$75 - $100 Wine

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)

Expert Reviews

98 Points Wine Enthusiast | This firmly structured wine with its high percentage of Merlot is powerful and dense. The bold black fruits and perfumed density are impressive.

97+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | A clear step up over the 2019, the 2020 Château Troplong Mondot is mostly Merlot yet includes 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, all of which was raised in 65% new French oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. The level of purity and finesse here is remarkable, and it reveals a deep ruby/purple hue as well as incredible aromatics of cassis, ripe black cherries, graphite, gunpowder, and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has building, perfectly ripe tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. Certainly light years away from the riper, more opulent style of the 2000's, the wines today under consultant Thomas Duclos are much more about finesse and elegance. While I certainly miss the sexy, riper style of the past, there is no denying the incredible quality from this château today. 

97 Points Robert Parker | The 2020 Troplong Mondot is composed of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 4th September and lasting for about three weeks. The pH is 3.53, the IPT (tannin index) is 75 and the alcohol is 14.5%. Opaque purple-black colored, it opens with a vivacious burst of black fruits—stewed plums, baked blackberries and boysenberries—giving way to a fragrant undercurrent of licorice, ground cloves, cinnamon stick and lilacs, with a touch of bouquet garni. The full-bodied palate is chock-full of plump, juicy black fruits and savory sparks, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and opulent. 

97 Points James Suckling | A soft and round red with plum and milk chocolate. Hazelnuts. Full-bodied and layered. Juicy. Hints of sea salt. Power is there. Turns firm and vivid. So attractive now. Savory. Needs three to four years to open.

93 Points Decanter | This sets out its stall as a wine from a specific plot of pure limestone soils straight away, and this is a second wine to savour. As with last year, this is a masterclass in the impact of this particular soil type, with a bright violet colour, juicy blueberry fruits and touches of redcurrant. It has a tingling finish with a whoosh of salinity that gives tension and balance. 30% aged in barrels, the rest stays in stainless steel. 3.53pH. Still 100% Merlot as last year, but that will probably change in 2021 when some Cabernet Franc should be added. Not sold as an En Primeur, the 2018 has just been released onto the market. September 4 was the first day of picking.

Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec is a beautifully refined expression of the sweeter side of Champagne, combining richness and generosity with the remarkable finesse for which this historic family-owned house is renowned. Rather than simply emphasizing sweetness, the cuvée achieves an impressive balance between dosage, freshness and acidity, resulting in a Champagne that is lush and expressive while remaining elegant and remarkably easy to drink.

The blend is identical to that of Billecart-Salmon’s celebrated Brut Réserve, but with a higher dosage that gives the wine additional roundness, texture and richness. It is composed of approximately 40% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, drawing fruit from several of Champagne’s important growing areas, including the Montagne de Reims, Grande Vallée de la Marne, Vallée de la Marne and selected Chardonnay crus throughout the region. A substantial proportion of reserve wines adds depth, consistency and complexity to the final blend.

In the glass, the Champagne displays a luminous pale-gold color with a persistent stream of very fine bubbles. The bouquet is lively and inviting, opening with delicate white flowers before developing richer notes of buttered brioche, pastry and ripe orchard fruit. On the palate, it is generous and creamy, with a fine mousse and an appealing sweetness beautifully counterbalanced by Champagne’s natural acidity. The result is harmonious rather than overtly sugary, with the richness of the fruit and dosage carried by freshness and an elegant, lingering finish.

Billecart-Salmon vinifies the wine primarily in stainless-steel tanks, with partial malolactic fermentation helping preserve freshness while adding suppleness. The current house specifications indicate approximately 50–60% reserve wines, around 30 months of aging on the lees, and a dosage of approximately 40 g/L.

Although Demi-Sec Champagne is traditionally associated with dessert, this cuvée is remarkably versatile at the table. It is particularly delicious with fruit tarts, pastries, brioche, lemon meringue tart and chocolate cake, where its combination of sweetness and acidity can complement rather than overwhelm the dessert. It can also create an intriguing sweet-and-savory pairing with richer foods such as foie gras or toasted brioche.

Serve well chilled at approximately 46°F / 8°C.

Blend

40% Meunier · 30% Pinot Noir · 30% Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

Color: Pale gold with fine, persistent bubbles
Aromas: White flowers, buttered brioche, pastry and ripe fruit
Palate: Rich and full-flavored, with creamy texture, fine bubbles and beautifully balanced sweetness and acidity
Finish: Smooth, elegant and lingering

Food Pairings

Fruit tarts · Lemon meringue tart · Chocolate cake · Pastries · Brioche · Shortbread · Foie gras

Winemaking

Approximately 50–60% reserve wines · Stainless-steel vinification · Partial malolactic fermentation · Approximately 30 months on the lees · 40 g/L dosage.

Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec is an elegant choice for those who enjoy Champagne with greater richness and sweetness, yet still want the freshness, precision and sophisticated house style that define Billecart-Salmon.

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

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

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

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

Food Pairings

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

Limited Edition

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

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

Latour Vincent Meursault "Grands Charrons" 2024 is a concentrated and beautifully balanced 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 recognized for producing Chardonnay with generous texture, precision, freshness and a strong expression of terroir.

Grands Charrons is one of the most highly regarded village-level climats of Meursault, known for producing wines with impressive depth, structure and mineral character. Vincent Latour works with vines planted in 1956, 1988 and 1989, giving this bottling a significant proportion of mature and old-vine fruit.

The wine is fermented and aged in demi-muids on the lees for approximately 12 months, without lees stirring. This restrained élevage allows the wine to develop richness and texture naturally while preserving freshness, tension and clarity.

The 2024 Grands Charrons shows the classic generosity of Meursault, with aromas of ripe pear, yellow apple, citrus, white flowers and subtle hazelnut. The palate is broad and layered, with excellent concentration, a silky texture and a fine mineral backbone that keeps the wine energetic and precise.

As it opens, the wine reveals additional notes of lemon zest, orchard fruit, gentle spice and lightly savory complexity. The finish is long, persistent and beautifully structured, combining the richness associated with Meursault with the freshness and tension that define Vincent Latour's style.

With its excellent vineyard position, mature vines and careful élevage, Grands Charrons offers a particularly serious expression of village Meursault. It has the depth to drink impressively now with some air, but also the structure and balance to develop beautifully with additional bottle age.

Producer: Domaine Vincent Latour
Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Meursault
Vineyard: Grands Charrons
Vintage: 2024
Vine Age: Plantings from 1956, 1988 and 1989
Élevage: Fermented and aged in demi-muids on the lees for 12 months; no lees stirring
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Excellent with lobster, scallops, roasted turbot or halibut, roast chicken, veal, mushroom dishes, creamy risotto, aged Comté and other rich, savory cheeses.

A beautifully mature Vintage Port from Portugal’s historic Douro Valley, Maynard’s Vintage Port 2007 combines richness, structure and the remarkable complexity that develops through extended bottle aging. Crafted from classic indigenous Douro grape varieties, this full-bodied Port offers depth and concentration while showing the increasingly refined character of a Vintage Port approaching two decades of evolution.

Produced from the highly regarded 2007 harvest, this is a traditional Vintage Port designed to develop primarily in bottle. Its deep color, concentrated fruit and firm structure have gradually softened and integrated with age, revealing greater elegance and complexity.

Region & Style

Country: Portugal
Region: Douro Valley
Appellation: Porto
Wine Type: Fortified Red Wine
Style: Vintage Port
Vintage: 2007
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: 20% ABV
Winemaker: Álvaro van Zeller

Grape Varieties

Maynard’s Vintage Port 2007 is produced from a traditional blend of classic Douro red grape varieties:

• Touriga Nacional
• Touriga Franca
• Tinta Roriz
• Tinta Barroca
• Tinto Cão

These indigenous varieties form the backbone of many of the Douro’s finest Vintage Ports, contributing intense fruit, aromatic complexity, structure and excellent aging potential.

Winemaking & Aging

The grapes are harvested from the steep vineyard terraces of the Douro when fully ripe. During fermentation, grape spirit is added to stop fermentation while a portion of the grapes’ natural sweetness remains, creating the richness, intensity and balance characteristic of Port.

Vintage Port spends only a relatively short period in wood before bottling and is intended to mature slowly in bottle. Over time, youthful fruit and firm tannins gradually integrate, while the wine develops greater aromatic depth, softer texture and increasingly complex secondary flavors.

Tasting Notes

Maynard’s Vintage Port 2007 displays a deep, concentrated color with a full-bodied and richly structured palate. The aromatic profile is fine and expressive, showing the depth and intensity expected from traditionally produced Vintage Port.

With bottle age, the wine has begun to soften and evolve, developing greater harmony, structural complexity and mature character while retaining the richness and concentration at its core.

The finish is long and composed, making this an excellent choice for lovers of mature, traditionally styled Vintage Port.

Serving & Decanting

Serve at approximately 16°C / 61°F.

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

Serve in a generous Port or red-wine glass to allow the wine’s mature aromas and complexity to fully unfold.

Food Pairing

A classic after-dinner wine, Maynard’s Vintage Port 2007 is an excellent companion to Stilton, Gorgonzola and other blue cheeses.

It also pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, chocolate desserts, walnuts, dried fruits and mature cheeses. For a savory pairing, try it with richly flavored dishes such as steak au poivre.

Cellaring

Store horizontally in a cool, dark environment with a stable temperature and minimal vibration. Vintage Port is one of the world’s great long-lived wine styles, and properly stored bottles can continue developing complexity for many years.

Because sediment is a natural result of bottle maturation, mature Vintage Port should be handled gently and decanted before serving.

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 Port wine trade.

The Maynard’s name honors Walter Maynard, born in 1652, one of the early English merchants associated with shipping Port wine from Portugal to England. Today, the house continues this tradition through a collection of Vintage Ports, aged Tawnies and rare single-harvest Colheitas.

A mature Vintage Port with nearly two decades of development, Maynard’s 2007 offers richness, history and classic Douro character—an excellent bottle for the cellar, a special occasion or a memorable vintage-dated gift.

Maynard’s Vintage Port 2007 750ml

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

Benoît Déhu’s Cuvée Initiation Brut Nature is a distinctive grower Champagne from Fossoy, on the western edge of the Vallée de la Marne in Champagne, France. Déhu is an eighth-generation vigneron whose family Champagne house dates to 1787. After working at Champagne Bollinger, he returned to the family estate and began pursuing a highly personal approach centered on biodynamic farming, parcel expression, low-intervention winemaking and the potential of Meunier.

Initiation is a blend of Meunier and Pinot Noir. The Meunier comes from Déhu’s celebrated La Rue des Noyers parcel, while the Pinot Noir is sourced from a small parcel lower on the hillside with predominantly clay and sand soils. Déhu planted the Pinot Noir using massale selections derived from a Pommard clone from Burgundy, bringing an intriguing Burgundian influence to this deeply Champenois wine.

La Rue des Noyers forms the heart of Déhu’s independent project: a 1.7-hectare parcel farmed biodynamically, with a portion traditionally worked by horse. Déhu is particularly known for fermenting and aging his wines in oak, including barrels made from trees harvested in the nearby forest of Fossoy. His Champagnes favor tension, energy and minerality rather than overt richness.

For the 2021 base, malolactic fermentation was blocked and the wine was bottled with no dosage, giving the Champagne its taut, dry and mineral-driven personality. The finished wine combines crushed-stone minerality with floral, herbal and red-fruited nuances, showing impressive energy and precision. The wine was disgorged on April 26, 2024.

90 Points — Vinous

“The NV (2021) Initiation is an attractive wine, perhaps a bit lithe in this release, but still very pretty. Crushed rocks, flowers, mint, dried herbs and red-toned fruit all grace the palate. Blocked malolactic fermentation and no dosage further amplify the wine's decidedly taut leanings. All things considered, this is a gorgeous 2021. Disgorged: April 26, 2024.”

— Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 90 Points

Wine Details

Producer: Benoît Déhu
Wine: Cuvée Initiation Brut Nature
Base Vintage: 2021
Region: Champagne, France
Area: Western Vallée de la Marne
Village: Fossoy
Grapes: Meunier and Pinot Noir
Meunier Source: La Rue des Noyers
Pinot Noir: Massale selection from Pommard clone; clay and sand soils
Farming: Biodynamic practices at La Rue des Noyers
Vinification: Oak fermentation and élevage; malolactic fermentation blocked
Dosage: No dosage / Brut Nature
Disgorgement: April 26, 2024
Rating: Vinous 90 Points
Bottle Size: 750ml

Benoît Déhu Champagne Cuvée Initiation Brut Nature (Base 2021) 750ml

93+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points — James Suckling

Pure Chardonnay. Ninety months on the lees. Two grams of dosage. Champagne Geoffroy's 2017 Volupté Millésime is a refined and deeply expressive Blanc de Blancs from two chalk-rich lieux-dits in Cumières Premier Cru — Tourne Midi and Les Chênes — parcels prized for the mineral precision and white-fruit character they bring to Chardonnay. Fermented in equal parts oak and enamel-lined steel, aged without malolactic fermentation and disgorged in November 2024, it is a silky, chiseled Champagne with a long, chalky and beautifully defined finish.

The Place

Cumières is a historic Premier Cru village in Champagne's Vallée de la Marne, situated west of Hautvillers and overlooking the Marne River. Although the village is more commonly associated with Pinot Noir and Meunier, its chalk-rich lieux-dits of Tourne Midi and Les Chênes are especially well suited to Chardonnay, producing wines with mineral precision, white-fruit clarity and the freshness to support extended lees aging.

The Grape: 100% Chardonnay

Chardonnay is Champagne's most mineral-expressive variety and the sole grape in Volupté. In the chalk-influenced soils of Tourne Midi and Les Chênes, it develops white peach, ripe lemon and green apple character alongside a pronounced chalky minerality and the hazelnut complexity that emerges with extended lees contact.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness and carefully sorted. Vinification is conducted in an equal combination of oak barrels and enamel-lined stainless-steel tanks — oak contributing texture and breadth, steel preserving freshness and aromatic precision. Malolactic fermentation is avoided, retaining the vintage's natural acidity and mineral tension.

After assemblage, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and spends approximately 90 months aging on its lees — gaining exceptional texture, aromatic complexity and finely integrated bubbles. It is disgorged in November 2024 with a dosage of just 2 g/L, keeping the finish dry, focused and distinctly mineral.

Tasting Notes

The 2017 Volupté displays a bright straw-gold color with an elegant, persistent stream of fine bubbles. The bouquet opens with white peach, ripe lemon, green apple and smoky wet stone, joined by raw hazelnut, subtle mocha and a delicate reductive tension that lifts and focuses the nose.

The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with a creamy mousse, polished texture and bright, persistent acidity. Candied citrus, white fruit and toasted nuts lead into a long, chalky and beautifully defined finish. Spicy and overt, with lanolin and exquisite green apple and lemon interplay, the wine shows chewy acidity and polished phenolics that give it both energy and elegance.

Professional Ratings

93+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck: Bright straw/yellow color with notes of mocha, ripe lemon balm, smoky wet stones, white peach and raw hazelnut. A slight reduction, but not pronounced. Medium-bodied with a silky texture and clean, bright acidity. Disgorged November 2024 with 2 g/L dosage. Drink 2025–2040.

92 Points — James Suckling: An overt and spicy wine full of toasty aromas with an exquisite mix of green apples and lemons. A bit of lanolin. Medium-sized bubbles with long chewy acidity and polished phenolics. Drink now.

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in Cumières since the 17th century. Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy produces distinctive grower Champagnes emphasizing individual vineyard expression, ripe fruit, indigenous-yeast fermentation, long maturation and restrained dosage. The estate farms approximately 14 hectares, with most vineyards in Cumières and additional parcels in neighboring Vallée de la Marne villages.

Food Pairing

An excellent match for roasted or grilled white fish, langoustines, lobster, scallops, goat cheese, aged Parmesan and seared foie gras. Equally compelling as a sophisticated aperitif.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 48–52°F in a white-wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass. Delicious now for its freshness and complexity, but structured to develop further through approximately 2040.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Volupté Millésime
Vintage: 2017
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Vintage Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyards: Tourne Midi and Les Chênes
Farming: Practicing organic and sustainable
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Vinification: 50% oak barrels, 50% enamel-lined stainless steel
Malolactic Fermentation: None
Lees Aging: Approximately 90 months
Disgorgement: November 2024
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy Rosé de Saignée Premier Cru Brut is a deeply colored, intensely vinous rosé Champagne produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in the Premier Cru village of Cumières. Based exclusively on the ripe 2019 harvest, this is not a delicate pink Champagne created by blending red and white wines. Instead, it is made by the traditional saignée method, in which Pinot Noir grapes remain in contact with their skins until the juice develops its vivid color, concentrated red-fruit character and distinctive structure.

The result is a powerful yet beautifully balanced rosé Champagne, filled with wild strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, pomegranate and blood-orange flavors. Its generous fruit is supported by ripe acidity, a finely textured mousse and the firm mineral structure of Cumières’ clay-limestone soils.

The Place

The grapes come entirely from Cumières, a Premier Cru village in Champagne’s Vallée de la Marne. Cumières is situated between the Marne River and steep, favorably exposed slopes immediately west of Hautvillers.

The village’s vineyards generally face south and southeast, receiving abundant sunlight and allowing Pinot Noir to reach excellent ripeness. This warmer exposure contributes to the broad texture, ripe fruit and distinctly vinous character traditionally associated with Cumières Champagne.

Geoffroy’s source vineyards are planted on clay, sandstone and limestone soils over deep chalk. Clay contributes body, richness and red-fruit concentration, while limestone and chalk bring freshness, mineral tension and structure.

The 2019 Base Vintage

This release is produced entirely from the 2019 harvest rather than being blended with reserve wines from several vintages. Although legally labeled non-vintage Champagne, it is effectively a single-vintage expression of Cumières Pinot Noir.

The 2019 growing season was marked by periods of frost, intense summer heat and drought, followed by favorable conditions approaching harvest. Pinot Noir from well-positioned sites achieved considerable ripeness and concentration while retaining the acidity necessary for balance.

In Geoffroy’s Rosé de Saignée, the vintage produced a Champagne with rich red-fruit intensity, full body and a generous texture, balanced by vibrant acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish.

The Grape: 100% Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir gives this Champagne its color, structure and vinous depth. The variety contributes flavors of wild strawberry, raspberry, cherry, blackberry and pomegranate, together with the body required to accompany substantial dishes.

Unlike many rosé Champagnes, no still red wine is added to create the color. The natural ruby and copper tones come entirely from contact between the clear Pinot Noir juice and the dark grape skins.

The Saignée Method

“Saignée” translates literally as “bleeding.” In this method, ripe red grapes are placed into a vat and allowed to macerate with their skins. Once the desired color, aroma and structure have been extracted, the free-run juice is drawn away—or “bled”—from the vat.

Geoffroy favors gentle infusion rather than aggressive extraction. The whole berries undergo approximately 70 to 80 hours of cold maceration in open, tapered oak vats. Careful temperature control and fully ripe fruit allow color and flavor to develop gradually without producing excessive bitterness or harsh tannins.

This technique creates a rosé Champagne with considerably more body, fruit concentration and gastronomic versatility than a conventional blended rosé.

Viticulture

The Pinot Noir vines are approximately 30 to 40 years old and are cultivated in selected parcels on the Cumières hillsides. Yields are deliberately limited to increase concentration and preserve the individual expression of the village.

Champagne Geoffroy follows a practicing-organic, sustainability-focused approach. The estate avoids chemical weedkillers, encourages biodiversity and works to preserve healthy vineyard soils.

The grapes are harvested by hand at full ripeness and carefully sorted before entering the vat. Achieving optimal ripeness is essential for this cuvée because the skins remain in contact with the juice for several days.

Vinification and Aging

After approximately three to four days of maceration in open oak vats, the free-run juice is drawn off and allowed to begin fermentation spontaneously.

Following the maceration stage, fermentation and maturation take place in temperature-controlled enameled vats. Oak is therefore used principally during skin contact rather than as a source of barrel flavor during the wine’s maturation.

Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve the natural freshness and acidity of the ripe Pinot Noir fruit. This gives the finished Champagne enough energy and tension to balance its considerable body and concentration.

The wine remains on its fine lees before bottling and then spends approximately 42 to 48 months aging on the lees in Champagne Geoffroy’s cellars. This extended maturation contributes a creamy mousse and subtle notes of brioche, bread crust and toasted nuts.

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

Dosage

The producer and current importer specifications list a dosage of approximately 6 grams per liter, placing the Champagne within the Extra Brut range despite some commercial listings calling it Brut.

The Wine Advocate review covers a specific base-2019 bottle disgorged in September 2024 with a dosage of 4 grams per liter. Dosage can vary slightly between disgorgement lots, so the exact back-label information should be followed for an individual bottle.

Tasting Notes

The wine displays an intense ruby, copper and deep-rose color with a persistent stream of fine bubbles.

The bouquet is immediately expressive, offering wild strawberry, raspberry, red currant, blackberry and ripe cherry. With air, notes of pomegranate, blood orange, grapefruit zest, watermelon and dried apple emerge alongside rose petals, hibiscus, violets and gentle savory spice.

The palate is medium- to full-bodied, rich and broad-shouldered, with the texture and concentration of a light red Burgundy carried by a lively Champagne mousse. Ripe red and dark fruit are balanced by vibrant acidity, subtle chalk and finely structured phenolics.

Hints of clove, toasted bread, brioche and nuts appear toward the finish. The Champagne remains focused despite its richness, concluding with excellent length, perfumed red fruit and an appetizing touch of bitterness.

This is a distinctive, gastronomic rosé Champagne with far more depth and structure than a conventional aperitif-style rosé.

Professional Ratings

95 Points — James Suckling: "An enticing rosé champagne that™s more like a red with bubbles. Bronze with a red hue. Aromas of watermelon, jasmine and hibiscus. Medium- to full-bodied with a lovely consistency of fruit and a focused, polished palate with dried apples and pomegranate. Cantaloupe and some brioche in the aftertaste. 2019 vintage. Pure pinot noir. Drink now."

94 Point - Vinous: "The NV Brut Rose de Saignée (100% Premier Cru Pinot Noir from the 2018 vintage) is fabulous and a great example of this style. A burst of dark red cherry, lavender, spice, blood orange and pomegranate races across the palate. This release screams with Pinot character, marrying depth with notable finesse along the way. I loved it. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: June, 2023."

92 Points — Wine Advocate: "From the 2019 vintage and disgorged in September 2024 with a dosage of four grams per liter, the latest rendition of Geoffroy™s NV Rose de Saignee Cumieres Premier Cru"as always"derives exclusively from Cumieres. The only stage at which this cuvee encounters oak is during its 70 to 80 hours of maceration in open vats. Thereafter, it matures in enameled vats with very little in the way of solids, and this provides a point of distinction from many other saignee-style roses in Champagne. It leaps from the glass with an expressive bouquet of grapefruit zest, blood orange and redcurrant mingling with nuances of red flowers and clove. On the palate, it is full-bodied, rich and broad-shouldered"intense and textural"with ripe yet vibrant acidity, culminating in a long, perfumed finish, where subtly bitter phenolics assert themselves. This is not a wine suited for casual aperitifs; rather, it is best savored alongside hearty fare such as red meats or tuna tartare, where its depth can be fully appreciated."

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vines in Cumières since the 17th century. Estate bottling began during the early 1950s, when Roger and Julienne Geoffroy produced the family’s first Champagne under their own name.

René Geoffroy expanded the family’s vineyard holdings and established its reputation as an independent grower-producer. Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy joined the domaine during the late 1980s and now leads the estate with his wife, Karine.

In 2008, the family transferred its winemaking and commercial operations to a historic property in Aÿ, while retaining its deep vineyard roots in Cumières. The estate now farms approximately 14 hectares in Cumières, Hautvillers, Damery and Fleury-la-Rivière.

The Geoffroy style emphasizes ripe fruit, careful parcel selection, minimal handling and the preservation of natural acidity. Malolactic fermentation is generally avoided, and the Champagnes receive extended cellar aging before release.

Food Pairing

This is an exceptionally food-friendly rosé Champagne. Its body and red-fruit intensity make it an excellent partner for tuna tartare, seared tuna, salmon, lobster, crawfish and pan-seared scallops.

It is equally successful with roast duck breast, duck with cherries or peaches, pork tenderloin, veal, charcuterie and lightly grilled red meats. Its fruit and acidity can also complement dishes incorporating pomegranate, blood orange or red-berry sauces.

For cheese, consider aged Comté, Gruyère, Époisses or other flavorful washed-rind cheeses. The producer also recommends pairing it with a dessert of peach soup and fresh strawberries.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 48–52°F in a generous tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. A wider bowl will allow the wine’s Pinot Noir fruit, floral aromas and vinous complexity to develop.

The Champagne is ready to drink now, but its concentration, acidity and extended lees aging should allow it to develop additional savory and brioche complexity over several years.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Rosé de Saignée
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Rosé de Saignée Champagne
Base Vintage: 2019
Vintage Composition: 100% 2019 harvest
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Vine Age: Approximately 30–40 years
Soils: Clay, sandstone and limestone over deep chalk
Farming: Practicing organic and sustainable
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Maceration: Approximately 70–80 hours in open oak vats
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation in enameled vats
Malolactic Fermentation: None
Lees Aging: Approximately 42–48 months
Dosage: Approximately 6 g/L; some disgorgement lots may vary
Fining and Filtration: Neither fined nor filtered
Alcohol: Approximately 12–12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy Rosé de Saignée Premier Cru Brut Champagne — Base 2019

Pierre Paillard Champagne Taissy 1er Cru 2020 | 750ml | Taissy Premier Cru, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France

A singular expression of old-vine Meunier from the northern Montagne de Reims, Pierre Paillard's Taissy 2020 is a vintage Blanc de Noirs Champagne produced from a single Premier Cru vineyard. Combining generous fruit with chalky precision, it reveals the depth, elegance and naturally saline character Meunier can achieve when grown in an exceptional terroir.

The wine comes from the lieu-dit Les Dessus de Monthouzons in the Premier Cru village of Taissy. The Meunier vines were planted in 1963 on the lower, north-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Here, a thin layer of clay lies directly over Champagne's chalk bedrock, giving the wine both richness and a firm mineral structure.

Produced entirely from Meunier, Taissy 2020 was vinified and aged in oak barrels. It was bottled under natural cork for the second fermentation and matured for approximately four and a half years on the lees before disgorgement. A very low Extra Brut dosage preserves the wine's clarity, freshness and distinctively saline finish.

The bouquet is expressive and layered, opening with dried pear, peach, citrus peel and grapefruit oil. With air, notes of crushed flowers, chamomile, mint, wet stone, gentle caramel and delicate spice emerge.

Full-bodied and vinous on the palate, the wine combines ripe orchard fruit with red-fruit accents of strawberry and black cherry. Its generous texture is balanced by vibrant acidity, finely integrated bubbles and a compact, chalky mineral core. Salty earth, dried citrus and subtle barrel-derived spice carry through the long, focused finish.

Taissy is broader and more textural than Pierre Paillard's especially linear Ludes bottling, yet it retains impressive freshness and definition. It offers a compelling demonstration of Meunier's ability to produce serious, age-worthy Champagne when sourced from old vines and handled with precision.

Enjoy now with time in the glass, or cellar as its fruit, oak and lees-derived complexity become increasingly integrated.

Critical Acclaim

95+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck
Elegant and structured, with wet stone, dried peach, citrus oil, strawberry, black cherry and delicate spice. Full-bodied and concentrated, with refined bubbles, saline earth and a long, focused finish. Recommended drinking window: 2026–2040.

92 Points — Vinous
A lifted and attractive expression of pure Meunier, showing dried pear, crushed flowers, chamomile, mint and light caramel. The wine's generous fruit and oak become increasingly harmonious with air.

Food Pairing

A gastronomic Champagne that pairs beautifully with roast chicken, duck, grilled pork, smoked trout, salmon, mushroom dishes, creamy risotto and aged cheeses. Its saline minerality and Extra Brut dryness also complement oysters, shellfish and fried seafood.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Pierre Paillard
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Area: Montagne de Reims
• Village: Taissy
• Classification: Premier Cru
• Vintage: 2020
• Wine Type: Blanc de Noirs, Extra Brut
• Grape Variety: 100% Meunier
• Vineyard: Les Dessus de Monthouzons
• Vine Age: Planted in 1963
• Vineyard Position: Lower, north-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims
• Soil: Thin clay layer directly over chalk
• Farming: Certified organic
• Vinification and Aging: Oak barrels
• Secondary Fermentation: In bottle under natural cork
• Lees Aging: Approximately 4.5 years
• Dosage: 2 grams per liter
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Pierre Paillard Coteaux Champenois Les Mignottes Bouzy Rouge 2022 | 750ml | Bouzy Grand Cru, Champagne, France

A rare and beautifully expressive still red wine from the heart of Champagne, Les Mignottes is produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in a single south-facing parcel in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. Rather than undergoing a second fermentation to become sparkling Champagne, the wine is bottled under the Coteaux Champenois appellation, revealing the depth, fragrance and mineral character of Bouzy Pinot Noir in its purest form.

The Les Mignottes vineyard lies on the warm, fully exposed southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Its chalky limestone terroir contains a higher proportion of clay than many neighboring Bouzy parcels, helping the Pinot Noir achieve excellent ripeness while retaining the freshness and mineral definition characteristic of Champagne.

The vines are farmed organically, and yields are kept low to encourage concentration. The grapes are harvested by hand and vinified in a Burgundian style, using approximately one-third whole clusters and indigenous yeasts. Following a 15-day maceration, the wine is matured for 12 months in French oak barrels, with only a small proportion of new oak. It is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its natural texture, aromatic detail and sense of place.

The 2022 vintage is vivid and perfumed, opening with aromas of ripe cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry and plum, accompanied by violets, lavender, exotic spice, cocoa and subtle savory-earth notes. The palate is supple and concentrated, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a mineral core that brings freshness and energy to the wine's generous fruit.

Medium to full-bodied yet elegant and refined, Les Mignottes combines the fragrance and precision of cool-climate Pinot Noir with the depth and ripeness associated with Bouzy's sunny, south-facing vineyards. The finish is long, balanced and lightly spicy, with lingering red fruit, dark stone and chalky mineral notes.

Approachable now for its vibrant fruit and silky texture, this limited-production Coteaux Champenois also possesses the structure and balance to develop additional complexity with careful cellaring.

Critical Acclaim

94 Points — James Suckling
Floral and refined, with lavender, violets, raspberries and strawberries. Fine tannins and bright acidity lead to a precise, elegant finish, with delicate fruit framed by French oak. Drink now or hold.

94 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
A beautifully energetic and balanced Bouzy Rouge, offering cherry, cocoa, spice, savory earth and mineral notes. Fine tannins and excellent ripeness carry through the long, clean finish. Drink 2025–2040.

92 Points — Wine Advocate
A supple and deeply expressive Pinot Noir showing ripe plum, cherry, violets and exotic spice. Medium to full-bodied, with generous depth, immediate charm and the potential to continue developing in bottle.

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for roasted duck, grilled salmon, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, veal, mushroom dishes, lentils, charcuterie and soft-ripened cheeses. Serve slightly cool, around 55–60°F, to highlight its fragrance and freshness.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Pierre Paillard
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Coteaux Champenois
• Village: Bouzy Grand Cru
• Vineyard: Les Mignottes
• Vintage: 2022
• Wine Type: Dry, still red wine
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Farming: Certified organic
• Vineyard Exposure: South-facing
• Soil: Chalky limestone with a higher proportion of clay
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts
• Whole Clusters: Approximately one-third
• Maceration: Approximately 15 days
• Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels
• Fining and Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
• Alcohol: 13%
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Guy Charlemagne | Les Coullemets — Mesnillésimes | Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut | Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2016

Guy Charlemagne is a celebrated grower-producer based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — one of Champagne's most prestigious Grand Cru villages, renowned worldwide for producing Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary mineral precision, tension, and longevity. The estate's vineyards average 58–60 years of age and are planted with massal selections, contributing depth, concentration, and a strong sense of place. Guy Charlemagne uses extended bottle aging and slightly reduced pressure for its parcel wines, creating a fine mousse and elegant, creamy texture while preserving clarity and tension.

Les Coullemets is part of Guy Charlemagne's distinguished “Mesnillésimes” series — single-vineyard, single-vintage expressions of individual Le Mesnil lieux-dits that showcase the unique character of each parcel. Les Coullemets is produced entirely from Chardonnay grown in the chalk-rich soils of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, reflecting the naturally firm structure, mineral precision, and saline depth for which the village is celebrated.

The 2016 vintage in Champagne produced wines of exceptional freshness, tension, and aging potential. The bouquet opens with white flowers, crisp apple, citrus peel, and ripe pear, followed by fresh pineapple, brioche, toasted nuts, gentle spice, and a subtle smoky quality. On the palate, taut and energetic — bright acidity with a refined mousse and a pronounced chalky mineral core. Lemon, white peach, almond, and orchard fruit lead into a long, fresh finish marked by bitter citrus, salinity, and finely etched minerality. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine dry and focused, allowing the purity of the Chardonnay and the distinctive character of Les Coullemets to remain at the forefront. Expressive now, with the structure and concentration to develop further with additional bottle age.

Serve as a sophisticated aperitif or pair with oysters, caviar, lobster, crab, seared scallops, grilled sole, halibut with lemon butter, sushi, and mild creamy cheeses.

• Producer: Guy Charlemagne
• Cuvée: Les Coullemets (Mesnillésimes series)
• Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
• Appellation: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2016
• Vine Age: ~58–60 years; massal selections
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Serving: 48–54°F; enjoy now or cellar for further development
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2016

• Vinous — 91 pts: Laced with hints of lemon oil, chalk, mint and dried flowers. Light on its feet and vibrant — a classic Champagne from Mesnil. Bracing saline notes support the mid-palate and finish.

R. Pouillon & Fils | Rosé de Macération | Premier Cru Rosé Brut | Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 2021 Base | Biodynamic

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 according to biodynamic principles — a commitment to the land that goes beyond organic certification, working in harmony with natural cycles to produce wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir expression.

The Rosé de Macération is a deeply individual and highly distinctive rosé Champagne made entirely from Pinot Noir grown on clay-limestone soils in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Rather than producing the rosé by blending white Champagne with still red wine — the conventional method — Fabrice allows the freshly pressed juice to remain in contact with the grape skins for up to 12 hours. This short maceration extracts color, aroma, and gentle tannin while preserving the freshness and precision essential to Champagne, giving the wine its distinctive pale ruby color, structure, and expressive red-fruit character.

Fermentation takes place in a combination of traditional enameled tanks and neutral oak barrels. Approximately 80% of the wine is élevaged for eight months, while the remaining 20% is aged for 18 months in neutral oak. The current year's wine is then blended with the longer-aged portion retained from the previous harvest — a thoughtful assemblage that balances the natural tannic structure of a macerated rosé with the softness, complexity, and mellow texture developed through extended aging.

The 2021-base Rosé de Macération is pale ruby-red in the glass. The bouquet is intensely flinty with generous aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, red cherry, citrus peel, dried flowers, spice, and subtle brioche. On the palate, structured and energetic — ripe red-fruit flavors with bright mineral acidity and an emphatic, persistent mousse. Impressive concentration without heaviness, with a distinctly dry, clean, precise, and refreshing finish. A gastronomic rosé Champagne with the depth and structure to accompany an entire meal.

Pair with duck, roast poultry, pork, grilled salmon, tuna, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, washed-rind cheeses, and aged Comté.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Rosé de Macération
• Classification: Premier Cru Rosé Brut
• Appellation: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Grape: Pinot Noir (100%)
• Base Vintage: 2021
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Soils: Clay-limestone
• Rosé Method: Skin maceration up to 12 hours
• Vinification: Enameled tanks & neutral oak; 80% élevaged 8 months, 20% aged 18 months in neutral oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling — 92 pts: Intensely flinty bouquet with generous raspberry fruit. Structured, dry, and powerful — bright mineral acidity and a pronounced mousse, finishing exceptionally clean and precise.

Pascal Doquet | Diapason | Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs | Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2015 Base | Organic

Pascal Doquet is one of the Côte des Blancs' most respected grower-producers, farming certified organic vineyards in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — one of Champagne's most celebrated and prestigious Grand Cru villages, renowned worldwide for producing Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary mineral precision, tension, and longevity. Doquet has farmed organically for many years and has been certified by Ecocert since 2010, a commitment to the land that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity and terroir transparency.

Diapason is a remarkable Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from the celebrated Cretaceous chalk soils of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The ripe 2015 harvest forms the base of the cuvée, complemented by reserve wines maintained through a perpetual reserve system. The fruit comes from old Chardonnay vines rooted deeply in Le Mesnil's chalk, including parcels planted as far back as the 1920s — vines whose extraordinary depth of root gives the wine its signature tension, salinity, and finely etched mineral character.

Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts. Approximately half the wine is vinified in neutral oak barrels, the remainder in enamel-lined tanks — preserving freshness while adding subtle texture and complexity. Malolactic fermentation is completed, and the Champagne spends an extended period aging on its lees before disgorgement at a restrained dosage of approximately 3.5 g/L, allowing the purity of fruit and terroir to remain at the forefront.

The bouquet opens with vibrant aromas of lemon peel, Asian pear, gooseberry, white flowers, and passion fruit, followed by deeper notes of pastry dough, toasted almond, dried apricot, and chalk. On the palate, concentrated yet beautifully controlled — a creamy, finely textured mousse supported by bright acidity and a firm mineral structure. Citrus, nectarine, pear, ginger, and salted almond develop across the palate, leading to a long, precise, and distinctly saline finish. Powerful enough to accompany a meal, refined enough to serve as an aperitif.

Pair with oysters, lobster, scallops, caviar, grilled white fish, sushi, roast chicken, creamy cheeses, and aged Comté. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

• Producer: Pascal Doquet
• Cuvée: Diapason
• Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs
• Appellation: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
• Base Vintage: 2015
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2010)
• Soils: Cretaceous chalk; vines from the 1920s
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; 50% neutral oak, 50% enamel-lined tanks
• Dosage: ~3.5 g/L (Extra Brut)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

A distinctive, terroir-driven rosé Champagne from Pascal Doquet, one of the Côte des Blancs’ leading organic grower-producers. Anthocyanes is crafted from equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all harvested in 2018, combining the mineral precision of the Côte des Blancs with the structure and expressive red-fruit character of Pinot Noir.

The Pinot Noir comes from La Barre, a named vineyard site in Vertus. It is macerated on the skins for approximately 48 hours before pressing, extracting its vivid color and aromatic intensity through the traditional saignée method. The wine is then matured in barrel for up to one year before being blended with Chardonnay from Vertus and bottled for its secondary fermentation.

The name Anthocyanes refers to anthocyanins, the natural pigments found in grape skins that give the Champagne its striking rosé color. Despite its depth of color and character, this is not a heavy or overtly vinous rosé. It retains the freshness, finesse and mineral energy associated with Pascal Doquet’s Champagnes.

Pale to medium salmon-pink in the glass, it opens with aromas of sliced strawberries, red berries, citrus peel and rose petals, followed by delicate notes of honey, spice and chalk. The palate is lively and finely textured, with elegant bubbles, bright acidity and a balanced combination of ripe red fruit, citrus freshness and savory mineral character. The finish is dry, energetic and persistent.

This expressive rosé Champagne is excellent as an aperitif but also has enough structure for the table. Pair it with salmon, tuna tartare, sushi, shellfish, roast poultry, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, creamy cheeses or aged goat cheese.

Grapes: 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir
Region: Champagne, France
Village: Vertus
Classification: Premier Cru
Pinot Noir Vineyard: La Barre
Base Vintage: 2018
Farming: Certified organic
Production: Rosé de saignée
Maceration: Approximately 48 hours
Maturation: Pinot Noir aged in barrel for up to one year
Style: Rosé Premier Cru Brut
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: Approximately 12.5%

Highly Rated

90 Points — The Wine Advocate
90 Points — James Suckling

Pascal Doquet Arpège Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature — Côte des Blancs 2019 Base

Pascal Doquet is one of the leading organic growers of the Côte des Blancs, farming his vineyards in Vertus, Villeneuve, and Mont Aimé with certified organic practices and a deep commitment to terroir transparency. The Arpège is his entry-point Blanc de Blancs — 100% Chardonnay from parcels not selected for his limited-production Coeur de Terroir bottlings — yet it is anything but secondary. The chalk and flinty silex soils of Mont Aimé give the wine its distinctive mineral structure and smoky depth, while a substantial proportion of reserve wine held in enamel tanks adds complexity and consistency. Finished with zero dosage, the Brut Nature designation allows the Chardonnay and its vineyard origins to speak with exceptional clarity. Rated 93 points by James Suckling and 91 by The Wine Advocate.

The bouquet opens with ripe pear, crisp apple, and citrus, followed by spice, black tea, white flowers, and lightly toasted brioche. On the palate, the wine is energetic and finely textured — bright acidity, delicate bubbles, and a pronounced chalky, saline character. Subtle smoky and savory notes add complexity, and the finish is dry, focused, and persistent. An exceptional aperitif with the structure to carry through a full meal.

James Suckling 93 • Wine Advocate 91 • Wine Spectator 90 — "A refined yet expressive Champagne… terroir-driven and precise."

• Producer: Pascal Doquet, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Base Vintage: 2019 (with reserve wines)
• Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
• Vineyards: Vertus, Villeneuve & Mont Aimé
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs, Brut Nature
• Dosage: 0 g/L
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Reserve Wine: Held in enamel tanks for freshness and purity
• Alcohol: ~12.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe pear, apple, citrus, spice, black tea, white flowers, brioche, chalky minerality, smoky notes, saline finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, shellfish, sushi, sashimi, grilled seafood, roast poultry, creamy cheeses, aged goat cheese

93 points from James Suckling. Zero dosage. Certified organic. Pascal Doquet's Arpège is Côte des Blancs Blanc de Blancs at its most honest and mineral-driven.

Yann Alexandre Champagne Sous-les-Roses Blanc de Noirs — Montagne de Reims 2017

From a single parcel in the village of Courmas, this grower Champagne is one of the most compelling Blanc de Noirs we carry. Yann Alexandre farms the Sous-les-Roses vineyard on shallow calcareous-clay soils ideally suited to Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and the 2017 vintage — a late year followed by a great summer — produced beautifully mature, structured fruit. The blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Pinot Meunier is fermented in stainless steel and oak barrel, then aged approximately five years en tirage under natural cork, building remarkable complexity, depth, and a refined mousse.

The result is a dry, focused, and gastronomic Champagne. Ripe stone fruit, brioche, and mineral tension lead to a full-flavored yet precise palate with fine texture and a long, vinous finish. At just 4 g/L dosage, this is Champagne for the table — equally at home with roast poultry, duck, veal, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and charcuterie.

• Producer: Yann Alexandre, Courmas, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2017
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Vineyard: Sous-les-Roses, Courmas — shallow calcareous-clay soils
• Blend: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier
• Vinification: Stainless steel and oak barrel; partial malolactic fermentation
• Élevage: ~6 months in stainless steel and oak barrel
• Lees Aging: ~5 years en tirage under natural cork
• Dosage: 4.0 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 4.0 g/L
• Acidity: 5.55 g/L
• Alcohol: 12%
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by OCACIA
• Size: 750ml
• Best Paired With: Roast poultry, duck, veal, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, aged cheeses, grilled fish

A rare single-vineyard Blanc de Noirs from a meticulous grower — Yann Alexandre's Sous-les-Roses is the kind of Champagne that rewards both the table and the cellar.

Kistler Vineyards · Pinot Noir · Russian River Valley · 2024

Since 1978, Kistler Vineyards has set the benchmark for Burgundian-inspired winemaking in California. Their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards along the Gravenstein Ridge — red, gravelly soils from the Sebastopol series that deliver the kind of cool-climate tension and mineral precision rarely found outside Burgundy itself. The vines are planted to Kistler's proprietary heritage clones, descended from Grand Cru Burgundy selections refined over 25 years of meticulous field work, prized for their low yields, small berries, and extraordinary site expression. At $85.99, this is one of California's most sought-after Pinot Noirs — and one of the most fairly priced at this level of pedigree.

The 2024 is harvested by hand at night to preserve freshness, 100% destemmed, and fermented in open-top tanks with native yeasts — only free-run juice collected, no pressing. Ten months in French oak (38% new, hand-stacked cooperage air-dried in St. Romain), then bottled unfined and unfiltered. The result: a complex bouquet of red currant, smoked earth, and exotic florals, leading to a seamless, medium-bodied palate with silky tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2032+.

• Producer: Kistler Vineyards
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Sub-Region: Gravenstein Ridge
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir (heritage Kistler clones)
• Vinification: Hand harvested at night · 100% destemmed · Native yeast · Open-top fermenters · Free-run juice only · 10 months French oak (38% new) · Unfined & unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red currant, smoked earth, exotic florals, silky tannins, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2032+
• Food Pairings: Duck confit, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, aged Comté

Heritage Burgundy clones, Gravenstein Ridge terroir, and 45+ years of Kistler precision — Russian River Pinot Noir at its most compelling.

Expert Reviews - 2016

The Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | This golden-colored Tokaji has aromas of raw honey, apricot blossom, pear and baked apple tart. Silky smooth upon entry, it offers flavors of baked apples, wildflower honey, canned pears and apricot. The acidity is nicely balanced so as not to be too cloyingly sweet.

The Wine Spectator 96 Points | Well-spiced and minerally on the nose, showing hints of petrol and slate, with a brilliant backbone of acidity creating a mouthwatering frame for the silky flavors of apricot pâte de fruit, clover honey, passion fruit coulis and lanolin that expand on the palate. This is an explosion of flavor and texture, yet remains light on its feet and graceful throughout. A beauty.

James Suckling 94 Points | Perfumed and complex nose of dried apricot, white nectarine, white truffle, bergamot, white pepper and jasmine. Dense and sweet, yet balanced. Focused and layered. Spicy character on the finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Disznókő Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos 2016 is a benchmark sweet wine from Hungary, representing the highest standard classification (6 Puttonyos) for traditional Aszú. In the 2016 vintage, this wine is celebrated for its "laser-like" acidity, which perfectly balances its massive sugar content, preventing it from feeling cloying.

Expert Reviews

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

Vinification of the Brut Nature Rosé cuvée

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

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir

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

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

Crafted from a 20-hour maceration of Pinot Noir grapes, each parcel is vinified separately in stainless steel and epoxy-lined tanks. The wine is bottled according to the lunar calendar and undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, preserving the unique characteristics of each terroir.

This meticulous approach highlights the natural expression of the Meunier grape, resulting in a fresh, vibrant rosé with nuanced red fruit, subtle spice, and floral notes. The wine balances elegance with intensity, offering a complex, layered palate and a delicate, persistent mousse.

Perfect for festive occasions, it pairs beautifully with seafood, charcuterie, or light poultry dishes, making it a standout choice for holiday celebrations or special gatherings.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir (Saignée method)
Country: France – Champagne

This striking Brut Nature Champagne showcases the precision and depth of 100% Pinot Noir from Christophe Mignon’s meticulously farmed vineyards in the western Vallée de la Marne. Vinified with a minimalist approach and zero dosage, the wine is fermented and matured in large oak foudres, allowing the purity of the fruit and the character of the terroir to shine without excess influence.

In the glass, it reveals a beautiful shimmering hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is clean and refined, offering subtle woody notes layered with red apple, citrus peel, and hints of toasted almond. On the palate, the wine is powerful yet impeccably precise, delivering vibrant freshness, excellent tension, and a long, mineral-driven finish. The oak integration is seamless, enhancing structure and complexity while preserving energy and elegance.

This Champagne is a compelling expression of Pinot Noir in its most transparent form—vinous, structured, and deeply expressive—crafted for those who appreciate authenticity, finesse, and terroir-driven Champagne.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Champagne, France
Style: Brut Nature (Zero Dosage)
Base Year: 2018

Crafted from Chardonnay grown on the chalky and clay-limestone soils of Festigny, this Brut Nature Champagne is vinified and matured partially in large oak foudres, allowing texture and depth to develop without masking purity. The nose is clean and refined, revealing subtle notes of fresh apple, lemon zest, white flowers, and a gentle hint of toasted almond from oak aging.

On the palate, the wine is precise and energetic, driven by vibrant acidity and a finely integrated mousse. Flavors of citrus, green pear, and almond are layered with a delicate saline edge and restrained woody nuance. With zero dosage, the finish is long, focused, and mineral, highlighting the natural expression of Chardonnay and the craftsmanship of Christophe Mignon.

Elegant, structured, and deeply expressive, this Champagne is an excellent choice for lovers of terroir-driven, low-intervention wines and pairs beautifully with shellfish, seafood, or simply enjoyed on its own as a contemplative aperitif.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The young, creamy and juicy 2019 Petra is pure Garnacha that fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in well-seasoned, neutral oak barrels for 15 months, including malolactic. There is a lactic touch and some notes of cereals here that interferes a bit with the purity of Garnacha. It's medium-bodied and has moderate ripeness at 13.5% alcohol, revealing good freshness and acidity and a pH of 3.6.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deep garnet in color, this single-varietal Garnacha has a nose of black cherry, caramel and nutmeg. Bright fruit and soft baking spice flavors wrapped in silky tannins enliven the palate and drift into a cranberry and orange-zest finish.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Petra de Valpiedra is 100% Garnacha sourced from a single vineyard next to the Ebro River, in the Cenicero area of Rioja Alta. Aged for 1nine months in American and French oak barrels, it displays a garnet hue and presents aromas reminiscent of liqueur, with hints of herbs and ash overlaying a fruit layer. On the palate, it is dry and edgy, with tannins that are fairly searing, leaving a lingering impression of balsamic notes.

James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of baked raspberries and strawberries with spicy and earthy touches. Medium- to full-bodied with powdery tannins and a soft texture. Firm finish. Drink or hold.

Memo Summary Notes

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is a highly praised, single-varietal Garnacha (Grenache) from the Rioja Alta sub-region. It is part of a premium, limited-edition line from the respected Finca Valpiedra winery.

The 2019 vintage is noted for combining the power of Garnacha with great freshness and elegance, making it an excellent example of modern, high-quality Rioja.

The wine's silky texture and savory complexity make it versatile:

• Meat: Grilled lamb, roast duck, or white meats such as turkey and pheasant.

• Spanish Classics: Aged Manchego cheese.

• Other: Fish stews (like tuna marmitako), rice dishes, and mushroom risotto.

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is an outstanding example of premium, single-vineyard Garnacha from Rioja, praised for its elegance, freshness, and complexity.

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2021

Vinous 94 Points (Audrey Frick): Opens with rosemary, Mediterranean herbs, ripe cherries, and forest earth. Medium to full-bodied and classic in style, with well-defined tannins, bright acidity, and a long finish that keeps it fresh and balanced. Showing very well today and should drink beautifully over the next 15 years or more. Drink 2026–2041.

Winemaker Description

Le Ragnaie is perched at high elevation just south of the hill of Montalcino, led by Ricardo and Jennifer Campinoti. The estate produces some of the most compelling single-vineyard expressions of Brunello, with clarity, focus, and distinction between each cru. This 2021 is sourced from a selection of top vineyard sites, fermented in concrete with 35 days of skin contact, then aged three years in large Slavonian oak casks. Lifted aromas of dark cherry, ripe plum, and subtle spice, with a graceful, structured palate, fine-grained tannins, and a long, elegant finish.

Previous vintage (2020) earned 95pts Wine Advocate, 94pts Jeb Dunnuck, 93pts James Suckling & Vinous.

Pairing Suggestions

• Red Meat: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised short ribs, or lamb.
• Game: Wild boar, venison, or duck.
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Taleggio.

Founded in 1806 by Scottish wine merchant John Lewis Brown of Colstun, Château Cantenac Brown is one of Margaux's most storied estates — a 3ème Grand Cru Classé of 1855, instantly recognizable by its spectacular Tudor-style château. Acquired in 2019 by the Le Lous family, the estate is undergoing a new chapter of modernization, including the construction of a pioneering raw earth cellar designed to deepen the expression of terroir in every bottle.

The Château Cantenac Brown Margaux 2021 750ml is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, with the Cabernet harvested late — between October 4th and 12th — to achieve full phenolic ripeness. Aged in 60% new French oak, it is medium to full-bodied, layered, and seamless, with a perfumed bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, cassis, tobacco, and rose petal. The palate is vibrant and exquisitely structured, with chalky tannins, lively acidity, and a long, elegant finish marked by crushed stone and a touch of bitter dark chocolate. A wine of great character, definition, and classicism.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

• Decanter — 93 Points: "Perfumed black cherries and raspberries on the nose. Waves of juicy, bright red summer berries with creamy, chalky edges. Great character, energy and classicism with slate and crushed stone. Extremely attractive finish."
• Jane Anson — 93 Points: "Excellent quality, well put together, finessed and powerful with black cherry fruits and raspberry purée, with tiny pulses of lemongrass acidity."
• Wine Advocate — 92–94 Points: "Cassis, wild berries, loamy soil and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with good concentration, lively acids and a nicely defined finish."
• Vinous — 92–94 Points: "Sweet red-fleshed fruit, tobacco, incense and rose petal. Vibrant and exquisitely layered. Quite promising."

Wine Details

• 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot
• Margaux AOC, 3ème Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France
• Aged in 60% new French oak
• Vintage: 2021
• 750ml

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

Expert Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opulent aromas of roses, violets and layered spices, ripe berries of every hue. Perfectly formed tannins frame complex fruit flavours across the palate. This wine will age magnificently.

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

Vinous 95 Points | The 2019 Clos de la Dioterie is a sophisticated, seductively perfumed style—brooding yet aromatic. Its concentrated flavors are pure; it remains light and elegant, with a delectable, chalky, veil-like texture residing on your tongue as the finish draws out with precision, sinew and line. This is a fine, texturally intriguing wine.

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

Tim Atkin 97 Points | Picked early because of the pandemic, but not showing any less concentration as a result, this is one of Chile’s finest Bordeaux blends, made with an 80/20 blend of old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the Macul estate in Satiago. Concentrated yet not overbearing, it has damson, cassis and potpourri flavours and a frame of toast and vanilla spicy oak. Built to last. 

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

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | Adelsheim’s single vineyards were planted in the early 2000s on very steep slopes at 485 to 625 feet elevation. The bright red 2022 Pinot Noir Boulder Bluff Vineyard has a fruity and floral profile with notes of candied raspberries, pressed flowers, sweet herbs, and fresh soil. It takes on more tension on the palate, with finely coiled tannins, juicy, ripe fruit, mouthwatering, fresh acidity, and a long feel throughout the finish. It’s focused and has a good, compact, yet elegant feel. Drink 2025-2037.

Winemaker Description 

An organic wine born in Priorat with its own personality Gratavinum GV5 is born from the Cusine family´s desire to make quality wines in the well reputed region of Priorat, bringing together the special terroir and their passion for wine. Their philosophy is based on respect for the environment, passion for nature and the enjoyment of making this exciting project succeed.

With GV5 we strive to produce a unique wine with personality; a balanced, elegant, fine and fruity wine combined with the minerals and touch of the terroir of Priorat.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Allegrini · Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG · Veneto · Italy · 2021

Allegrini is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most celebrated families — a benchmark producer whose Amarone has become emblematic of Italian oenology, standing alongside Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino as one of the country’s great red wines. The 2021 is a true classic of the appellation: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta grapes air-dried until at least December, checked daily for perfect health, then vinified with the patience and precision that only a family with generations of expertise can bring. Lengthy refining and aging yields a wine of imposing structure, depth, and the kind of complexity that rewards both the cellar and the table. Rated 94 by James Suckling and 93 by Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator.

The 2021 is still very youthful but with enormous potential. The nose is intense and classic — bay leaves, fresh black pepper, prunes, blood orange, tamarind, licorice, and plums simmering with herbs. On the palate, creamy and full-bodied with roasted peppercorn, crushed black cherry, espresso, thyme, and cocoa, framed by firm, velvety, fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. Long, fresh, and elegant on the finish with graphite and spice. Drink now through 2040.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

“Still very youthful, but with so much potential. Intense and zippy on the attack, there’s some wonderfully bright fruit fighting to break through the woody veil, with an orange peel halo. Beautifully balanced — but don’t open this yet!”
— Decanter · 93 Points

“This is what happens when earth meets elegance. Forest walks lead to a kitchen where plums simmer with herbs for wild game while cocoa adds its luxury touch. The palate keeps that old-school Amarone soul but adds modern polish, dusty tannins framing everything just right.”
— Wine Enthusiast · 93 Points · Cellar Selection

“Sleek and well-structured, offering flavors of crushed black cherry and black plum, black licorice, espresso, and thyme, all enmeshed with sculpted, fine-grained tannins. Long and fresh, with delicate notes of spices and graphite playing on the finish.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

• Producer: Allegrini, Fumane, Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
• Blend: 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta
• Method: Appassimento — grapes air-dried until at least December; checked daily
• Style: Dry red — full-bodied, imposing structure, velvety tannins
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bay leaf, black pepper, prune, blood orange, tamarind, licorice, espresso, cocoa, graphite, velvety tannins
• Cellar: Drink now through 2040
• Pairings: Braised short rib, wild boar ragù, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, venison, osso buco, dark chocolate

JS:94 · D:93 · WE:93 · WS:93 · Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG — Allegrini’s benchmark appassimento red. Imposing, complex, and built for the ages.

Winemaker Description 

The Renvivas bottling is from another very old vineyard of Rufete, planted in 1930. These are also bush vines sitting at six hundred and fifty meters of elevation, with a due south exposition on a base of schist, limestone and sand, with the vines having been farmed without any chemicals for their entire lifetimes.

The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and aged in older French casks prior to bottling. The 2018 Renvivas offers up a lovely bouquet of dark berries, chicory, woodsmoke, a hint of tree bark and a fine, complex base of soil.

On the palate the wine is bright, pure and full-bodied, with excellent transparency and core, fine-grained tannins and a long, tangy and complex finish. This is first class juice and impressively light on its feet. 2020-2040+.  

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

93 Points View from the Cellar-John Gilman of The Wine Advocate | The 2018 Renvivas is a 0.5-hectare vineyard planted 80 years ago with Rufete and a little Rufete Blanco in the middle of a chestnut tree forest. The destemmed grapes fermented with some added stems with indigenous yeasts in open-top vats at low temperature, and the wine matured in second and third use Stockinger barrels. There is a little more ripeness here, a mixture of red and black fruit, some herbs and spices and an earthy touch. The palate is medium-bodied, with a soft texture, fine tannins and integrated acidity. Only 850 bottles were filled in August 2019.