$50 - $75 Wine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A powerful and beautifully structured Vintage Port from one of the most celebrated Douro vintages of the modern era, Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 combines concentrated dark fruit, firm tannins and impressive depth. Produced from traditional Douro grape varieties and crafted by winemaker Álvaro van Zeller, this cellar-worthy Port offers richness and intensity along with the structure for continued development in bottle.

The 2011 vintage produced remarkably concentrated and age-worthy Ports throughout the Douro. Maynard’s expression captures the character of the year with generous fruit, substantial body and a firm tannic backbone balanced by freshness.

Region & Style

Country: Portugal
Region: Douro Valley
Appellation: Porto
Wine Type: Fortified Red Wine
Style: Vintage Port
Vintage: 2011
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: 20% ABV
Winemaker: Álvaro van Zeller

Grape Varieties

Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 is produced from traditional indigenous Douro varieties, including:

• Touriga Nacional
• Touriga Franca
• Tinto Cão
• Old-vine Douro varieties

These grapes provide the intense fruit concentration, color, tannic structure and aromatic complexity essential to a fine, long-lived Vintage Port.

Winemaking & Aging

The grapes are harvested by hand at full ripeness and partially destemmed before crushing. Extended skin contact and maceration help extract the deep color, concentrated flavor and tannic structure characteristic of the wine.

During fermentation, grape spirit is added at the appropriate moment to stop fermentation and preserve the wine’s natural sweetness, aromatic intensity and structure.

The Vintage Port is then matured in oak vats in the Douro under controlled temperature and humidity conditions before bottling. The wine is not stabilized before bottling, allowing it to continue its slow evolution and development in bottle. As a result, natural sediment may form with age.

Tasting Notes

Deep and nearly opaque in color, Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 displays impressive structure, concentration and body. Aromas of ripe red and dark fruits lead into a rich palate dominated by blackberry, blackcurrant and concentrated berry fruit.

The texture is notably creamy and generous, yet the wine possesses a substantial framework of firm tannins that provides definition and excellent aging potential.

Rich fruit continues through the palate into a persistent, concentrated and beautifully structured finish.

94 Points — Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast awarded Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 an outstanding 94 Points.

Reviewer Roger Voss noted the wine’s rich opening, firm tannins and substantial weight, emphasizing the solid structure surrounding its generous blackberry fruit. The combination of abundant fruit and powerful tannins points to excellent long-term development.

The Exceptional 2011 Vintage

2011 is regarded as an outstanding year for Vintage Port, producing wines of remarkable fruit concentration, tannic structure and freshness throughout the Douro Valley.

The finest wines from the vintage were built for extended aging, and Maynard’s 2011 shows exactly those qualities: concentrated fruit, substantial structure and the balance necessary for graceful development over many years.

Serving & Decanting

Vintage Port naturally develops sediment as it matures in bottle. Stand the bottle upright for approximately 24 hours before opening, allowing the sediment to settle, and then decant carefully before serving.

Serve at approximately 16–18°C / 61–64°F in a generous Port or red-wine glass to allow the aromas and flavors to fully develop.

Food Pairing

Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 is an outstanding after-dinner wine and pairs beautifully with Stilton, aged sheep’s milk cheese, blue cheese and other intensely flavored cheeses.

It is equally compelling alongside dark chocolate, chocolate truffles, walnuts, dried fruits and rich chocolate desserts, or simply enjoyed by itself as a contemplative finish to a meal.

Cellaring

This is a serious Vintage Port with the concentration and tannic structure for extended bottle aging. Store horizontally in a cool, dark location with a stable temperature, ideally around 12°C / 54°F.

Although already developing additional complexity with bottle age, the 2011 has the structure to continue evolving beautifully for many years.

About Maynard’s

Maynard’s is the flagship Port brand associated with Fernando and Álvaro van Zeller, continuing the van Zeller family’s centuries-old connection to the Portuguese wine trade.

The Maynard’s name honors Walter Maynard, born in 1652, an ancestor of the van Zeller family and one of the early merchants associated with exporting Port wine from Portugal to England. Today, Maynard’s produces a distinctive collection of Vintage Ports, aged Tawnies and rare single-harvest Colheitas.

A superb 94-point Vintage Port from an exceptional year, Maynard’s 2011 combines concentrated blackberry fruit, formidable structure and impressive aging potential—a compelling bottle for the cellar, gifting or a special vintage-year celebration.

Maynard’s Vintage Port 2011 750ml

About Champagne Paul Bara

Paul Bara Rosé Brut Grand Cru NV is a vibrant, expressive Rosé Champagne from one of Bouzy’s most storied grower estates — a family that has farmed this celebrated Grand Cru village since 1833. The estate tends approximately 11 hectares of clay-limestone and chalk-rich vineyards planted primarily to Pinot Noir, and its Champagnes are renowned for their combination of ripe fruit, fine structure, and a distinctive sense of place. Composed of 80% Pinot Noir (including 12% estate-produced Bouzy Rouge) and 20% Chardonnay, this Rosé is a benchmark expression of Bouzy’s vinous depth and red-fruit generosity.

Tasting Notes

Luminous salmon-pink in the glass with a fine, persistent mousse. The bouquet is expressive and inviting: raspberry, wild strawberry, and red cherry lead, accompanied by dried apricot, citrus peel, and delicate flowers, with subtle accents of almond, biscuit, and gentle spice emerging with air. On the palate, the wine is lively, generous, and beautifully balanced — juicy red fruit supported by refreshing acidity and a fine mineral backbone, with a smooth, creamy texture from approximately four years of lees aging. The finish is dry, focused, and persistent, with lingering red-fruit, citrus, and savory mineral notes.

Critical Acclaim

Decanter — 96 Points: “Enticing creamy raspberry and ground almond notes which propel over the pink grapefruit acidity and gorgeous glowing, silky mousse. Delicate with a crushed red fruit ending.”

James Suckling — 93 Points: “Attractive fruit with sliced-strawberry and apple aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fresh apples and citrus as well as touches of heather and bread dough. Tangy at the end.”

Winemaking

Only the first pressing of the grapes is used. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks; malolactic fermentation is avoided to preserve freshness and natural acidity. The estate-produced Bouzy Rouge contributes the Rosé’s attractive color, richness, and red-fruit complexity. Aged approximately four years on lees before release — well beyond the NV minimum — developing greater texture and depth while retaining vibrant fruit. Sustainable farming, lutte raisonnée. Average vine age: approximately 35 years.

Food Pairings

Exceptional as an aperitif. Pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, tuna tartare, sushi, grilled shrimp, lobster, duck breast, roast poultry, pork tenderloin, charcuterie, creamy cheeses, and red-berry desserts. Versatile enough to accompany an entire meal.

Paul Bara Brut Réserve Grand Cru NV is the signature cuvée of Champagne Paul Bara and a classic expression of Bouzy, one of the most celebrated villages in Champagne’s Montagne de Reims. Produced entirely from estate-grown Grand Cru fruit, this non-vintage Champagne combines the generosity and structure of Bouzy Pinot Noir with the freshness and finesse of Chardonnay.

The blend is composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay from vines averaging approximately 35 years of age. Bouzy’s south-facing vineyards and deep clay-limestone soils encourage excellent ripeness while preserving the freshness, mineral definition and balance essential to fine Champagne. Only the first pressing of the grapes is used, and malolactic fermentation is avoided to retain natural acidity and vibrancy.

Light yellow-gold in color with fine, abundant bubbles and a persistent mousse. The bouquet opens with ripe orchard and stone fruits — Mirabelle plum, yellow peach and quince — followed by sweet spice, honey, candied citrus, bergamot and orange peel. On the palate, the Brut Réserve is rich, fresh and beautifully focused, with lively acidity, a fine mineral backbone and the subtle peppery character associated with Pinot Noir from Bouzy. The texture is generous and mouth-filling, yet the finish remains dry, precise and refreshing.

Press Notes

91 pts — James Suckling: "Attractive aromas of pears and sliced apples with hints of yeast follow through to a medium body with bright acidity and a delicate bread-dough finish. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay."

91 pts — Wine Spectator: "A creamy Champagne, offering concentrated flavors of mandarin orange preserves, dried white cherry and grated ginger, underscored by a streak of salty mineral. Well-balanced, with a lip-smacking finish."

Wine Details

• Producer: Paul Bara
• Cuvée: Brut Réserve
• Style: Non-Vintage Brut Grand Cru
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Subregion: Montagne de Reims
• Village: Bouzy Grand Cru
• Grapes: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: ~35 years on average
• Soil: Clay and limestone over deep chalk
• Vinification: First pressing only; stainless steel; no malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: ~7 g/L (may vary by disgorgement)
• Alcohol: ~12.5%
• Serving Temperature: 46–50°F

About Paul Bara

The Bara family has been rooted in Bouzy since 1833. Today, the historic grower estate farms approximately 11 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards, producing Champagnes admired for their ripe fruit, vinous depth, freshness and distinctive expression of Bouzy’s chalk-rich terroir.

Why We Like It

The Brut Réserve is a benchmark Grower Champagne — Pinot Noir-driven, terroir-expressive and consistently excellent. At this price point, it offers a compelling window into what Grand Cru Bouzy Champagne can be: structured, generous and unmistakably characterful.

Food Pairings: Oysters, shrimp, scallops, smoked salmon, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, creamy mushroom dishes, aged Comté or savory pastries.

R.H. Coutier Extra Brut Rosé (Base 2022) is an elegant, Chardonnay-led Rosé Champagne from one of Ambonnay's most respected grower-producers — a family estate with deep roots in this celebrated Grand Cru village of the Montagne de Reims. Composed of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, sourced entirely from organically farmed estate fruit in Ambonnay, this is a Rosé of genuine finesse: pale, precise, and beautifully balanced, with the mineral energy of Grand Cru Chardonnay at its core.

The 2022 base brings generous structure and ripeness — approximately 77% of the blend from the harvest, complemented by reserve wines that add complexity and continuity. Pale and refined in the glass, the Champagne opens with notes of cranberry, wild red berries, dried flowers, and a delicate hint of mint. Subtle earthy and savory nuances emerge with air, adding depth and intrigue. On the palate, the wine is graceful and energetic, with fine, persistent bubbles, fresh acidity, and a clean Extra Brut finish of impressive length and clarity. Light, ethereal, and impeccably balanced.

Awarded 90 Points by Vinous: “A very pretty, nuanced Champagne. Cranberry, dried flowers, mint and crushed autumn leaves all grace this racy, pale-colored Rosé. It’s a touch light and ethereal, with all the elements very nicely balanced.” Organically farmed, grower-produced, and site-specific — a Rosé Champagne of genuine character at an introductory price.

Serve at 46–50°F. Exceptional as an aperitif and a refined partner for smoked salmon, tuna tartare, charcuterie, roast duck, mushroom dishes, soft cheeses, and berry-accented savory preparations.

R.H. Coutier Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs (Base 2022) is a rare and compelling Champagne from one of Ambonnay's most respected grower-producers — a family that has cultivated vines in this celebrated Grand Cru village for generations. What makes this cuvée so distinctive is its origin: Ambonnay is revered above all for Pinot Noir, yet R.H. Coutier was among the village's earliest champions of Chardonnay, and this Blanc de Blancs stands as a testament to that vision — combining the generous structure and clay-chalk depth of Ambonnay with the precision, citrus energy, and mineral elegance of 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay.

The bouquet is refined and expressive: lemon peel, crisp orchard fruit, white stone fruit, and delicate floral notes, underpinned by a chalky, fresh-pastry quality that speaks directly to the terroir. On the palate, the wine is bright and finely textured, with ripe stony fruit, lively acidity, and fine, persistent bubbles that carry the flavors with effortless grace. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine focused and refreshingly dry, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish of impressive length and clarity.

A grower Champagne of genuine character — site-specific, hand-crafted, and deeply expressive of its Grand Cru origins. The 2022 base brings generous structure and ripeness, balanced by the natural freshness of high-altitude Champagne viticulture.

Serve at 46–50°F. An exceptional aperitif and a natural partner for oysters, shellfish, sushi, smoked salmon, delicate white fish, soft cheeses, and lightly fried seafood.

93 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points — James Suckling
91 Points — Wine Advocate

Geoffroy “Empreinte Millésime” 2018 is a vintage Blanc de Noirs Champagne produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in three historic Premier Cru parcels in Cumières. Powerful yet refined, it captures the ripe red-fruit character of this celebrated Vallée de la Marne village while preserving freshness, mineral tension and a finely detailed mousse.

The wine is sourced from mature, south-facing vines planted on the midslope above the Marne River. Fermentation and maturation in large oak vessels build texture and complexity without obscuring the purity of the Pinot Noir. After extended aging on the lees and a very low dosage, the finished Champagne offers ripe orchard fruit, citrus, red berries, fresh bread, toasted nuts and a distinctive saline finish.

The Place

Cumières is a historic Premier Cru village in Champagne’s Vallée de la Marne, located immediately west of Hautvillers and northwest of Épernay. Its vineyards rise steeply from the right bank of the Marne River, benefiting from predominantly south- and southeast-facing exposures.

The village’s warm, sunny slopes allow Pinot Noir to achieve excellent ripeness. Cumières Champagne is consequently known for its expressive fruit, generous texture and distinctly vinous character. The underlying chalk and limestone preserve freshness and mineral tension, preventing the wines from becoming overly broad or heavy.

Although Champagne Geoffroy’s winemaking facilities are now located in Aÿ, the family’s identity remains inseparable from Cumières, where it has cultivated vines since the 17th century.

The Empreinte Vineyards

Empreinte is drawn from three historic Cumières Premier Cru parcels:

Les Chalmonts
Les Barremonts
Les Pêchers

The vineyards lie on the midslope at approximately 160 meters above sea level, with a gradient of around 19%. Their southerly exposure promotes full Pinot Noir ripeness, while the slope provides natural drainage and excellent sunlight throughout the growing season.

The soils are composed principally of clay and limestone with fragments of millstone and flint. Clay contributes body, ripe fruit and textural generosity. Limestone and chalk provide freshness, structure and salinity, while flinty elements can contribute the delicate smoky or reductive mineral character frequently found in the wine.

The source vines average approximately 40 years of age. The parcels are selected annually, harvested together and pressed as a single expression of mature-vine Pinot Noir from Cumières.

The Meaning of Empreinte

“Empreinte” translates as “imprint” or “mark.” The name reflects the domaine’s intention to capture the distinctive imprint of Cumières terroir through Pinot Noir.

The cuvée represents one of the estate’s historic and defining wines. Rather than blending across villages or grape varieties, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy uses Empreinte to highlight the depth, ripeness and mineral structure Pinot Noir can achieve on the warm slopes of Cumières.

The Grape: 100% Pinot Noir.

Although Pinot Noir is a dark-skinned grape, the juice is naturally clear. Gentle pressing with minimal skin contact produces a white Champagne known as Blanc de Noirs.

Pinot Noir provides Empreinte with structure, body and aging potential, together with characteristic flavors of red apple, cherry, raspberry and subtle red currant. Mature vines and extended lees aging add further layers of citrus, toasted bread, nuts, spice and savory mineral complexity.

The 2018 Vintage

Empreinte 2018 is a true vintage Champagne, produced solely from grapes harvested during the 2018 growing season.

The warm, generous vintage allowed Pinot Noir in favorably exposed Cumières vineyards to achieve excellent maturity. The resulting Champagne possesses ripe fruit and a broad, enveloping texture, but sufficient acidity and mineral structure maintain balance and freshness.

The vintage produced a comparatively approachable expression of Empreinte, combining concentrated Pinot Noir character with a creamy mousse, fresh citrus and a delicate saline edge.

Viticulture

Champagne Geoffroy practices sustainable and increasingly organic viticulture. Chemical weedkillers are avoided, vineyard soils are cultivated and cover crops are encouraged to improve biodiversity and soil health.

The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum maturity and carefully sorted. Achieving full physiological ripeness is central to the Geoffroy style, particularly for a low-dosage wine such as Empreinte, where there is very little added sweetness to soften or disguise the character of the base wine.

Pressing and Vinification

The Pinot Noir is pressed in a traditional Coquard press. Only the finest first-pressing juice, known as the tête de cuvée, is selected.

The individual vineyard parcels are handled by gravity and fermented with indigenous yeasts. The 2018 was vinified principally in large 20-hectoliter Stockinger oak casks, together with other neutral barrels and demi-muids.

Large-format, seasoned oak allows the wine to develop greater breadth, texture and oxygen-derived complexity without contributing excessive new-oak flavor. It also complements the naturally rich and vinous character of mature-vine Cumières Pinot Noir.

The wine is neither heavily fined nor filtered, preserving its natural texture and aromatic complexity.

Lees Aging and Dosage

The importer lists approximately 66 months of aging on the lees. Jeb Dunnuck describes the wine as spending a minimum of five years sur latte before disgorgement.

This extended lees maturation develops the Champagne’s fine mousse and contributes notes of brioche, fresh bread, pastry, almond and toasted nuts.

The bottles reviewed by James Suckling and Wine Advocate were disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of only 1 gram per liter. This extremely low dosage gives the wine a dry, focused profile and allows its Pinot Noir fruit, chalky minerality and delicate phenolic structure to remain clearly defined.

Skurnik’s broader technical profile lists 3 grams per liter for the cuvée, indicating that dosage may vary between disgorgement lots. Both figures fall within the Extra Brut category.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Empreinte displays a luminous copper-straw color with a persistent stream of small, finely formed bubbles.

The bouquet opens with sliced apple, pear, white grapefruit and orange zest, followed by raspberry, red currant and other subtle red-fruit notes. With air, aromas of honey, fresh bread, brioche, toasted almond and Madagascar vanilla become more pronounced.

A delicate flinty reduction frames the fruit and contributes additional mineral complexity. The oak is present primarily as texture and gentle toast rather than overt wood flavor.

On the palate, the Champagne is medium- to full-bodied, firm and generous. A creamy mousse surrounds ripe apple, citrus and red-berry flavors, while vibrant acidity maintains energy and definition.

The mid-palate is broad, textural and enveloping, yet the wine remains controlled and precise. Pinot Noir contributes a subtle phenolic grip, leading to a delicately bitter, gastronomic finish marked by grapefruit pith, almond, chalk and salty spice.

This is a substantial but elegant Blanc de Noirs: expressive enough to enjoy now, yet sufficiently structured to develop greater nutty, savory and brioche complexity with additional bottle age.

Professional Ratings

93 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Champagne Premier Cru Cumières Blanc de Noirs Empreinte Extra Brut is a more elegant and approachable wine in this vintage, pouring a bright copper/straw color and offering notes of fresh almond, fresh bread, white grapefruit, red fruit, and delicate flinty reduction that frames the nose. Made from 100% Pinot Noir from the best plots of Cumières and raised in oak with a minimum five years sur latte, it™s medium-bodied and has a creamy texture and a fine mousse with just a subtle salty spice. It is not the most obvious wine in the tasting, but it will offer a lot of refreshing enjoyment over the next 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035."

92 Points — James Suckling: "Sliced apples, berries, honey and toasted bread on the nose of this dry, expressive Champagne. Lovely pinot noir character, firm but generous. Tight bubbles. Pinot noir from Cumieres. Disgorged December 2024. 1 g/L dosage. Drink now or hold."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "Geoffroy™s 2018 Blanc de Noirs Cumieres Empreinte originates from several south-facing parcels in Cumieres, averaging 40 years of age. These parcels are annually selected, harvested and pressed together, then vinified primarily in 20-hectoliter Stockinger casks. Disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of one gram per liter, the wine bursts from the glass with expressive aromas of pear, orange zest, brioche and Madagascar vanilla. Full-bodied, textural and enveloping on the palate, it displays notable mid-palate sweetness despite its low-dosage style. Ripe yet vibrant acidity complements the wine, while Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves on the delicately bitter finish. Made with full malolactic fermentation, this cuvee stands apart from the rest of the range, offering a richer, fruit-forward profile that's full of charm."

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in Cumières since the 17th century. Estate bottling began during the 1950s, and René Geoffroy later expanded the domaine and established its reputation as an independent grower-producer.

Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy manages the estate with his wife, Karine. Although the family moved its winemaking operations to a historic property in Aÿ in 2008, most of its vineyards remain in Cumières.

The domaine farms approximately 14 hectares, including roughly 11 hectares in Cumières, with additional parcels in neighboring Vallée de la Marne villages.

The Geoffroy style is built around ripe fruit, individual parcel selection, traditional pressing, oak fermentation and extended cellar aging. The wines combine the generosity of the Vallée de la Marne with energetic acidity, restrained dosage and a distinctive vinous character.

Food Pairing

Empreinte is a gastronomic Champagne particularly well suited to poultry, mushrooms and mature cheeses.

Recommended pairings include Bresse chicken with morels, roast chicken, quail with grapes, duck breast, veal, pork tenderloin and a fricassee of wild mushrooms.

It also pairs beautifully with seared tuna, grilled salmon, lobster, scallops, truffle risotto and savory pastry dishes. Mature Comté, Gruyère, Parmesan and other aged cheeses complement its toasted-almond and brioche character.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 50–54°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or a generous white-wine glass. The producer recommends serving Empreinte at approximately 11–12°C.

A wider glass allows its Pinot Noir fruit, oak-derived texture and mature lees aromas to develop more fully than a narrow flute.

The Champagne is ready to drink now but should continue to evolve through approximately 2035. Additional bottle age will encourage more developed notes of toasted nuts, dried fruit, honey, brioche and savory spice.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Empreinte Millésime
Vintage: 2018
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Vintage Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard Sources: Les Chalmonts, Les Barremonts and Les Pêchers
Exposure: Predominantly south-facing
Altitude: Approximately 160 meters
Slope: Approximately 19% gradient
Vine Age: Approximately 40 years and older
Soils: Clay-limestone with fragments of millstone and flint
Farming: Sustainable and practicing organic
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Press: Traditional Coquard press; tête de cuvée juice
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in large oak casks, barrels and demi-muids
Lees Aging: Approximately 66 months
Disgorgement: December 2024 for the bottles reviewed
Dosage: 1 g/L for the December 2024 reviewed disgorgement; importer profile also lists 3 g/L for the cuvée
Alcohol: 12.5%
Recommended Drinking: 2025–2035
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy “Empreinte Millésime” Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Extra Brut 2018

92 Points — Wine Spectator
91 Points — Vinous

Pinot Noir from the heart of Aÿ. Henri Goutorbe's Cuvée Prestige is the signature non-vintage Brut of one of the Vallée de la Marne's most respected family estates — a grower Champagne built around the richness, depth and vinous character that Aÿ Premier Cru Pinot Noir delivers better than almost anywhere else in Champagne. Rich yet lively, layered with vanilla, pastry cream, brioche, blackberry and blood orange zest, it is an excellent introduction to the Goutorbe house style: fruit-forward, structured and generous, with enough acidity to keep the wine elegant and fresh.

The Place

Henri Goutorbe is based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's most celebrated Premier Cru villages and the historic heartland of Pinot Noir in the Vallée de la Marne. Aÿ's south-facing slopes, deep chalk soils and warm mesoclimate allow Pinot Noir to achieve exceptional ripeness and concentration, producing wines with body, ripe red fruit and a distinctly vinous character that sets them apart from the lighter, more delicate styles of the Montagne de Reims or Côte des Blancs.

The Goutorbe family has farmed vines in Aÿ for generations, and the estate's identity is inseparable from the village. Their vineyards are planted predominantly on the chalk-rich slopes that give Aÿ Champagne its characteristic combination of richness and mineral freshness.

The Blend

Cuvée Prestige is led by approximately 70% Pinot Noir, with 25% Chardonnay and a small proportion of Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir contributes body, ripe red and dark fruit, and the vinous depth that defines the Goutorbe style. Chardonnay brings freshness, lift and precision. Meunier adds aromatic charm and suppleness to the blend.

The assemblage draws on reserve wines from multiple vintages, giving Cuvée Prestige consistency and complexity beyond what a single harvest could provide.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification follows traditional Champagne methods, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and extended lees aging in bottle to develop the wine's creamy mousse and subtle notes of brioche, pastry and toasted almond.

The dosage is calibrated to complement the wine's natural fruit and acidity without masking its character — keeping Cuvée Prestige firmly in the Brut category while preserving the generosity and approachability that define it.

Tasting Notes

The wine opens with aromas of ripe pear, red apple, blackberry and citrus, followed by notes of toasted brioche, pastry cream, honey, roasted almond and subtle spice. The palate is broad and creamy, supported by a fine, persistent mousse and bright acidity. Flavors of orchard fruit, blood orange, salted nuts and warm toast lead into a balanced, harmonious finish.

Wine Spectator describes it as rich yet lively, with layered notes of vanilla, pastry cream and brioche joined by blackberry, salted almond and blood orange zest, carried through a harmonious finish by fine acidity and texture.

Professional Ratings

92 Points — Wine Spectator: Rich yet lively, with layered notes of vanilla, pastry cream and brioche, joined by blackberry, salted almond and blood orange zest. Fine acidity and texture carry the wine through a harmonious finish.

91 Points — Vinous: A Pinot Noir-driven Champagne with generous fruit, attractive richness and the structure typical of the estate's home village of Aÿ.

The Producer

Henri Goutorbe is a historic family grower-producer based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's most prestigious Premier Cru villages. The estate has farmed its own vineyards for generations and produces a range of Champagnes that reflect the depth, richness and mineral character of Aÿ terroir. The Goutorbe style is built around ripe Pinot Noir, careful vineyard work and traditional winemaking — producing Champagnes that are expressive, structured and age-worthy.

Food Pairing

Cuvée Prestige is an excellent aperitif and a versatile food Champagne. Serve with oysters, smoked salmon, shellfish, roast chicken, creamy pasta, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses or lightly seasoned pork. Its body and red-fruit character also make it a natural partner for charcuterie and poultry dishes with cream or mushroom sauces.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve well chilled at approximately 46–50°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. Ready to drink now and will continue to develop over the next three to five years.

Producer: Henri Goutorbe
Cuvée: Cuvée Prestige
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Aÿ Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Non-Vintage Brut Champagne
Blend: Approximately 70% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier
Farming: Family estate vineyards
Harvest: Hand harvested
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

Guy Charlemagne Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grande Réserve — Le Mesnil-sur-Oger & Oger, Base 2022 

Important availability note:
The Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blancs Grande Réserve Extra Brut Grand Cru, base 2019, is expected to arrive during the last week of August 2026. All other featured Guy Charlemagne Champagnes are currently in stock.

Guy Charlemagne is one of the Côte des Blancs’ most respected grower-producers, farming Grand Cru Chardonnay in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — the village that defines the benchmark for Blanc de Blancs Champagne. The Grande Réserve is the estate’s signature non-vintage expression, assembled from Chardonnay grown exclusively in the Grand Cru villages of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger, with reserve wines blended in to add depth, complexity, and continuity across vintages. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine dry and focused, allowing the chalk-rich terroir of the Côte des Blancs to speak without interference. This is the entry point into the Charlemagne range — and it sets a remarkably high bar.

Pale golden with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is fresh and expressive: lemon zest, crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, and crushed stone, followed by subtle brioche, almond, and fresh pastry from extended lees aging. On the palate, bright citrus fruit combines with a creamy mousse and a pronounced mineral core. The finish is long, clean, and saline — chalk, lemon, and toasted hazelnut lingering with precision.

• Producer: Guy Charlemagne, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne, France
• Base Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Villages: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger & Oger
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs, Extra Brut (with reserve wines)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, orchard fruit, white flowers, crushed stone, brioche, almond, saline chalk finish
• Serve: 46–50°F
• Best Paired With: Oysters, shellfish, sushi, smoked salmon, caviar, delicate white fish, soft-ripened cheeses

Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from the village that defines the category — Guy Charlemagne’s Grande Réserve is the benchmark grower Champagne at an honest introductory price.

Yann Alexandre Blanches Terres Rosé 1er Cru Brut — Champagne 2018 Base

This elegant Premier Cru rosé is drawn from two exceptional lieu-dits: Les Blanches Terres in Coulommes-la-Montagne for Chardonnay, and Saint Lié in Villedommange for Pinot Noir. At 94% Chardonnay, it is a blanc de blancs in spirit — mineral-driven, precise, and tensile — with 6% Pinot Noir red wine added to impart delicate color, red-fruit lift, and subtle structure. The 2018 base is blended with 60% reserve wine, grounding the cuvée in depth and consistency, before a minimum of 48 months en tirage develops a refined mousse, creamy texture, and layered complexity.

The nose is graceful and expressive: white peach, strawberry, and fresh raspberry over a bed of chalk and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is precise and mineral-driven, with fine, persistent bubbles carrying notes of citrus cream, red currant, and brioche to a clean, saline finish. The Brut dosage of 6 g/L keeps the wine focused and dry, while the partial oak vinification adds just enough texture to elevate it at the table.

"Elegant and gastronomic — a Chardonnay-driven rosé Champagne of rare freshness, mineral energy, and delicate red-fruit charm."

• Producer: Yann & Séverine Alexandre, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Base Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
• Vineyards: Les Blanches Terres (Coulommes-la-Montagne) & Saint Lié (Villedommange)
• Blend: 94% Chardonnay, 6% Pinot Noir (red wine addition)
• Reserve Wine: 60%
• Vinification: Primarily stainless steel; 15% Chardonnay in oak; partial malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: Minimum 48 months en tirage
• Dosage: 6 g/L | Acidity: 5.51 g/L | pH: 2.9 | Alcohol: 12%
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by OCACIA
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, strawberry, raspberry, chalk, white flowers, citrus cream, red currant, brioche, saline finish
• Best Paired With: Smoked salmon, tuna tartare, shellfish, sushi, roast poultry, charcuterie, creamy cheeses

Sixty percent reserve wine, 48 months on the lees, and two Premier Cru lieu-dits of rare mineral character — Yann Alexandre's Blanches Terres Rosé is grower Champagne at its most refined.

J. Vignier Les Longues Verges Grand Cru Brut — Cramant & Chouilly 2013

Les Longues Verges is J. Vignier’s most distinctive single-vineyard cuvée — a Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from a unique parcel that straddles the boundary between two of the Côte des Blancs’ most celebrated villages: Cramant and Chouilly. The name itself is a piece of history: “verges” was an old French unit of measurement, roughly 50 meters, used before the metric system. The vineyard’s northeast-facing exposure on Cretaceous chalk, marl, and clay preserves freshness and acidity while encouraging the Chardonnay to develop exceptional purity and concentration. Vinified in stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation, bottled in May 2014, and aged 84 months in bottle before release — the 2013 vintage emerges with the depth and integration of a wine that has been given all the time it needs. Certified sustainable by Socofret.

Elegant and focused on the nose: bright citrus, white peach, and orchard fruit joined by jasmine, fennel, ginger, and toasted brioche. The palate is long, juicy, and finely structured — creamy texture balanced by vivid acidity and the steely, chalk-driven minerality that defines Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Cramant’s refined structure and Chouilly’s generous fruit meet in a wine of compelling harmony and a finish that lingers with precision and grace.

“Les Longues Verges sits at the boundary of two Grand Cru villages — and the wine itself is a study in contrasts beautifully resolved: structure and generosity, freshness and depth, history and precision.”

• Producer: J. Vignier, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2013
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Villages: Cramant & Chouilly
• Vineyard: Les Longues Verges (northeast exposure)
• 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
• Bottle Aging: 84 months
• Residual Sugar: 4.4 g/L | Acidity: 4.2 g/L | pH: 3.07 | Alcohol: 12.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white peach, orchard fruit, jasmine, fennel, ginger, brioche, creamy texture, steely chalky minerality
• Best Paired With: Oysters, caviar, lobster, scallops, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses

2013 vintage. 84 months in bottle. A single parcel spanning two Grand Cru villages. J. Vignier’s Les Longues Verges is Côte des Blancs Blanc de Blancs at its most singular and precise.

Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022

Château Mont-Redon is one of the most storied estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, its history predating the appellation itself. In 1923 — more than a decade before the AOC was formally established in 1936 — visionary proprietor Henri Plantin acquired this isolated plateau property, then covered in scrubland and groves, and set about clearing the land and planting vines in the famous rolled pebbles (galets roulés) that define the appellation's most iconic terroir.

Located in the northwestern sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the estate is uniquely privileged to possess all three of the appellation's emblematic terroir types: the pebble-strewn plateau, the compact sandy safres, and the ancient urgonian limestone. This rare combination of complementary soils is the foundation of Mont-Redon's complexity and consistency across vintages.

The 2022 is a blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and a mix of other authorized varieties including Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarèse, and Cinsaut, matured in a combination of new and used barrels, concrete, and large foudres. The result is a wine of remarkable depth, structure, and elegance — built for the cellar, but already showing its extraordinary potential.

Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with a gorgeous nose of dark cherries, black raspberries, cassis, dried thyme, black pepper, violets, and spicy garrigue, with hints of leather, licorice, and gravel. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with a firm yet refined tannic frame, dark berry fruit at the core, and a long, focused finish with crushed stone and graphite minerality. Best from 2027–2028 and drinking brilliantly for 15+ years.

James Suckling — 96 pts
"A well-composed, structured and refined Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The nose reveals notes of dark cherries, cassis, dried thyme, black pepper and a touch of violets. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Robust and focused, and the funneled finish has length. Try after 2028." (Vintage 2022). 

Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts
"A gorgeous nose of black raspberries, Bing cherries, spicy garrigue, leather, and ground pepper. With medium to full-bodied richness and a concentrated yet focused, elegant style on the palate, it’s going to benefit from 2–3 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly over the following 15+ years." (Vintage 2022). 

Vinous — 92 pts
"Distinct licorice, gravel, red cherry and violet notes alongside minty undertones. Constructed around a firm tannic core, the full-bodied 2022 is clearly built for the long haul, demanding five more years in a cool cellar." (Vintage 2022). 

Wine Spectator — 92 pts
"Large in scale and richly styled, with a ripe core of cherry and cassis liqueur hemmed in with chalk-fine tannins. Smoked anise, meat and earth merge in, while graphite and crushed stone notes line the robust finish." (Vintage 2022). 

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 91+ pts
"Aromas of violet, dark wild berries, lavender and smoke. A medium to full-bodied, concentrated and structured wine with an assertive tannic frame, velvety tannins and a long and spicy finish." (Vintage 2022). 

Blend: ~60% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, plus Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarèse, Cinsaut
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Southern Rhône, France
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml
Scores: 96 JS | 94 JD | 92 Vinous | 92 WS | 91+ WA

Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Russian River Valley — Sonoma County 2023

Lewis Cellars is one of Napa and Sonoma’s most celebrated producers of opulent, barrel-fermented Chardonnay — and the Russian River Valley bottling is the more feminine, floral counterpart to their Napa expression. The Russian River Valley is defined by its proximity to the Pacific: morning fog, cool afternoons, and salty ocean air that slow ripening and impart a distinctive floral aromatic quality and subtle minerality that sets this appellation apart. The 2023 growing season was one of the longest of the past decade — mild, consistently sunny weather promoted even ripening with exceptional complexity. Lewis waited until late September to begin harvest, picking the last fruit in the second week of November, allowing prolonged hang time for maximal flavor development. The wine is fully barrel-fermented with native yeast and undergoes 100% malolactic conversion in French oak — the Lewis signature.

The color is a luminous golden straw. The nose is rich and captivating: sweet jasmine, roasted pear, popcorn, caramel, cinnamon, and citrus blossom, with a whisper of salty Pacific air. On the palate, it is full-bodied, broad, and richly textured — pear syrup, lemon cream, apple chutney, flaky pastry, and Meyer lemon curd, with rocky minerality and barrel spice woven through a long, succulent, and elegant finish. Vibrant and elevated on entry, graceful and complex through the mid-palate, and deliciously succulent on the landing.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling — 94 Points
“This full-bodied, soft and rich wine drips with pear-syrup and lemon-cream flavors. Fully barrel-fermented with native yeast and 100% malolactic, it feels broad and melted, tasting ultraripe, almost sweet. Great wine if you like this style. Drink or hold.”

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“Big, rich aromas of popcorn, roasted pear, caramel, and cinnamon waft on the nose. The palate is broad and richly textured, with flavors of apple chutney, flaky pastry, rocky minerality, barrel spice, and citrus blossoms, with echoes of cinnamon and Meyer lemon curd through the finish.”

• Producer: Lewis Cellars, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Russian River Valley
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Fully barrel-fermented with native yeast, 100% malolactic conversion, French oak
• Harvest: Late September – second week of November (extended hang time)
• Style: Rich, opulent, floral, cool-climate Russian River Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Jasmine, roasted pear, caramel, lemon cream, apple chutney, Meyer lemon curd, rocky minerality, salty Pacific air
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Lobster, crab, roast chicken, creamy pasta, soft-ripened cheeses, scallops

Russian River Chardonnay at its most lush and expressive — Lewis Cellars 2023 is the Pacific Coast in a glass.

Gratavinum · 2πr · Priorat · Organic · 2023

Gratavinum 2πr 2023 brings preserved red fruit, toasty oak and a mineral finish to an organic red blend from Priorat. Deep purple with ruby tinges, it opens softly before revealing ripe tannins, volume and acidity, finishing with a long, fresh aftertaste.

Producer & Origin

The Cusiné family launched Gratavinum in Gratallops in 2003. The name combines Gratallops with the Latin word Vinum, while 2πr refers to the perimeter of a circle and the wine's aim of bringing Priorat character together with softness, balance and fruit.

Winery by Cusiné Family

In 2003, Joan and Josep Cusiné together with their wives MªElena Jiménez and Marta Casas (winemakers in Parés Baltà) and the winemaker Jordi Fernandez, started a new and exciting project in Priorat region. That was the begining of Gratavinum whose name comes from the contraction of Gratallops (the name of the village where the winery is located) and Vinum, which means wine in Latin, in homage to the Romans, who introduced the cultivation of vines in the region many centuries ago.

Winemaker Description · Vintage 2023

2πr2023
An organic red wine made in Priorat. The perfect roundness
2 πr, the perimeter of a circle. In the elaboration of this wine we have brought the unique character of Priorat terroir together with the softness, balance and fruitiness of our grapes.

An ideal wine for wine-lovers to be enjoyed with the traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

Tasting Notes
Deep purple with ruby tinges. Aromatic intensity and complexity with explicit presence of preserved red fruit well balanced with the touch of toasty notes from the oak. The entry is soft, but it changes showing unpolished ripen tannins together with good volume and acidity. Fruity notes with a mineral character at the end of the mouth. Long and fresh aftertaste.

Evolution
In good conditions of this bottle will evolve positively for at least the next 7 years.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Follow the producer's Mediterranean direction with roast lamb, grilled meats, mushroom dishes or a hearty vegetable stew.

Details

• Producer: Gratavinum, Cusiné family
• Wine: 2πr / 2PIR
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: Spain
• Region: Catalonia
• Appellation: Priorat
• Grapes: Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
• Type: Red wine
• Farming Attribute: Organic

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck: The 2021 Pinot Noir Isabelle comes from a mix of sites and spent two years in new barrels. It has a translucent ruby hue as well as a beautiful nose of mulled cherries, savory raspberries, spicy wood, and dried flowers. It’s balanced, medium-bodied, has an elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. This classy, complex, elegant 2021 will drink nicely over the coming decade.

Winemaker Notes

Explore Beaurenard Estate Chateauneuf-du-Pape Biodynamic 2021

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape is just as tasty as the Boisrenard special cuvée this vintage, with very similar notes of black raspberries, black olives and garrigue. Perhaps a bit lighter-bodied (still medium to full-bodied), it's a touch creamy on the mid-palate, then adds hints of dark chocolate on the supple, lingering finish. The assemblage here is less Grenache-heavy (65%), with 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and small amounts of other permitted varieties. - 

James Suckling 93 Points | Here’s a very well structured Chateauneuf for the challenging 2021 vintage with complex wild herb and berry aromas. Only medium-bodied for the appellation, but with healthy tannins and a positive mineral acidity that drives the long clean finish. A cuvee of 50% grenache, 30% syrah, 10% mourvedre and 10% cinsault. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | A pure, focused style, with generous raspberry ganache and red licorice flavors that are juicy, inviting and well-framed by finely sculpted tannins and graphite shavings. Full-bodied without being heavy, with black pepper, wild herbs and mesquite playing out on the fresh, structured finish. Grenache. Drink now through 2035.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | A beautiful wine, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape has a deeper ruby hue to go with Burgundian aromatics of ripe red and black berries, sappy underbrush, exotic flowers, and an undeniable sense of minerality. It's balanced, medium-bodied, has good mid-palate depth, and gorgeously integrated structure that emerges with time in the glass. It's not a powerhouse, but it has a layered, complete, seamless profile that's going to evolve gracefully over the coming 15 years. The classic Cuvée is 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, partially destemmed, and aged in a mix of foudre, tank, and barrels, with a tiny percentage in new oak.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2021 Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a benchmark for biodynamic winemaking in the Southern Rhône. Despite a challenging 2021 vintage marked by frost, this estate produced a wine noted for its freshness, elegance, and "linear" style rather than sheer power.

Rich Heritage of Beaurenard Estate

Beaurenard Estate, located in the renowned Chateauneuf-du-Pape region, is celebrated for its commitment to biodynamic farming. The 2021 vintage is not only a testament to this heritage but also reflects the estate's dedication to producing high-quality wines. The biodynamic approach fosters a holistic environment, enhancing the wine's complexity. Therefore, when you enjoy a glass of Beaurenard, you are savoring not just the wine itself, but the rich history and sustainable practices behind it.

A Wonderful Tasting Experience

This biodynamic wine offers vibrant aromas of ripe red fruits complemented by subtle earthy tones. On the palate, it delivers a balanced mix of richness and refreshing acidity. Because of its exceptional structure, Beaurenard Estate Chateauneuf-du-Pape pairs beautifully with hearty dishes, making it an ideal choice for gatherings. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or casually exploring options, this wine is sure to impress.

Why Choose Biodynamic Wine?

Biodynamic wines like Beaurenard are crafted with careful consideration of the ecosystem. The absence of synthetic chemicals enhances both the purity of the flavor and the health of the vineyard. Additionally, the 2021 vintage stands out because it embodies the core principles of biodiversity and sustainability. As a result, choosing Beaurenard Estate's Chateauneuf-du-Pape is not just a delight for your palate, but also a conscious choice for the environment.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Bright, pale yellow — light and almost transparent with a touch of gold at the edges.

Aroma: Green apple peel, earthy minerals, lemon zest and pith, light earthy tones, and subtle hints of tropical fruit — pineapple and guava.

Palate: Bone dry, light to medium-bodied. Vibrant acidity and minerality with layers of apple, pear, and subtle citrus. Freshly sliced lemon dominates the mid-palate, with earthy tones keeping everything in balance.

Finish: Crisp and clean, with a bright acid punch on the back palate.

Winemaking

Vinified and aged entirely in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine’s natural freshness, purity, and mineral character — the hallmarks of classic Chablis. No oak influence; just the pure expression of Kimmeridgian terroir and Chardonnay.

About Pascal Bouchard

Pascal Bouchard is a respected Chablis producer with vineyards spanning the appellation’s most prized terroirs, from village-level Chablis to Premier and Grand Cru sites. The domaine has been producing wines in Chablis for generations, with a philosophy rooted in minimal intervention and maximum terroir expression. Their kosher Chablis — certified Kosher for Passover and Mevushal — is crafted to the same exacting standards as their full range, bringing the authentic character of Chablis to the kosher table without compromise.

Food Pairings

Grilled fish, sushi and sashimi, soft cheeses, and light poultry dishes. A natural match for Shabbat fish courses, Passover seders, and holiday tables. The quintessential wine for seafood.

Product Details

• Producer: Pascal Bouchard
• Appellation: Chablis AOC, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Soils: Kimmeridgian limestone and clay
• Aging: Stainless steel — no oak
• Certification: Kosher for Passover, Mevushal
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Crisp, mineral, unoaked Chablis
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Wine Advocate 94 Points: Pretty aromas of honey, allspice and roasted almonds complement a core of peach and quince fruit. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with a dynamic interplay of textural breadth and energetic acidity, offering layered flavors on the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: Refined and elegant, with notes of pure white flowers, lemon curd, and white peach. Medium to full-bodied with a silky mouthfeel driven by citrus — tangerine, orange sherbet — with great texture and a long, decadent finish.

Wine Spectator 91 Points: Polished and sleekly layered, with honeydew, pear and spice flavors that build structure toward the handsome finish. Drink now through 2026. 220 cases made.

Winemaker Description

Brick House Chardonnay Cascadia Organic Biodynamic 2021 750ml

Brick House’s “Cascadia” is the winery’s reserve-level Chardonnay — a highly regarded, estate-grown wine from Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge AVA. Hand-crafted on a 40-acre farm that has been at the forefront of sustainable viticulture for decades, it is made with an Old World sensibility: organic and biodynamic farming, minimal intervention, and an unwavering focus on terroir expression. One of Oregon’s benchmark Chardonnays.

Pairing Suggestions

• Rich Seafood: Scallops in brown butter, roasted salmon, or halibut with lemon-cream sauce.
• Poultry: Roast chicken with herbes de Provence or pheasant.
• Earthy Dishes: Mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or roasted root vegetables.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

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

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

Memo Summary Notes

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

Pair with 

Classic: Foie gras terrine or Roquefort blue cheese. 

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

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

Winemaker Description 

This vintage is the fruit of setting up my establishment. It embodies my doubts, my
fears, my mistakes, my great joy, my passion, my convictions.

This wine plot is located on a rocky outcrop, on the summit of the Palais Mount. Its name comes from the Latin word “barra”, copied from the Gallic “barro” which means
“elevation, summit, peak”. Chalky brown soils, clay-limestone subsoils. Located at 300 meters high, on a plateau.

There is a forest which occupies the ridge of the mountain which protects and shelters the vineyard from the wind. This cool environment helps to produce the floral and aromatic character plus the freshness of the wines.

Fresh white fruits aromas accompanied by floral touches and mineral notes. It leaves a fresh cool taste in mouth and blends together a tonic effect with smoothness. This tense and invigorating juice leaves a long-lasting intense sensation in the mouth. The end result is remarkable thanks to the aromatic, sapid and well-delineated finality. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine Ninot Rully "La Barre" Blanc 2022 is a bright, organic expression of Chardonnay from the Côte Chalonnaise, crafted by the talented Erell Ninot, who was previously named "Best Young Winemaker" in Burgundy.

A classic partner for poultry in creamy sauces (Blanquette de veau), grilled sea bass, or scallops. It also pairs wonderfully with regional cheeses like Comté or mild Gruyère.
 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2013

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2013 Valadorna (mostly Merlot with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) is yet another home run in this blockbuster collection of new releases from Tenuta di Arceno in the southern part of Chianti Classico (Castelnuovo Berardegna). This is a firm and tightly knit expression that is packed tight with black fruit, tobacco, tar and dark chocolate. The wine shows enormous aromatic intensity, but then it slims down just a touch in the mouth to offer an elegantly tapered finish.

Decanter 94 Points | Compared to the older and warmer 2011, which is a bit rustic and jammy, this 2013 is a fairly classic vintage for Merlot. It was harvested in September, marking a return to the usual picking dates. The percentage of the Merlot here reaches 74% of the blend, in order to maximise its fleshy character in a relatively cool year. The nose is evolved yet with an amazing complexity of tobacco, earthy tones, clean leather and balsamic depth. On the palate cassis fruit melds with leather and spices, supported by polymerised tannins and natural refreshing acidity. - Decanter Magazine, February 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | Very intense nose of blackberries, dark chocolate, sandalwood, vanilla, treacle and tar. Full-bodied with plenty of dark fruit, but lots of black-olive undertones and bright acidity keep this fresh, while firm tannins carve out an elegant, polished shape. Drink in 2021.

Memo Summary Notes

The Tenuta di Arceno "Valadorna" 2013 is a powerhouse Super Tuscan that represents the "Right Bank" Bordeaux style of the estate. While the flagship Arcanum focuses on Cabernet Franc, Valadorna is a Merlot-led blend sourced from the coolest, sandiest blocks of the estate in the southern Chianti Classico zone (Castelnuovo Berardegna).

As of late 2025, the 2013 vintage is considered a "Classic" and "Elegantly Tapered" expression, currently at its absolute peak drinking window.

• Food: This is a "Meat Wine." It pairs perfectly with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, herb-crusted roast beef, or wild boar ragù.

• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano or a sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

The Tasting Panel — 94 Points (Ruth Tobias, Nov. 2025) | The balance between fresh sensations of pear and star fruit with richer tones of toffee and gardenia is striking in this supple and very pretty wine, whose lilting acidity washes gently over touches of vanilla and hazelnut. There’s a timelessness to its profile.

Wine Spectator — 92 Points (MaryAnn Worobiec, Nov. 2025) | Pure and succulent, with fleshy peach, apricot and melon notes highlighted by vibrant acidity. Accents of apple pastry, pineapple and Himalayan sea salt linger, as do lemon verbena and sweetgrass aromatics.

Winemaker's Notes

Anderson Valley sits in the lush coastal region of Mendocino County, 110 miles northwest of San Francisco. Only 15 miles long, this cool, fog-kissed valley — framed by rolling hills and redwood forests — is one of California's most distinctive growing regions. Merry Edwards blends grapes from multiple sites within the valley to capture its full range of terroir, resulting in a fresh, vibrant, and bright Chardonnay.

The nose is filled with tangerine and gardenia, leading to a clean, crisp entry with white orchard fruit, caramel apple, lemon meringue, almonds, and nutty oak. The finish is long and warm, with a hint of apple pie.

Pairing Suggestions

Seafood of many types pairs beautifully with this fresh and bright Chardonnay. We suggest Merry’s recipe for Lobster Risotto with Creamy Tomato Sauce — the wine’s bright acidity complements the rich sauce and sweet poached lobster perfectly.

• Winery: Merry Edwards
• Appellation: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Farming: Organic
• Style: Fresh, vibrant, full-bodied
• Pairings: Lobster, seafood, creamy pasta, light poultry

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Vinous 92 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is a good bit lighter and brighter than last year, unsurprising given the conditions of this long, cool growing season. Layers of rose petal, sweet black cherry, asphalt, crushed rocks and blood orange unfurl in a nicely focused, elegant wine with sweet tannins and a sexy finish.

James Suckling 92 Points | A racy beam of acidity runs through raspberries, cranberries and red cherries. That mouthwatering fruit is wrapped up in anise, grilled sage and tilled earth. Balanced, rich and full of life. Drink or hold.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2022 

A deep ruby/magenta color, the 2022 Il Pino Di Biserno starts to show more mineral-inflected notes of graphite, preserved strawberries, blackberries, cocoa, and sweet herbs. Full-bodied, the palate expands with ripe tannins, even acidity, and darker mineral undercurrents, as well as a hint of gamey richness and notes of tea leaf through the mid-palate and rather long finish. Hold this one another couple of years and drink 2027-2040.: Audrey Frick - Jeb Dunnuck - 94 Points

A cedary twist to the typical notes of black olives, tobacco, paprika and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with prominent, fine-grained tannins and fruit. Long, demure and tight. Needs at least one more year to soften and open up. Drink from 2026."  Zekun Shuai - James-Suckling - 94 Points

The Tenuta di Biserno 2022 Il Pino di Biserno delivers a ripe fruit profile with blackberry confit and sweet cherry pie. Those warm vintage tones are followed by an ample use of oak that adds baking spice and toasted nutmeg. There is a hint of campfire ash or something blackened or toasted at the core of this full-bodied Tuscan blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. I pick up a note of dryness on the otherwise velvety tannins. Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate - 92 Points

Expert Review - Vintage 2016 

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | 2016 was a superb vintage in Rioja, and the 2016 Viña Gravonia Blanco, which has the cellar aroma that all the wines, especially the whites, have, due to the longer time the wines spend in barrel. The white vines in this vineyard are now 92 years old and their juice was fermented in old oak vats with indigenous yeasts. They explained, "We have never used selected yeasts." It was matured in their well-seasoned American oak barrels for four years. It's paler than any of the other whites, and it has a little less pungency, with very good freshness. It's elegant, subtle, clean and ethereal. They had good yields and a good climatic year. 42,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2022. I give these wines a conservative drinking window, but they will probably last much longer. 

Winemaker Description 

A true classic from one of Spain’s most revered traditional wineries, Viña Gravonia Blanco is not your average white wine. Made from 100% Viura and aged for four years in oak and an additional time in bottle before release, the 2016 vintage offers a rare combination of complexity, texture, and age-worthy finesse.

On the nose, it reveals layers of dried stone fruit, chamomile, toasted almonds, and subtle oxidative notes reminiscent of fine sherry. The palate is textured and elegant, with a dry, savory character and remarkable freshness that defies its age.

This is a wine for lovers of history, craftsmanship, and the timeless style that only Lopez de Heredia can deliver.

Think aged white Burgundy meets classic Rioja—delicate, yet full of soul.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 97 Points | So pretty, charming and elegant, with floral aromas, light tannins and quiet vibrancy. Fresh raspberries, sour cherries, red cherries, rose petals and minerals give it complexity and appeal. Finesse, nerve and great balance. Drink now or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | A bright red color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Roserock Zephirine offers focused and expressive notes of wild raspberries, framboise, rosy perfume, and sweet herbs. Medium-bodied, it has ripe tannins and an approachable feel, with its underlying mineral focus shining through the midpalate and finish. It’s delicious now but will only improve over the next 6-7 years and drink well over the coming 15 years.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir Zéphirine wafts up with an understated blend of dried flowers, spiced citrus and wild strawberries. A stern mineral core and brisk acidity enliven the tart wild berry fruits. Youthful tension pinches at the cheeks, leaving angular tannins and admirable freshness.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Distinctive in a very good way, this chooses savory elegance over power. A refreshing and mineral-driven style, with appealing pepper, spice box and chestnut, all surrounding a core of red currant threaded with a stream of herbs. With warm earth on the seductively textured palate, this shows good energy and harmony through the vibrant finish, marked by iron and smoked meat. Well-done. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2032. 2,464 cases imported.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme kicks off with crushed violets, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Leafy gradations add more complexity. Round and elegant, the full-bodied 2022 walks off the stage with persistence on the juicy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The only wine produced in the vintage due to the devastating tornado just before the harvest, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Télégramme seems to be a mix of a normal Vieux Télégraphe and a Télégramme. Black raspberries, darker cherries, peppery garrigue, and a Grand Vin sense of salty minerality define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, has rock-solid ripeness, plenty of tannins, and outstanding length.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | A blend of 85% Grenache and the rest of Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme offers up aromas of flowers, dark cherries and dark wild berries, followed by a medium to full-bodied, structured and concentrated palate with velvety tannins and a long, dense finish.

James Suckling 92 Points | An elegant expression of grenache in Chateauneuf, this has a wealth of red berries and summer flowers. The very solid tannins have been expertly crafted, and they build beautifully in the long finish. Considering how the vineyards were hit by hail just before the harvest, this has turned out very well. 

Gamet Champagne Rosé Brut NV — Vallée de la Marne, Champagne (Base 2021)

Champagne Gamet is a fourth-generation grower-producer — récoltant manipulant — rooted in three villages on both banks of the Marne: Mardeuil on the left bank, and Fleury-la-Rivière and Damery on the right. Founded after World War I by Victoire Garnier and carried forward by Marianne Gamet today, the estate farms eight hectares of practicing organic vineyards and controls every step from vine to bottle. This Rosé Brut NV is a black-grape-only blend — 85% Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir — with 8% red Meunier Coteaux Champenois vinified in foudre, built on a 70% 2021 base with 30% reserve wines back to 2014. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 92 points. At $57.99, it is one of grower Champagne’s most compelling values.

The wine opens with bright red cherry fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper, and orange peel, lifted by vivid acidity. On the palate, it is powerful and vinous with a thick, creamy mousse, flavors of raspberry purée, juicy apricot, tea rose, and slivered almond, and a clay minerality that gives volume and structure. Aged 25 months on the lees, dosed at 5g/L, and disgorged January 2025. Festive, full-bodied, and built for the table.

"The NV Brut Rosé is a powerful, vinous Champagne. Bright red cherry fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and orange peel fill out its layers, lifted by bright acids that wrap it all together. This Meunier-driven Rosé is particularly impressive." — Jeb Dunnuck, 92 Points

"A tightly meshed rosé Champagne set on a thick, creamy mousse, with firm acidity defining flavors of raspberry purée, juicy apricot, tea rose and slivered almond." — Wine Spectator, 90 Points

• Producer: Champagne Gamet, Mardeuil, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Cuvee: Rosé Brut NV (Base 2021)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Sub-Region: Vallée de la Marne
• Blend: 85% Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir (8% vin rouge in foudre)
• Farming: Practicing Organic
• Vinification: Stainless steel with 10% oak; yes malo; 25 months on lees; dosage 5g/L
• Disgorgement: January 2025
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red cherry, chalk, mint, white pepper, raspberry, apricot, tea rose, creamy mousse
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, salmon tartare, charcuterie, strawberry desserts

A 92-point grower Champagne Rosé from one of the Marne’s most dedicated family estates — Gamet is the benchmark for what practicing organic Meunier can deliver in a glass.

Champagne Geoffroy · Empreinte Millésime 2018 · Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut

Geoffroy Empreinte 2018 is a pure expression of Pinot Noir from Cumières Premier Cru in the Vallée de la Marne. Sourced from three midslope plots, this vintage Blanc de Noirs combines depth and richness with a lively, fresh palate, making it a Champagne with a place at the dinner table as well as the opening toast.

Producer & Terroir

The Geoffroy family’s roots in Cumières date to the 17th century, with vineyards passed from generation to generation. Roger and Julienne Geoffroy began producing their own bottles in the early 1950s. Jean-Baptiste joined the estate at the end of the 1980s, and in 2008 he and his wife Karine moved the winemaking and commercial operations to Aÿ.

Empreinte is fermented and aged in demi-muids and barrels, without malolactic fermentation. A further 66 months on the lees adds depth, while a dosage of 3 g/L completes its Extra Brut style.

Producer Tasting Note

Champagne Geoffroy: On the nose, a complex bouquet of aromas of red fruit, baked apple and hints of dried fruit. Airy, lively and nervous on the palate. With its balance of richness and freshness, this Champagne stands out. It has the depth and complexity to accompany a gourmet meal. A fine match for roast poultry or mature cheeses.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled with roast poultry or mature cheeses, as recommended by the producer. Its balance of richness and freshness makes it a thoughtful choice for a gourmet meal.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
• Cuvée: Empreinte Millésime
• Vintage: 2018
• Origin: Cumières Premier Cru, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Style: Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut
• Vineyards: Three midslope plots
• Fermentation and aging: Demi-muids and barrels
• Malolactic fermentation: None
• Lees aging: 66 months
• Dosage: 3 g/L
• Bottle size: 750ml

A food-friendly vintage Champagne that pairs Pinot Noir depth with freshness.

Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy's most storied and trusted négociants, with a history stretching back to 1859 and holdings across the Côte d'Or's most celebrated appellations. Their Clos de Malte is a monopole vineyard in Santenay — the southernmost village of the Côte de Beaune — where Jadot's technical director Frédéric Barnier has long championed a philosophy of freshness and balance, blocking malolactic conversion to preserve the wine's natural energy and precision.

The Domaine Louis Jadot Santenay Clos de Malte Blanc 2023 750ml is a 100% Chardonnay from the top of the Santenay slope, aged in one-third new French oak. It opens with forward aromas of ripe apple, pear, white flowers, toasted nuts, and candied citrus. On the palate it is silky and medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless, with bright flinty acidity that gives the wine excellent energy and length. Charming, expressive, and built for both near-term pleasure and short-term cellaring.

Expert Reviews

• Decanter — 92 Points: "Easy to love, with forward aromas of ripe apples, pears and a hint of white flowers. The whole task is to keep the freshness and balance — his tactics seem to have worked."
• James Suckling — 91 Points: "Attractive toasty and nutty aromas married to generous candied citrus fruit on the silky, medium- to full-bodied palate. Bright, flinty acidity gives this excellent energy."
• Wine Advocate — 90 Points: "Aromas of peach, pear, orange zest and toasted nuts. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless. Charming and expressive — another solid performance for this reliable bottling."

Wine Details

• 100% Chardonnay — Clos de Malte monopole
• Santenay AOC, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Aged in 1/3 new French oak | Malolactic blocked
• Vintage: 2023 | 750ml

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2020 

The Wine Enthusiast by Mike DeSimone 94 Points | This deep garnet-colored wine has a nose of black currant, sage leaf and cherry pipe tobacco. It is smooth at first sip and then bold tannins settle in and coat the tongue and gums. Blackberry, raspberry, cocoa powder, crème brûlée and orange zest flavors are accompanied by a note of butterscotch that endures on the palate.

James Suckling 92 Points | Spicy oak to the fresh blackberries with some vanilla, smoke, walnut and dried orange peel. Chewy and pretty tannic with juicy fruit on the tight, medium- to full-bodied palate. Long and grippy finish. Needs at least two years to come around. Better from 2025.

Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Extra Brut Grand Cru — Bouzy NV

Pierre Paillard’s Les Parcelles is the definitive expression of Bouzy Grand Cru — a mosaic cuvée assembled from approximately 25 distinct parcels across the village’s sun-drenched, south-facing slopes. The blend is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, based on the 2020 harvest with 20% reserve wines, and it captures everything that makes Bouzy one of Champagne’s most celebrated Grand Cru villages: power, structure, and a chalky subsoil that keeps the wine focused and precise. Fermented in 350-liter oak barrels and cellared three years on the lees before disgorgement, the wine is dosed at just 2 g/L — Extra Brut in spirit and in fact. Rated 92 points by The Wine Advocate.

The bouquet is expressive and layered: pear, ripe citrus, and warm spices mingle with toasted bread, orange zest, and a whisper of brioche. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied with a lively, luminous fruit profile driven by racy acidity. The Pinot Noir from Bouzy’s south-facing slopes delivers depth and structure, while the Chardonnay adds finesse and brightness. The finish is long and pronounced, with a saline, chalky mineral drive that is the hallmark of great Bouzy terroir.

Wine Advocate 92 — “Livelier, more luminous fruit… racy acidity and a pronounced saline finish. A precise expression of Bouzy terroir.”

• Producer: Pierre Paillard, Bouzy, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Village: Bouzy (south-facing slopes)
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2020 (with 20% reserve wines)
• Parcels: ~25 distinct parcels across Bouzy
• Style: Extra Brut
• Vinification: 350-liter oak barrels
• Lees Aging: 3 years before disgorgement
• Dosage: 2 g/L
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pear, ripe citrus, warm spices, toasted bread, orange zest, brioche, racy acidity, saline chalky finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, roast chicken, duck, charcuterie, aged cheeses, mushroom dishes

92 points from The Wine Advocate. 25 parcels. 3 years on the lees. 2 g/L dosage. Pierre Paillard’s Les Parcelles is Bouzy Grand Cru Champagne at its most precise and compelling.

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

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

Deep dense intense ruby red colour, with a purple viscous rim. Intense nose with ripe blackberry, wild strawberry and spices. Powerful and expansive on the palate, with ripe tannins and great balance. Round and fresh ending, long-lasting, with aromatic persistence.