French Wine

Pierre Moncuit Coulmet Brut Blanc de Blancs (Base 2020) is a beautifully expressive Grower Champagne made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from the Côte de Sézanne, just south of the famed Côte des Blancs. Produced by the historic family-run house of Pierre Moncuit, this cuvée offers a fresh and approachable introduction to the domaine's elegant, Chardonnay-driven style.

Though labeled non-vintage, this release is based on the 2020 harvest. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and aged on the lees for approximately 24 months before release, giving it lovely texture and finesse while preserving its bright, mineral character.

In the glass, Coulmet opens with inviting aromas of white peach, lemon zest, green apple, fresh flowers and light pastry notes. The palate is crisp and lively, with fine bubbles and flavors of citrus, orchard fruit, chalk and subtle brioche. Clean, balanced and refreshing — an exceptional aperitif and a wonderful match for shellfish, sushi, light seafood dishes and soft cheeses.

A terrific value in Grower Champagne and a perfect bottle for those discovering the purity and charm of Blanc de Blancs.

Press Notes

91 pts — James Suckling: "A fresh blanc de blancs with lemon, apricot and white-flower aromas, as well as some salty biscuit. Fresh, elegant and balanced, with soft bubbles and a fruity, rounded finish."

91 pts — Vinous: "Rich and ample, the 2018 is wonderfully open-knit in this release. White peach, mint, white pepper, crushed rocks, slate and lemon oil are some of the many notes that grace this exquisite, wonderfully expressive Blanc de Blancs."

Wine Details

• Producer: Pierre Moncuit
• Cuvée: Coulmet
• Style: Brut Blanc de Blancs
• Base Vintage: 2020
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Subregion: Côte de Sézanne
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel
• Aging: Approx. 24 months sur lie

About Pierre Moncuit

Based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne Pierre Moncuit is a historic family estate particularly renowned for its Chardonnay-based Champagnes. While the estate's flagship Delos cuvée comes from Grand Cru Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Coulmet draws from the family's holdings in the Côte de Sézanne — a region prized for its rounder, fruit-forward expression of Chardonnay.

Why We Like It

Coulmet delivers the hallmark precision and elegance of Pierre Moncuit at an accessible price point. The Côte de Sézanne fruit adds a generous, approachable character that makes this an ideal everyday Champagne — and a compelling introduction to the world of Grower Champagne.

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

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

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

Geoffroy “Expression” Premier Cru Brut is the signature non-vintage Champagne of this historic grower-producer. Built around the 2021 harvest and enriched with an equal proportion of reserve wines from a perpetual blend begun in 1970, Expression brings together ripe orchard fruit, red-fruit nuance, chalky minerality and a finely detailed mousse.

The blend is sourced from Premier Cru vineyards in Cumières and Hautvillers in the Vallée de la Marne. Pinot Noir and Meunier provide body, fruit and vinous depth, while Chardonnay contributes citrus freshness, precision and lift. A very low dosage of 3 grams per liter gives the wine a dry, focused profile while preserving the generosity and expressive fruit that define the Geoffroy style.

The Place

Expression reflects vineyards planted on the right bank of the Grande Vallée de la Marne, primarily around the Premier Cru village of Cumières, with additional fruit from Hautvillers Premier Cru.

Cumières lies between the Marne River and the forested slopes northwest of Épernay. Its favorably exposed hillside vineyards are particularly well suited to Pinot Noir and Meunier, producing wines with ripeness, generous fruit and notable vinosity. Chardonnay brings additional freshness and finesse to the final blend.

The soils vary across the source parcels and include clay-limestone, marl and sand. Clay contributes breadth and fruit concentration, while limestone and chalk provide freshness, structure and a persistent mineral character. The varied soils and exposures allow Geoffroy to create a layered Champagne that expresses the broader personality of the Vallée de la Marne rather than a single vineyard.

The Expression Cuvée

Expression is considered the introductory or foundational cuvée of Champagne Geoffroy, but its production is far from simple. The wine is assembled from several vineyard parcels, three grape varieties and an extensive collection of reserve wines.

The Geoffroy family describes Expression as its “memory wine,” connecting the character of the current harvest with previous generations. Each release combines a substantial proportion of the base vintage with wine drawn from the estate’s perpetual reserve, which was established by René Geoffroy in 1970.

This reserve system gives the Champagne consistency and complexity while allowing each new base vintage to remain visible. The youthful energy of 2021 is balanced by the depth, texture and maturity contributed by reserve wines spanning many previous harvests.

The Base-2021 Blend

The base-2021 release is composed of:

35% Meunier
35% Pinot Noir
30% Chardonnay

Approximately 50% of the blend comes from the 2021 harvest. The remaining 50% comes from Geoffroy’s perpetual reserve, which contains wines dating from its establishment in 1970 through the years preceding the 2021 harvest.

Meunier contributes aromatic fruit, suppleness and immediate charm. Pinot Noir gives the wine structure, depth and subtle red-fruit character. Chardonnay adds citrus freshness, floral lift and mineral precision.

Together, the three varieties produce a Champagne that is ripe and generous without becoming heavy, with firm acidity and chalky minerality preserving energy throughout the finish.

The 2021 Base Vintage

The 2021 growing season in Champagne was cooler and more difficult than several of the warm, dry vintages that preceded it. Careful vineyard selection was essential, but successful growers produced wines with bright acidity, aromatic freshness and a distinctly classical Champagne profile.

In Expression, the lively character of the 2021 base wine is complemented by the broader texture and maturity of the perpetual reserve. The result combines the freshness and tension of the vintage with the depth and continuity of a multi-vintage blend.

Viticulture

Champagne Geoffroy follows a practicing-organic and sustainability-focused approach in the vineyard. The estate avoids chemical weedkillers, encourages biodiversity, cultivates cover crops and works the soil to maintain healthy microbial activity and deeper root systems.

The grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness and carefully sorted before pressing. Geoffroy’s emphasis on ripe, healthy fruit is especially important because Expression is intended to display both freshness and a distinctive vinous richness.

The source vines are generally more than 30 years old and are distributed among multiple Premier Cru parcels in Cumières and Hautvillers.

Winemaking

The grapes are pressed in a traditional Coquard press. Vinification is conducted parcel by parcel, allowing the character of each vineyard, grape variety and soil type to be assessed before the final blend is assembled.

The base wines are fermented and matured in a combination of temperature-controlled enameled tanks and neutral oak barrels. The perpetual reserve is maintained in concrete tanks, which allow the reserve wine to develop texture and complexity without contributing overt oak flavor.

Malolactic fermentation is only partially completed for this release. Retaining a portion of the wine’s natural malic acidity helps preserve freshness and tension, while partial malolactic fermentation softens the texture and adds balance.

The assembled Champagne underwent secondary fermentation in bottle and matured for approximately 30 months on its lees. Extended lees contact contributes the creamy mousse and subtle notes of brioche, bread dough and pastry found in the finished wine.

The dosage is only 3 grams per liter, giving Expression a notably dry profile. This restrained dosage highlights the wine’s acidity, chalky mineral character and savory complexity while allowing its ripe fruit to remain expressive.

Tasting Notes

The base-2021 Expression pours a bright straw-yellow color with a persistent stream of fine bubbles. The bouquet opens with fresh apple, pear, quince and preserved lemon, accompanied by red currant, ripe black cherry and orange peel.

As the wine opens, additional notes of white flowers, crushed chalk, toasted brioche, pastry cream, smoke and subtle nuttiness emerge. The reserve-wine component contributes depth and maturity, while the 2021 base preserves aromatic freshness and energy.

The palate is medium-bodied, focused and beautifully balanced. Firm acidity is wrapped in a creamy, finely detailed mousse, producing a Champagne that feels both energetic and polished. Orchard fruit and citrus are joined by subtle red-fruit flavors, toasted bread and a lightly pithy texture.

A distinct mineral foundation runs through the wine, bringing notes of crushed stone and chalk to the foreground. The finish is crisp, savory and persistent, with preserved lemon, brioche and mineral flavors lingering after each sip.

Expression is approachable upon release, but its combination of reserve-wine complexity, vibrant acidity and extended lees aging allows it to develop additional richness and harmony with short-term cellaring.

Professional Ratings

93 Points — James Suckling: "Dry with delicious sliced-apple and chalk aromas and flavors with crushed-stone undertones. It™s medium-bodied with a focused palate and a crisp, delicious finish. Nicely done. Drink now." 2025-08-05

92 Points — Wine Spectator: "A mouthwatering version, with firm acidity swathed in the creamy, finely detailed mousse, this offers a rich, tightly meshed range of ripe black cherry, preserved lemon, toasted brioche, smoke and pastry cream flavors. A minerally underpinning drives the finish. Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged September 2024. 750 cases imported. - AN"

91 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: "A bright yellow hue, the NV Champagne 1er Cru Expression Brut is from the 2020 vintage but includes perpetual reserve wines going back to 1970. The nose displays notes of nectarine, golden apples, hay, and a hint of nuttiness or bread. Medium-bodied, with good balance on the palate, it™s quite harmonious and very tasty all around, with a fluffy mousse, notes of orange citrus, and a clean, savory finish. It™s quite approachable and will drink well now or over the coming 5-7 years. 5 grams per liter dosage."

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vines in Cumières since the 17th century. Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy represents the fifth generation of his family to grow grapes and produce wine in the Vallée de la Marne.

The family began placing greater emphasis on estate-bottled Champagne after the Second World War. In the 1970s, René Geoffroy decided to retain the family’s entire crop for Champagne production rather than selling grapes to larger houses. He also established the perpetual reserve that remains central to Expression today.

The estate now farms approximately 14 hectares, with most of its vineyards located in Cumières and additional parcels in Hautvillers, Damery and Fleury-la-Rivière. Although the winery and cellars are now located in Aÿ, the identity of Champagne Geoffroy remains deeply connected to the slopes of Cumières.

Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy’s approach combines careful vineyard work, ripe fruit, parcel-by-parcel vinification and restrained dosage. The wines are known for their balance of vinous depth, energetic acidity and precise expression of the Vallée de la Marne.

Food Pairing

Expression is an excellent aperitif, but its texture, low dosage and substantial reserve-wine component also make it a versatile food Champagne.

Serve with oysters, shrimp, crab cakes, smoked salmon, seafood pastries, scallops, sushi or tempura. It also pairs beautifully with roast chicken, veal sweetbreads, pork tenderloin, mushroom tart, aged Comté and other firm, savory cheeses.

The wine’s acidity and chalky finish cut through butter and cream, while its orchard-fruit, brioche and subtle red-fruit flavors complement roasted poultry, pastry-based appetizers and richer seafood dishes.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 46–50°F. A white-wine glass rather than a narrow flute will allow the wine’s orchard fruit, brioche, mineral and reserve-wine aromas to develop more fully.

Expression is ready to drink upon release and may be enjoyed over the next five to seven years. Additional bottle age will soften the mousse and encourage more developed notes of toasted nuts, honey, pastry and dried orchard fruit.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Expression
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Villages: Cumières Premier Cru and Hautvillers Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Non-Vintage Brut Champagne
Base Vintage: 2021
Blend: 35% Meunier, 35% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay
Vintage Composition: 50% 2021 and 50% perpetual reserve
Perpetual Reserve: Established in 1970
Soils: Clay-limestone, marl and sand
Vine Age: Generally more than 30 years
Farming: Practicing organic and sustainability-focused
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Press: Traditional Coquard press
Fermentation: Enameled tanks and neutral oak barrels
Reserve-Wine Aging: Concrete tanks
Malolactic Fermentation: Partial
Lees Aging: Approximately 30 months
Dosage: 3 grams per liter
Disgorgement: September 2024
Alcohol: Approximately 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy “Expression” Premier Cru Brut Champagne — Base 2021

Egly-Ouriet | Les Vignes de Bisseuil | Premier Cru Extra Brut | Bisseuil, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Biodynamic

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims. The domaine farms its parcels with meticulous care — practicing organic and biodynamic viticulture, harvesting by hand, and working exclusively with indigenous yeasts — producing Champagnes of uncommon depth, vinous texture, and site-driven precision.

Les Vignes de Bisseuil is the estate's Chardonnay-led expression, drawn from a 1.5-hectare parcel in the Premier Cru village of Bisseuil, situated directly beside the Grand Cru of Aÿ. South-facing, chalk-rich slopes and vines over 40 years old deliver fruit of concentration, freshness, and crystalline mineral definition — a brighter, more finesse-driven counterpoint to the domaine's powerful Pinot Noir-dominant cuvées.

The current release blends 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier, fermented and matured in French oak barrels with approximately 10% new oak. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve natural acidity and tension. The wine spends approximately 48 months aging on its lees before disgorgement, and is finished with a dosage of approximately 1 gram per liter — bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Bright and expressive on the nose: lemon zest, crisp pear, Mirabelle plum, and white flowers, with notes of fresh bread, toasted nuts, white pepper, and subtle spice. The palate is concentrated yet energetic — refined mousse, vibrant citrus acidity, and a pronounced chalky minerality, with ripe orchard fruit and a gently creamy texture leading to a long, precise, and saline finish.

Exceptional as an aperitif; equally at home alongside oysters, shellfish, smoked salmon, grilled fish, sushi, roast chicken, charcuterie, creamy cheeses, and lightly aged Comté.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: Les Vignes de Bisseuil
• Classification: Premier Cru Extra Brut
• Appellation: Bisseuil, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Grape Varieties: 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier
• Vine Age: 40+ years
• Farming: Practicing organic / biodynamic
• Soils: Chalk-rich
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; French oak barrels (~10% new)
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: ~48 months
• Dosage: ~1 g/L
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling — 94 pts: Bright and precise, with lemon zest, pear, and white flowers on the nose. Concentrated yet energetic on the palate — chalky minerality, vibrant acidity, and a long saline finish. A benchmark grower Champagne from Bisseuil.
• Decanter — 93 pts: Refined and mineral-driven, with crisp orchard fruit, toasted nuts, and a creamy mousse. Exceptional freshness and length.
• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: Elegant and focused, with a pronounced chalky character and impressive depth. Unfined and unfiltered — a pure expression of Bisseuil terroir.

Blend proportions, base vintages, lees-aging period, dosage, and disgorgement date may vary by release.

PIERRE PAILLARD CHAMPAGNE 1ER CRU EXTRA BRUT BLANC DE NOIRS LUDES 2020 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Pinot Meunier | Ludes, Montagne de Reims, Champagne

A terroir-driven Blanc de Noirs of rare precision and mineral intensity. The bouquet opens with ripe white peach, apricot, nectarine, red apple, citrus peel, brioche, and subtle floral accents. On the palate it is vinous yet sharply defined — fine bubbles, lively acidity, and a pronounced chalky salinity that takes precedence over the grape’s naturally generous fruit. The finish is long, dry, and energetic with an elegant, pleasantly bitter edge. A powerful yet beautifully controlled expression of Meunier — more linear, saline, and structured than the grape is often expected to be.

Produced entirely from old-vine Pinot Meunier (planted 1970) grown in the lieux-dits Les Hautes-Pertes and Les Vigneulles-de-Devant in the Premier Cru village of Ludes, near Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne. The soils are highly calcareous with very little clay over deep chalk subsoil — the source of the wine’s distinctive mineral tension. Vinified and aged in oak barrels, bottled under natural cork for secondary fermentation, then matured approximately 4.5 years on the lees before disgorgement at a very low dosage of 2 g/L.

94 Points — James Suckling

Pairs well with: Oysters, sushi, sashimi, smoked trout, grilled white fish, scallops, shellfish, roast poultry, and creamy cheeses. An exceptional aperitif.

Grape: 100% Pinot Meunier
Classification: Premier Cru
Village: Ludes, Montagne de Reims
Vintage: 2020
Lees Aging: ~4.5 years
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Format: 750ml
Score: 94 pts James Suckling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Critical Acclaim

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

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

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

Food Pairing

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

Wine Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Château Simard | Saint-Émilion AOC | Bordeaux, France | 2015

Château Simard has a history rooted in the very foundations of Saint-Émilion. The estate takes its name from Johan de Las Symas, a Jurat of Saint-Émilion in the 15th century who founded the village of Simard — where the Vauthier family's two estates are currently located. The vineyard was purchased in 1954 by Claude Mazière, and in 2008 his nephew Alain Vauthier — the celebrated proprietor of Château Ausone, one of Bordeaux's most iconic estates — took the reins. The estate has thus remained in the same family for seven decades, and the Vauthier connection to Ausone brings world-class winemaking expertise to every vintage.

Located in the southern valley of Saint-Émilion running down to the plain, the 40-hectare estate is planted on a patchwork of clay-limestone, sand, and gravel soils. The blend is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon — though the 2015 is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. After manual harvesting and meticulous berry sorting, the wine is fermented and aged primarily in concrete and stainless-steel tanks to preserve freshness and roundness, with approximately 30% oak. The result is a wine of pure fruit, concentration, and generosity — the very definition of Saint-Émilion's accessible, pleasure-driven style.

The 2015 is a superb vintage for Saint-Émilion. Medium to deep garnet-purple in the glass. The nose is vibrantly scented with red currants, black cherries, warm plums, violets, oranges, lemons, and fragrant earth. On the palate, medium-bodied, very fine, fruity, and elegant — ripe, fine-grained tannins, wonderful freshness, and a red cherry lift on the finish. Silky, juicy, and delicious. Ready to drink now or hold.

Pair with roast lamb, duck confit, beef bourguignon, mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses.

• Producer: Château Simard (Vauthier Family / Château Ausone)
• Appellation: Saint-Émilion AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
• Vintage: 2015
• Vinification: Concrete & stainless-steel tanks; ~30% oak aging
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2015

• Wine Advocate — 91 pts: Vibrantly scented of red currants, black cherries and warm plums with hints of violets and fragrant earth. Medium-bodied, very fine, fruity and elegant with ripe, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness. Finishes with a red cherry lift.
• James Suckling — 91 pts: Oranges and lemons with blackberry and dark-earth character. Full-bodied, round, juicy and silky. Delicious and soft. A gorgeous wine. Drink now or hold.
• Vinous Media — 90 pts: Intense and dark — succulent jammy fruit with exotic spice, leather and rose petal overtones wrapping around the juicy finish. An attractive, early-drinking Simard.

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

R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards according to biodynamic principles — a commitment to the land that goes beyond organic certification, working in harmony with natural cycles to produce wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir expression.

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

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

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

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

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

Critical Acclaim

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

R. Pouillon & Fils | Les Châtaigniers | Extra-Brut | Festigny, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 2019 | Organic

R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards with rigorous organic principles and a deep commitment to expressing the individual character of each parcel — producing wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir transparency.

Les Châtaigniers is a distinctive single-vineyard Champagne from the village of Festigny, situated on the left bank of the Marne Valley in the Vallée du Flagot. The parcel's calcareous clay soils create an especially expressive terroir for Pinot Meunier — a grape that is often underestimated in Champagne but capable of extraordinary depth, structure, and refinement in the right hands and the right site. The clay-rich soils encourage generosity and texture, while the calcareous component contributes freshness, precision, and a firm mineral backbone.

The fruit is harvested by hand and vinified in oak casks ranging from new barrels to vessels up to ten years old, then rested for approximately 18 months in neutral barriques before bottling. Full malolactic fermentation adds roundness and creaminess. Beginning with the 2019 vintage, Pouillon extended his innovative Méthode Fabrice Pouillon to all estate Champagnes — using naturally sweet grape juice from the domaine for the secondary fermentation and dosage rather than externally sourced sugar, preserving a more direct connection between the finished Champagne, its fruit, and its vineyard of origin.

Broad, vinous, and deeply expressive. Aromas of golden apple, quince, ripe pear, and subtle red fruit joined by floral, herbal, and gently savory notes, with hints of flint, warm spice, toasted grain, and earthy minerality. On the palate, the natural roundness of Pinot Meunier is balanced by vibrant acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. Generous fruit and supple texture are anchored by mineral tension, giving the wine both richness and energy. The finish is long, dry, and layered — lingering orchard fruit, chalk, spice, and a delicate reductive character. A gastronomic Champagne with the depth and structure to accompany an entire meal.

Pair with roasted poultry, pork, veal, creamy mushroom dishes, fried seafood, richer fish preparations, washed-rind cheeses, and aged Comté.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Les Châtaigniers
• Style: Extra-Brut
• Appellation: Festigny, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Grape: Pinot Meunier (100%)
• Vintage: 2019
• Farming: Organic
• Soils: Calcareous clay (Vallée du Flagot)
• Vinification: Oak casks (new to 10 years old); Méthode Fabrice Pouillon
• Élevage: ~18 months in neutral barriques; full malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: Extra-Brut (estate grape juice)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2019

• WineLens — 95 pts: Complex and distinctive — apple, quince, herbal and floral notes with touches of flint and gentle reduction. Medium to full-bodied with excellent freshness and acidity, beautiful roundness, impressive dimension, and a long finish.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highly Rated

90 Points — The Wine Advocate
90 Points — James Suckling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

J. Vignier’s Pur Cramant is a rare, single-vineyard Grand Cru Champagne created to capture the character of one exceptional parcel in Cramant. For this cuvée, Nathalie Vignier selects a different lieu-dit from her family’s Cramant holdings according to which site she believes most clearly expresses the personality of the vintage. For the 2016 release, that vineyard was Les Fourches.

Located in the southern part of Cramant, close to the renowned Bateau vineyard, Les Fourches is planted with Chardonnay vines more than 55 years old. The parcel’s northeast-facing slopes and distinctive combination of clay-rich marl over pure Cretaceous chalk create a Champagne with both depth and precision. The marl contributes texture and power, while the deep chalk subsoil provides freshness, tension and the refined mineral character associated with the finest wines of the Côte des Blancs.

Produced entirely from Grand Cru Chardonnay, the wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve the purity of the fruit and the clarity of the vineyard expression. It underwent full malolactic fermentation and remained on its lees until bottling in April following the harvest. The Champagne then spent approximately 64 months aging en tirage before disgorgement, developing a fine mousse, greater complexity and a beautifully integrated texture.

Pur Cramant Les Fourches is precise, concentrated and elegantly structured. Aromas of lemon zest, white peach, green apple and white flowers are complemented by subtle notes of brioche, almond and chalk. The palate is energetic and finely textured, with bright citrus, ripe orchard fruit and a pronounced mineral core. Its Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, focused and persistent while allowing the character of the old vines and chalk-rich terroir to remain at the forefront.

This is a sophisticated, terroir-driven Champagne that is equally compelling as an aperitif or served with food. Pair it with oysters, caviar, scallops, lobster, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry dishes, mushroom risotto or aged cheeses.

Wine Details

• Producer: J. Vignier
• Cuvée: Pur Cramant
• Lieu-Dit: Les Fourches
• Vintage: 2016
• Region: Champagne, France
• Appellation: Côte des Blancs
• Village: Cramant
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Wine Style: Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut
• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: More than 55 years
• Orientation: Northeast
• Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and clay
• Farming: Certified sustainable by Socofret
• Vinification: Stainless steel
• Élevage: Stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: Approximately 64 months en tirage before disgorgement
• Residual Sugar: 4.3 g/L
• Acidity: 4.4 g/L
• pH: 3.07
• Alcohol: 12.25%
• Bottle Size: 750ml

J. Vignier Ora Alba Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut — Côte des Blancs 2013 Base

Ora Alba — "the first light of day" — is J. Vignier's interpretation of northern Côte des Blancs Chardonnay at its most luminous and precise. Produced entirely from Grand Cru fruit sourced from three prestigious villages — Cramant, Chouilly, and Oiry — the cuvée draws on deep Cretaceous chalk complemented by marl and clay, a geology that yields Champagne of both mineral tension and generous texture. Cramant contributes structure and pronounced chalky minerality, Chouilly adds elegance and ripe fruit, and Oiry brings freshness and linear precision. Vinified and aged in stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation, then aged on the lees for an extended period before disgorgement, the 2013 base gives the wine exceptional depth and a decade-plus of development. Certified sustainable by Socofret.

Fresh and refined on the nose: lemon zest, white peach, green apple, and delicate white flowers, with subtle brioche and toasted almond emerging with air. The palate is precise and energetic — layers of citrus, orchard fruit, and chalky minerality carried by fine bubbles and a softly creamy texture. The finish is long, dry, and elegant, with a persistent mineral drive that speaks clearly of its Grand Cru origins.

"Ora Alba is the Vignier family's vision of northern Côte des Blancs Chardonnay — bright, luminous, and deeply mineral."

• Producer: J. Vignier, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Base Vintage: 2013
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Villages: Cramant, Chouilly & Oiry
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs Brut
• Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and clay
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by Socofret
• Vinification: Stainless steel; full malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: Extended aging before disgorgement
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, white peach, green apple, white flowers, brioche, toasted almond, chalky minerality, long dry finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, caviar, lobster, scallops, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses

A 2013 base. Three Grand Cru villages. Extended lees aging. J. Vignier's Ora Alba is northern Côte des Blancs Blanc de Blancs at its most precise and compelling.

Domaine de Villargeau is a family estate with a story rooted in determination and a deep respect for the land. In 1991, brothers Fernand and Jean-François Thibault cleared hillsides in the Coteaux du Giennois that had lain abandoned since the phylloxera crisis, planting vines on south-southwest-facing slopes that enjoy exceptional sun exposure. The next generation followed: Marc returned to the estate in 2000 armed with formal training in viticulture and oenology, and Yves joined shortly after, bringing with him a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. That commitment culminated in 2019 when the domaine launched its full conversion to organic agriculture — a milestone that reflects the family’s long-term vision for the land.

The Coteaux du Giennois is a small, often overlooked Loire appellation situated just north of Sancerre, sharing the same chalky, flint-rich soils that give the region’s Sauvignon Blancs their signature mineral precision. Villargeau’s south-facing hillside sites amplify that character, producing wines of remarkable freshness, finesse, and aromatic complexity at an exceptional price point.

The 2023 is pale yellow with silvery glints. The nose opens with bright aromas of tangerine, grapefruit, and lemon on a floral background, with subtle notes of lily of the valley and elderberry. With aeration, the wine gains complexity, revealing mineral and spicy nuances alongside lime blossom and bergamot. The palate is fresh and lively from the first sip — consistent with the nose, with the same citrus precision — and finishes on lovely, lingering mineral notes. A wine of finesse, intensity, and outstanding value.

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Coteaux du Giennois AOC, Loire Valley, France
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml
Farming: Organic (certified 2019)

Domaine de Villargeau Coteaux du Giennois Sauvignon Blanc 2023

CHÂTEAU JASSON CÔTES DE PROVENCE ROSÉ 2024 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Grenache, Cinsault | La Londe-les-Maures, Côtes de Provence

The flagship cuvée of Château Jasson, produced from a rigorous selection of the estate’s finest plots. Grenache (70%) and Cinsault (30%) from 60-year-old vines grown in clay-limestone soils with a marked presence of blue schist — a terroir that imparts remarkable depth, mineral intensity, and aromatic concentration. The old vines give this vintage a silky texture and a refined, complex expression that sets it apart from the typical Provence rosé.

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Massif des Maures in the golden triangle of Provence, Château Jasson benefits from maritime breezes that bring an iodine and mineral touch to the wines, while generous sunshine ensures optimal ripeness. These lands have been dedicated to vines since the Greeks planted the first vines there in the 6th century BC.

Since 2021, the Saint Vincent family has been breathing new life into the estate under Felix’s leadership — combining tradition and innovation, with sustainable practices at the core: natural plowing, organic fertilizers, and active biodiversity preservation including 350 birdhouses installed across the property.

Pairs well with: Grilled fish, bouillabaisse, ratatouille, charcuterie, soft cheeses, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Grapes: 70% Grenache, 30% Cinsault
Vines: 60 years old
Region: La Londe-les-Maures, Côtes de Provence, France
Vintage: 2024
Format: 750ml
Viticulture: Sustainable

Château Mondot Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2021

Perched atop a singular hill overlooking the ancient village of Saint-Émilion, Château Mondot has stood as an understated beacon of exceptional terroir since its creation in 1700. The estate — the second wine of the legendary Château Troplong Mondot — occupies a position like no other in the appellation, its lofty elevation and unique soil profile setting it apart from its neighbors on the limestone plateau.

The secret lies beneath the surface: Mondot's hill is one of the only places in Saint-Émilion where ancient Agenais Molasse clays, formed during the region's geological creation, have survived erosion to great depths, overlying the astéries limestone so characteristic of the appellation. This rare clay-over-limestone profile is the defining signature of Mondot's wines — lending them structure, freshness, and a distinctive mineral tension that sets them apart.

The 2021 Mondot holds a special place in the estate's history: it is the last vintage produced exclusively from Merlot grown on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau — a milestone worth cellaring. Bright and vibrant in character, the wine reflects the cool, precise nature of the 2021 vintage with crystalline energy and elegant restraint.

Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with floral wildflower and crushed flower aromas, followed by red cherry, blackberry, currant, orange peel, cola, mint, and white pepper, with a touch of toasted oak and blue fruit. The palate is refined and focused — not plush or heavy — with pure acidity, a gorgeous tannic structure, and a mouthwatering, saline finish with notes of liquorice and wet stone. Drink from 2027.

Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts
"Floral wildflower aromas. Partial wood aging has produced a wine with light toast and pure acidity. Black-currant flavors are dominant with bright acidity as well as structure. Drink from 2027." (Vintage 2021). 

Decanter — 93 pts
"Beautifully delicate and fragrant — a touch of cola, blue fruits and salt with green pepper and toasted oak. Refined and focussed, crisp and mouthwatering, excellent energy and sense of life with a delicious moreish liquorice, wet stone finish. A serious, well-constructed wine with depth but no heaviness." (Vintage 2021). 

James Suckling — 92 pts
"A vivid and bright red with currant, orange peel and some light spices. Medium body and fine tannins that turn dusty in the finish." (Vintage 2021).

Vinous — 91 pts
"A bright, vibrant wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white pepper abound. A wine of crystalline energy and tension — super-impressive." (Vintage 2021).

Wine Advocate — 90 pts
"Charming and expressive, bursting with aromas of blackberries, plums, orange zest and spices. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, seamless and suave, with succulent acids and a mouthwateringly saline finish. The last rendition of Mondot produced exclusively from Merlot growing on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau." (Vintage 2021).

Varietal: 100% Merlot (final vintage)
Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2021
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 WE | 93 Decanter | 92 JS | 91 Vinous | 90 WA

Domaine Michel Niellon | Chassagne-Montrachet | Burgundy, France | 2023

One of Chassagne-Montrachet's most trusted names, Michel Niellon has long produced village-level whites of uncommon precision and depth. The 2023 vintage brings a ripe yet fresh expression of the appellation — orchard fruit, white flowers, and hazelnut on the nose, followed by yellow apple, lemon curd, and flint on the palate. The texture is rounded and polished, balanced by underlying freshness and chalky lift. A wine of aromatic depth and quiet authority.

Tasting Notes

Pear and apple compote, citrus confit, rosemary oil. Punchy and delicious flavors with a clean, dry, and refreshing finish. A few years of cellaring will reward patience.

Critical Acclaim

Burghound 88 Points — Allen Meadows
"A ripe but agreeably fresh and layered nose reflects notes of pear and apple compote, citrus confit and a suggestion of rosemary oil. The punchy and delicious, if not especially dense, flavors also conclude in a clean, dry and refreshing finale. This could use better depth so a few years of cellaring should prove to be beneficial."

• Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Domaine Michel Niellon

Domaine Michel Niellon · Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru · Les Chaumées – Clos de la Truffière · Burgundy · 2023

Domaine Michel Niellon is one of Chassagne-Montrachet’s most revered addresses — a small, meticulous family estate that has farmed its premier cru parcels for generations with an unwavering commitment to terroir expression over winemaking intervention. Les Chaumées – Clos de la Truffière is among the domaine’s most prized holdings: a monopole planted with ancient vines, some more than a century old, set very high on the slope where the combination of altitude, old vine concentration, and Chassagne’s signature limestone soils produces Chardonnay of extraordinary tension and longevity. The 2023 earned 96 points from Charles Curtis MW at Decanter — a wine built for the cellar and the ages.

The 2023 opens with pronounced ripe fruit aromas of lemon peel, nectarine, and gooseberry, edged with saline minerality. The texture is impressively fresh for the vintage — lilting and silky — with marvellous concentration and great tension on the palate. A wine of rare substance and precision, it will benefit from a decade in the cellar and has the structure to drink beautifully for several decades after that.

“Pronounced ripe fruit aromas of lemon peel, nectarine and gooseberry, with an edge of saline minerality. The texture is impressively fresh for the vintage, with a lilting, silky texture, marvellous concentration and great tension on the palate. The grapes are from ancient vines, some more than a century old, planted very high on the slope. This will benefit from a decade in the cellar, but it has the substance to drink for several decades after that.”
— Charles Curtis MW, Decanter · 96 Points

• Producer: Domaine Michel Niellon, Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru
• Climat: Les Chaumées – Clos de la Truffière (monopole)
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vines: Ancient vines, some 100+ years old; high on the slope
• Style: Dry white — mineral, concentrated, exceptional tension
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon peel, nectarine, gooseberry, saline minerality, silky texture, great concentration and tension
• Cellar: Drink 2033–2050+
• Pairings: Lobster, turbot, Dover sole, scallops, white truffle dishes, aged Comté

Decanter 96 · Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru — century-old vines, monopole climat, and a decade or more of cellaring ahead. One of Burgundy’s most compelling 2023s.

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Meursault Les Corbins — Côte de Beaune 2023

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur is one of Meursault’s most respected family estates, known for wines of precision, tension, and genuine terroir expression. Les Corbins is a southeast-facing lieu-dit located north of the village of Meursault on the road to Volnay, sitting just beneath the premier cru Les Plures — a position that speaks to the quality of the site. François Bitouzet farms a hectare and a half of Chardonnay here, planted between 1974 and 1987 in a particularly deep and rocky clay-limestone soil that imparts the wine’s signature intense minerality and acid-driven tension. Aged 16 months in 20% new barrels, this is a textbook Meursault of excellent weight and complexity — a village wine that drinks with the authority of a premier cru.

The nose is enchanting: intense minerality, subtle buttercream, spice, and a lifted touch of mint. On the palate, it is weighty and precise — the Bitouzet house style of acid-driven tension is fully on display, with the deep clay-limestone soils delivering concentration and structure alongside the classic Meursault richness. A wine of real distinction that will reward cellaring.

67 Wine — “Les Corbins sits just beneath the premier cru Les Plures, and it shows. Intense minerality, buttercream, spice and mint — with the acid-driven tension that defines the Bitouzet-Prieur house style. A village Meursault that drinks like a premier cru.”

• Producer: Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur, Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Meursault AOC
• Lieu-Dit: Les Corbins (SE-facing, north of Meursault village, below premier cru Les Plures)
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: Planted 1974–1987
• Soil: Deep, rocky clay-limestone
• Aging: 16 months, 20% new oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Intense minerality, buttercream, spice, mint, excellent weight, acid-driven tension, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2025–2035+
• Best Paired With: Lobster, roast turbot, scallops, roast chicken with cream sauce, aged Comté

Southeast-facing, clay-limestone, vines from 1974 — Bitouzet-Prieur’s Les Corbins is the village Meursault that earns its place among the greats.

Bérêche et Fils has been producing Champagne since the mid-19th century, and the estate’s reputation as one of the finest in the entire region has only grown under the stewardship of brothers Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche. Their approach is uncompromising: single-vineyard plots, minimal dosage, no malolactic fermentation, and a deep respect for terroir that allows each site to speak with clarity and precision. The result is a house style that is unmistakably racy, mineral, and built for the long haul.

This Cramant Grand Cru is a singular expression of one of Champagne’s most celebrated Chardonnay terroirs — a finely defined, powdery, and ethereally fresh wine resting upon an incredible bedrock of chalk. The nose is ample and delicate, evoking hawthorn against a backdrop of slightly damp chalk. The palate is unctuous and pure, revealing notes of iodine and extraordinary mineral tension. The finish — soft, chalky, and seemingly endless — gives way to the sheer emotion that only a great Cramant can evoke. A magnificent vintage with excellent aging potential.

Varietal: Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs)
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Cramant Grand Cru, Champagne, France
Style: Extra Brut / Zero Dosage
Farming: Biodynamic
Bottle Size: 750ml

Defaix Frères Rully 1er Cru Les Cloux — Burgundy 2022

Defaix Frères is a family domaine with deep roots in the Côte Chalonnaise, farming 11 acres of Rully Premier Cru holdings that have been in the family for generations. Les Cloux is one of Rully’s most prized Premier Cru vineyards — a south-facing site that captures the full warmth of the Burgundian sun while retaining the limestone-driven minerality that defines the appellation. The 2022 vintage was a gift: a warm, dry growing season that produced Chardonnay of exceptional ripeness and concentration, with the structure to age gracefully for a decade or more. At this price, it is one of the most compelling Premier Cru values in all of Burgundy.

The color is a luminous golden straw. The nose is refined and expressive: ripe citrus, green apple, white peach, and delicate white flowers, layered with warm spice and a signature note of roasted hazelnut from judicious oak élevage. On the palate, it is fresh and beautifully balanced — crisp acidity framing a subtle creamy texture, with flavors of lemon zest, orchard fruit, and gentle limestone minerality leading to a long, clean, and elegant finish.

“Delicious, open, and friendly — ripe, crisp apples and pears with an undercurrent of warm spices and roasted hazelnut. A judicious use of oak.”

• Producer: Defaix Frères, Rully, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Rully 1er Cru Les Cloux AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Holdings: 11 acres of Rully Premier Cru
• Style: Refined, expressive, mineral-driven white Burgundy
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white peach, white flowers, roasted hazelnut, warm spice, limestone minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 8–10 years
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, lobster, seafood, creamy pastas, egg dishes, patés, soft cheeses

Premier Cru Burgundy at an honest price — Defaix Frères Les Cloux is the Côte Chalonnaise at its most compelling.

Our Notes

This is a special wine, coming from a 1 hectare monopole adjacent to the family home in Rully.  Aged in 50% new oak for 18 months, it is still a bit tight, with grippy tannins.  But underneath the structure are layers of beautiful plum and red cherry fruit, crushed red flowers, and subtle earthiness.  This is a wine that will develop beautifully for the next five to ten years. 

Expert Rating

91 Points Jasper Morris: More density to the purple colour and the nose suggests greater structure, and a slightly riper, fuller style of pinot, raspberries taking over from the cherries. Just a little peppery note at the back of the palate which works well to balance the more voluptuous fruit. Very much more complete than the already attractive Préaux. Drink from 2025-2030.
Barrel Sample: 90-91

A beautifully refined Premier Cru Pinot Noir from the Côte Chalonnaise, offering a perfect balance of elegance and depth. Sourced from the prized Clos du Chapitre vineyard, this wine opens with vibrant aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, and subtle rose petals, layered with hints of spice and gentle earthiness.

On the palate, it is silky and precise, with fine tannins and bright acidity that carry flavors of ripe red berries, light oak, and a touch of minerality. The finish is long, fresh, and quietly complex—classic Burgundy with both charm and structure.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Country: France
Region: Burgundy, Rully 1er Cru

Pair with: Roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom dishes, salmon, or soft-ripened cheeses

The Elegance of Sichel House's Maison Sichel Saint-Estephe 2020

Discover the elegance of Maison Sichel Saint-Estephe 2020, a premium Bordeaux wine that exemplifies the rich viticultural heritage of the Saint-Estèphe appellation. The Sichel family are truly expert winemakers, and this Saint-Estèphe is no exception. This exceptional vintage showcases the unique terroir of the northern Médoc, marrying tradition with modern winemaking techniques to create a wine with fine elegance, structure, and balance.

Bordeaux Blend Composition

50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. This classic Bordeaux blend combines the best characteristics of each varietal, creating a wine with complexity, depth, and aging potential.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep crimson
Aroma: Bramble fruit, blackcurrant, capsicum, cocoa, and cedar. Enticing bouquet of dark fruits and subtle earthy undertones
Palate: Layers of ripe blackberry and plum, complemented by hints of cedar and spice. Blackcurrant, capsicum, cocoa, and cedar. Smooth yet structured tannins. Fine elegance, structure, and balance
Finish: Balanced finish that lingers pleasantly

Aging Potential

Still young, this vintage will develop for many years with flavors of leather and cinnamon, truffle and clove starting to emerge. This remarkable depth and aging potential make it perfect for cellaring or enjoying now with decanting.

Maison Sichel - Six Generations of Excellence

Maison Sichel is a Bordeaux-based, family-owned and run négociant of six generations. The Sichel family have been a significant presence in Bordeaux since 1883 and have continued to expand operations by purchasing several properties in Bordeaux including Château Angludet and Château Argadens.

Château Palmer Partnership

The Sichel family also joined with three other families in 1938 to purchase the now legendary Château Palmer, one of Bordeaux's most prestigious estates. This partnership demonstrates the family's commitment to excellence and their deep roots in Bordeaux winemaking.

Expanded Portfolio

Maison Sichel continued to expand their operations outside of Bordeaux and have several high-quality own-label wines such as the Domaine Peter Sichel, Sichel Sauternes, and the Sichel Margaux. Each wine represents the family's dedication to quality and terroir expression.

Saint-Estèphe Appellation

Saint-Estèphe, located in the northern Médoc, is renowned for producing robust and complex red wines. The appellation's gravelly soils with clay subsoil create ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, resulting in wines with structure, power, and exceptional aging potential.

2020 Vintage Quality

This specific vintage showcases the unique terroir of the area, with exceptional fruit quality translating to remarkable flavor profiles. The 2020 vintage in Bordeaux produced wines of excellent concentration and balance, making this an outstanding example of Saint-Estèphe.

Fine Elegance, Structure & Balance

A wine with fine elegance, structure, and balance. The wine's tannins are smooth yet structured, ensuring a balanced finish that demonstrates the craftsmanship and expertise of the Sichel family's winemaking.

Expert Winemakers

The Sichel family are truly expert winemakers with over 140 years of experience in Bordeaux. In every sip, one can sense the passion and craftsmanship that Maison Sichel embodies, from vineyard management to final bottling.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This vintage stands out not only for its rich flavors but also for its remarkable depth, making it a perfect partner for various dishes:

• Rich stews and braised meats
• Grilled meats and steaks
• Roasted lamb and beef
• Game meats
• Aged cheeses
• Hearty cassoulet
• Mushroom-based dishes

Perfect for Celebratory Occasions

For wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, this bottle represents an ideal choice for celebratory occasions or a sophisticated addition to any cellar. The wine's elegance and structure make it suitable for special dinners and important moments.

Bordeaux Heritage Since 1883

Maison Sichel has long been synonymous with premium Bordeaux wines, each bottle a testament to the region's rich viticultural heritage. The Sichel family's significant presence in Bordeaux since 1883 ensures authenticity and quality in every bottle.

Northern Médoc Terroir

The unique terroir of the northern Médoc, with its gravelly soils and maritime influence, creates wines with distinctive character. This Saint-Estèphe showcases the power and structure that the appellation is famous for, while maintaining elegance and finesse.

Tradition Meets Modern Winemaking

This wine exemplifies the marriage of tradition with modern winemaking techniques. The Sichel family honors Bordeaux's winemaking heritage while employing contemporary methods to ensure optimal quality and expression of terroir.

Developing Complexity

With flavors of leather and cinnamon, truffle and clove starting to emerge as the wine develops, this Saint-Estèphe offers both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring potential. The wine will continue to evolve and reveal new layers of complexity over the years.

Explore Beaurenard Estate Chateauneuf-du-Pape Biodynamic 2021

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

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

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

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

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

Memo Summary Notes

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

Rich Heritage of Beaurenard Estate

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

A Wonderful Tasting Experience

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

Why Choose Biodynamic Wine?

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

Winemaker Description

This Premier Cru displays a crisp, mineral-driven profile characterized by notes of citrus, green apple, and subtle floral hints, with a refreshing acidity that balances its complexity. Sourced from the Montmains Premier Cru site — known for its stony Kimmeridgian soils and excellent sun exposure — this is a classic expression of Chablis: precise, taut, and unmistakably Burgundian.

About Les Marronniers

Les Marronniers is a respected Chablis producer with deep roots in the appellation, farming vineyards on the region’s distinctive Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils — the ancient marine sediment that gives Chablis its signature minerality and saline character. Their Premier Cru Montmains is sourced from one of Chablis’ most celebrated Premier Cru sites, situated on the left bank of the Serein River with ideal south-southwest exposure. Certified Kosher for Passover and Mevushal, this wine brings the full character of Chablis Premier Cru to the kosher table without compromise.

About Montmains

Montmains is one of the largest and most highly regarded Premier Cru sites in Chablis, located on the left bank of the Serein River. Its stony, Kimmeridgian soils — composed of ancient oyster fossils, limestone, and clay — are the geological foundation of Chablis’ distinctive mineral character. Wines from Montmains are known for their structure, depth, and the classic “Chablis funk”: a stony, saline, almost oyster-shell quality that sets them apart from any other Chardonnay in the world.

Food Pairings

Oysters, grilled fish, steamed lobster, shrimp, sushi, grilled scallops, soft ripened cheeses, and light poultry dishes. A natural match for Shabbat fish courses and holiday tables. The quintessential wine for oysters.

Product Details

• Producer: Les Marronniers
• Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
• Vineyard: Montmains Premier Cru
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Soils: Kimmeridgian limestone and clay
• Certification: Kosher for Passover, Mevushal
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Crisp, mineral, structured Chablis Premier Cru
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

Blended Syrah, Grenache, and Mouvedre, this bold Brut Rosé offers a rush of strawberry and dried fruit aromas. It is effervescent and expansive on the mid-palate and is a bit more fruit-forward than the Paul de coste Rose light - a truly compelling sparkling wine from Provence.

Paul de Coste is an estate producing exceptional sparkling wines in the South of France. Started in 1952 with just one wine, the estate over time has added a full range of sparking wines from the South of France. Since the company was founded in the years following WWII, three generations of family has managed the operations with the same passion and philosophy for quality. Today, Paul de Coste wines are famous in France.

Memo Summary Notes

It is produced by Compagnie Française des Grands Vins (CFGV), a historic house known for mastering the Méthode Charmat (tank method) to create fresh, fruit-forward bubbles.

96 Points by Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Vincent Cuillier's 2022 Brut Nature Blanc de Pinot Noir Clos Forestier is magnificent. Bright, punchy and explosive, the 2022 offers a compelling mix of vibrant fruit and saline, mineral-drenched energy. This feels so alive, so full of life. Sandy soils confer tons of aromatic presence to lift a core of Pinot fruit. Compelling. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: March 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year.

~ Antonio Galloni, VINOUS – November 2025