Products

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Burghound 93 Points |  Here too the restrained if wonderfully broad nose is gloriously spicy if perhaps not quite as floral on the mostly dark berry fruit scents. There is the same lovely purity and excellent energy of the Clos St. Jacques but with more size, weight and power and particularly so on the hugely long and more complex finish. However, this is also more structured and overall, it's likely that this will require fully 20 years to reach its full maturity. *Burghound Don't Miss!*

Decanter 97 Points | The colour is deep in 2020, with ripe plum and cherry fruit scented with spice and minerals rolling from the glass on the initial attack. The texture on the palate is concentrated but never heavy, with tannic reserves that suggest that this will age for decades. Superb. One of the great treasures of the house, Clair has nearly one hectare here, planted in 1912. The fruit is is chilled after picking and the fermentation starts slowly, with about 30% whole clusters. (Charles Curtis)

Vinous 96 Points | The 2020 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru has a fabulous, pixelated bouquet with ebullient, brambly red fruit interlaced with minerals. Real pedigree here. The palate is medium-bodied with a sappy, saline entry. Great depth, cohesive with just the right amount of salinity. This lingers long in the mouth. Irresistible, surfeit with class. (NM)

Winemaker Description

Bruno Clair set up an eponymous estate in France established in 1979 with vineyard holdings spread all over the area.  Half of the vines are a century old. Bruno Clair, a true vigneron, has the expertise needed to reinvent this area better than anyone and his Marsannay wines are very elegant and long-lasting. His respect for the terroir and the stylistic precision of his wines makes him one of the best producers in Burgundy.

This textbook En la Rue de Vergy is one of the rare white wines of the Côte de Nuits. It is complex, perfectly balanced, and well-structured with very clean tannins and crisp acidity and a long finish. The intense, rich palette presents lemon, grapefruit, oak, vanilla, yellow apple, almonds, and white melon flavors with herbal, floral, and mineral nuances. It's a nice accompaniment to paella.

Experience the Excellence of Caroline Bonnefoy Estate's Organic Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau 2018

Our Professional Review

Bart of 67wino.shop writes | A delicious blend of organically grown grapes: 60% Grenache grown on upper south-southwest facing pebble slopes, and 40% Syrah grown in clay. Deeply colored with an enticing bouquet of blackberries, cherries and intense mineral notes. Velvety yet ample and rich in the mouth with supple tannins and an energetic lift on the delightful finish. This is a wine at the peak of its perfection to drink now. A great complement to country cooking and comfort foods. Certified organic.

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

Anna Lee C. Lijjma of the Wine Enthusiast writes | Notes of incense and preserved black plums introduce this smoky, spicy blend of  Grenache and  Syrah. While full in body, it's a briskly composed wine highlighting tart blackberry flavors and a lingering earthen finish. Best now–2026. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2018 Domaine Caroline Bonnefoy Rasteau is a classic expression of a "Cru" Rhone wine—meaning it comes from one of the top-tier villages permitted to put its own name on the label.

Introduction to Caroline Bonnefoy Estate

Caroline Bonnefoy Estate is renowned for producing exceptional organic wines, and the Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau 2018 is no exception. This wine captivates with its vibrant characteristics and is a true representation of the region’s terroir. It’s crafted meticulously from grapes grown in rich, mineral-laden soils, which contribute to its deep complexity. The estate focuses on sustainable practices, ensuring that each bottle reflects their commitment to quality and the environment.

Flavor Profile and Characteristics

The 2018 Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau is characterized by its robust flavor profile. It offers rich notes of dark fruits such as blackberry and plum, complemented by subtle hints of spice and earthy undertones. This complexity makes it a perfect pairing for hearty meals. Its smooth tannins and well-balanced acidity create an enjoyable drinking experience, whether you’re sipping it solo or enjoying it with food.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This organic wine shines when paired with hearty dishes like grilled meats and rustic stews. Because of its rich flavor profile, it also matches well with aged cheeses and charcuterie. When serving, it’s advisable to decant this wine for at least an hour to allow its flavors to fully develop. Enjoy it at a temperature of around 16-18°C to experience its full potential. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening, the Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau 2018 is a great choice.

Expert Review 

92 Points Burghound | A slightly more deeply pitched nose is comprised by decidedly cool notes of plum, dark currant, forest floor and floral top notes, especially violet. Much like the Lavières, there is a positively gorgeous, even silky, texture to the lighter-bodied flavors thanks to the ultra-fine tannins shaping the overtly stony, dusty and youthfully austere finale. This is textbook Ile de Vergelesses.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 91 Points | There is a touch of post-bottling reduction, but the underlying fruit seems to be ripe. On the palate there is excellent freshness and verve to the utterly delicious medium-bodied flavors that also exude a more prominent minerality on the beautifully textured, long and well-balanced finish that is shaped by notably fine-grained tannins. This is also lovely and a wine that should be approachable in its youth yet repay up to a decade of keeping, perhaps even slightly more.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Advocate 89 Points | Partially destemmed and matured in a mix of foudres, large barrels and concrete tanks (80%), the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape is somewhat shy and introverted at this stage, opening with aromas of dark berries and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, round and sappy, it shows a sweet, juicy core of fruit tapering into a finish that is slightly marked by bitterness.

Memo Summary Notes

Domaine Charvin · Côtes du Rhône · Le Poutet · 2024 · 750ml

The Producer

Founded in 1851, Domaine Charvin is now run by Laurent Charvin, the sixth generation of his family to farm the estate. Soon after taking over from his father, Laurent set aside most modern winemaking technology and converted all 28 hectares, including 10 hectares of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, to organic viticulture. Fermentation is traditional and whole-cluster, stems and all, and the wines are raised entirely in concrete, never barrel. For years Laurent was almost alone in working this way. Now others are following his lead. He's regarded as one of the appellation's top winemakers by Guy Julien of the renowned restaurant La Beaugravière in Mondragon, as well as by leading French sommeliers and wine writers. As of 2023, Domaine Charvin joins only Clos des Papes, Clos du Mont-Olivet, Château Rayas and Le Vieux Donjon as a 3-star Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer in the RVF Green Guide.

The Vineyard

Le Poutet comes from vines averaging 50 years old, some as old as 90, in parcels that border Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Maucoil to the northwest, and Campovin and Boislauzon to the northeast. The soils are sandy clay and limestone scattered with galets, the famous rounded stones of the southern Rhône.

The Wine

Roughly 80% Grenache with Mourvèdre, Syrah and Carignan, the grapes see a 15 to 20-day whole-bunch fermentation with daily pump-overs, then 18 months in concrete vat before bottling unfined and unfiltered. The result stands shoulder to shoulder with many Châteauneuf-du-Pape: complex aromas of garrigue and spiced red fruit, with the structure to evolve for ten to fifteen years.

Pairings & Serving

Made for Provençal cooking: herb-roasted lamb, daube de bœuf, grilled sausages, ratatouille or aged hard cheeses. Serve around 60–64°F, and give it some air in its youth.

Specs

• Producer: Domaine Charvin
• Wine: Le Poutet
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC
• Region: Southern Rhône, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Blend: ~80% Grenache, with Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan
• Vine age: Average 50 years (up to 90)
• Farming: Organic
• Élevage: 18 months in concrete, unfined and unfiltered
• Size: 750ml

Châteauneuf soul at a Côtes du Rhône price, from one of the southern Rhône's great traditionalists.

Domaine Christian Moreau · Chablis · 2025 · Chardonnay

Domaine Christian Moreau Chablis 2025 is a bright, crisp village Chardonnay from Burgundy, with the taut structure and refreshing minerality that define traditional Chablis. Organically farmed vineyards and hand-picked grapes reflect the family's commitment to expressing its terroir.

The Estate & Terroir

The Moreau family carries on six generations of winemaking tradition. Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils was established in 2001, with its first bottled vintage in 2002. Its approximately 12 hectares span Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru Vaillon and the Grands Crus Les Clos, Valmur, Vaudésir and Blanchot, including the family's exclusive Clos des Hospices parcel. The winery sits at the foot of the Grands Crus vineyards in the heart of Chablis.

The estate emphasizes careful soil and vine management, controlled yields and winemaking that honors the quality of each harvest. All grapes are hand-picked, from Petit Chablis to Grand Cru. The vineyards were officially certified organic by Ecocert with the 2013 vintage.

From the Moreau Family

Christian Moreau

“ The Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils was born in 2001 and first vintage to be bottled was 2002. I gave my son Fabien the keys of the Domaine in 2001 when he came back from New Zelande, asking him to make the wines that he loves in the respect of our terroir of Chablis. After a few years, Fabien decided to turn the vineyard into Organic Agriculture. All our 11,8 ha were officially converted by Ecocert with the 2013 vintage, which was a real challenge for Fabien of course but also for our team working in the vineyard who had to change a 20-year-old (or more) practice. I am very proud of all he achieved so far and I am now very happy to spend my time (I am officially retired!) representing Fabien and his wines all over the world, and taking care of our customers who visit us in Chablis!”

Fabien Moreau

“Being the 6th generation of the family producing wines, was and still is a challenge for me, trying to avoid the pressure you could have with this “wine heritage”. But with the quality of the vineyard that my family passed on, the basis of the expression of our wines is here, and our work is to honor our terroirs. Looking back on what we did since the first vintage 2002 with my father and all our team, I am very proud of all the work we did together, to increase step by step, the quality and the typicity of our wines. With the respect of the persons, of the nature and with humility, we will continue this way and face all the new challenges in front of us. As my father says, “Chablis is unique”, and our goal is to show it!”

Producer Description

The versatile, affordable, village Chablis from Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils is bright and crisp, with the classic, taut structure and refreshing minerality that define traditional Chablis. This is a Moreau classic!

Expert Review · Prior Vintage

James Suckling, 91 Points · : A bright white with piercing acidity. Aromas of limes and white fruit. Nicely saline, dry and slightly peachy, with a crisp. pithy finish. Not a complex wine but gastronomic in style, with fresh acidity as its backbone.

Pairing & Serving

For the table, try serving chilled with oysters, grilled fish or a simple roast chicken.

Details

• Producer: Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils
• Vintage: 2025
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Appellation: Chablis
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Type: White wine
• Farming: Certified organic by Ecocert
• Harvest: Hand-picked

Domaine Christophe Mittnacht Pinot Blanc — Alsace, France 2024

Domaine Mittnacht is one of Alsace's most respected and pioneering family estates — founded in 1958 and today led by Christophe and Yuka Mittnacht from their base in Hunawihr, a village at the heart of the Alsace wine route surrounded by some of the region's finest vineyard sites. Christophe was an early pioneer of the biodynamic movement in Alsace, believing that biologically complex, complete soils are essential for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. The domaine was officially certified biodynamic in 1999 — one of the very first in all of Alsace — and continues to farm with minimal intervention, using neutral wood and tank to let the soil sing. Their old vine holdings include the Grand Cru Rosacker (where the fabled Clos-St.-Hune is located), as well as excellent sites between Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. Christophe harvests balanced fruit and deliberately avoids the excesses of alcohol and residual sugar that can mask the freshness and florality that make Alsace so special.

The Pinot Blanc is a richer style, yet still fresh and elegant — a hallmark of Mittnacht's biodynamic approach. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot, and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish that is unmistakably Alsatian. Precise, expressive, and beautifully delicate.

"A richer style of Pinot Blanc, yet still fresh and elegant. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish." — Domaine Mittnacht, Winemaker

• Producer: Domaine Christophe Mittnacht, Hunawihr, Alsace, France (est. 1958)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Blanc
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (since 1999)
• Winemaking: Minimal intervention, neutral wood and tank
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, apricot, lemon zest, mouthwatering acidity, stony and floral finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, dry
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, choucroute garnie, roast chicken, soft cheeses, asparagus, light pasta

Biodynamic Alsace Pinot Blanc from one of the region's pioneering estates — Mittnacht 2024 is fresh, floral, and a benchmark of what organic farming can achieve in Alsace.

Domaine Clavel · Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Gervais · 2022

Domaine Clavel Syrius Saint-Gervais 2022 is a richly expressive Southern Rhône red, bringing together generous dark fruit, savory herbs and a silky texture. Produced by the Clavel family in the village of Saint-Gervais, this Grenache blend reflects the estate’s dedication to traditional Rhône grape varieties and terroir-driven winemaking.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color, the wine reveals inviting aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, wild herbs and subtle peppery spice. The generous, beautifully textured palate offers layers of juicy black fruit, plum, licorice and savory Mediterranean herbs. Well-integrated tannins and balanced freshness provide structure, leading to a lingering finish of spice and dark fruit.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points · Vintage Not Specified: Boysenberry, dark cherry, black plum, rose, wild mint, and soft black tea aromas meld into an enticing nose. The midpalate reveals dark cherry, licorice, clove, clay-stone, and saline notes. Youthful tannins melt into a silky layer of red cherry and clove, finishing with granite and light mocha. This wine is delicious and approachable now. — Anna-Christina Cabrales.

Recognition

Wine Enthusiast · Vintage Not Specified: #42 Top 100 Best Buys 2026

Food Pairings

Excellent with grilled lamb, roasted beef, duck, hearty stews, Mediterranean dishes and aged cheeses.

Details

• Producer: Domaine Clavel
• Cuvée: Syrius
• Vintage: 2022
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Rhône Valley
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Gervais AOC
• Grape: Grenache blend
• Type: Red wine

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Beaune 1er Cru Champs Pimont 2023 is an elegant and beautifully structured Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy's distinguished Premier Cru vineyards. Located west of Beaune, the Champs Pimont vineyard features iron-rich clay soils and mature vines that contribute depth, complexity, and distinctive mineral character.

The vineyard's central position within Beaune produces a harmonious balance between the fruit-forward character of northern Beaune and the firmer structure of its southern vineyards.

The 2023 vintage reveals expressive aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, raspberries, and subtle floral notes, complemented by smoky oak, wild herbs, and hints of menthol. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and beautifully balanced, offering concentrated fruit, refined tannins, refreshing acidity, and an elegant mineral backbone. The finish is long and complex, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spice, and earth.

A sophisticated Premier Cru Burgundy with excellent aging potential, this wine pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, duck, pork, veal, and mushroom-based dishes.

Expert Review

95 Points Wine Spectator: Showing oak spice notes, this red is smoky in style, with cherry, blackberry, mineral and green olive, plus hints of wild herbs and menthol. Displays excellent depth, harmony and structure, with a long, complex aftertaste that echoes the fruit, mineral and spice elements.

95 Points — Wine Spectator
94 Points — Jasper Morris, MW, Inside Burgundy

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s 2023 Corton-Charlemagne is a profound and exceptionally limited expression of one of Burgundy’s most celebrated white-wine vineyards. Produced entirely from Chardonnay, it combines the natural richness and power of the Corton hill with vibrant acidity, stony minerality and the remarkable precision for which the finest Corton-Charlemagne wines are known.

The Place

Corton-Charlemagne is a Grand Cru appellation situated at the northern end of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, where the rounded Hill of Corton rises above the villages of Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses and Ladoix-Serrigny. The appellation occupies the hill’s higher, cooler slopes at approximately 280 to 330 meters above sea level.

These elevated vineyards are planted on steep slopes composed of limestone, marl and thin, stony soils. The combination of altitude, exposure and mineral-rich geology gives Corton-Charlemagne its distinctive balance of concentration, freshness and long-lived structure. Although the appellation covers approximately 60 hectares currently under production, individual domaine holdings are often extremely small.

The Vineyard

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle farms just 0.30 hectare—less than one acre—of Corton-Charlemagne. Its parcel is located on the Pernand-Vergelesses side of the hill, facing west, and is planted with approximately 45-year-old Chardonnay vines. The soils contain a high proportion of limestone and marl, contributing to the wine’s firm mineral backbone, chalky texture and naturally persistent finish.

Production is correspondingly tiny, making this one of the domaine’s rarest and most sought-after bottlings.

The Grape

100% Chardonnay. Corton-Charlemagne is reserved exclusively for white Grand Cru Burgundy produced from Chardonnay. In this remarkable terroir, the grape develops considerable body and concentration while retaining the acidity, mineral tension and definition necessary for extended bottle aging.

Winemaking

Following harvest and sorting, the grapes are whole-cluster pressed. After a short settling of the juice, fermentation takes place in barrel with native yeasts. The wine is then matured in barrel for approximately 12 to 18 months, depending upon the character of the vintage, followed by a light fining before bottling.

Jasper Morris noted that the 2023 was produced from five barrels, with the fruit pressed without prior crushing and one barrel reserved for a longer period of élevage.

Tasting Notes

The 2023 opens with expansive aromas of lemon, ripe apple, fresh citrus, crushed stone and discreetly toasted oak. With air, additional notes of white flowers, orchard fruit and subtle spice begin to emerge.

The palate is broad and expressive yet beautifully controlled, supported by vibrant acidity and a firm, steely mineral backbone. Ripe citrus and apple flavors are layered with chalk, stone and finely integrated oak. There is impressive depth through the middle of the palate, followed by a long, focused and seemingly endless finish marked by freshness, chalky texture and mouthwatering mineral persistence.

This is a powerful yet precise Corton-Charlemagne: already expressive, but structured to reward patient cellaring.

Professional Ratings

95 Points Wine Spectator This white is expansive and expressive, with lemon, apple tart, citronella, stone and toasty oak aromas and flavors. Delineated by vibrant acidity, with well-integrated oak and a chalky feel on the seemingly endless finish.

94 Points — Jasper Morris, MW, Inside Burgundy 5 barrels, without crushing before pressing, one will be kept back for a longer elevage. Quite a deep yellow. The bouquet is very different to Pierre Meurgey’s Corton-Charlemagne (more or less the same fruit but some was crushed), the Clos de la Chapelle version offering more precision but less character. This version has a steely backbone, some ripe citrus, a little flesh, medium tension, apples at the back. Just needs a little more tension for the 4th star. Barrel Sample: 92-94

The Domaine

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is based in Volnay and takes its name from the historic Volnay Premier Cru Clos de la Chapelle monopole, acquired by Victor Boillot in 1865. After remaining with the Boillot family for nearly 150 years, the estate was acquired in 2010 by Burgundy enthusiast Mark O’Connell and his Burgundian partners.

Today, the domaine cultivates approximately five hectares divided among 16 vineyards, including prized Premier Cru and Grand Cru parcels in Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Meursault and Corton. Annual production is extremely limited, totaling approximately 2,000 cases across the entire estate.

Food Pairing and Service

Serve at approximately 54–57°F. This structured, mineral-driven white Burgundy is an exceptional partner for lobster, scallops, halibut, sea bass, crab, roast poultry, veal in cream sauce, escargots and richly textured cheeses such as Comté or Délice de Bourgogne.

While the wine may be enjoyed young with decanting, Corton-Charlemagne is renowned for its ability to develop for decades. Additional bottle age will allow its citrus, stone and oak elements to integrate while revealing more complex notes of honey, toasted nuts, truffle and spice.

Region: Burgundy, France
Subregion: Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru
Village Area: Pernand-Vergelesses side of the Hill of Corton
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Holding: 0.30 hectare
Vine Age: Approximately 45 years
Soil: Limestone and marl
Wine Type: Dry white wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2023

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton Bressandes Grand Cru 2023 is an exceptional Pinot Noir from the prestigious Corton Grand Cru appellation in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. Combining remarkable elegance, depth, and structure, this limited-production wine beautifully expresses the distinctive terroir of the historic Corton hillside.

The domaine cultivates just 0.20 hectares of mature Pinot Noir vines in Les Bressandes, planted on well-drained clay and limestone soils with excellent southern exposure. Production is extremely limited, traditionally yielding approximately 600 bottles annually.

The 2023 vintage offers expressive aromas of ripe black raspberries, cassis, dark cherries, and earthy spice. On the palate, the wine reveals vibrant red and dark fruit, a beautifully textured mid-palate, refined acidity, and firm yet balanced tannins. Subtle oak influences complement its mineral character, leading to a long, structured finish with impressive depth and aging potential.

A sophisticated and cellar-worthy Grand Cru Burgundy, this wine pairs beautifully with roasted duck, beef tenderloin, venison, wild mushrooms, and aged cheeses.

Recommended Drinking Window: 2030-2042

Expert Ratings

92 Burghound: A riper nose of cassis, spicy black raspberry liqueur and newly turned earth is complemented by sleek, vibrant and delicious middle weight flavors that possess an attractively textured mid-palate before terminating in a firm, youthfully austere and slightly grippy finale.

94 Jasper Morris:  ruby. Plenty of fruit on the nose, but currently a little bit swamped by the wood, especially on the palate. The fruit has the caressing texture of Bressandes, and was not picked too late. One new barrel in three, and the oak will settle down, at which point the fourth star will be merited as the fruit is fighting back strongly at the finish.

92 The Wine Spectator: Charming, elegant and harmonious, this red reveals cherry, raspberry, plum, sandalwood, licorice and toasty oak aromas and flavors. Solidly built, with great balance and a long, toasty, savory aftertaste. Give this three to five years to open up. Best from 2030 through 2048.

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Cuvée Exceptionnelle 2022 is a distinctive, limited-production white Burgundy from one of France's most celebrated Grand Cru appellations. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grown on the prestigious Corton hillside, this exceptional cuvée showcases the richness, complexity, and remarkable aging potential associated with Corton-Charlemagne.

What distinguishes the Cuvée Exceptionnelle from the domaine's regular Corton-Charlemagne is its extended barrel aging. While both wines originate from the same prestigious Grand Cru appellation, the Cuvée Exceptionnelle receives additional time in barrel to develop greater depth, texture, and complexity.

The aging period varies from vintage to vintage. For the 2022 vintage, Corton-Charlemagne Cuvée Exceptionnelle was aged for 20 months in barrel, compared with 16 months for the regular Corton-Charlemagne.

This extended maturation contributes to a richly textured and sophisticated expression of Chardonnay, balancing ripe orchard fruit, citrus, subtle toasted oak, and the distinctive mineral character of Burgundy's limestone-rich soils.

The wine offers an elegant combination of concentration, freshness, and structure, with a layered palate and a long, refined finish. Its richness and complexity make it particularly well suited to cellaring, allowing additional nuances to develop with time.

An outstanding choice for collectors and lovers of fine white Burgundy, this Grand Cru pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, roasted turbot, poultry in cream sauces, and aged Comté.

94+ Points — John Gilman, View From the Cellar
93 Points — Wine Spectator
92 Points — Allen Meadows, Burghound

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s 2023 Meursault Premier Cru Charmes is a beautifully concentrated and exceptionally limited Chardonnay from one of the most celebrated Premier Cru vineyards in the Côte de Beaune. Combining the natural generosity of Charmes with finely structured acidity, mineral definition and an elegant oak influence, this is a refined, age-worthy white Burgundy produced in extremely small quantities.

The Place

Meursault is located in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, immediately south of Volnay and north of Puligny-Montrachet. Although the village has no Grand Cru vineyards, its finest Premier Crus produce some of the world’s most distinguished and longest-lived Chardonnay.

The Meursault appellation includes 19 officially classified Premier Cru climats. The best vineyards are generally situated at approximately 260 meters above sea level, with exposures ranging from east to south. Their soils are predominantly composed of Jurassic marl and marly limestone, with localized deposits of magnesium-rich limestone.

These soils and exposures allow Chardonnay to achieve exceptional ripeness while retaining the freshness, structure and mineral complexity essential to fine white Burgundy.

The Charmes Vineyard

Charmes is the largest of Meursault’s Premier Cru vineyards and one of its most famous. It lies in the southern portion of the appellation, adjoining the Premier Cru vineyards of Perrières and Puligny-Montrachet’s Les Combettes.

The vineyard is traditionally associated with broad, generous and naturally opulent wines. Charmes often displays a softer, more floral and gently honeyed personality than the firmer, more mineral-driven Perrières, while still possessing the structure and acidity required for extended aging.

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s parcel is situated in the lower part of the Charmes vineyard, an area that has responded particularly well to Burgundy’s increasingly warm and dry growing seasons.

The Domaine’s Parcel

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle farms only 0.125 hectare—approximately one-third of an acre—of Meursault Premier Cru Charmes. The Chardonnay vines were planted in 1950 and are now more than 70 years old.

The vineyard’s reddish-brown soil contains a high proportion of clay. This clay retains water and helps protect the old vines during hot, dry growing seasons, yet the parcel remains sufficiently well-drained to avoid excessively humid or disease-promoting conditions.

The tiny size of the holding results in extremely limited production, making this one of the domaine’s rarest white wines.

The Grape

100% Chardonnay. Chardonnay is Burgundy’s great white-wine grape and an exceptionally sensitive interpreter of place. In Meursault Charmes, it develops a combination of ripe orchard fruit, citrus, floral notes, toasted nuts and textural richness, balanced by fresh acidity and a distinct mineral undertone.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. The wine is traditionally vinified and matured in French oak barrels for approximately 14 months.

Barrel fermentation and aging contribute texture, complexity and subtle notes of toast and spice, while the wine’s natural acidity preserves freshness and definition. The oak is intended to frame the concentrated old-vine Chardonnay rather than overwhelm the character of the vineyard.

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Meursault Charmes opens with expressive aromas of ripe lemon, yellow apple, pear and white flowers, joined by notes of crushed stone, hazelnut and delicately integrated oak spice.

On the palate, the wine is silky and concentrated, with the natural breadth and generosity associated with Charmes. Ripe orchard fruit and citrus flavors are supported by energetic acidity, fine mineral tension and a subtle savory nuttiness.

Despite its richness, the wine remains linear, elegant and beautifully controlled. The finish is long and focused, carrying persistent notes of citrus, minerals and oak spice. This is a powerful yet graceful Meursault with the structure to develop considerable complexity in bottle.

Professional Ratings

94+ Points — John Gilman, View From the Cellar John Gilman awarded the 2023 Meursault Premier Cru Charmes 94+ points, placing it among the highest-rated wines from Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s 2023 collection.

93 Points — Wine Spectator "Silky in texture and exuding lemon, apple, mineral and oak spice aromas and flavors, this white is linear and elegant. Defined by its bracing acidity, this extends on the citrusy and spicy aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2039. 75 cases made, 48 cases imported."

92 Points — Allen Meadows, Burghound Allen Meadows awarded the 2023 Meursault Premier Cru Charmes 92 points, recognizing the wine’s quality, structure and expression of this renowned Premier Cru vineyard.

The Domaine

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is based in Bligny-lès-Beaune and takes its name from the historic Volnay Premier Cru Clos de la Chapelle monopole. The walled vineyard was acquired by Victor Boillot in 1865 and remained in the Boillot family for nearly 150 years.

The estate entered a new chapter in 2010 when Burgundy enthusiast Mark O’Connell and his Burgundian partners acquired the domaine. Since then, the vineyard holdings have expanded carefully to include prized parcels in Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses, Meursault and Corton.

The domaine remains extremely small, cultivating approximately five hectares divided among numerous individual vineyards. Its philosophy emphasizes meticulous vineyard work, hand harvesting, low yields and limited production, allowing each wine to express the character of its individual climat.

Food Pairing

This rich yet structured white Burgundy is an exceptional accompaniment to lobster, scallops, crab, turbot, halibut and sea bass. It also pairs beautifully with roast chicken, veal in cream sauce, mushroom risotto, foie gras and richly textured cheeses.

Its combination of depth, freshness and gentle nuttiness makes it particularly successful with grilled lobster, shellfish in butter or cream sauce, poultry with morels and aged Comté.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve cool but not overly chilled, ideally between 50 and 54°F. A young bottle may be opened approximately 30 minutes before serving to allow its aromas and texture to develop.

The wine may be enjoyed for its youthful fruit and energy, but its acidity, concentration and old-vine depth make it an excellent candidate for extended cellaring. Wine Spectator recommends drinking it from 2027 through 2039.

Producer: Domaine Clos de la Chapelle
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Côte de Beaune
Village: Meursault
Appellation: Meursault Premier Cru
Vineyard: Charmes
Classification: Premier Cru
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Holding: 0.125 hectare
Vine Age: Planted in 1950
Soil: Reddish-brown, clay-rich soil over Burgundy limestone
Aging: Approximately 14 months in barrel
Alcohol: 13.5%
Wine Type: Dry white wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Meursault Premier Cru Charmes 2023

93 Points — John Gilman, View From the Cellar
92 Points — Wine Spectator
90–92 Points — Jasper Morris, MW, Inside Burgundy

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s 2023 Meursault Les Vignes Blanches is a beautifully concentrated, old-vine Chardonnay from a distinctive village-level climat situated below the celebrated Santenots vineyards. Combining the generous orchard-fruit character traditionally associated with Meursault with vibrant acidity, pale limestone minerality and finely integrated oak, this is a rich yet precise white Burgundy of remarkable depth and persistence.

The wine comes from a tiny 0.41-hectare parcel planted predominantly in 1948. Although Les Vignes Blanches is classified as Meursault Village, its old vines, individual terroir and limited production give it a personality that clearly distinguishes it from a blended village Meursault.

The Place

Meursault lies in the heart of Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, immediately south of Volnay and north of Puligny-Montrachet. The village is internationally renowned for Chardonnay that combines richness, breadth and silky texture with fresh acidity and a distinctive mineral character.

Meursault has no Grand Cru vineyards, yet its finest Premier Cru and village-level climats produce some of Burgundy’s most complex and age-worthy white wines. The appellation’s varied marl, limestone, gravel and clay soils allow Chardonnay to express a wide range of styles, from supple and nutty to firm, citrus-driven and intensely mineral.

The Les Vignes Blanches Vineyard

Les Vignes Blanches is situated low on the Meursault slope, below Santenots and just south of the Meursault Premier Cru Santenots vineyards. It rests beneath a small rocky rise that contributes natural drainage and an unusually pronounced mineral character for this part of the slope.

The climat takes its name from the pale, gravelly limestone visible throughout the vineyard. Beneath and among this limestone is a meaningful clay component that retains water during warm, dry growing seasons. This combination gives the wine both richness and tension: clay contributes depth, texture and ripe orchard fruit, while the gravelly limestone provides freshness, salinity and mineral definition.

Many growers traditionally blend fruit from Les Vignes Blanches into a broader village-level Meursault. Domaine Clos de la Chapelle instead bottles the parcel separately to preserve its individual character and expression of place.

The Domaine’s Parcel

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle farms approximately 0.41 hectare—just over one acre—of Les Vignes Blanches. Most of the Chardonnay vines were planted in 1948, immediately following the Second World War, making them more than 75 years old at the time of the 2023 harvest.

These deeply rooted old vines naturally produce small quantities of concentrated fruit. Their extensive root systems penetrate multiple soil layers, helping the vines maintain balance during dry conditions and giving the finished wine notable depth, complexity and persistence.

The 2023 growing season demonstrated the value of the site’s water-retentive clay. According to Jasper Morris, the soils held sufficient moisture during the vintage, allowing the grapes to achieve generous ripeness while retaining adequate acidity.

The Grape: 100% Chardonnay.

Chardonnay is Burgundy’s principal white grape and an exceptionally transparent interpreter of terroir. In Les Vignes Blanches, it combines the broad texture and ripe orchard-fruit profile associated with Meursault with citrus freshness, oyster-shell salinity and a finely structured mineral finish.

Viticulture

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s vineyards are certified organic and are cultivated according to biodynamic principles. The estate avoids chemical pesticides and fertilizers, regularly ploughs its soils and carefully controls yields to encourage healthy vines and concentrated fruit.

The grapes are harvested by hand and sorted before pressing. The domaine’s objective is to preserve the purity of the fruit while allowing the individual soil, vine age and vintage conditions of each small parcel to remain clearly expressed in the finished wine.

Winemaking and Aging

The Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed, followed by approximately 24 hours of settling. Fermentation and maturation take place in a combination of French oak barrel sizes, helping the wine develop texture and complexity without allowing the oak to dominate its old-vine fruit or mineral character.

The domaine may use up to 30% new oak for its white wines, with barrels sourced from several respected cooperages. Bâtonnage may be performed once per week for as long as six weeks after fermentation, or until malolactic fermentation begins.

The 2023 Les Vignes Blanches was matured for approximately 14 months in barrel. The use of different barrel sizes helps preserve freshness while contributing restrained notes of vanilla, toast and brioche. The wine is bottled approximately 15 to 18 months after harvest.

Tasting Notes

The 2023 displays a full lemon-yellow color and an expressive, layered bouquet of ripe peach, pear, yellow apple and citrus. With air, aromas of citronella, white flowers, toasted brioche, hazelnut and delicate vanilla emerge alongside a subtle reductive, mineral tension.

The palate is supple, concentrated and beautifully layered. Rich orchard fruit and ripe peach are balanced by vibrant acidity and savory notes of oyster shell and pale limestone. The old vines provide impressive mid-palate depth, while the wine’s mineral structure keeps its generous fruit precise and focused.

Notes of vanilla and toasted brioche are finely integrated into the fruit rather than dominant. The wine builds steadily across the palate, concluding with a long, refined and complex finish marked by citrus, orchard fruit, saline minerals and gentle oak spice.

This is a generous yet disciplined expression of Meursault—reminiscent of the traditional, richly textured style of the village, but supported by enough acidity and mineral tension to remain vibrant and age gracefully.

Professional Ratings

93 Points — John Gilman, View From the Cellar | John Gilman awarded the 2023 Meursault Les Vignes Blanches 93 points, recognizing it as one of the leading white wines in Domaine Clos de la Chapelle’s highly regarded 2023 collection.

92 Points — Wine Spectator: Citronella, peach, oyster shell, vanilla and toasted brioche flavors ride the supple texture in this harmonious white. Vibrant and succulent while building to the refined, complex aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2040.

90–92 Points — Jasper Morris, MW, Inside Burgundy
Barrel Sample:  Old vines on clay soil below Santenots. A full lemon yellow, with a little reductive tension on the nose. Made in a mix of wood sizes. Nicely layered flesh and fruit on the palate, quite a rich orchard fruit, but balanced by adequate acidity These soils retained the water sufficiently in 2023. A good long finish, rather lovely and not far from old style Meursault. Barrel Sample: 90-92

The 2023 Vintage

The 2023 vintage produced generous, ripe fruit across the Côte de Beaune, but the finest sites maintained the acidity and mineral structure necessary for balance. At Les Vignes Blanches, the clay component retained valuable moisture during warm and dry periods, helping the old vines ripen steadily without losing freshness.

The result is a wine with generous fruit and textural richness, balanced by adequate acidity, limestone tension and a persistent mineral finish.

The Domaine

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is a small, historic Burgundy estate based in Bligny-lès-Beaune and closely associated with Volnay. The domaine takes its name from the historic Volnay Premier Cru Clos de la Chapelle monopole, a walled vineyard situated opposite the Gothic chapel of Notre Dame de Pitié.

The property was acquired in 2011 by Mark O’Connell and his Burgundian partners and renamed Domaine Clos de la Chapelle in honor of its flagship vineyard. The estate now owns and farms approximately five hectares divided among 16 individual terroirs in Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses, Meursault and Corton.

The vineyards are certified organic and farmed according to biodynamic principles. Grapes are harvested by hand, yields are deliberately restricted and intervention in the cellar is kept to a minimum. Total production across the entire domaine averages only approximately 1,800 cases annually.

Food Pairing

Meursault Les Vignes Blanches is an excellent accompaniment to lobster, scallops, crab, halibut, turbot, sea bass and sole meunière. Its combination of richness and acidity also pairs beautifully with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, veal in cream sauce and poultry with mushrooms.

Additional pairings include lobster ravioli, mushroom risotto, creamy pasta, roasted cauliflower and mature cheeses such as Comté, Gruyère or Délice de Bourgogne.

Serving and Cellaring

The domaine recommends serving the wine at approximately 16°C, or 61°F. It may initially be poured slightly cooler and allowed to warm gradually in the glass, revealing additional orchard fruit, hazelnut, brioche and mineral complexity.

When enjoyed young, opening the bottle approximately 30 minutes before serving will help the wine’s subtle reductive character dissipate. Its old-vine concentration, acidity and mineral structure should support graceful development through 2040.

Producer: Domaine Clos de la Chapelle
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Côte de Beaune
Village: Meursault
Appellation: Meursault AOC
Vineyard: Les Vignes Blanches
Classification: Village
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Holding: Approximately 0.41 hectare
Vine Age: Predominantly planted in 1948
Location: Below Santenots on the lower Meursault slope
Soil: Gravelly pale limestone with water-retentive clay
Farming: Certified organic; biodynamic principles
Harvest: Hand harvested
Pressing: Whole-cluster pressed
Aging: Approximately 14 months in French oak
Alcohol: 13.5%
Wine Type: Dry white wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Meursault Les Vignes Blanches 2023

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc 1er Cru Sous Frétille 2023 is an elegant and expressive white Burgundy produced from 100% Chardonnay in the prestigious Pernand-Vergelesses Premier Cru appellation of the Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France.

Located high on the hillside overlooking the village of Pernand-Vergelesses, the Sous Frétille vineyard benefits from southern exposure and distinctive white marl and limestone soils. Although partially sheltered by the famous Hill of Corton, the vineyard receives generous afternoon sunshine, allowing the Chardonnay grapes to develop excellent ripeness while preserving freshness and mineral precision.

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle cultivates just 0.13 hectares in this exceptional Premier Cru vineyard, with vines averaging approximately 30 years of age. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, approximately 33% of which are new, adding subtle complexity without overwhelming its delicate fruit character.

The 2023 vintage displays a beautiful pale golden color and an expressive bouquet of fresh citrus, green apple, lemon zest, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and refined, offering crisp orchard fruit, subtle smoky nuances, and pronounced limestone minerality. Refreshing acidity provides excellent balance, while the elegant texture leads to a long, precise finish with lingering citrus and mineral notes.

Combining the richness of ripe Chardonnay with the freshness and tension characteristic of Pernand-Vergelesses, this Premier Cru offers a sophisticated expression of white Burgundy. Its elegance and versatility make it an excellent pairing with grilled fish, scallops, oysters, roasted poultry, quiche, and delicately prepared seafood dishes.

Professional Ratings:

92 Points - Wine Spectator

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pommard 1er Cru Les Chanlins 2023 is an elegant and structured red Burgundy produced exclusively from Pinot Noir in the prestigious Pommard Premier Cru appellation of the Côte de Beaune. This limited-production wine reflects the distinctive character of Les Chanlins, a Premier Cru vineyard known for producing expressive, complex, and beautifully balanced wines.

Situated near the border of Pommard and Volnay, the Les Chanlins vineyard benefits from limestone-rich clay soils that contribute both structure and finesse. The vineyard's location helps produce wines that combine the depth and concentration traditionally associated with Pommard with the elegance and aromatic refinement often found in neighboring Volnay.

The 2023 vintage offers an appealing expression of ripe red cherries, raspberries, blackberries, subtle violets, and delicate earthy spice. On the palate, layers of red and dark fruit are complemented by refined tannins, lively acidity, and mineral undertones. The wine's structured yet polished character leads to a persistent finish with lingering fruit and savory notes.

A sophisticated Premier Cru Burgundy with excellent potential for further development in the cellar, this Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted duck, lamb, beef tenderloin, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses.

Expert Ratings

94 points, John Gilman, View From The Cellar (Apr 2025) I am not certain when these great old vines will celebrate their one hundredth birthday, but we are getting close to that landmark vintage. The 2023 Chanlins from Mark O’Connell and his team is a stunning young wine, offering up a complex and utterly refined bouquet of red and black cherries, pomegranate, pigeon, a very complex base of soil tones, a touch of nutskin, a dollop of fresh thyme, woodsmoke and cedary oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and beautifully transparent down to its soil, with a superb core of fruit, good acids and grip, fine-grained tannins and excellent balance on the long, complex and very, very promising finish. This is another very elegant Pommard in the making, but it will need its proper hibernation time down in the cellar before it starts to drink with true generosity. In due course, it will be magical.

90-92 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy (Jan 2025): 95 year old vines. On the hillside with springs, even though they were mostly dry in 2023. Far from the deepest colour. The fruit is discreet, with a touch of iodine, less evenly balanced across the palate, light tannins, the wine tapering towards a saline finish. Drink from 2029-2037. Tasted Oct 2024.

Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune

Appellation: Pommard Premier Cru, Les Chanlins

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir

Wine Type: Dry Red Wine

Classification: Premier Cru

Vintage: 2023

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands Epenots 2023 is an exceptional Pinot Noir from one of the most highly regarded Premier Cru vineyards in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. Renowned for its remarkable combination of power, elegance, and longevity, Les Grands Epenots is among the distinguished Pommard vineyards proposed for elevation to Grand Cru status.

The domaine cultivates a small 0.23-hectare parcel of approximately 25-year-old vines. The vineyard's clay-limestone soils contribute complexity, structure, and mineral character, while careful aging in French oak adds subtle refinement and depth.

The 2023 vintage reveals expressive aromas of ripe black cherries, raspberries, dark plums, violets, and delicate smoky oak, complemented by earthy nuances and subtle spice. On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet beautifully balanced, offering layers of red and dark berries, fine-grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and a distinctive mineral backbone. The texture is elegant and harmonious, leading to a long, complex finish with lingering notes of fruit, spice, and savory earth.

Combining the powerful structure traditionally associated with Pommard and the finesse of an exceptional Premier Cru terroir, this wine offers excellent aging potential. A sophisticated and collectible Burgundy, it pairs beautifully with roasted duck, venison, lamb, beef tenderloin, wild mushrooms, and aged cheeses.

Recommended Drinking Window: 2029-2045.

Expert Review

95 Points Wine Spectator: This alluring red exudes pure cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors, with a firm underlying structure.

Country: France

Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune

Appellation: Pommard Premier Cru, Les Grands Epenots

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir

Wine Type: Dry Red Wine

Classification: Premier Cru

Vintage: 2023

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds 2023 is an exceptional old-vine Pinot Noir from one of the most highly regarded Premier Cru vineyards in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. Combining remarkable elegance, concentration, and mineral precision, this limited-production wine beautifully expresses the distinctive terroir of Volnay.

Situated high on the slopes just south of the village of Volnay, the Taillepieds vineyard benefits from excellent southeastern exposure and limestone-rich soils. Domaine Clos de la Chapelle cultivates a small 0.47-hectare parcel of vines averaging approximately 65 years of age. These mature vines produce naturally low yields, contributing concentration, complexity, and remarkable depth of flavor.

The 2023 vintage reveals expressive aromas of black cherries, ripe blackberries, dark plums, peonies, subtle cocoa, and warm spices, complemented by delicate notes of sandalwood, toasted oak, and earthy minerality. On the palate, the wine is rich and beautifully structured, offering layers of dark berry fruit, refined tannins, vibrant acidity, and a distinctive mineral backbone. Its generous texture is balanced by freshness and precision, leading to a long, complex finish with lingering notes of fruit, spice, and savory earth.

Aged in French oak barrels for approximately 12 to 18 months, the wine develops additional depth and complexity while preserving the purity of its Pinot Noir fruit.

This sophisticated Premier Cru Burgundy combines the finesse traditionally associated with Volnay with impressive concentration and aging potential. An excellent choice for collectors and lovers of fine Burgundy, it pairs beautifully with roasted duck, lamb, venison, beef tenderloin, wild mushrooms, and aged cheeses.

Recommended Drinking Window: 2029-2045.

Expert Ratings

95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Apr 2026): This red is lush and mouthfilling, exhibiting dark fruit flavors of black cherry, blackberry, black currant, sandalwood, vanilla and toasty oak. There’s a hint of iron underneath, plus a thick base of tannins. Feels balanced, with refreshing acidity, but needs time. Best from 2029 through 2045.

95 points, John Gilman, View From The Cellar (Apr 2025): Domaine Clos de la Chapelle 2023 Volnay “Taillepieds” Vieilles Vignes is an utterly stunning young wine. I have always loved this terroir since my very earliest days drinking Burgundy and it seems pretty clear to me that today, no one makes a better example of Taillepieds than the team at Clos de la Chapelle! The wine is stunningly complex aromatically right out of the blocks, offering up scents of sweet dark berries, black plums, raw cocoa, gamebird, a gorgeously complex base of soil tones, a touch of brown spices, woodsmoke, peonies and cedary oak. On the palate the wine is pure, precise, full-bodied and sappy at the core, with great soil signature, ripe, buried tannins, good acids and a very, very long, very refined, complex and seamlessly balanced finish. A brilliant young wine!

90-93 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy (Jan 2025): Not yet racked. Quite a deep ruby purple. The nose shows density but not detail – that will come more after racking. The fruit on the palate is a mix of strawberry, fresher than in some of the cuvees, raspberry and a first hint of blackberry. Tannins are present but in balance, acidity correct, with fair length. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted Oct 2024.

Country: France

Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune

Appellation: Volnay Premier Cru, Taillepieds

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir

Wine Type: Dry Red Wine

Classification: Premier Cru

Vintage: 2023

Alcohol: 13.5%

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

Decanter 94 Points | This wine is fermented in cask and given a 15-month maturation without racking. The result is marvelously creamy and rich, yet there is an expressive lemony fruit, a pleasant floral note, and despite the weight, there is plenty of acidity. A fabulous starting point for the range. Enjoy now, but a few years of age will only reveal more nuance. A serious Bourgogne Blanc. Produced from parcels surrounding the domaine, including the lieu-dit Les Magny; the total surface area is 1.5ha.

Expert Review

93 Points Wine Advocate | The 2020 Meursault Village has turned out beautifully in bottle, unwinding in the glass with scents of crisp Anjou pear, lemon zest, freshly baked bread, blanched almonds, pastry cream and apple blossom. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, its textural attack segues into a fleshy, precise mid-palate that's animated by racy acids, concluding with a long, mouthwatering finish. It's another terrific rendition of this benchmark cuvée.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Decanter 96 Points | This wine is among the best village-level Monthelies that I can remember. Coche produces it from his 0.3ha of south-facing vines in the village and some purchased fruit (which accounts for 15% of the total). The super-ripe cherry fruit is adorned with rose petal and licorice notes, and firm tannins and crisp acidity back up the pretty aromas. Perfect for drinking now for the fruit, or for mid-term ageing. Drinking Window 2025 - 2040.

John Gilman 92+ Points | The 2019 Monthélie “Côte de Beaune” from Domaine Coche-Dury is another beautifully sappy bottle in the making, with a more black fruity personality than the Auxey-Duresses. The nose jumps from the glass in an expressive blend of plums, black cherries, espresso, pigeon, bonfire, a lovely base of dark soil tones and a deft touch of new oak. On the e palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and already nicely plush on the attack, with a sappy core of fruit, fine soil signature, ripe, fine-grained tannins and a long, complex and beautifully balanced finish. Fine, fine juice.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2019 Monthélie Village is a little more backward on the nose compared to the Auxey-Duresses, well defined but just a bit timid at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, nicely structured with dark berry fruit towards the finish. (NM)

Expert Reviews 

Burghound 91 Points Discreet but not invisible wood influence can be found on the ripe aromas of various dark berries prominent earth and violet scents. Somewhat surprisingly in the context of the reported yields the mid-palate is not especially dense though I very much like the beguiling texture that is at once caressing yet powerful before culminating in a precise serious and equally austere if notably longer finale. This is an opulent and refined Clos des Epeneaux. (Drink starting 2030)Vinous

92 Points Vinous | The 2020 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux 1er Cru was a blend of two instead of four cuvées this year due to the depleted production. It has a precocious bouquet with black cherries raspberry menthol and blood orange scents that gather momentum in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins taut and fresh lightly spiced with hints of allspice and tangy quince. It displays fine composure towards the finish with impressive length. This is a superb Clos des Epeneaux though will it surpass the 2019? I?m not sure. (Drink between 2026-2050)

Saint-Véran is one of Burgundy’s best-kept secrets — an appellation that shares the same limestone-rich soils as its famous neighbor Pouilly-Fuissé, producing Chardonnay of genuine depth and ageability at a fraction of the price. For the Pollier family, who have been farming the Mâconnais since the 18th century, it is home ground: 13 hectares planted entirely to Chardonnay, cultivated across Saint-Véran, Pouilly-Fuissé, and Mâcon-Villages, from vines averaging 40 years old with some parcels reaching an impressive 70 years.

‘Les Trois Bousquet’ is their single-vineyard expression of Saint-Véran at its most precise — estate fruit only, from old vines on limestone, vinified to reflect the terroir rather than the winemaker. The result is a Chardonnay of quiet authority: subtle and inviting on the nose, with lemon, apricot, acacia, and honeysuckle opening into a palate of real clarity and roundness. Notes of almond, hazelnut, cinnamon, and a touch of butter carry through to a finish with an exotic twist of orange peel — complex, harmonious, and unmistakably Burgundian.

A benchmark for what Saint-Véran can be, from one of the Mâconnais’ most quietly distinguished family estates. Drinks beautifully now and will reward patience through 2030+.

• Producer: Domaine Daniel et Christine Pollier
• Appellation: Saint-Véran AOC, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
• Vineyard: Les Trois Bousquet — single vineyard, limestone soils
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vines: Avg. 40 years (some 70 years)
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Food Pairings: Seafood risotto, roasted chicken, pasta with mushrooms, creamy goat cheese, oysters, and delicate fish preparations.

Explore Beaurenard Estate Chateauneuf-du-Pape Biodynamic 2021

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

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

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

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

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

Memo Summary Notes

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

Rich Heritage of Beaurenard Estate

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

A Wonderful Tasting Experience

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

Why Choose Biodynamic Wine?

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

Domaine de Beaurenard · Côtes du Rhône · 2025

An eighth-generation Coulon family estate based in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de Beaurenard farms this Côtes du Rhône from estate parcels just north of the appellation. Stony limestone-clay soils, organic and biodynamic farming, and a Grenache-Syrah blend shape this Southern Rhône red.

Vintage & Tasting Notes · 2025

The 2025 growing season began with generous autumn and winter rains, followed by a cool spring and a warm summer moderated by mistral winds. Ripe red cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry meet floral lift, supple tannins and fresh acidity for a vibrant, balanced finish.

Winemaking

Grenache and Syrah are co-harvested and co-fermented with indigenous yeasts. Gentle extraction and six months in stainless steel preserve freshness and fruit. The estate is certified organic by Ecocert and biodynamic by Demeter.

67Wine Buyer’s Note

We first discovered this Côtes du Rhône at Manny’s Bistro, alongside Magret de Canard and moules Provençal. Its medium body and balanced acidity make it a natural at the table with duck and mussels. Simply quaffable, it’s the kind of bottle that disappears before you notice.

At a Glance

• Producer: Domaine de Beaurenard
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah
• Farming: Certified organic and biodynamic
• Aging: 6 months in stainless steel
• Size: 750ml
• Pairing: Duck, mussels, grilled lamb, roast chicken, charcuterie and soft cheeses

A biodynamic Southern Rhône red with juicy fruit, freshness and a supple, balanced finish.

Domaine de Beaurenard · Rasteau · Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre · Rhône Valley · 2022

For eight generations, the Coulon family has farmed the southern Rhône with a reverence for the land that few estates can match. Domaine de Beaurenard has been certified organic and biodynamic since 2011 — across more than 80 acres in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 60 acres in Rasteau, and 25 acres in Côtes du Rhône. Their Rasteau is a benchmark expression of this rising appellation: 100% estate-grown Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, co-harvested and co-fermented from south-facing slopes and terraces of stony limestone-clay soils, yielding just 25–38 hl/ha. 2022 was a warm, dry year with late-season rains that restored balance — the result is a wine of beautiful fruity, bright character with real depth and persistence. JS:92 · JD:91 · WS:90. At $37.99, this is biodynamic Rhône at a price that makes it one of the cellar’s great values.

The 2022 opens with intense aromas of black fruit, blueberries, red berries, dried herbs, rosemary, and grilled meat. On the palate: full-bodied and generous, with a beautiful center-palate of ripe berries, chalky mineral, iron, and cooling river stone. Fine, firm tannins and a lively, persistent finish with herbs, peppercorns, and a smoky incense note. Drink now through 2034.

“Juicy, well-shaped and vivid… full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. In control, with a delicious center-palate of generous berries and a lively finish with herbs and peppercorns.” — James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2022).

“Beautifully polished, fine tannins and great balance. Drink over the next 10–12 years.” — Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

“Both firm and vibrant… chalky mineral, iron and cooling river stone notes adding contrast.” — Wine Spectator, 90 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Domaine de Beaurenard (Coulon family, 8 generations)
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Rasteau AOC, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre (co-harvested & co-fermented)
• Soils: Stony limestone-clay · South-facing slopes & terraces · 25–38 hl/ha
• Vinification: Hand-picked & sorted · 18–26 day vatting · 12 months in vats & oak foudres
• Certifications: Certified Organic · Certified Biodynamic (since 2011)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black fruit, blueberry, red berry, dried herbs, rosemary, chalky mineral, iron, river stone, peppercorn, smoky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2034
• Food Pairings: Lamb, beef stew, duck, wild boar, aged hard cheeses

JS:92 · JD:91 · WS:90 — eight generations of biodynamic farming, Rasteau at its most compelling.

Producer Notes

Domaine de Chevalier is one of Pessac-Léognan’s most celebrated Grand Cru Classé estates, renowned for producing wines of extraordinary precision, freshness, and longevity. The 2020 is widely regarded as one of the legendary wines from this address — a wine that effortlessly triumphs over the heat and drought of the vintage to produce something nuanced, pure, and deeply classical. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Pure cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth on the nose. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a finish of extraordinary length. Best from 2027, with the potential to evolve for 50+ years.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck 98+ pts | Pure cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth. Full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Pure, classic, regal Pessac-Léognan. Drink 2027–2077.
• James Suckling 97–99 pts | Purity of fruit is really something — blackcurrants, blackberries, orange, stone, and granite. Full-bodied with very fine, polished tannins. Great length. One for the cellar. Drink after 2030.
• Vinous 96 pts | Bright, poised, and wonderfully pure. Red cherry, blood orange, mint, star anise, and cinnamon. Built on aromatic presence and persistence. What a wine! Drink 2030–2060. — Antonio Galloni
• Decanter 96 pts | Blueberry and blackcurrant with liquorice, tobacco, and bitter chocolate spices. Precision and clarity. Rich, heady, and super promising. Drink 2028–2055. — Georgina Hindle
• Wine Spectator 95 pts | Cassis, plum, blackberry, warm loam, smoldering tobacco, and singed alder. Long and deep through the fine-grained finish. Best from 2028–2038. — James Molesworth
• Jane Anson 95 pts | Cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, creamy cassis, blackberry, bilberry, cigar box, and smoked earth. A brilliant Chevalier. Drink 2027–2048.
• WK 95+ pts | Minty blackberries and cassis with burning embers, spices, rose petals, and orange rind. Fleshy and concentrated with powdery tannins and a long, saline finish. Drink 2028–2060. — William Kelley
• Jancis Robinson 18/20 | Effortlessly triumphs over the heat and drought of 2020. Nuanced, promising, with trademark freshness. Bravissimo! Drink 2030–2050.

Food Pairings

• Prime dry-aged ribeye or rack of lamb
• Roasted duck or slow-braised short ribs
• Aged Comté or Époisses
• Truffle dishes or wild mushroom risotto

Domaine de Durban | Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOC | Rhône Valley, France | 2021 | 375ml

Domaine de Durban is widely regarded as the benchmark estate for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, perched on the dramatic foothills of Mont Ventoux in the southern Rhône Valley. The Leydier family has farmed these sun-drenched hillside vineyards for generations, and they are among the last producers to craft this celebrated vin doux naturel in the traditional style — keeping added spirits as low as possible to preserve the extraordinary freshness and delicacy of the Muscat grape.

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is made from Muscat à Petits Grains, one of the oldest and most aromatic grape varieties in the world. Fermentation is arrested by the addition of neutral grape spirit, preserving natural sugars and locking in the grape's vivid aromatic character. The result is a wine of remarkable purity — more refined and elegant than most Muscats from southern France.

The 2021 is luminous gold in the glass. The nose is a pure delight — orange blossom, jasmine, ripe apricot, peach, tropical fruit, and honey, with a delicate mineral thread running through. On the palate, lusciously sweet yet beautifully balanced, with bright natural acidity keeping everything fresh and lifted. The finish is long, fragrant, and utterly captivating.

The perfect dessert wine, and equally magnificent with foie gras, fresh melon, Roquefort and blue cheeses, fruit tarts, and crème brûlée. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F.

• Producer: Domaine de Durban
• Appellation: Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOC
• Region: Rhône Valley, France
• Grape: Muscat à Petits Grains
• Style: Vin Doux Naturel (naturally sweet, fortified)
• Vintage: 2021
• Serve: 46–50°F
• Bottle Size: 375ml

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

A very brilliant ruby red with beautiful purple nuances. Immediate and generous, the nose opens with notes of fresh red and black fruits such as cherry and blueberry, then it is enriched with cocoa powder and a delicate hint of licorice. Round and concentrated from the start, this wine develops a balanced structure on the palate. Present but delicate tannins and a tasty acidity highlight the fruit so well that it lingers on for a long time.

Domaine de L’Arlot is one of the seminal properties in Nuits St. Georges.  The domaine was co-owned by Jean-Pierre de Smet, who spent eight years alongside Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac before taking over L’Arlot in 1986.  Today, the domaine consists of 14 hectares planted to mostly Pinot Noir. In 2015 the very talented Geraldine Godot took over the domaine. While retaining the core values of l’Arlot, including biodynamic farming, Geraldine has brought her own style to this historic estate, with extraction kept to a minimum, and the wines seeing less new oak than in the past. All of this is done to preserve the gorgeous fruit from their cherished vineyards. With Geraldine’s inspired leadership, Domaine de l’Arlot is committed to maintaining their classic, elegant style of terroir driven wines in hopes of providing the sort of divine pleasure only classic Burgundy delivers.

The 2023 Hautes Cotes de Nuits Le Mont has a fresh, juicy nose of raspberry and cherry that explodes on opening. The latest vintage of this wine is lively yet delicate on the palate, with silky, enveloping tannins. Its fleshy fruit flavors and rich structure make it an ideal accompaniment to dishes, such as beef fondue, country salad, chicken skewers with herbs or even aperitifs served with mushroom terrine canapes.

• Winemaker Description

  Mont des Oiseaux is a cuvée produced in small quantities from Clos de l'Arlot's youngest vines, an estate Monopoly. This wine reveals the elegance of a great terroir and emphasizes the delicacy of red fruit. Fresh and tangy, with good cellaring potential, this wine can also be enjoyed in the bloom of youth.

• The Terroir

  This Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru is located inside the Clos de l'Arlot. It comes from the upper part of the Clos with a white limestone soil, and from a plot of young vines located at the bottom of the Clos on marl soil.

• Discover more

  - Ageing in barrels, with 30% of new barrels. Bottling takes place after 15-18 months of ageing.

Winemaker Description

Garnet color. It offers a beautiful aromatic complexity, dominated by blackcurrant and blackberry jam, supported by hints of pepper and cocoa. On the palate aromas of apricot jam, black cherries, plums in the finish, all supported by a tannic texture that tempers the sweetness. Excellent with Fourme d'Ambert cheese.

Domaine de la Charbonnière Côtes du Rhône — Southern Rhône, France 2024

Domaine de la Charbonnière is one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's most respected family estates — a producer known for combining the intensity and depth of Southern Rhône fruit with genuine finesse and elegance across their entire range. The 2024 Côtes du Rhône is crafted from estate-owned Grenache and Syrah planted on the plots of "Husson" and "Saint Martin" in Courthézon, harvested by hand, sorted on the estate by vibrating table, and vinified together with a two-week maceration for structure and fruit depth. Aging in stainless steel vats and barrels preserves the purity and freshness of the fruit. The result is a beautifully balanced, fruit-forward red that overdelivers at its price point — a pleasure wine built to share.

The nose is fresh and expressive: bright red cherry, ripe strawberry, fresh red fruit, and subtle floral lift. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a clean, fruit-driven mouthfeel, gentle tannins, and a pure, lingering finish dominated by the clarity of the fruit. It is approachable, elegant, and deeply satisfying — the kind of estate Côtes du Rhône that disappears fast at the table.

"We produce wonderfully well-balanced wines that combine the intensity and depth of fruit with finesse and elegance. The plots for this Côtes du Rhône are located in the town of Courthézon. It is a pleasure wine to share with friends and family." — Winemaker's Notes, Domaine de la Charbonnière

• Producer: Domaine de la Charbonnière, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Varietal: Grenache, Syrah
• Aging: Stainless steel vats & barrels — preserving fresh fruit purity and elegance
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh red cherry, ripe strawberry, red fruit, floral lift, clean mouthfeel, pure fruit finish
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, lamb chops, hearty stews, charcuterie, soft cheeses

Estate Côtes du Rhône from one of Châteauneuf's finest producers — Domaine de la Charbonnière is the benchmark for what hand-harvested, fruit-pure Southern Rhône red can deliver at an honest price.