French Wine

Winemaker Description

The weather in 1953 was very favourable to vine growth and the crop was both plentiful and of excellent quality.

The growing season began with a warm, wet April, followed by a very warm, but dry month of May.  June and July were cool and rainy, whereas August and September were dry and slightly warmer than average.

Flowering went very well in May because it did not rain very much. Even though June and July were cool, which slowed down the growth cycle somewhat, the harvest was able to begin on the 21st of September. The grapes were excellent because August and September we very dry and hot.  Yields were high, but 1953 Cheval Blanc shows that quantity and quality are not incompatible.
Degree of alcohol: 12°.

This is a great vintage for Cheval Blanc. The wine is very well-balanced and still elicits enormous praise.

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. 

Elegant, expressive and beautifully textured, Gérard Boulay’s Monts Damnés captures the character of one of Sancerre’s most celebrated vineyards. Crafted from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on the steep hillsides of Chavignol, this distinctive white combines ripe fruit, floral finesse and a persistent mineral finish.

The south-facing Monts Damnés vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure and pale, reflective soils, making it one of Chavignol’s warmer sites. Its limestone-rich Kimmeridgian terroir provides the foundation for a wine of depth and definition, balancing generous fruit with the freshness and structure that distinguish Boulay’s finest bottlings.

The 2024 is particularly elegant and aromatic, with floral notes accompanying ripe citrus and orchard fruit. A finely chalky texture gives the palate shape, while lively acidity brings brightness and lift. Subtle saline nuances carry through the long, stony finish, creating a Sancerre that feels both substantial and graceful.

The Boulay family’s winegrowing history in Chavignol dates back to 1380. Gérard has farmed organically since 1990 and harvests entirely by hand. Natural fermentation and maturation in neutral vessels reflect a restrained approach that allows the vineyard’s individual character to emerge without overt oak influence.

Pair with grilled fish, seared scallops, roast chicken or Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese. Allow the wine time to unfold in the glass when young, or cellar it to explore the additional depth and complexity that make Boulay’s single-vineyard Sancerres so rewarding.

Expert Rating

Vinous 93 Points | Done in a floral, finely aromatic style that’s both elegant and perfumed, the 2024 Monts Damnés is ripe, but there’s no shortage of acidity. It leaves a lip-smacking, bright finish as if someone’s just played a triangle, or the clouds have parted and the angels are singing a top note. Textbook chalky texture elevates this wine, making for a very classic style.

Vibrant, textured and beautifully precise, Gérard Boulay’s La Côte showcases the distinctive mineral character of Chavignol. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown in the celebrated La Grande Côte vineyard, this single-vineyard Sancerre balances generous fruit with refreshing energy and an unmistakably saline finish.

First released with the 2010 vintage, La Côte comes from a prized hillside site whose limestone-rich Kimmeridgian soils help shape the wine’s character. Here, Boulay produces a Sauvignon Blanc with impressive depth, expressing the vineyard through its combination of richness, freshness and mineral definition.

The 2024 opens with citrus aromas of lime zest and grapefruit, accented by white flowers, chalk and wet stone. On the palate, a supple, rounded texture meets lively acidity, with citrus peel and subtle herbal nuances adding dimension. Concentrated yet graceful, it finishes long and fresh, leaving a lingering impression of salt and limestone.

The Boulay family has grown grapes in Chavignol since 1380, and Gérard has farmed organically since 1990. Hand harvesting and a restrained approach in the cellar preserve the individuality of each parcel. Fermentation with native yeasts and maturation that includes used oak bring texture and complexity while allowing La Côte’s distinctive vineyard character to shine.

An inviting choice among Boulay’s single-vineyard wines in its youth, La Côte also offers the depth and structure to reward cellaring. Give it time to open in the glass, and pair with oysters, scallops, grilled fish or fresh goat cheese. Its balance of supple texture and bright, savory freshness makes it especially compelling at the table.

Expert Rating

Vinous 90 Points | The Sancerre La Cote presents pure and clear aromatics of elderflower and nectarine. The palate has an easy fluidity to it and a chalky texture that comes in waves. This hails from a southeast-facing vineyard with 25-to 30-year-old vines, making it a fairly young parcel for the Boulay family. Drink 2026-2032.

Gérard Boulay Sancerre Comtesse 2024

Powerful, refined and beautifully mineral, Gérard Boulay’s Comtesse is one of the domaine’s most distinguished expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. Sourced from old vines in a prized section of Chavignol’s celebrated Monts Damnés vineyard, this exceptional Sancerre combines concentrated fruit with remarkable precision and finesse.

First produced in 2005, Comtesse comes from vines described by the importer as 50–75 years old, situated toward the bottom of the slope near Edmond Vatan’s renowned Clos la Néore. The vineyard’s limestone-rich Kimmeridgian soils give the wine its distinctive mineral foundation, while the mature vines contribute depth and intensity.

The 2024 offers layers of white peach, nectarine and citrus, complemented by delicate floral notes and a chalky mineral character. Generous yet finely balanced, the palate brings together a silky texture, vibrant freshness and a lingering saline finish. It is a wine of impressive presence, with the energy and structure to carry its richness gracefully.

The Boulay family’s roots in Chavignol reach back to 1380. Gérard has farmed organically since 1990 and harvests entirely by hand, preserving the individuality of these exceptional vineyard sites. Comtesse captures that commitment in a particularly expressive form, delivering the depth and complexity that place it among the estate’s most sought-after bottlings.

Pair with lobster, seared scallops, turbot in beurre blanc or roast poultry with a delicate cream sauce. Allow time for the wine to unfold when served young, or cellar it for greater complexity. With its combination of fruit intensity, mineral definition and balance, Comtesse is a rewarding choice for collectors and lovers of serious Sancerre.

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

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 

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

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

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

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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

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 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 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.

Fabrice Gasnier is one of Chinon's most committed and expressive producers — a devoted practitioner of biodynamic viticulture whose wines are celebrated for their aromatic purity and terroir-driven precision. La Cravantine is his singular sparkling wine: a 100% Cabernet Franc Méthode Traditionnelle rosé from the Loire Valley, bone-dry, intensely fresh and finished with bubbles so fine and persistent they put many Champagnes to shame.

For the 2023 vintage, La Cravantine is released for the first time as a Millésime — a single-vintage bottling rather than the non-vintage blend of previous years. Fermented in bottle on its own residual sugar from the first alcoholic fermentation and aged for at least one year sur lattes, the wine is a pale rosé of remarkable delicacy and structure. Biodynamically farmed Cabernet Franc from Chinon delivers a wine that is simultaneously serious and utterly delicious.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate: "La Cravantine is a pale rosé colored Cabernet Franc sparkling wine with a very delicate mousse. Fermented on the bottle with its own residual sugar from the first alcohol fermentation and after at least one year sur lattes, the wine opens with an intense yet fine and elegant brioche and ripe apple bouquet. On the palate, this is an intense, round and textural, highly delicate fizz with a super elegant and refined mousse and a long, intense and aromatic, sustainably structured finish. A fabulous wine for aperitifs, breakfasts and desserts."

Tasting Notes

Pale rosé in the glass with an exceptionally fine, persistent mousse. The nose is elegant and inviting — brioche, ripe apple, strawberry and white peach, with a clean mineral undercurrent. The palate is bone-dry, round and textural, with a spicy, firm structure and a long, aromatic finish. Fresh, precise and wonderfully versatile.

Food Pairing

Perfect as an aperitif and equally at home with oysters, sushi, grilled fish, fried foods, soft cheeses and light desserts. One of the most food-friendly sparkling wines in the Loire.

Specifications

Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc (100%)
Country: France
Region: Loire Valley
Appellation: Chinon
Style: Sparkling Rosé / Méthode Traditionnelle
Dosage: Brut
Vintage: 2023 (first Millésime release)
Aging: Minimum 1 year sur lattes
Farming: Biodynamic / organic
ABV: ~12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Fabrice Gasnier

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

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

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.

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).

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About R.H. Coutier

R.H. Coutier Tradition Brut (Base 2021) is a generous, characterful Champagne from one of Ambonnay's most respected grower-producers — a family estate with deep roots in this celebrated Grand Cru village of the Montagne de Reims. Composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced entirely from estate-grown fruit in Ambonnay, this is a classically styled Grand Cru Champagne with the depth and structure to accompany the table and the freshness to shine as an aperitif.

Tasting Notes

The nose opens with ripe orchard fruit, tangerine oil, honeycomb, mint, and freshly baked pastry — inviting and complex from the first pour. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a soft, pillowy mousse and a fleshy core of fruit, balanced by tangy acidity. Notes of tart lemon, lime, sourdough, and rhubarb add layers of complexity, while Ambonnay’s limestone-rich soils provide freshness and definition through the long, chalky finish. Rich yet energetic — a Champagne of genuine character.

Critical Acclaim

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 91 Points: “Exhibiting notions of waxy orchard fruit, honeycomb, mint, tangerine oil and fresh pastry, it’s medium to full-bodied, bright and pillowy, with tangy acids and a fleshy core of fruit. Full of flavor and character, this is a fine effort.”

Wine & Spirits — 91 Points: “The Coutier family blends 20 percent Chardonnay into the Pinot Noir for this cuvée, all of it estate grown in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. The wine balances tart lemon and lime scents with notes of sourdough starter and rhubarb. Almost cakey in its richness, this has the limestone acidity to cut through rich foods, whether seared foie gras or braised short ribs.”

Food Pairings

Serve with roast poultry, seared foie gras, braised short ribs, mushroom dishes, rich seafood, aged cheeses, and buttery pastry-based appetizers. Equally compelling as a standalone aperitif.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serving and Pairing

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

Wine Details

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

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

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

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

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

Critical Acclaim

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

Serving and Pairing

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

Wine Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

Serving and Pairing

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

Wine Details

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

Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 2023

93+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points — James Suckling

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

The Place

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

The Grape: 100% Chardonnay

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

Winemaking

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

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

Professional Ratings

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

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

The Producer

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

Food Pairing

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

Serving and Cellaring

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

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

94+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck
94 Points — Wine Spectator
93 Points — James Suckling
90 Points — Wine Advocate

One vineyard. Zero dosage. Pure Chardonnay from chalk. Champagne Geoffroy's 2019 Les Collinardins is an exceptionally limited, single-parcel Blanc de Blancs from a southwest-facing lieu-dit in Damery, on the border of Cumières in the Vallée de la Marne. Fermented with indigenous yeasts, matured two years in oak, aged 36 months under cork and disgorged without dosage, it is a concentrated, mineral-driven Champagne of remarkable precision and length.

The Vineyard

Les Collinardins is a southwest-facing parcel situated in Damery at approximately 104 meters above sea level on an 18% slope. Geoffroy farms approximately 0.5 hectare of Chardonnay vines planted between 1990 and 2007. The soil is siliceous clay over chalk beginning at approximately 70 centimeters depth — clay contributing richness and ripe fruit, chalk delivering freshness, tension and the persistent mineral character that defines the wine.

The Grape: 100% Chardonnay

Although the Vallée de la Marne is more commonly associated with Pinot Noir and Meunier, Les Collinardins demonstrates the depth and precision Chardonnay can achieve in a carefully selected chalk-influenced site. The wine combines citrus, pear and floral notes with a broader, more vinous texture than many traditional Côte des Blancs Champagnes.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness, carefully sorted and pressed in a traditional Coquard press, with only the finest tête de cuvée juice selected. Vinification is carried out by gravity with indigenous yeasts. The wine is fermented and matured on its lees for two years, predominantly in 600-liter oak demi-muids and smaller seasoned barrels. Malolactic fermentation did not occur, preserving the wine's racy natural acidity.

Secondary fermentation takes place under cork. The Champagne then spends approximately 36 months aging in bottle before release — without fining, filtration or dosage. The April 2024 disgorgement carries 0 g/L, making it a true Brut Nature.

Tasting Notes

The 2019 opens with aromas of candied lemon, key lime, white pear and quince, accompanied by apple blossom, honeysuckle and spring flowers. With air, notes of brioche, pastry, hazelnut, butter, smoky stone and graphite emerge.

The palate is firm, vertical and finely structured, with crisp acidity and a precise, pinprick mousse. Tangerine, lime peel, poached pear and tropical-fruit flavors are balanced by chalk, toasted almond and a subtle saline quality. Despite its richness, the wine remains energetic and incisive — its satiny texture leading into a long, dry and mineral finish marked by citrus, toast and smoky stone.

Professional Ratings

94+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck: Fantastic nose with notes of candied lime and lemon, key lime, white pear, smoky stones, tropical fruit and fresh cream. The palate is vertical and compact, with nervous tension and energy. Ripe and long on the palate, with toasty notes and building richness.

94 Points — Wine Spectator: Fragrant and enticing, with chalk, mineral, spice, apple blossom and graphite aromatics lacing flavors of tangerine, lime peel, poached quince and pear, and blanched almond and toast point. Firm and finely meshed, with a satiny texture and long, long finish. Disgorged April 2024. Drink now through 2040.

93 Points — James Suckling: Pastry aromas dominate with lemon curd, butter and spring flowers. Pinprick bubbles with crisp acidity, a lean yet elegant palate, light body and a toasty mineral finish.

90 Points — Wine Advocate: Sourced from a 0.5-hectare, southwest-facing parcel in Damery. Elevage for a full two years predominantly in 600-liter demi-muids. Disgorged without dosage in April 2024. Aromas of nashi pear, honeysuckle and nuts. Medium- to full-bodied, textural and incisive — vinous in character with a pinpoint mousse. Racy acidity and a lime-tinged finish underscore the no-malolactic vinification.

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in the Vallée de la Marne since the 17th century. Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy produces distinctive grower Champagnes emphasizing individual vineyard expression, ripe fruit, indigenous-yeast fermentation, long maturation and restrained dosage. Although the family's winery is now based in Aÿ, its identity remains closely connected to the vineyards surrounding Cumières and Damery.

Food Pairing

This structured Blanc de Blancs pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, lobster, crab, grilled sea bass, sole meunière and sushi. Its richness and mineral acidity also complement roast chicken, mushroom risotto and aged cheeses such as Comté or Parmesan.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 48–52°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. The wine may be enjoyed now, but its concentration and acidity should support development through approximately 2040.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Lieu-Dit Les Collinardins
Vintage: 2019
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Damery
Style: Vintage Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature
Classification: Premier Cru
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard: Les Collinardins
Parcel Size: Approximately 0.5 hectare
Vine Age: Planted 1990–2007
Exposure: Southwest
Altitude: Approximately 104 meters
Slope: Approximately 18%
Soil: Siliceous clay over chalk
Farming: Practicing organic
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Pressing: Traditional Coquard press; tête de cuvée juice only
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in seasoned oak
Barrel Aging: Approximately 2 years in 600L demi-muids
Malolactic Fermentation: None
Bottle Aging: Approximately 36 months under cork
Dosage: 0 g/L (Brut Nature)
Disgorgement: April 2024
Fining and Filtration: Neither fined nor filtered
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

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

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

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

The Place

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

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

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

The Empreinte Vineyards

Empreinte is drawn from three historic Cumières Premier Cru parcels:

Les Chalmonts
Les Barremonts
Les Pêchers

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

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

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

The Meaning of Empreinte

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

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

The Grape: 100% Pinot Noir.

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

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

The 2018 Vintage

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

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

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

Viticulture

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

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

Pressing and Vinification

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

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

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

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

Lees Aging and Dosage

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

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

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

Professional Ratings

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

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

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

The Producer

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

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

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

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

Food Pairing

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

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

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

Serving and Cellaring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Place

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

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

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

The 2019 Base Vintage

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

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

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

The Grape: 100% Pinot Noir.

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

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

The Saignée Method

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

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

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

Viticulture

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

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

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

Vinification and Aging

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

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

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

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

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

Dosage

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

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

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

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

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

Professional Ratings

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

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

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

The Producer

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

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

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

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

Food Pairing

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

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

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

Serving and Cellaring

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

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

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

Geoffroy Rosé de Saignée Premier Cru Brut Champagne — Base 2019