rich pastas, poultry, grilled red meats or roasts

The 2023 The Eyrie Pinot Noir comes from the historic vineyard where The Eyrie Vineyards began—one of the foundational sites of Oregon Pinot Noir. Complex, structured and remarkably elegant, this limited-production bottling captures the character of old vines and the distinctive volcanic soils of the Dundee Hills with exceptional clarity. The Eyrie is the winery’s original vineyard and home to the hawks that inspired the Eyrie label. Its seven acres of Pinot Noir were planted from the mid-1960s through 1974 with Wädenswil, Pommard and Upright clones.

Situated between approximately 260 and 410 feet in elevation, the vineyard faces south while rolling toward eastern and western exposures. Eyrie identifies this historic site as the original planting of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. All of Eyrie’s estate vineyards are certified organic and farmed using regenerative, no-till practices. The emphasis is on maintaining healthy soils and biological diversity while allowing the vines and individual vineyard sites to express themselves with minimal intervention.

The 2023 vintage began with a cold, dry early spring followed by substantial April rainfall. A warm, dry summer with cool nights provided steady ripening, while late-August rains refreshed the vines ahead of an exceptionally favorable September harvest. Eyrie describes the resulting wines as vivid and aromatic, with moderate alcohol and firm yet balanced structure.

In the cellar, The Eyrie Pinot Noir is fermented with native yeast in small 11-hectoliter open-top fermenters and punched down by hand twice daily. It completes native malolactic fermentation before aging for 14 months in a blend of cooperage incorporating approximately 19% new oak. Eyrie uses essentially the same vinification for its single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, allowing differences in site, vine age, elevation and exposure to remain at the forefront.

The 2023 The Eyrie is dense and compact while retaining the graceful character for which the estate is known. Layers of ripe berries are joined by citrus, savory herbs and earthy nuances. The palate is full and firm but beautifully balanced, with restrained oak allowing the purity of the fruit and vineyard character to dominate. It is already compelling with generous aeration, yet its concentration and structure point toward significant cellar potential.

Expert Rating

96 Points — Paul Gregutt: Gregutt describes the 2023 as a particularly strong expression of Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, emphasizing its density, balance and tightly wound structure, along with a complex combination of berries, citrus, herbs and earth. He particularly notes the remarkably subtle influence of new oak and the purity of the underlying fruit. Only 236 cases were produced.

A compelling piece of Oregon wine history and an exceptionally distinctive Pinot Noir, The Eyrie combines old-vine depth with freshness, restraint and precision—a cellar-worthy expression of one of the Willamette Valley’s most historically important vineyard sites.

Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: The Eyrie
Clones: Wädenswil, Pommard & Upright
Elevation: Approximately 260–410 feet
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Fermentation: Native Yeast, Open-Top Fermenters
Aging: 14 Months, Approximately 19% New Oak
Alcohol: 13.98%
Production: 236 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml

The 2023 Sisters Vineyard Pinot Noir is a beautifully detailed expression of one of The Eyrie Vineyards’ distinctive estate sites in Oregon’s Dundee Hills. Delicate yet expressive, it combines bright red fruit, floral perfume, savory earth and fine mineral character with the graceful structure that has long defined Eyrie Pinot Noir.

Sisters Vineyard sits at approximately 220 to 330 feet elevation and takes its name from the three original “Pinot sisters” planted there: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. The Pinot Noir blocks include Pommard and Wädenswil clones, and the vineyard’s direct southern exposure helps produce wines known for their aromatic character and elegant balance. Eyrie farms its estate vineyards organically and employs regenerative, no-till farming practices designed to support healthy soils and vine biodiversity.

The 2023 growing season was dynamic, beginning with a cool, dry spring before substantial April rain and a warm, dry summer moderated by cool nights. Late-August rain refreshed the vines before an exceptionally favorable September harvest period. The resulting wines show vivid aromatics, moderate alcohol and firm but balanced structure.

In the cellar, the Sisters Vineyard Pinot Noir is fermented with native yeasts in small open-top fermenters, punched down by hand twice daily and allowed to complete native malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for 14 months in a mixture of cooperage, including approximately 19% new oak, allowing the character of the vineyard to remain at the forefront. Production was just 235 cases.

The wine is red-fruited, perfumed and finely textured, showing fresh red berries and subtle floral notes alongside orange peel, savory spice and earthy mineral nuances. Fresh acidity gives the light-to-medium-bodied palate energy and definition, while gently spicy tannins carry through a long, evolving finish.

Expert Rating

94 Points — James Suckling Red-fruited, delicate and perfumed. Light- to medium-bodied with fresh acidity, orange peel flavors and gently spicy tannins. The long finish evolves from bitter flowers to citrus to savory spices.

An elegant and highly expressive Oregon Pinot Noir, the 2023 Sisters Vineyard combines immediate aromatic appeal with enough freshness and structure to reward further time in the cellar.

Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Sisters Vineyard
Farming: Certified Organic
Fermentation: Native Yeast
Aging: 14 Months, Approximately 19% New Oak
Alcohol: 14.15%
Production: 235 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml

The 2023 Outcrop Vineyard Pinot Noir is a beautifully focused and distinctive expression of the Dundee Hills, combining bright red fruit, savory complexity and the stony mineral character that defines this unique Eyrie estate vineyard.

Outcrop Vineyard takes its name from the ridge of underlying rock that runs perpendicular to the hillside. Situated above Eyrie’s historic original vineyard, the five-acre site ranges from approximately 280 to 360 feet in elevation and faces north-northeast. The vineyard is planted to the Wädenswil clone of Pinot Noir, with vines dating from the early 1980s through 2000. Despite its northern exposure, reflected warmth from the neighboring original Eyrie vineyard helps ripen the fruit while preserving freshness and aromatic detail.

Eyrie farms its estate vineyards organically and practices regenerative, no-till viticulture, with particular attention to soil health and biodiversity. The vineyard’s thin, rocky volcanic soils contribute to the distinctive mineral and savory personality of Outcrop Pinot Noir.

For the 2023 vintage, Eyrie’s single-vineyard Pinot Noirs were vinified using native yeast in small open-top fermenters, with hand punch-downs and native malolactic fermentation, followed by approximately 14 months of aging. The single-vineyard wines are deliberately produced using the same cellar approach so that differences in vineyard, elevation, exposure and vine age remain clearly expressed in the finished wines.

The 2023 Outcrop is notably precise and mineral-driven, opening with raspberries and pomegranate alongside blood orange and subtle red licorice. A distinctive stony, almost steely mineral quality runs through the wine, while tea-like tannins add savory structure and grip. Elegant in weight yet firmly structured, it balances vivid fruit with earthy complexity and a long, textured finish.

Expert Rating

95 Points — Paul Gregutt Gregutt highlights the wine’s rocky, mineral character, raspberry and pomegranate fruit, blood orange and red licorice, with substantial tea-toned tannins supporting the finish. Only 198 cases were produced.

An expressive, site-driven Oregon Pinot Noir that beautifully demonstrates Eyrie’s restrained winemaking philosophy and the individual personality of one of its historic Dundee Hills vineyards.

Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Outcrop Vineyard
Clone: Wädenswil
Elevation: Approximately 280–360 feet
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Fermentation: Native Yeast
Aging: Approximately 14 Months
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 198 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml

A distinguished single-vineyard Brunello Riserva combining concentrated dark fruit, vibrant freshness and finely structured Tuscan elegance.

Wine Description

Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020 is a limited-production expression of Sangiovese from one of the estate’s most treasured vineyard sites. The wine takes its name from a historic vineyard situated beside an ancient monastery on the CastelGiocondo estate in southwestern Montalcino.

Located in the highest part of the estate at approximately 450 meters above sea level, the Ripe al Convento vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure, cooling Mediterranean winds and mineral-rich marly soils. The vineyard extends across two sides of a ridge: its southern exposure contributes richness and power, while the southeast-facing vines bring freshness, tension and aromatic precision.

The 2020 Riserva presents a deep and layered bouquet of blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry and Morello cherry, accompanied by rose, violet and subtle balsamic notes. With time in the glass, aromas of autumn spice, cocoa, tobacco, dried herbs and earth begin to emerge.

Generous and velvety on the palate, the wine balances concentrated dark fruit with lively acidity and an appealing crunchy-cherry character. Fine-grained yet confident tannins provide structure and definition, carrying the wine toward a long, savory and beautifully composed finish.

Winemaking and Aging

The Sangiovese grapes are carefully selected from the single Ripe al Convento vineyard and undergo an additional selection upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation takes place under controlled temperatures to preserve the character and aromatic detail of the fruit.

The wine is matured for 36 months in oak casks before further refinement in bottle. This extended aging gives the Riserva greater structure, complexity and longevity while allowing the fruit, tannins and savory elements to develop exceptional harmony.

Only approximately 18,000 bottles of the 2020 vintage were produced.

About Ripe al Convento

Ripe al Convento represents one of the most structured and age-worthy expressions produced at Tenuta CastelGiocondo. Its name refers both to the exceptional ripeness achieved by the Sangiovese grapes and to the vineyard’s location beside the estate’s historic monastery.

The combination of high elevation, favorable exposures and distinctive soils produces a Brunello Riserva of depth and power, balanced by the freshness, elegance and mineral character that distinguish the finest wines of Montalcino.

Expert Ratings

95  Wine Spectator: There’s plenty of black cherry and blackberry fruit in this red, along with mineral and black pepper notes, plus a touch of forest floor. Dense and even muscular for the vintage, with a vibrant feel and well-endowed, dusty tannins. Needs time to harmonize. Best from 2029 through 2045.

94 Decanter: The Ripe al Convento vineyard expands over two sides of a single ridge. Vines with a southern exposure give muscle to the blend while those facing southeast lend tension. The 2020 bottling demonstrates both facets within the gracious context of the vintage. Still restrained in aromas, it hints at smoke, thyme, mint and cocoa. Generous in girth, this oozes blackberry and blue plum with a velvety mouthfeel and carob accents. Confident tannins sport a fine grain and supply a satisfying bite. Lively acidity accentuates the salty tang. By no means austere but will be more expressive after another year in bottle.

94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: In the bottle with the dark blue label, the Frescobaldi 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento shows dark fruit and blackberry at its core, followed by balanced freshness and an attractive crunchy cherry fruit character. This vintage is marked by lively fruit and slightly greater accessibility in terms of tannic impact. The wine can be enjoyed happily in the near or medium term. With 36 months of aging in oak casks, this is a release of 18,000 bottles. Ripe al Convento is sourced from a single vineyard adjacent to the historic monastery on the estate, and the Riserva bottling reflects both extended aging and a more structured interpretation of the vintage.

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for braised beef, roasted lamb, venison, wild boar, osso buco and bistecca alla Fiorentina. Its earthy, savory character also complements porcini mushrooms, truffle dishes, aged Pecorino Toscano and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Serving Suggestions

Serve at approximately 60–65°F in a large red-wine glass. Decanting for one to two hours is recommended when enjoying the wine in its youth. Although already approachable, its concentration, acidity and structured tannins will allow it to develop additional complexity with further bottle aging.

Wine Details

Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | 750ml

94 Points VINOUS: “The 2024 Chardonnay Auf dem Haun is on the Mainzer Berg, facing west, on weathered limestone with very thin topsoil. The tender nose is shy, offering a touch of dried maize and a hint of lemon. The palate is utterly bright and serene, with supple, smooth, buffered freshness against a backdrop of smooth, lemony yeast. This textural element carries salt, freshness and that lovely feeling of deep, deep stone. The lemony brightness redoubles on the finish. This is exquisitely balanced, long and so clear-cut. (Bone-dry)” — Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous, July 2026

The AdamsWein Chardonnay Auf Dem Haun 2024 is an exceptionally refined, mineral-driven Chardonnay from Ingelheim in Germany’s Rheinhessen, crafted by winemaker Simone Adams. More reminiscent of fine white Burgundy than conventional German Chardonnay, it combines concentration and texture with striking freshness, salinity and precision.

The Auf dem Haun parcel sits higher on the slope than Adams’ Heerweg vineyard, where the leaner site naturally produces a more elegant expression. The soils are a complex mixture of loess, loam, clay and marl, giving the wine both depth and a distinctive stony, mineral character. The vineyard is organically farmed, and AdamsWein completed its organic conversion in 2023.

The 2024 opens gradually with lemon zest, yellow apple and restrained citrus fruit, layered with smoky reduction, wet stone, subtle herbs and delicate savory notes. With air, the fruit becomes broader and more expressive while remaining beautifully controlled. The palate is concentrated yet remarkably graceful, with a creamy texture balanced by energetic acidity and a pronounced saline, tactile minerality.

There is a distinctly Burgundian sensibility here: understated fruit, beautifully integrated oak and a structure built around texture and mineral tension rather than overt richness. Falstaff described the wine as possessing the imposing structure of a young great Burgundy and awarded the 2024 95 points. Vinous awarded 94 points, highlighting its brightness, deep stony character, saline freshness and exceptionally clear, persistent finish.

Winemaking

The Chardonnay grapes are whole-cluster pressed and spontaneously fermented, allowing indigenous yeasts to emphasize the character of the vineyard. The wine is matured for approximately 12 months in French barriques, with only a modest proportion of new oak, followed by minimal sulfur additions before bottling. The restrained élevage provides texture and complexity without obscuring the fruit or mineral character.

The finished wine is completely dry, with approximately 12.5% alcohol, preserving remarkable freshness despite its concentration. Falstaff reports just 0.8 g/L residual sugar.

About AdamsWein

Based in Ingelheim am Rhein, AdamsWein is the estate of Simone Adams, whose wines have developed a reputation for their individual vineyard expression, minimal-intervention winemaking and distinctly Burgundian refinement. Her Chardonnay and Spätburgunder are particularly compelling, combining cool-climate freshness with impressive depth, texture and longevity.

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2024
Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
Village: Ingelheim am Rhein
Vineyard: Auf dem Haun
Farming: Organic
Style: Dry White Wine
Alcohol: 12.5%
Élevage: Approximately 12 months in French barrique
Vinous: 94 Points
Falstaff: 95 Points

Character: Lemon · Yellow Apple · Wet Stone · Smoke · Saline · Mineral · Precise

Food Pairing

A superb partner for roasted or grilled fish, lobster, scallops, roast chicken, veal, pork tenderloin and creamy mushroom dishes. Its combination of richness, acidity and mineral tension also makes it excellent with dishes finished with beurre blanc or light cream sauces.

Serving & Cellaring

Serve around 50–54°F (10–12°C) rather than overly chilled. In its youth, the wine benefits from air and can be decanted for 30–60 minutes. It has the structure and concentration for serious bottle development, becoming more layered and expressive as its youthful reduction and tightly wound mineral character relax.

Silky, floral and intensely mineral Pinot Noir from Ingelheim—German Spätburgunder with remarkable Burgundy-like finesse.

Expert Rating

Vinous 94 Points: "The 2023 Spätburgunder Ingelheimer Auf dem Haun is from a west-facing, ventilated site on limestone with a high day-night amplitude. This was made with 100% whole bunches and spent 18 months in 20% new oak. Superb aroma on the nose sends out red flower petal notes, perhaps of peony, eglantine and a beautiful smattering of white pepper. It is exquisitely aromatic, wonderfully lifted, so floral and tender, yet profound and fresh, with a lovely depth. This is all tone, finesse, scent and poise. Its nature is totally disarming and the vivid scent is a killer. The 2023 is wonderful, enduring, bright, fine and silky. (Bone-dry)” — Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous, July 2025

The AdamsWein Spätburgunder “Auf Dem Haun” 2023 is a superb single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Ingelheim in Rheinhessen, made by Simone Adams, one of Germany’s most compelling producers of Burgundian varieties. From limestone-rich soils at higher elevation, Auf dem Haun produces a particularly refined style of Spätburgunder—fragrant, mineral and beautifully poised rather than heavy or extracted.

The 2023 is immediately striking for its perfume. Delicate aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry and red berriesmingle with peony, rose petals and white pepper, followed by subtle earthy and savory notes. Vinous emphasizes the wine’s remarkable floral lift, freshness and depth, describing a Pinot built around tone, finesse, scent and poise.

On the palate, the wine is silky, precise and wonderfully energetic. Pure red fruit is framed by fine savory tannins and a distinctly saline mineral character. There is impressive concentration here, but everything remains graceful and transparent, with freshness carrying the wine through a long, mouthwatering finish. Wine Advocate likewise highlights its purity, red-cherry and strawberry character, fine tannins and persistent saline finish.

This is the kind of German Pinot Noir that makes the comparison with Burgundy especially compelling. It has the aromatic delicacy and textural refinement associated with fine Côte d’Or Pinot, yet retains the freshness and limestone-driven character of its Rheinhessen origins. The 2023 is already beautifully expressive, but its balance and structure suggest considerable potential for further development in bottle.

About the Vineyard

Auf dem Haun is one of Simone Adams’ prized Ingelheim parcels. The site sits relatively high on the slope and is distinguished by limestone-rich soils, which help produce wines with tension, freshness and pronounced mineral definition. Adams has increasingly focused her range around individual vineyard expressions, allowing differences in soil and exposition to become more transparent in the finished wines.

About AdamsWein

Based in Ingelheim am Rhein, AdamsWein is led by Simone Adams, whose Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have become particularly admired for their precision, moderate alcohol and distinctly Burgundian sensibility. The estate works organically and favors spontaneous fermentation and restrained cellar intervention, with the goal of allowing vineyard character to remain at the center of each wine.

Grape: 100% Spätburgunder / Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2023
Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
Village: Ingelheim am Rhein
Vineyard: Auf dem Haun
Style: Dry Red Wine
Alcohol: 12.5%
Farming: Organic

Character: Red Cherry · Wild Strawberry · Peony · White Pepper · Limestone · Saline · Silky

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for roast duck, chicken, pork tenderloin, veal, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes and earthy risottos. Its bright acidity and fine tannins also make it especially versatile with charcuterie and moderately rich cheeses.

Serving & Cellaring

Serve slightly cool at approximately 55–60°F (13–16°C). A young bottle will benefit from 30–60 minutes of air. While already wonderfully fragrant and silky, its balance, concentration and mineral structure should reward additional bottle age.

A Grand Cru-caliber Spätburgunder of extraordinary depth and finesse—wild red fruit, limestone minerality and Burgundian elegance from Ingelheim’s historic Pares vineyard.

Expert Rating

97 Points James Suckling: “Breathtaking nose of ripe wild berries and herbs, savory and a touch of sous bois. Great concentration and amazingly mouth-filling for just 12.5%, this is a German pinot noir masterpiece and one of the wines of the vintage! Staggering length, the finish still tightly wound. You need some patience to get the best this has to offer. From biodynamically grown grapes. 100% whole cluster, wild-fermented, then 18 months in small oak. Unfiltered and unfined. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”  STUART PIGOTT — JAMES SUCKLING

The AdamsWein Pares Spätburgunder 2023 is one of Simone Adams’ most ambitious and profound Pinot Noirs, produced from the historic Pares vineyard in Ingelheim, Rheinhessen. Pares is recognized as a VDP.GROSSE LAGE, Germany’s equivalent of a Grand Cru vineyard, and is widely regarded as one of Ingelheim’s most important sites for Spätburgunder. AdamsWein itself is not a VDP member, however, so the estate cannot officially place “GG” on its label.

Situated at approximately 250 meters elevation on the western slope of the Mainzer Berg, Pares combines loess and sandy loam over a limestone base. The limestone gives the wine its unmistakable tension, mineral drive and finely structured finish, while the site’s elevation and exposure help preserve freshness and aromatic clarity.

Simone Adams’ parcel has an unusual history. The land had been abandoned for roughly three decades before Adams reclaimed and replanted it, using her own selections derived from traditional German Pinot material rather than relying on Burgundian clones. The result is a Spätburgunder with an identity distinctly its own—powerful and complex, yet unmistakably tied to Ingelheim.

The 2023 Pares sits at the pinnacle of the AdamsWein Pinot Noir range. It shows remarkable depth and intensity, with raspberry and ripe cherry at its core, surrounded by darker berry fruit, floral notes, savory spice and an earthy, limestone-derived mineral character. Gerstl describes an exceptionally noble aromatic expression, with Burgundian raspberry and cherry notes rising from considerable depth, and awarded the wine a perfect 20/20. Robert Parker awarded the 2023 Pares 95 points.

On the palate, the wine is layered and concentrated without becoming heavy. There is a compelling wildness to the fruit, but also tremendous clarity, freshness and precision. Fine tannins give the wine structure while vibrant acidity and chalky minerality keep everything focused through the long, persistent finish. A recent tasting at the estate singled out the 2023 Pares as the most complete of the single-vineyard wines, emphasizing its combination of depth, layered fruit and freshness.

Winemaking

The 2023 single-vineyard Spätburgunders at AdamsWein were made with 100% whole clusters and matured for approximately 18 months in barrel. Treating the vineyard wines similarly in the cellar allows the differences among Ingelheim’s individual sites to remain particularly transparent.

Adams favors spontaneous fermentation, restrained intervention and minimal sulfur. The estate does not filter or fine its wines, emphasizing purity of fruit and vineyard expression.

Organic & Biodynamic Farming

The 2023 Pares is certified organic, with German retailer Weinfurore specifically identifying the wine as coming from controlled organic cultivation and displaying certification DE-ÖKO-022.

AdamsWein began ecological soil cultivation in 2017 and converted the estate completely to biodynamic farming in 2020. U.S. importer Bowler Wine likewise categorizes AdamsWein’s Pares as biodynamically farmed.

About AdamsWein

Based in Ingelheim am Rhein, AdamsWein is run by Simone Adams, who took over her family estate in 2010. Her work focuses particularly on Burgundy varieties—Spätburgunder and Chardonnay—grown on Ingelheim’s limestone-rich soils. Production is small, yields are restrained and the wines are made with an emphasis on site transparency rather than extraction or overt winemaking.

Grape: 100% Spätburgunder / Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2023
Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
Village: Ingelheim am Rhein
Vineyard: Pares
Site Classification: VDP.GROSSE LAGE / Grand Cru vineyard
Style: Dry Red Wine
Alcohol: 12.5%
Farming: Certified Organic; Biodynamic
Vinification: 100% whole cluster
Élevage: Approximately 18 months in barrel
Robert Parker: 95 Points
Gerstl: 20/20

Character: Raspberry · Cherry · Wild Berries · Flowers · Spice · Limestone · Mineral

Food Pairing

A serious Pinot Noir suited to equally refined dishes: roast duck, venison, lamb, veal, beef tenderloin, roast chicken, wild mushrooms and truffle dishes. Its acidity and mineral structure also make it particularly compelling with richer poultry and game preparations.

Serving & Cellaring

Serve slightly cool at approximately 55–60°F (13–16°C). In its youth, this is a wine worth giving one to two hours in a decanter. Its structure and concentration point toward exceptional longevity; Gerstl gives a suggested drinking window of 2032–2060, although the wine is already impressive today. 

95 Points Vinous: “The 2025 Riesling Niersteiner Pettenthal Grosses Gewächs opens with flintiness and smoke. Underneath that lies a tender touch of ripe, yellow, red-cheeked peach that beckons with juiciness. Rounded, ripe generosity just flows on the palate, energised by a salty, zesty undertow that seems to reach deep into the red rock. This is wonderfully aromatic, beautifully long and lasting, absolutely pure. The more air this gets, the more peach appears. (Bone-dry)” — Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous

The Gunderloch Pettenthal Riesling GG 2025 is a profound, beautifully sculpted dry Riesling from one of the most celebrated vineyards of Germany’s Rheinhessen. Pettenthal is classified as a VDP.GROSSE LAGE®, Germany’s equivalent of a grand cru vineyard, and lies on the dramatically steep Roter Hang (Red Slope) above the Rhine at Nierstein. Its distinctive red, iron-rich slate and clay soils give the wines remarkable mineral intensity, spice and longevity.

The 2025 vintage combines impressive concentration with an unusually elegant, cool-toned personality. The bouquet unfolds gradually with citrus zest, lemon balm and crystalline orchard fruit, followed by savory nuances of green olive, rosemary, wet stone and delicate herbal spice. Rather than relying on overt fruitiness, this is a Riesling defined by precision, tension and a compelling stony character.

On the palate, the wine is bone-dry, focused and beautifully structured, with vibrant acidity carrying layers of citrus and mineral flavor through a long, persistent finish. There is considerable depth beneath its restrained exterior, suggesting a wine that will become increasingly complex with bottle age. Gunderloch gently presses the grapes, transfers the juice without pre-clarification into traditional large wooden casks and allows spontaneous fermentation to complete fully dry—a style designed to emphasize vineyard character rather than winemaking intervention.

The 2025 growing season proved particularly favorable on the Roter Hang, avoiding both frost and hail while receiving sufficient summer rainfall to prevent excessive drought stress. The resulting Pettenthal shows the generosity of the vintage without sacrificing freshness or precision.

About Gunderloch
Founded in 1890, Gunderloch is one of Rheinhessen’s historic benchmark estates and remains closely associated with the great Riesling vineyards of the Roter Hang. Today the estate is led by Johannes Hasselbach, with Riesling accounting for approximately 85% of its production. Pettenthal, Rothenberg, Hipping and Ölberg are among its prestigious VDP.GROSSE LAGE sites.

Grape: 100% Riesling
Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
Vineyard: Niersteiner Pettenthal
Classification: VDP.GROSSE LAGE® / Grosses Gewächs (GG)
Style: Dry White Wine
Character: Citrus · Herbs · Red Slate · Mineral · Precise · Long

Food Pairing: Excellent with oysters and shellfish, grilled or roasted fish, lobster, sushi and sashimi, roast chicken, pork, veal and sophisticated vegetable dishes. Its mineral intensity and acidity also make it particularly compelling with richer seafood preparations.

Serving: Serve at approximately 48–52°F (9–11°C). A young bottle will benefit from some air before serving, while its structure makes it an excellent candidate for extended cellaring.

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.

Elegant · Mineral · Floral · Saline · Refined

A beautifully refined Grand Cru Chablis, combining crystalline minerality, citrus purity and remarkable depth with a long, saline finish.

Domaine William Fèvre’s Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2023 is one of the estate’s most elegant and sophisticated expressions of Grand Cru Chablis. Les Preuses is celebrated for producing wines of exceptional finesse—combining the concentration expected from a Grand Cru with remarkable freshness, floral complexity and an unmistakable mineral character.

William Fèvre owns approximately 2.5 hectares in Les Preuses, divided between two distinct parcels. One lies on the flatter, south-facing portion of the vineyard, while the second is planted on deeper soils. Together they create a wine that beautifully balances richness and texture with the tension, precision and minerality for which the climat is renowned.

The vineyard’s clay-rich soils over limestone help retain moisture while maintaining excellent drainage, contributing both concentration and freshness. William Fèvre’s restrained approach in the cellar, including careful use of older French oak, keeps the vineyard firmly at the center of the wine.

The 2023 Les Preuses opens with a beautifully expressive bouquet of lemon zest, citrus oil and ripe orchard fruit, joined by white flowers, subtle orange peel and delicate smoky notes. With air, distinctly Chablisienne nuances of oyster shell, flint, chalk and sea spray emerge.

On the palate, the wine is both round and beautifully precise. There is impressive depth and concentration, yet the texture remains graceful and finely etched. Bright citrus and white fruit are carried by vibrant acidity, while layers of crushed stone, chalk and marine minerality provide remarkable tension.

The finish is exceptionally persistent, stony and saline, leaving an impression of purity and effortless elegance. Compared with the broader power of Bougros, Les Preuses tends toward finesse, refinement and mineral transparency, making it one of the most graceful Grand Cru expressions in the William Fèvre portfolio.

This is a Grand Cru that can be enjoyed for its youthful energy and purity, but its structure, acidity and concentration also promise excellent aging potential.

Food Pairing

An exceptional companion to oysters, lobster, scallops, langoustines and crab, as well as grilled or roasted fish such as turbot, halibut and Dover sole.

Its combination of texture, acidity and minerality also makes it superb with roast poultry, veal, creamy seafood dishes, delicate mushroom preparations and refined butter-based sauces.

Serve lightly chilled rather than extremely cold to allow its floral aromas, texture and complex mineral character to fully develop.

Professional Ratings

96 Jasper Morris: A stunning nose, a little wrapping of seaweed around the stones. Perfectly balanced, then just when you are enjoying the subtlety, you sense the huge block of central white fruit as well. Only a little bit spicy, in fact even quite juicy at the finish. A long-term keeper, potentially a magnificent Preuses. The texture of a silk cravat suggests Didier Seguier. Barrel Sample: 94-96

95 James Suckling: Incisive minerality and flintiness in depth, with seashells and lemon zest. Elegant yet round and punchy, with a very stony, zesty finish. Long and saline.

95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Sourced from an east-facing slope that yields one of the racier and more ethereal wines in the range, the 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses opens with aromas of oyster liquor, orange peel, white flowers and lemon oil. Medium- to full-bodied, taut and tensile, it is nakedly chalky, incisive and searingly saline. The site is so steep that special cable equipment is employed for its cultivation.

93 Wine Spectator: This is rich and interwoven with peach, yellow plum, earth, stone and oyster shell aromas and flavors. Tangy and mouthwatering, with terrific harmony and a long, citrus- and mineral-tinged aftertaste.

94 Points — Burghound
An expressive and layered Grand Cru showing citrus, floral and marine nuances with impressive density, intensity and a long, serious finish.

The Style

Elegant, crystalline and intensely mineral — a sophisticated Grand Cru Chablis where depth and richness meet extraordinary finesse, freshness and saline precision.

William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses 2023