2363 products
Girasole Pinot Noir Mendocino Organic 2023 750ml
Girasole Pinot Noir — Mendocino County, California 2023 | Certified Organic
Girasole Vineyards has been farming organically in Mendocino County since 1986 — long before organic viticulture became fashionable. Named for the sunflowers that grow throughout their estate, this family-owned winery is committed to sustainable, chemical-free farming in one of California’s most naturally beautiful wine regions. Mendocino’s cool coastal influence, diverse soils, and clean mountain air make it an ideal home for Pinot Noir, and Girasole has spent four decades learning to express that terroir with honesty and care. Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2023 vintage 91 points.
The nose is inviting and expressive: strawberry, cherry, boysenberry, violets, and clove. On the palate, it is soft and fruit-forward, with ripe plum, black cherry, and plush tannins, with just a touch of new French oak lending texture and framing the bright red fruit at the wine’s core. The finish is dry, clean, and lingering — approachable, expressive, and genuinely satisfying.
Wine Enthusiast 91 (Tonya Pitts) — “Deep, rich, with aromas of boysenberry, Bing cherry, violets, and notes of toasty oak. Flavors of strawberry-cherry coulis, blood orange peel, dark chocolate shavings, interwoven with clove, and a dry finish.” (Vintage 2023).
- Producer: Girasole Vineyards, Mendocino County, California (organic farming since 1986)
- Vintage: 2023
- Appellation: Mendocino County AVA
- Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir — Certified Organic
- Aging: Touch of new French oak
- Closure: Screwcap
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Strawberry, cherry, boysenberry, violets, clove, ripe plum, black cherry, dry finish
- Best Paired With: Salmon, roast chicken, duck, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, soft cheeses
A 91-point certified organic Mendocino Pinot Noir at an honest price — Girasole is the benchmark for what California organic Pinot can be.
Ceretto Barbaresco Bernadot Organic 2019 750ml
Winemaker Description
The 2019 Bernardot is dark and austere with wonderful nuances of ripe red fruit. Tannins are very silky and delicate in this 2019, showing a lot of finesse, typical from the Barbaresco area. It’s an elegant and very expressive Barbaresco. One of the favorite vineyards of winemaker Alessandro Ceretto.
Expert Reviews
Wine Advocate Monica Larner 95 Points writes | The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine. (2019).
Wine Spectator 94 Points | A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2025. (2019).
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Merlot 1.5L Magnum
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Merlot — California NV | 1.5L Magnum
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi has been California's benchmark for approachable, everyday wine since 1979. This Merlot is sourced from the Lodi region, crafted using unique growing techniques and state-of-the-art winemaking to deliver consistent quality at an honest price. The 1.5L Magnum format is made for sharing — generous, crowd-pleasing, and built for the table.
Rich aromas of blackberry, cherry, chocolate, and red berries lead to a palate of ripe plum, toasty mocha oak, and cherry cola. Full-bodied with beautifully integrated tannins, well-balanced acidity, and a soft, versatile finish.
- Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Acampo, CA
- Region: Lodi, California
- Varietal: Merlot
- Style: Full-bodied, soft, fruit-forward California red
- Format: 1.5L Magnum
- Best Paired With: Hearty pasta Bolognese, grilled steak, lamb, pork chops, hamburgers
California Merlot at its most generous — a Magnum built for the table.
Frog's Leap Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate 2023 750ml 96pts. Vinous
Winemaker Description
The wine is medium bodied and moderate in tannin, with some beautiful suppleness to the mid-palate that reflects the moderate summer, accompanied by a touch of extra richness from the hot autumn weather. 100% Certified organic and dry farmed.
Expert Review
James Suckling 91 Points | Aromas of crushed herbs, sliced plums, blackcurrants and violets. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. Bright acidity pairs nicely with the fresh red fruit on the palate. Could use another year to come together. Best after 2023. (2020).
de Ladoucette Pouilly Fume Baron de L 2020 750ml
Winemaker Description
The delicate and complex olfactory expression opens on aromas which remind of white flower, exotic fruits. There is a very beautiful complexity for a vintage where the end-of-season’s sun brought a lot to the aromas. Excellent complexity that translates into great and elegant richness. Nice attack, straight and bright, it takes place with elegance on fruity notes associated with a dense structure and a beautiful acidity which brings a great length in the end of the mouth. There are aromas of exotic fruits (litchi, mango).
Purchased by the Comte Lafond, an ancestor of the current owner, Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, Château du Nozet and its surrounding vineyards have a reputation for producing the finest Pouilly-Fumé. The vineyards are in Pouilly-Fumé Contrôlée, which includes Pouilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Andelain and Tracy-sur-Loire at the eastern end of the Loire Valley (including the vineyard of the Château du Nozet estate).
Both clay and limestone influence the delicate characteristics in Ladoucette Baron de L Pouilly-Fumé. This Grande Cuvée of Pouilly Fumé is produced exclusively in the best years and from the first pressing of the estate’s grapes. Winemaker Description.
Gonzalez Byass Alfonso Oloroso Seco Jerez-Xeres-Sherry 375ml
Expert Review
Winemaker Description
González Byass Alfonso Oloroso Seco is a wine made from Palomino Fino from their own vineyards.
As soon as the grapes arrive at the winery, they are softly pressed to obtain the free-run must (mosto yema), which will be used to make this wine. After fermentation, classification and fortification at 18% vol., the wine enters the "solera", where it will remain for an average of eight years in American oak butts, following the traditional "solera" system. The wine ages in full contact with the air, which allows its complete oxidation.
Louis Latour Meursault 2023 750ml (Pre-Sale - Introductory Offer ETA 10/2/2026)
Generous and elegant, this classic white Burgundy combines a full palate with bright citrus and mineral freshness. The 2023 vintage opens with aromas of lemon, honeysuckle, and delicate vanilla. Fresh almond and citrus flavors unfold across the palate, with a subtle vanilla accent leading into a refined mineral finish.
Made from 100% Chardonnay grown in Meursault’s marl-limestone soils, the wine comes from hand-harvested grapes on vines averaging 25 years of age. This celebrated village in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune is renowned for white wines that balance richness with finesse.
Barrel fermentation and full malolactic fermentation develop its rounded texture, followed by eight to ten months in French oak barrels, 15% new, from Louis Latour’s own cooperage.
A lovely choice for an elegant dinner, it pairs beautifully with grilled sea bass, shrimp and avocado, veal in a cream sauce, or Beaufort cheese.
Expert Rating
93 Points · James Suckling: “Refined and vibrant, combining richness and complexity with a lifted, saline edge. Aromas of ripe citrus, orchard fruit and white flowers mingle with hints of hazelnuts and crushed chalk. Medium- to full-bodied and gently creamy, it’s energized by bright acidity and a precise mineral thread. The finish is long, pure and harmonious.”
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Meursault AOC — Village
Style: Dry white wine, barrel-fermented and oak-aged
Aging: 8–10 months in French oak, 15% new
Serving temperature: 54–57°F (12–14°C)
Producer’s cellaring potential: 3–5 years
Louis Latour Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru “Sous Le Puits” 2023 750ml (Pre-Sale - Introductory Offer ETA 10/2/2026)
Richly textured and refined, this Premier Cru white Burgundy opens with inviting aromas of brioche and vanilla. The 2023 vintage offers a full, rounded palate layered with acacia honey and almond, finishing with an elegant mineral touch that brings definition to its generous character.
Made from 100% Chardonnay, “Sous le Puits” comes from a southeast-facing vineyard near the top of the Blagny hillside, just above “La Garenne.” Its name, meaning “Under the Well,” references a nearby spring. Vines averaging 35 years of age grow in clay-limestone soils, with grapes harvested by hand.
Fermentation takes place in oak barrels with full malolactic fermentation, followed by eight to ten months of aging in French oak, 50% new, from Louis Latour’s own cooperage. The result is a beautifully expressive Chardonnay with richness, depth, and finesse.
Expert Rating
95 Points · James Suckling: “Aromas of flint, grapefruit rind, orchard fruit, chalk and fresh herbs. The high-tension palate is precise with mineral-driven acidity and a textural, rounded mouthfeel. Perhaps the most linear and focused release of the 2023 premier cru whites.”
92 Points · Wine Spectator: “Plush yet dense, with peach, apple, vanilla and nutmeg aromas and flavors. Underlined by solid acidity, this just tails off a little on the finish. The oak spice notes linger.”
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru AOC
Vineyard: Sous le Puits
Style: Dry white wine, barrel-fermented and oak-aged
Aging: 8–10 months in French oak, 50% new
Serving temperature: 54–57°F (12–14°C)
Producer’s cellaring potential: 5–7 years
Louis Latour Pouilly Fuisse Premier Cru 2024 750ml (Pre-Sale - Introductory Offer ETA 10/2/2026)
Bright citrus, delicate flowers, and refined minerality define this elegant Premier Cru white Burgundy. The 2024 vintage offers aromas of white orchard fruit, pear, and citrus zest, followed by a medium-bodied palate revealing lime, bergamot, and nectarine. A long finish carries subtle saline and chalky notes, bringing freshness and precision to every sip.
Made from 100% Chardonnay, this cuvée brings together selected Premier Cru parcels in Pouilly-Fuissé, in Burgundy’s southern Mâconnais region. The area’s limestone and clay soils provide the foundation for a wine that combines expressive fruit with distinctive mineral character.
Expert Rating
93 Points · James Suckling: A nice white showing aromas of minerals and flowers. Bergamot, limes and some nectarines on the medium-bodied palate. Long, lightly saline and chalky at the end. Drink now or hold.
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Pouilly-Fuissé AOC — Premier Cru
Style: Dry white wine
Louis Latour Marsannay Blanc 2023 750ml (Pre-Sale - Introductory Offer ETA 10/2/2026)
Elegant and inviting, this white Burgundy balances a rounded texture with lively citrus and mineral freshness. The 2023 vintage opens with aromas of toasted almond, vanilla, and honeysuckle. On the palate, delicate acacia blossom and lemon notes bring brightness to its generous character, finishing with refreshing mineral definition.
Made from 100% Chardonnay grown in clay-limestone soils, this wine comes from Marsannay at the northern gateway to Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits. Grapes are hand-harvested from vines averaging 25 years of age, then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation. Aging for eight to ten months in French oak barrels from Louis Latour’s own cooperage adds depth and a gentle toasted accent.
Expert Rating
93 James Suckling: This is a linear and vivid white with umami, fresh yeast and matchstick, as well as apples and green melon. Medium-bodied with depth and beauty. Spicy at the end. Exciting.
Wine Info
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Marsannay, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Marsannay AOC
Style: Dry white wine, aged in French oak
Louis Latour Bourgogne Chardonnay 2025 750ml (Pre-Sale - Introductory Offer - ETA 10/2/2026)
Fresh, floral, and beautifully inviting, this classic white Burgundy captures Chardonnay’s natural charm. The 2025 vintage shines pale gold with green highlights, opening with delicate aromas of honeysuckle and fresh almond. The palate is rounded and generous, offering white peach flavors that lead into a refreshing finish with a subtle mineral touch.
Made from 100% Chardonnay, hand-harvested from vines averaging 30 years of age, the wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel and undergoes full malolactic fermentation for a supple texture. Eight to ten months of aging in stainless steel preserves its fruit character and floral appeal, creating an unoaked expression of Burgundy Chardonnay.
Equally enjoyable as an aperitif or alongside a meal, it pairs beautifully with shellfish, grilled fish, and fine charcuterie. Serve lightly chilled to bring out its freshness and delicate aromatics.
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Burgundy (Bourgogne), France
Appellation: Bourgogne AOC
Style: Dry, unoaked white wine
Marqués De Riscal Rioja Baron De Chirel Blanc 2024 750ml (Pre-Sale - Introductory Offer)
95 Points Decanter • 92 Points Vinous
A new chapter in the history of Marqués de Riscal, Barón de Chirel Rioja Blanco 2024 is the winery’s first white wine produced in Rioja. Also known as Viñas Centenarias, it draws its distinctive character from century-old vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, where white grape varieties grow among historic red-wine plantings.
Crafted from Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca, this expressive white combines the concentration of old vines with freshness and finesse. Fermentation in French oak is followed by approximately eight months of lees aging, adding texture and complexity while preserving the wine’s vibrant character.
Floral aromas and stone-fruit notes meet a mineral edge. The palate is broad and persistent, with a rounded texture balanced by lively acidity and subtle oak influence. An elegant white Rioja with the depth to complement fine cuisine and the structure for further bottle development.
Expert Ratings
Decanter — 95 Points April 21, 2026 : "Fine and assertive, with remarkable poise and focus. Deft use of wood, building a toasty, almondy frame around the fleshy white peach and yellow apple core. Precise and fluid with a pleasantly tense acid line, assertive lemon zest and Conference pear crunch. A wine that delivers a lot without trying too hard. Beautiful, laidback modern classicism. Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca bunches were pressed whole, without destemming or crushing, and the free-run must transferred to 600L French oak foudres, no more than 10% new, where spontaneous fermentation was followed by about eight months' maturation, with weekly lees stirring via rotation of the barrels."
95 James Suckling - July 28, 2026: "A vibrant and a creamy new white with sliced lemons, honeysuckle and honeycomb on the nose. Light phenolics. Medium-bodied with subtle depth and intensity. Fermented and aged seven month in 600-liter barrels. Viura and a touch of garnachia blanca."
Vinous — 92 Points: April 6, 2026 "The 2024 Blanco Baron de Chirel (Viura and other white varieties from Rioja Alavesa) was fermented in foudre and aged in barrel. Sourced from old vines, it opens with pear and field herbs, with evident oak shaping the profile. Broad and enveloping on the palate, chalky tension tightens the structure, leading to a flavorful finish marked by cream and caramel. Frank and distinctly Viura."
Food Pairing: Poultry, rice dishes, gently seasoned stews and Japanese cuisine.
Region: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grapes: Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca
Vineyards: Century-old plantings
Aging: Approximately eight months on the lees in French oak
Alcohol: 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Marqués De Riscal 150th Anniversary Rioja Gran Reserva 2017 750ml (Pre-Sale - Introductory Offer)
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)
Alois Lageder Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco Dolomiti 2025 750ml
Alois Lageder · Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco · Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT · 2025
Founded in 1823 in Magrè, Alto Adige, Alois Lageder is a sixth-generation family winery and one of Italy's leading champions of biodynamic farming. The Terra Alpina line is a collaboration between Lageder and local growers, built to capture the character of the Dolomites, where cool Alpine air meets warm Mediterranean influences and vines root into distinctive dolomitic limestone soils.
Tasting Notes
Brilliant straw yellow in the glass, with fruity aromas of crisp apple and ripe peach. Fermented in stainless steel to keep it fresh and expressive, the 2025 is medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, bright citrus and green apple flavors, a delicate thread of minerality, and a fresh, mouth-watering finish.
From the Winery
"Diversity inspires us. It makes for fertile soil, healthier agriculture and more life, ultimately, imparting distinct character to our wines. Why think in black and white when you can think in colour?"
— Alois Lageder
Food Pairings
- Aperitivo and light starters
- Fresh salads and spring vegetables
- All kinds of seafood
- Pasta dishes, especially lighter, herb- or seafood-based sauces
- Serve chilled, 46–50°F
Specs
- Producer: Alois Lageder
- Wine: Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco
- Vintage: 2025
- Country: Italy
- Region: Trentino-Alto Adige
- Appellation: Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT
- Grape: 100% Pinot Bianco
- Farming: Organic
- Winemaking: Stainless steel fermentation
- Size: 750 ml
Alpine freshness in a bottle, and one of the most versatile whites on the table.
Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir Roland Green Vyd Dundee Hills 2023 750ml (Pre-Sale - Introductory Offer)
The 2023 Roland Green Vineyard Pinot Noir is a distinctive single-vineyard expression from The Eyrie Vineyards, combining the elegance and freshness associated with the Dundee Hills with a darker, more fruit-forward personality. Brambly blackberry fruit, savory undertones and firm, textured tannins give this limited-production Pinot Noir both immediate appeal and excellent potential for further development in bottle.
Named in honor of Roland Green Lett, the vineyard was first planted in 1988 to Pommard and Wädenswil Pinot Noir clones. The site rises from approximately 540 to 720 feet elevation and enjoys a direct southern exposure. Eyrie describes Roland Green as a site capable of producing Pinot Noir with exceptional texture, depth and finesse. More recent plantings, including vines established in 2016, complement the mature blocks and add an especially bright, fresh fruit character to the wine.
Like Eyrie’s other estate vineyards, Roland Green is certified organic and farmed according to regenerative, no-till principles. The winery focuses on maintaining healthy soil ecosystems and naturally balanced vines rather than relying on intensive intervention. The elevated, south-facing site and volcanic Dundee Hills soils contribute both ripeness and structural definition to the finished wine.
Eyrie’s single-vineyard Pinot Noirs are deliberately handled with a restrained cellar approach so that differences in vineyard site remain clearly visible. Native yeast fermentation, small fermentation vessels and extended élevage are central to the program, emphasizing texture, freshness and the individual character of each vineyard rather than overt winemaking influence.
The 2023 Roland Green is particularly expressive and fruit-driven, with brambly blackberry taking center stage. Compared with some of Eyrie’s more reserved vineyard selections, this vintage is somewhat more forward and immediately generous, while retaining the structure and savory character associated with the site. Dusty, textured tannins frame the dark fruit and provide a firm finish that should become increasingly integrated with additional bottle age.
Expert Rating
95 Points — Paul Gregutt
Gregutt highlights the influence of Roland Green’s younger vines, noting their bright, fresh fruit character. He describes the 2023 as more fruit-forward than some of Eyrie’s other vineyard selections, centered on brambly blackberry fruit with textured, dusty tannins that should soften further with time in bottle. Only 193 cases were produced.
With its combination of ripe dark fruit, freshness, firm structure and Dundee Hills elegance, the 2023 Roland Green Vineyard offers a particularly compelling expression of Eyrie’s vineyard-focused approach to Pinot Noir.
Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Roland Green Vineyard
Clones: Pommard & Wädenswil
Elevation: Approximately 540–720 feet
Exposure: South-facing
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 193 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml
Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Noir Daphne Vyd Dundee Hills 2023 (Pre-Sale - Introductory Offer)
Named for a longtime friend of the winery, Daphne Vineyard contains just 1.5 acres of Pinot Noir, planted to the Pommard clone beginning in 1974. The Pinot Noir vines sit approximately 820 to 860 feet above sea level, near the top of this dramatically elevated site. The vineyard’s soils are exceptionally shallow—averaging less than ten inches over large underlying boulders—which contributes to the wine’s distinctive intensity, mineral character and naturally limited yields.
Daphne is the highest of Eyrie’s estate Pinot Noir sites. Its elevation and exposed position bring cooler conditions and help preserve acidity, while the mature vines produce very small clusters of intensely flavored fruit. Eyrie farms its vineyards organically and employs regenerative, no-till practices intended to protect soil biology and allow each vineyard to express its individual character.
Eyrie’s restrained winemaking philosophy places vineyard character ahead of cellar technique. Native fermentation, gentle handling, minimal racking and extended élevage are used to preserve freshness, aromatic complexity and transparency of site. The approach produces wines that can be compelling when young while also developing beautifully over extended bottle age.
The 2023 Daphne Vineyard Pinot Noir is especially concentrated and expressive. Layers of raspberry, blueberry and marionberry are carried by lively acidity, while earthy and exotic savory notes bring additional complexity. Hints of mushroom, sassafras and sandalwood emerge as the wine opens, leading into a long, slowly unfolding finish.
Expert Rating
96 Points — Paul Gregutt
Gregutt describes the 2023 Daphne as showing terrific concentration, with raspberry, blueberry and marionberry fruit supported by energetic acidity and nuances of powdered mushroom, sassafras and sandalwood. He also emphasizes its lingering finish. Only 153 cases were produced, making this one of Eyrie’s most limited single-vineyard Pinot Noirs.
Powerful without sacrificing elegance, the 2023 Daphne Vineyard is a compelling expression of old-vine Dundee Hills Pinot Noir. Its combination of concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, mineral depth and savory complexity makes it particularly suited to further development in the cellar.
Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Daphne Vineyard
Clone: Pommard
Pinot Noir Plantings: Beginning in 1974
Pinot Noir Area: Approximately 1.5 Acres
Elevation: Approximately 820–860 Feet
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 153 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml
Billecart Salmon Champagne Brut Reserve Red Label 750ml
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.
Billecart Salmon Champagne Le Blanc de Blancs 750ml
An exceptionally refined expression of Chardonnay, Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs is crafted entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, one of Champagne’s most celebrated terroirs for Chardonnay.
The cuvée brings together fruit from the prestigious villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, producing a Champagne of remarkable purity, precision and mineral intensity. Billecart-Salmon blends wines from two different years, allowing the House to capture both freshness and complexity while maintaining its signature elegant style.
Made from 100% Chardonnay, the wine is vinified in stainless-steel tanks to preserve its delicate fruit and mineral character. Between 20% and 50% reserve wines are incorporated into the blend, adding depth and complexity, while extended aging of approximately 4 to 5 years on the lees creates its refined texture and beautifully integrated mousse.
In the glass, Le Blanc de Blancs displays a luminous golden color with subtle green reflections and an exceptionally fine stream of bubbles. The mousse is delicate yet generous, giving the Champagne an elegant and polished appearance.
The bouquet is precise and mineral-driven, revealing aromas of white flowers, fresh butter and brioche, followed by bright citrus and subtle chalky notes. With time in the glass, the wine develops additional layers while retaining a remarkable sense of finesse and freshness.
On the palate, it is beautifully creamy yet vibrant. Flavors of fresh almond, lemon zest and citrus are carried by a distinctly chalky texture, reflecting the limestone-rich soils of the Côte des Blancs. A delicate meringue-like richness adds softness and depth, while the Champagne’s natural acidity keeps the palate fresh, energetic and beautifully balanced.
The finish is long, smooth and mineral, with a subtle saline note that adds precision and makes the wine particularly compelling at the table. Billecart-Salmon describes the cuvée as combining impressive vinosity with an unexpectedly fresh finish — a style that appeals especially to lovers of elegant, mineral-driven Champagne.
Winemaker Notes
The fine mousse of delicate bubbles elegantly accompanies the glints of its gold color. A cuvée that will surprise you with its pure intensity of dry fruits aromas, almonds and fresh hazelnuts mixed with those of fruits of white flesh. The creamy sensation of the bubble associated to aromas of buttered brioche and mineral aromas. Persistent finish with a fresh and elegant sweetness.
This great bottle will make a perfect marriage with caviar or fine oysters but also with grilled fish and seafood.
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Unlock the secrets of your cuvée with MyOrigin. Your digital tool to discover the Champagne you’re about to taste, down to every last detail: grape varieties, dosage, disgorgement date, number of vintages contained in each cuvée, total sugar and food pairings. Billecart-Salmon reveals everything in full transparency thanks to the 6-digit number located on the back label of your bottle, magnum or jeroboam.
Professional Ratings
96 Tasting Panel: The prismatic nose on this stately beauty, aged on the lees for four to five years, emits by turn notes of lemon- lime, herbed shortbread, hazelnut skin, green pear, and a hint of green olive against a backdrop of chalky minerality, which also provides the framework for brushstrokes of yel- low plum, lime leaf, pomelo, young apricot, and blanched almond on the palate. The texture is supple, the acidity oh-so-pretty, and the finish salt-flecked. For the holiday season, the Billecart-Salmon Eco-friendly Champagne Bucket Gift Set, which includes a bottle of the wine, will be available exclusively at Wally's Wine & Spirits for $150.
93 James Suckling: A biscuity, silky blanc de blancs that has very fine bubbles and aromas of lemon peel, sliced apple, fresh croissant and chalk. It’s elegant and beautifully balanced.
93 Wine Enthusiast: Taut and mineral, this fine Blanc de Blancs Champagne brings out the crispness of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Its croissant aroma suggests some bottle age, confirmed in the ripeness of the white fruits and acidity
93 Wine Spectator: A well-tailored Champagne, with precision to the integration of its chiseled acidity, fine, lacy texture and lovely range of patisserie apple and pear, lemon parfait, pickled ginger and white blossoms. A hint of marzipan enriches the lasting finish. Disgorged Spring 2024. Drink now through 2030.
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyards
100% Grand Cru Côte des Blancs
Avize · Chouilly · Cramant · Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
Tasting Notes
Color: Luminous gold with delicate green reflections
Aromas: White flowers, brioche, fresh butter and mineral notes
Palate: Lemon zest, citrus, fresh almond, chalk and delicate meringue
Style: Creamy, precise, elegant and mineral-driven
Finish: Long, refined and saline
Winemaking
Vinification: Stainless steel
Reserve Wines: Approximately 20–50%
Lees Aging: Approximately 4–5 years
Recommended Cellaring: 8–10 years for a 750ml bottle
Serving Temperature: Approximately 50°F / 10°C
Bottle Size: 750ml
Food Pairings
Oysters · Caviar · Scallops · Langoustines · Seafood carpaccio · Ceviche · Turbot · Sushi
Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs is a beautifully precise Grand Cru Champagne, combining creamy Chardonnay richness with brilliant citrus freshness, chalky minerality and the effortless elegance for which the House is renowned.
William Fevre Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Cote Bouguerots 2023 750ml (Introductory Offer)
Not Available for Immediate Delivery. Please allow 3-5 business days for fulfillment.
Chiseled · Mineral · Saline · Powerful · Precise
A profound Grand Cru Chablis combining extraordinary mineral intensity, vibrant citrus and a long, crystalline finish.
Among the most distinctive wines in the William Fèvre portfolio, Bougros Côte Bouguerots Grand Cru 2023 comes from a remarkable parcel at the lower, dramatically steep portion of the Bougros Grand Cru vineyard, close to the Serein River.
While classic Bougros is often known for its broad, generous and powerful character, Côte Bouguerots offers a very different expression. Cooler nights and the steep slope contribute remarkable freshness, tension and mineral definition, creating a Chablis of exceptional precision and energy.
The vineyard rises on an incline of approximately 40%, one of the steepest sections of the Chablis Grand Cru hillside. William Fèvre's Côte Bouguerots holding totals approximately 2.2 hectares, with the majority of the vines planted in 1979. The combination of mature vines, steep exposure and Chablis' celebrated Kimmeridgian soils gives this wine its extraordinary concentration and unmistakable mineral character.
The 2023 vintage opens with an expressive yet finely controlled bouquet of lemon zest, lime, white peach and pear, layered with delicate white flowers, oyster shell, chalk and subtle marine notes.
On the palate, it is concentrated and beautifully structured, showing remarkable purity and energy. Citrus and ripe stone fruit are framed by vivid acidity and a pronounced mineral backbone. Notes of crushed stone, chalk and sea spray run through the wine, leading to an exceptionally long, clean and saline finish.
There is impressive power beneath the surface, yet the wine remains elegant and finely chiseled. Its combination of concentration, freshness and mineral tension makes Côte Bouguerots one of the most compelling and age-worthy expressions in the William Fèvre range.
Food Pairing
A magnificent partner for oysters, lobster, langoustines, scallops and crab, as well as grilled or roasted fish. It is equally impressive with Dover sole, turbot, poultry, veal and refined dishes finished with butter or delicate cream sauces.
Serve lightly chilled rather than excessively cold to allow the wine's aromatic complexity, texture and minerality to fully emerge.
Professional Ratings
95 Decanter Magazine: Initially a bit restrained, the fruit opens up on the palate with notes of white peach, nectarine and Mirabelle plums, accented with a salty minerality and a hint of spice. Chiselled and fine but still impressively powerful. Fèvre owns more than a third of Bougros; 2ha are located in this unique parcel that rises steeply from the river in south-southwest-facing slopes, producing this exotic, concentrated wine that will live for decades.
95 Jasper Morris: The usual lime tint to the pale colour. Wonderfully chiselled, not seeing the sunshine here, just the vineyard. A burst of concentrated fruit through the middle, a pure kimmeridgian streak of energy, breadth and depth together, powerful all the way through. Barrel sample: 93-95
95 James Suckling: Limey, mineral and chalky nose with lots of marine substances and some green citrus. Pure energy, with excellent texture, precision and agility. Long, limpid and saline finish.
95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Sourced from a site closer to the river, defined by a steep 40% gradient and cooler nights, the 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Côte Bouguerots is entirely different from the fleshy, muscular Bougros bottling. It offers aromas of lemon oil, oyster shell and white flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, it is taut and structured, with bright acidity, ample dry extract and a long finish. Stylistically, it recalls Les Preuses more than the usual Bougros archetype. Of the 2.2 hectares, 1.8 were planted in 1979.
92 Wine Spectator: his is generous, displaying peach, apple, lemon verbena and grapefruit flavors. Corralled by vivid acidity that emerges midpalate and defines the stone fruit and mineral finish. Approachable now for its fleshy appeal and harmony. Drink now through 2036.
The Style
Intense, crystalline and deeply mineral — a rare Grand Cru Chablis where power meets extraordinary precision, freshness and saline energy.
William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Côte Bouguerots 2023
Tinto Pesquera Crianza Ribera del Duero 2022 750ml
Tinto Pesquera remains one of the benchmark expressions of Ribera del Duero and a beautiful introduction to the classic style of the region. Made from 100% Tempranillo, the wine offers aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, dried herbs, vanilla, and warm spice. The palate is generous and structured, with firm yet polished tannins and a lingering savory finish. Pair it with grilled lamb chops, roasted pork tenderloin, or a hearty mushroom risotto. - Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer
A benchmark Ribera del Duero with richness, freshness and classic Tempranillo character. Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2022 is crafted from 100% Tempranillo and combines generous ripe fruit with spice, polished tannins and beautifully integrated American oak.
Deep garnet in color, the wine opens with expressive aromas of ripe strawberry, cherry and darker berry fruit layered with notes of black pepper, licorice, vanilla and subtle balsamic tones. The palate is fresh, full and silky, with well-balanced acidity, persistent tannins and a long, savory finish.
The 2022 vintage was aged for 18 months in American oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging before release. The oak adds warmth and complexity while allowing the ripe Tempranillo fruit to remain at the center of the wine.
About Tinto Pesquera
Tinto Pesquera was founded by Alejandro Fernández and Esperanza Rivera in Pesquera de Duero. Beginning with their first wines in the 1970s, the estate became one of the producers that helped establish Ribera del Duero's international reputation for powerful, age-worthy Tempranillo.
The winery's signature style combines ripe fruit and concentration with structure, freshness and the distinctive character of traditional oak aging. Today, Tinto Pesquera remains one of the classic names of the Ribera del Duero appellation.
Tasting Notes
- Grape: 100% Tempranillo
- Region: Ribera del Duero, Spain
- Aging: 18 months in American oak, followed by bottle aging
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Style: Full-bodied, structured, fresh and silky
- Flavors: Ripe strawberry, cherry, blackberry, black pepper, licorice, vanilla and balsamic spice
Food Pairing
An excellent match for grilled lamb chops, roasted pork, braised beef, grilled sausages and hearty rice dishes. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom risotto, Manchego and other aged Spanish cheeses.
Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuissé 1er Cru 2023 750ml
Aromas of candied lemon and acacia flowers rise from the glass with effortless charm. On the palate, brioche and wet stones unfold across a broad, expansive texture — supported by bright, ripe acidity and a long, complex finish that speaks to the quiet elegance only great Burgundy can offer.
Beginning with the 2020 vintage a group of vineyards of the Pouilly-Fuisse appellation were granted Premier Cru status. Jadot, as a leading producer of the region, has embraced this advance in a unique manner. This wine is composed of grapes from multiple unique sites newly elevated to Premier Cru. The resulting assemblage presents a recognition of the potential quality of these sites, which are celebrated on the front label. This represents the 4th vintage.
Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru, Burgundy, France
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml
For nearly 200 years, Maison Louis Jadot has been a guardian of Burgundy's viticultural heritage. Managing hundreds of carefully tended parcels passed down through generations, the house combines deep respect for terroir with precision winemaking. Their private nursery — founded in 1995 — preserves old-vine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir genetic material, ensuring future vintages carry the same soul as those of the past.
Latour Vincent, Saint-Aubin "Cuvée Thomas" 2024 750ml
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.
Latour Vincent, Meursault "Grands Charrons" 2024 750ml (New Arrival - New Vintage - Introductory Price)
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.
Larmandier-Bernier Latitude Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut (Base 2022) 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
Latitude is Larmandier-Bernier's generous, beautifully textured expression of Chardonnay from the southern reaches of Vertus in the Côte des Blancs. Where the estate's Longitude is linear and chalk-driven, Latitude comes from richer soils with deeper topsoil, yielding a broader, rounder and more immediately seductive Champagne — while retaining the purity and mineral energy for which Larmandier-Bernier is celebrated. The name refers to the vineyards, all situated along roughly the same latitude south of Vertus, with predominantly east- and southeast-facing exposures.
The 2022-based release incorporates 60% base wine from the 2022 harvest and 40% reserve wines drawn from the estate's perpetual reserve, established in 2004. Grapes are gently pressed and lightly clarified before going directly into wood, where alcoholic and malolactic fermentations begin spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats. The wine rests on its lees during the first year without fining or filtration, then spends more than two additional years aging in bottle before disgorgement in September 2024 with a dosage of just 2 g/L — firmly Extra Brut.
Expert Reviews - Base 2022
94 Vinous: "Bright, punchy and full of mineral-driven intensity. Crushed flowers, lemon peel, sage, mint and crushed rocks build as this potent, intensely saline Champagne opens in the glass. This is impressive. The Latitude is a Champagne built on textural breadth and volume, typical of wines from the southern sector of Vertus."
92 Jeb Dunnuck: "Opening to pure notes of quince and light tropical notes, with a hint of white flowers, lychee, and shortbread, it's medium-bodied on the palate, fruity, elegant, and powdery, yet it retains its ripeness and a meringue-like quality, with a fluffy and refined mousse."
91 Wine Advocate: "Blossoming in the glass with aromas of pear, peach, lemon confit and freshly baked bread. It reveals a medium- to full-bodied, fleshy yet racy palate that is rich and giving, underpinned by ripe yet vibrant acidity and concluding with a long, resonant finish."
Tasting Notes
Broad, expressive and beautifully concentrated, the 2022-based Latitude opens with ripe pear, peach and lemon confit alongside fresh bread, tangerine peel and subtle marzipan. As it develops, hints of mint, flowers and chalk add lift and complexity. The palate is rich and ample yet remains energetic — ripe acidity balances the wine's generous fruit and creamy texture, while a persistent mineral freshness carries through the long, resonant finish. Delicious now, with enough structure and depth to reward additional bottle age.
Food Pairing
Excellent as an aperitif or alongside oysters, scallops, lobster, sushi, roast chicken, creamy seafood dishes, soft cheeses and richer fish preparations.
Specifications
Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region: Côte des Blancs
Village: Vertus
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Blanc de Blancs / Extra Brut
Dosage: 2 g/L — Extra Brut
Base Vintage: 2022
Blend: 60% 2022 base wine, 40% perpetual reserve (est. 2004)
Soils: Deep chalk with richer topsoil
Exposure: Predominantly east and southeast-facing
Farming: Organic / biodynamic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation
Disgorgement: September 2024
ABV: 12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Larmandier-Bernier
Larmandier-Bernier Vieille Vigne du Levant Extra Brut GC 2014 750ml (Introductory Price)
Vieille Vigne du Levant is one of Larmandier-Bernier's most profound and sought-after Champagnes — a single-vineyard Blanc de Blancs produced entirely from old-vine Chardonnay in the Grand Cru village of Cramant. The parcel, known as Bourron du Levant, faces east toward the rising sun, producing grapes of remarkable concentration, ripeness and mineral intensity. The vines are approximately 60 to more than 85 years old, with deep root systems that penetrate the chalk-rich soils of the Côte des Blancs, giving the wine exceptional depth and complexity while retaining the precision and energy that define Larmandier-Bernier.
Farmed biodynamically, the grapes are gently pressed before undergoing spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation with indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats. The wine is matured on its lees during its first year without fining or filtration, followed by extended bottle aging in the estate's cool cellars. As a true vintage, single-parcel Champagne, there is no blending with other years or vineyard sites. The 2014 was disgorged in March and September 2023 with a dosage of just 2 g/L, allowing the character of Cramant and the old vines to remain entirely at the forefront.
Expert Reviews
95 Wine Advocate: "The 2014 Blanc de Blancs Vieille Vigne du Levant rises from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, peach and pear, mingled with notes of freshly baked bread. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, concentrated and incisive, with a deep core of fruit, considerable tension, racy acidity and a precise, saline finish. Expect a slightly more powerful and more giving rendition than the 2013 and simultaneously a touch more tensile."
94 Vinous: "A gorgeous, vinous Champagne. It emerges from 60-to-80-year-old vines on Cramant's east-facing slope. Tangerine peel, hazelnut, spice, menthol and dried flowers are all signs of a Champagne that has arrived at its peak of maturity. Even so, the balance here is exquisite. Readers seeking Champagne with a bit of bottle-age complexity will adore this."
Tasting Notes
Deep, vinous and beautifully concentrated, the 2014 opens with citrus oil, ripe pear and peach alongside freshly baked bread. With air, more mature nuances emerge — tangerine peel, hazelnut, dried flowers, spice and subtle menthol. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, combining remarkable richness with racy acidity and striking tension. A pronounced chalky, saline mineral character carries through the exceptionally long, precise finish. This is a Champagne of both power and refinement, showing the complexity of mature old-vine Chardonnay without sacrificing freshness. Delicious now, it also has the structure and concentration for continued aging.
Food Pairing
Superb on its own as a contemplative aperitif, Vieille Vigne du Levant is equally impressive at the table. Pair with roast poultry, chicken with morels, lobster, scallops, turbot and creamy seafood dishes or preparations with rich cream-based sauces.
Specifications
Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region: Côte des Blancs
Village: Cramant
Classification: Grand Cru
Style: Blanc de Blancs / Extra Brut
Dosage: 2 g/L — Extra Brut
Vintage: 2014
Vineyard: Bourron du Levant
Vine Age: ~60 to 85+ years
Farming: Biodynamic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats; aged on lees without fining or filtration
Disgorgement: March / September 2023
ABV: 12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Larmandier-Bernier
Chateau Haut Grignon Medoc Cru Bourgeois 2019 750ml
Château Haut Grignon is a small, family-owned estate in the Médoc, belonging to Bruno Segond, who also owns the neighboring Château Lousteauneuf — a well-regarded Cru Bourgeois distributed across Europe, Japan, and Canada. With just four hectares of vines, Haut Grignon is a boutique property that practices sustainable agriculture and focuses on producing wines that reflect the classic character of the Médoc appellation with precision and authenticity.
The estate's vineyards are planted on clay and gravel soils typical of the Médoc, with vines averaging 25 years of age and planted at a density of 5,000 vine stocks per hectare. Yields are kept deliberately low at approximately 45 hectoliters per hectare, concentrating flavor and ensuring quality. The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon (67%), complemented by Merlot (31%) and a touch of Petit Verdot (2%).
Vinification takes place in stainless steel vats to preserve freshness and fruit expression. The wine is then aged in a combination of 60% vats and 40% French oak barrels, building structure and complexity while maintaining the lively, fruit-forward character that defines the estate's style. Total production is limited to approximately 30,000 bottles per vintage.
The 2019 opens with a bouquet of black fruit, cassis, and cedar, with a touch of warm spice. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins, bright black-currant acidity, and a clean, spiced finish. Densely structured yet fresh and approachable, with the depth to reward further cellaring. 2019 is an outstanding vintage in Bordeaux, and this Cru Bourgeois delivers exceptional value for the appellation.
"Under the same ownership as neighboring Château Lousteauneuf, this property offers a densely structured wine that is also fresh from black-currant acidity. The current dryness will soften to give a rich, always textured wine. Drink from 2023."
— Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon 67%, Merlot 31%, Petit Verdot 2%
Region: Bordeaux, France
Appellation: Médoc, Cru Bourgeois
Vintage: 2019
Vine Age: ~25 years
Élevage: 60% vats, 40% French oak barrels
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Roast beef, lamb, duck confit, game, aged hard cheeses, and classic Bordelaise preparations.
Alpine Rift Sauvignon Blanc 2025 750ml
Alpine Rift Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Nestled between New Zealand's Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean lies a major geological fault line — a landscape shaped over millions of years. Ancient glacial soils, cool sunny days, and shelter from wild westerly winds create the perfect conditions for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Alpine Rift takes this classic style further: low-yielding fruit from exceptional sites, with a portion of wild fermentation in old French oak, delivering a new level of richness and complexity.
Tasting Notes
Enticing aromas of white nectarine, cassis leaf, passionfruit, and a hint of jalapeño. On the palate, mineral and flinty yet ripe and richly textured, with taut tropical fruit and crisp citrus acidity on the finish.
Winemaking
Fruit sourced from select sites across Marlborough's Southern Valleys, Central Wairau Plains, and Awatere Valley. Harvested by machine before sunrise, gently pressed and cold settled for three days. Fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and old French oak puncheons using both cultured and indigenous wild yeasts.
Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2025
- 94 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Screams Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and does so with some class."
- 91 pts — James Suckling: "Elegant, juicy and flavorful — limes, gooseberries, fresh grass. Fresh finish."
- Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
- Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
- Vintage: 2025
- Size: 750ml
Chateau Magnol Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois Superieur 2023 750ml
Château Magnol is one of the Haut-Médoc's most distinguished Cru Bourgeois estates, with a certified classification dating back to 1932. Situated at the southern end of the appellation, close to the city of Bordeaux, the estate benefits from a privileged terroir and the guidance of Hubert de Boüard de Laforest — owner of the legendary Château Angélus — who serves as consulting winemaker. The estate is also certified vegan friendly, reflecting a commitment to both quality and responsible production.
The vineyards are planted on the classic gravelly, clay-limestone soils of the Haut-Médoc, producing a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This traditional Bordeaux assemblage delivers the structure, depth, and aromatic complexity that define the appellation's finest wines.
In the cellar, de-stalked grapes undergo careful optical sorting before alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperatures (22–26°C) with gentle daily pump-overs. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in 350-liter French oak barrels, with 30% new oak, imparting refinement and depth while preserving the wine's natural freshness and fruit character.
The 2023 opens with a deep, bright ruby color and an intense yet refined aromatic profile of ripe plums, black currants, and figs, interwoven with elegant notes of vanilla, cinnamon, licorice, and a delicate hint of menthol. On the palate, the wine is broad and expansive with velvety, beautifully ripened tannins, concentrated dark fruit, and well-integrated oak leading to a long, polished finish.
"A solid and structured red with medium body and very fine, compact tannins. Succulent and lively with good focus and length."
— James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2023).
"This estate's vineyards at the southern end of the Haut-Médoc region close to the city of Bordeaux has produced a smooth, ripe wine. The spice and licorice aroma lead to black currant flavors and balanced juicy acidity, with touches of the wood aging coming through at the end. Drink from 2028."
— Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points. (Vintage 2023).
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Region: Bordeaux, France
Appellation: Haut-Médoc, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
Vintage: 2023
Élevage: 12 months in 350L French oak barrels; 30% new oak
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Red meat, game, and ripe cheeses. Try with Pyrénées cheese, black cherry jam, and walnut bread. Best served at 16–18°C (60–64°F).
Argiano Non Confunditur NF 2024 750ml
Argiano is one of Montalcino's most storied estates, with a history stretching back to the 16th century. Situated on the southwestern slopes of Montalcino, the estate is renowned above all for its Brunello, but its Non Confunditur — Latin for “shall not be confounded” — has become one of Tuscany's most beloved Super Tuscan blends: a wine of generous character, immediate appeal, and unmistakable personality. Farmed organically using spurred cordon training, the estate's vineyards sit at 280–310 meters above sea level on alluvial soils with traces of calcareous marl, producing fruit of natural freshness and expressive depth.
The Non Confunditur is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese, sourced from estate vineyards ranging from 9 to 21 years of age. The 2024 vintage presented a complex growing season: a mild, well-watered winter gave way to a warm spring, a rainy June, and intense summer heat waves in July. Careful agronomic intervention — soil tillage, shading systems, and biostimulants — allowed the vines to maintain a regular cycle. A cooler September slowed maturation slightly, and harvest concluded on 16 October with excellent grape quality and naturally moderate alcohol.
Merlot was harvested first, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. Vinification begins with a two-day pre-fermentation cold maceration, followed by fermentation and skin maceration for approximately two weeks in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation is also completed in tank. The varieties are then blended and refined with a few months in third- and fourth-passage French barriques and tonneaux — imparting subtle structure without masking the wine's fresh, fruit-forward character.
The 2024 Non Confunditur is dark and saturated, with an inviting bouquet of black cherry, blackberry, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is lush and generous, with a light grain to its texture, good concentration, and a clean, persistent finish. Fresh, versatile, and unmistakably expressive — a Super Tuscan built for pleasure now and through 2032.
"Dark and saturated with black cherry, blackberry and vanilla flavors. Lush, with a light grain to its texture and good length… Drink now through 2032."
— Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 89 Points. (Vintage 2024).
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Vintage: 2024
Farming: Organic
Altitude: 280–310 meters
Élevage: Temperature-controlled steel tanks; a few months in 3rd & 4th passage French barriques and tonneaux
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Grilled meats, pasta with rich meat sauces, aged Pecorino, pizza, and casual Tuscan fare. Drink now through 2032.
Maynard’s Vintage Port 2007 750ml (Pre-Sale Price - ETA October 2026)
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
Howard Park Margaret River Miamup Chardonnay 2024 750ml
Howard Park is a pioneering family-owned winery with over 35 years of history crafting wines from two of Western Australia's premier regions: Margaret River and the Great Southern. Founded by John Wade, who recognized the enormous potential of these emerging wine regions, Howard Park has always aspired to produce wines of generational cellaring potential and uncompromising terroir expression. Today, the winery remains family-owned and continues to set the benchmark for Western Australian fine wine.
The Miamup Chardonnay is sourced from Margaret River — Australia's most celebrated region for Chardonnay, where the maritime climate, ancient gravelly loam soils, and long, temperate growing season produce white wines of exceptional freshness, precision, and natural balance. The Miamup label represents Howard Park's approachable, fruit-forward tier: wines crafted with freshness and drinkability at their core, without sacrificing the quality and terroir integrity the estate is known for.
Vinification is focused on preserving the natural vibrancy and citrus-driven character of the Margaret River Chardonnay. Careful temperature-controlled fermentation, lees contact for texture, and minimal intervention allow the fruit and the region to speak clearly in the glass.
The 2024 Miamup Chardonnay opens with fresh, citrus-driven aromas of lemon peel, grapefruit, and orange blossom, with a touch of flint and reductive complexity. On the palate, the wine is midweight with lively acidity, generous texture, and notes of white stone fruit, ginger cream, and nutty lees. Bright and linear, with a clean, refreshing finish lifted by crisp acidity.
"Fresh, citrus-driven aromas of lemon peel, grapefruit, orange blossoms and flint. The midweight palate has lively acidity and a generous texture. Bright and linear with a nice reductive touch in the finish."
— Wine Spectator, 91 Points. (Vintage 2024).
"A no-nonsense drink, as in it's made with freshness and drinkability in mind. It meets the brief well. Some citrus and white stone fruit, ginger cream, and nutty lees add texture, with acidity lifting the finish and keeping the palate fresh."
— Australian Wine Companion, 90 Points. (Vintage 2024).
Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
Vintage: 2024
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Grilled fish, roast chicken, scallops, creamy pasta, soft cheeses, and light seafood dishes.
Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott Condrieu 2022 750ml (Special Offer Price)
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
Benoit Dehu Champagne La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 2020 750ml
La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 2020 is Benoît Déhu’s flagship single-vineyard Champagne, produced from 100% Meunier grown in the village of Fossoy on the western edge of the Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France.
Benoît Déhu is an eighth-generation vigneron whose family estate dates to 1787. After spending several formative years at Champagne Bollinger, Déhu returned to his family domaine and began developing his own highly personal range of naturally farmed, terroir-driven Champagnes.
At the heart of his project is La Rue des Noyers, a 1.7-hectare parcel that Benoît began farming independently in 2011. The vineyard is farmed biodynamically, with approximately 0.40 hectares traditionally worked by horse. The name La Rue des Noyers refers to the trees that once bordered the parcel.
This is an unusually focused Champagne: one vineyard, one grape variety and one vintage. Made entirely from Meunier, La Rue des Noyers is designed to explore the character and potential of a grape that historically played a supporting role in Champagne blends but can produce wines of remarkable depth, energy and complexity when treated as a serious single-vineyard variety.
The wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels, many of which are made from trees harvested in the nearby forest of Fossoy. The wine spends approximately 11 months on its lees in barrel before bottling. It is made with minimal intervention, bottled unfined and unfiltered, and finished as a Brut Nature with no dosage.
The 2020 is a dry, vinous and mineral-driven expression of Meunier, combining ripe orchard fruit and citrus with savory notes, subtle spice, toasted nuances and a pronounced saline character. The oak adds texture and complexity without obscuring the wine’s energetic structure and distinctive sense of place.
La Rue des Noyers captures the signature Déhu style: intense, vibrant and energetic, with beautiful tension and fine minerality. It is a distinctive grower Champagne for those interested in single-parcel wines and the increasingly important role of Meunier among Champagne’s most progressive producers.
Vinous rates the 2020 La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 89 Points, noting this single-vineyard Champagne within Benoît Déhu’s distinctive range of biodynamically farmed, minimalist wines from the Vallée de la Marne.
Wine Details
Producer: Benoît Déhu
Wine: La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature
Vintage: 2020
Region: Champagne, France
Area: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Fossoy
Vineyard: La Rue des Noyers
Vineyard Size: 1.7 hectares
Grape: 100% Meunier
Farming: Biodynamic; a portion of the vineyard is worked by horse
Vinification: Fermented and aged in oak barrels
Élevage: Approximately 11 months on the lees in barrel
Fining / Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
Dosage: No dosage / Brut Nature
Rating: Vinous 89 Points
Bottle Size: 750ml
Benoît Déhu Champagne La Rue des Noyers Brut Nature 2020 750ml
Benoit Dehu Champagne Cuvee Initiation Brut Nature (Base 2021) 750ml (Introductory Price)
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
Paul Bara Rosé Brut Grand Cru NV (Kermit Lynch) 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
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.
Domaine J-L & F Chavy Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Champs Gains 2023 750ml (Offer)
Produced from 100% Chardonnay, this refined white Burgundy comes from Les Champs Gains, a highly regarded Premier Cru vineyard situated high on the slope above Les Folatières in Puligny-Montrachet. The vineyard’s name translates to “fields reclaimed from the forest,” reflecting land that was historically cleared for cultivation.
The elevated, cool site lies approximately 340 to 360 meters above sea level. Its stony clay-limestone soils contain abundant pebbles and relatively little clay, contributing freshness, vibrant acidity and a distinctly mineral character. The domaine’s mature vines bring added concentration, depth and complexity to the wine.
The 2023 vintage opens with fresh, bright aromas of orchard fruit, citrus and delicate white flowers. The palate is fine-boned, precise and tightly woven, offering lively citrus fruit, refreshing acidity and an elegant mineral core. Subtle toasted notes from restrained oak aging add complexity without obscuring the wine’s purity. The finish is long, balanced and beautifully focused, suggesting excellent potential for further development in the bottle.
Following whole-cluster pressing and a period of settling, fermentation takes place with natural yeasts. The wine is matured for approximately eleven months in barrel, including 25–30% new oak, followed by an additional period in stainless-steel tanks. Bâtonnage is avoided, helping preserve the wine’s freshness, clarity and individual expression of terroir.
The Chavy family has cultivated vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet for more than two centuries. Today, Jean-Louis Chavy and his son Paul continue the family’s six-generation tradition, producing Chardonnay recognized for its elegance, precision, balance and clear expression of Puligny-Montrachet’s limestone-rich soils.
- Grape: 100% Chardonnay
- Country: France
- Region: Burgundy
- Subregion: Côte de Beaune
- Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru
- Vineyard: Les Champs Gains
- Classification: Premier Cru
- Vine Age: Mature vines, approximately 40 to 50 years old
- Altitude: Approximately 340–360 meters
- Soil: Stony clay-limestone with abundant pebbles
- Vinification: Whole-cluster pressed and fermented with natural yeasts
- Aging: Approximately 11 months in barrel, including 25–30% new oak, followed by stainless-steel maturation
- Alcohol: Approximately 13%
- Style: Dry, floral, precise and mineral-driven white Burgundy
- Cellaring: Enjoyable young, with approximately 7–8 years of aging potential
- Serving Temperature: Approximately 50–55°F
Food Pairings: An elegant companion to oysters, scallops, lobster, grilled or roasted fish, roast chicken, veal, creamy mushroom dishes, Comté and other mild Alpine cheeses.