French Wine

Maison Saint AIX Rosé — Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France 2025 750ml

Nestled in the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Maison Saint Aix is a Provençal estate with a rich winemaking heritage rooted in exceptional terroir. The vineyard spans 75 hectares, where Mediterranean sun, cooling Mistral winds, and limestone-rich soils provide the ideal environment for Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. Grapes are cultivated using sustainable, organic practices that respect the environment and preserve local biodiversity. Aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve maximum purity and freshness, AIX Rosé is an authentic expression of Provence — elegant, crisp, and unmistakably of its place.

The 2025 opens with a hypnotizing pale pink color and aromas of citrus, wild berries, and white peach. On the palate it is refreshingly crisp and dry, with a mineral finish that lingers with precision and grace.

The Tasting Panel 92 Points — “Salted raspberries, summer watermelon, and a linear strike of wet stone weave through, creating a juicy, mouth-puckering pink sipper.”

• Producer: Maison Saint Aix, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
• Farming: Organic, sustainable practices
• Aging: Stainless steel tanks for maximum freshness
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pale pink, citrus, wild berries, white peach, salted raspberry, watermelon, wet stone, crisp mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled seafood, summer salads, goat cheese, charcuterie, light pasta dishes

The quintessential Provençal rosé — AIX 2025 is everything summer in a glass.

Château de Pitray | Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux | 2019

Right Bank Bordeaux that punches well above its price. The 2019 Château de Pitray is a blend of 75% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec — a classic Castillon formula that delivers old-world charm with immediate drinkability. Expect a bouquet of blackberry, currant, and dried herbs with a subtle marine note and a whisper of Japanese nori. On the palate, the texture is soft and velvety, with supple tannins, nicely judged acidity, and a fresh, clean finish. Dense enough to reward a few more years in the cellar, yet approachable right now — the kind of bottle that earns its place at a Sunday supper without a second thought.

• Appellation: Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 75% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec
• Vintage: 2019
• Format: 750ml
• Drink Window: Now – 2030+

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2019

Wine Enthusiast — Roger Voss | 91 Points: Soft and velvety in texture, this wine is full of ripe fruit. Cushioned by the texture, the tannins are dense enough to promise aging to this wine with potential. Drink from 2024.

James Suckling | 91 Points: Aromas of berries and mushrooms with some fresh herbs. Some currants, too. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very drinkable now, but will age beautifully. Best after 2023.

Neal Martin, Vinous: Old school bouquet with blackberry and light marine scents, a touch of Japanese nori. Medium-bodied with supple, soft tannins. Nicely judged acidity — a Pitray that has charm and drinkability.

67 Wine Picks

"Drinks above its price tag! There's a medley of secondary and even tertiary aromas and flavors in this wine that always fits the bill for a laid-back Sunday Supper." — Oscar

The benchmark rosé Champagne. The one every other measures itself against.

Billecart-Salmon Le Rosé has been setting the standard since 1830 — born in the prestigious cellars of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, crafted with a precision and elegance that is simply unmatched. This is not just Champagne. This is a moment.

In the Glass
A luminous salmon-pink with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose opens with fresh strawberry, wild raspberry, and a whisper of citrus blossom, lifted by a subtle warmth of brioche. On the palate — pliant, creamy, and strikingly expressive. Pomegranate and grapefruit weave into a brisk, finely cut finish. There is a vinous depth here, a sense that behind the Champagne, there is a real wine — effortlessly fresh, impossibly delicate.

The Blend
40% Chardonnay · 30% Pinot Noir · 30% Pinot Meunier (~7% still red wine)
NV base: 2020 · 46% reserve wines dating to 2014 · Dosage: 4.7 g/L

"At any time, it's like a ray of sunlight that transcends the beauty of the moment."
— Pierre Hermé, Legendary Pastry Chef

Expert Reviews

🍷 Antonio Galloni, Vinous — 91 pts | Pliant, creamy and super-expressive. Pomegranate and grapefruit laced into the brisk, finely cut finish. Drinking 2024–2030.

🍷 Tim Hewson, Decanter — 92 pts | Fragrant, crunchy redcurrant, red cherry and orange fruit with an alluring hibiscus-like floral lift. A rosé of immediacy and charm. Drinking 2024–2027.

M. Chapoutier · Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche · 2024

Michel Chapoutier approaches winemaking as a farmer’s work, seeking to reveal the character of soil, climate, and place rather than impose a technical style. Belleruche is a vivid expression of that Rhône philosophy, offering generous fruit, savory detail, and an inviting sense of freshness.

The 2024 opens with peppery red and black fruits, garrigue, spice, and subtle leather. Blackcurrant and raspberry carry onto a juicy, lively palate, joined by white pepper and gentle roasted notes. Medium-bodied and well balanced, it finishes with silky, delicate tannins.

Jeb Dunnuck: 89 points
“Peppery red and black fruits, garrigue, spice, and subtle leather nuances all define the aromatics of the 2024 Côtes Du Rhône Belleruche. Based on 55% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 5% Marselan, it's medium-bodied with a juicy, lively mouthfeel, solid overall balance, and a good finish.”

• Producer: M. Chapoutier
• Blend: 55% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 5% Marselan
• Appellation: Côtes-du-Rhône
• Region: Rhône Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Tasting notes: Blackcurrant, raspberry, red and black fruits, white pepper, garrigue, spice, leather, and roasted notes
• Pair with: Grilled sausages, roast chicken, lamb, burgers, ratatouille, or Mediterranean dishes
• Size: 750ml

A juicy, peppery Rhône red with garrigue character, silky tannins, and easy weeknight appeal.

Winemaker Description

Complex on the nose with aromas of black fruits, woody and spicy notes. On the palate, the expression is harmonious and balanced with ripe fruit and a toasted character. Silky tannins make this a perfect expression of the spirit of the Crus Bourgeois.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2018

Vinous (Neal Martin) — 92 Points
"The 2018 Prieuré de Beyzac has a really lovely bouquet of perfumed red cherries and wild strawberry with well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, pinpoint acidity, and great precision toward the finish. This is one of the outstanding Cru Bourgeois of the vintage. Absolutely superb. Drinking 2023–2035."

Decanter (Georgina Hindle) — 92 Points
"Sweet red cherry and vanilla nose. Forward and energetic, with tannic weight, freshness, and very glossy fruit and oak on the palate. Drinking 2023–2030."

James Suckling — 91 Points
"Aromas of stewed blackberries, dried violets, walnuts, and dark chocolate. Medium-to-full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Chewy and structured. Try from 2023."

About Château Prieuré de Beyzac

Château Prieuré de Beyzac is a Cru Bourgeois estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, producing structured, terroir-driven reds from the classic Bordeaux varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The 2018 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in recent Bordeaux history, combining exceptional ripeness with natural freshness and structure. At under $25, Prieuré de Beyzac represents outstanding value for a wine earning 92-point scores from both Vinous and Decanter — and named one of the outstanding Cru Bourgeois of the vintage by Neal Martin.

Food Pairings

Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, braised short ribs, mushroom-based dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Decant 30–60 minutes before serving; will continue to develop through 2035.

Product Details

• Producer: Château Prieuré de Beyzac
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2018
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, precise, cellar-worthy Bordeaux
• Drink: Now–2035 (decant 30–60 min)
• Format: 750ml

Jean Loron Château de Mirande Mâcon-Villages — Burgundy 2024

Jean Loron is one of Burgundy’s most respected négociant-éleveurs, with roots in the Mâconnais stretching back generations. The Château de Mirande Mâcon-Villages is a textbook expression of what this southern Burgundy appellation does best — pure, unoaked Chardonnay of genuine depth and freshness, sourced from vines averaging forty years of age. Aged for six months on the lees without any oak contact, the wine develops natural richness, structure, and complexity while preserving the bright, citrus-driven character that defines great Mâcon-Villages. An outstanding value in White Burgundy.

The nose is open and intense: citrus fruits, ripe pear, and a hint of butter. On the palate, it is juicy and full — the forty-year-old vines deliver genuine depth and concentration, while the lees aging adds a creamy, textured mid-palate. The finish is long, crisp, and refreshing, with a clean mineral precision that invites another glass.

67 Wine — “Château de Mirande is the Mâcon-Villages that reminds you why White Burgundy became famous — pure Chardonnay, old vines, and six months on the lees. Unoaked, honest, and delicious.”

• Producer: Jean Loron, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Mâcon-Villages AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: 40 years average
• Aging: 6 months on lees, unoaked
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, ripe pear, butter, creamy mid-palate, crisp mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, roast chicken, goat cheese, creamy pasta, charcuterie

Forty-year-old vines, six months on lees, zero oak — Jean Loron’s Château de Mirande is Mâcon-Villages at its most honest and compelling.

Critical Acclaim

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
"This cru bourgeois estate has produced a generously rich wine. Dense tannins and balanced acidity come from a texture that offers dusty tannins and ripe blackberry fruits. Drink from 2021."

Winemaker Description

Deep red berry aromas underscored by black pepper, crushed herbs, and licorice. Lean and elegant on the palate with lovely red currant flavors, very fine tannins, a pleasingly chewy texture, and spice on the finish.

Primary Varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot, Cabernet Franc

About Château Haut Queyran

Château Haut Queyran is a Cru Bourgeois estate in the Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, producing structured, terroir-driven reds from the classic Bordeaux varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The Cru Bourgeois classification, reinstated in 2020 after rigorous quality audits, recognizes estates that consistently deliver quality above their price point. At under $30, Haut Queyran represents one of the most compelling value propositions in the Médoc, offering genuine Bordeaux structure and aging potential without the grand cru price tag.

Food Pairings

Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses. Decant 30–60 minutes before serving; will continue to develop through 2028.

Product Details

• Producer: Château Haut Queyran
• Appellation: Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
• Vintage: 2018
• Style: Structured, elegant Bordeaux red
• Drink: Now–2028 (decant 30–60 min)
• Format: 750ml

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret · Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge · Southern Rhône · France · 2023

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret has been rooted in the terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape since the 18th century — one of the appellation’s most enduring estates, blending traditional methods with a modern sensibility to produce wines of genuine elegance and accessibility. The Rouge is a multi-varietal blend in the classic Châteauneuf tradition — Grenache-led, with Cinsault, Counoise, Syrah, Muscardin, Terret Noir, and Vaccarese — crafted for immediate pleasure while retaining the structure to age gracefully. The 2023 earned 92 points from Wine Spectator and 90 from James Suckling.

The 2023 pours deep ruby with a bouquet rich in aromatic fruit and earthy complexity. High-toned notes of cherry and anise are silky and fluid — a modern Châteauneuf with no rough edges. On the palate, ripe cherry, red berries, black plum, and sweet spices are supported by polished, plush tannins. Rooibos tea and sandalwood smoke add layers of complexity, while the full-bodied, elegantly layered finish showcases real sleekness and length. Serve at 16–18°C.

Expert Reviews

“High-toned notes of cherry and anise are silky and fluid in this modern Châteauneuf. There are no rough edges here. Polished tannins glide through, supporting rooibos tea and sandalwood smoke elements. A pretty, sleek style, with real elegance.”
— Wine Spectator · 92 Points

“A textured, generous and dense red with sweet cherries, red berries and sweet spices on the nose. Full-bodied with plush tannins. Rich core of berries and cherries with a similar finish.”
— James Suckling · 90 Points

• Producer: Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Counoise, Syrah, Muscardin, Terret Noir, Vaccarese
• Style: Dry red — modern, polished, full-bodied
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, anise, red berries, black plum, sweet spice, rooibos tea, sandalwood smoke, polished tannins
• Serve: 16–18°C · Drink now through 2030+
• Pairings: Grilled lamb, roasted meats, wild game, meat dishes in sauce, aged Gruyère or Comté, hearty stews

WS:92 · JS:90 · Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC — 18th-century estate, modern elegance. Silky, polished, and built for the table.

Domaines Ott BY OTT Côtes de Provence Rosé — Provence 2025

Domaines Ott is the founding dynasty of Provence rosé — a family that has shaped the identity of the appellation for 130 years, since Marcel Ott established the estate in the late 19th century. From Château de Selle to Clos Mireille to Château Romassan, the Ott family has patiently crafted a singular vision of rosé rooted in three terroirs, two appellations, and an uncompromising pursuit of authenticity. BY OTT is their entry into the Côtes de Provence AOC — grown organically from estate vineyards and carefully selected partner growers nestled between land and sea. The 2025 blend is 60% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 7% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah, and 4% Rolle — each variety playing a precise role: Grenache for texture and generous fruitiness, Cinsault for freshness, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Rolle for depth and length. Three terroirs, one shared light.

The color is a beautiful pastel pink with soft rosewood tints — luminous and distinctly Provençal. The nose is fresh and enticing: red berries, citrus fruits, and white blossom, with the generous, sun-drenched character of the 2025 vintage. On the palate, it is luscious and fruity with a smooth, silky mouthfeel — fresh citrus zest weaving through the mid-palate and accompanying a persistent, elegant finish. This is Provence rosé as Domaines Ott has always envisioned it: vibrant, nuanced, and luminous.

“Enticing, fresh and generous — this rosé wine combines our winegrowing savoir-faire with the vibrant essence of Provence.” — Jean-François Ott

• Producer: Domaines Ott, Côtes de Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Blend: 60% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 7% Mourvèdre, 4% Syrah, 4% Rolle
• Farming: Organically grown
• Style: Fresh, luscious, silky Provence rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, citrus fruits, white blossom, silky mouthfeel, fresh citrus zest, persistent finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now — best enjoyed young and fresh
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, seafood, salads, Mediterranean cuisine, soft cheeses, aperitif

The house that defined Provence rosé — Domaines Ott BY OTT 2025 is luminous, generous, and unmistakably Provençal.

The world’s most iconic Provence rosé, now in a certified Kosher expression — Whispering Angel from Château d’Esclans is the benchmark by which all modern rosé is measured. Pale, elegant, and endlessly drinkable, it brings the sun-drenched terroir of the Côtes de Provence to your glass with effortless sophistication.

Critical Acclaim

James Suckling — 91 Points
"A silky, seductive and saline Côtes de Provence rosé with aromas of small berries, red currants and salt. It’s medium-bodied, succulent, fresh and playful, with a caressing texture and a vivid, saline finish."

The Wine

Crafted from a classic Provençal blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Rolle (Vermentino), Whispering Angel is the worldwide reference for Provence rosé. Its signature pale blush color draws you in immediately, while the taste profile delivers everything you want: full and lush, bone dry, with a smooth, lingering finish. Highly approachable and enjoyable from mid-day to midnight.

Kosher Certified

This expression of Whispering Angel is fully Kosher certified, making it an exceptional choice for Passover Seders, Shabbat dinners, and any occasion where Kosher wine is required — without any compromise on quality or the iconic Whispering Angel character.

Tasting Profile

Pale salmon-pink with a luminous clarity. The nose is delicate and inviting — small red berries, red currants, fresh citrus, and a distinctive saline minerality. On the palate it’s silky and medium-bodied with bright acidity, a lush, succulent texture, and a vivid, clean finish with a beautiful saline lift. Classic Whispering Angel.

Food Pairings

Serve well-chilled (46–50°F) with grilled fish, seafood, light salads, mezze, roasted chicken, or soft cheeses. Equally at home at a Passover Seder, a summer lunch, or an elegant dinner party. Versatile, crowd-pleasing, and always impressive.

Product Details

• Producer: Château d’Esclans
• Region: Côtes de Provence AOC, Provence, France
• Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (Vermentino)
• Certification: Kosher
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Pale, bone-dry, medium-bodied Provence rosé
• Serve: Well-chilled, 46–50°F
• Format: 750ml

Domaine de la Commanderie | Quincy AOC | Sauvignon Blanc | Loire Valley, France | 2025

Quincy is one of the Loire Valley's most distinctive and underappreciated appellations — a small, ancient wine zone situated west of Bourges on the banks of the Cher River, producing 100% Sauvignon Blanc from limestone-rich soils that impart a signature mineral precision and depth. Quincy shares the same grape variety and similar terroir as its more famous neighbor Sancerre, but at a fraction of the price — making it one of the Loire's great value secrets for lovers of mineral-driven French Sauvignon Blanc.

Domaine de la Commanderie is a committed estate producer in Quincy, farming with sustainable and organic principles and crafting wines that express the appellation's distinctive limestone terroir with clarity and elegance.

The 2025 is pale yellow with green reflections. The nose is vibrant and inviting — citrus zest, green apple, and subtle floral hints with herbal complexity. On the palate, crisp and fresh with bright acidity, rich minerality, and a harmonious balance of fruit and stone that carries through to a refreshing, lingering finish.

"Citrus and green apples fill the glass with herbal complexity and detailed minerality. A great alternative to pricier Sancerre and perfect with all types of seafood." — Bart Hopkins, 67Wine

Pair with oysters, grilled fish, shellfish, sushi, light pasta, goat cheese, and fresh salads.

• Producer: Domaine de la Commanderie
• Appellation: Quincy AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Soils: Limestone-rich
• Farming: Sustainable / Organic principles
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Louis Latour Mâcon-Villages “Chameroy” — Southern Burgundy 2025

Maison Louis Latour has been one of Burgundy’s most storied négociants since 1797, and the Mâcon-Villages “Chameroy” is their benchmark expression of Southern Burgundy Chardonnay. Named after their historic Clos Chameroy bottling facility in Beaune, this wine is sourced from carefully selected growers with holdings in the most esteemed vineyards of the Mâcon-Villages zone — the calciferous terrain that gives the wine its characteristic freshness and mineral lift. Fermented in stainless steel with complete malolactic fermentation and aged 8 to 10 months on lees, it delivers the classic white Burgundy experience at an accessible price.

Beautiful pale gold in the glass. The nose is enticing and expressive: exotic fruits, citrus, a hint of lemon, and delicate garden herbs. On the palate, it is round and generous — fresh almond, a subtle muscat touch, and a pleasantly fresh citrus finish with beautiful tension. Suave, billowing, and unmistakably Burgundian.

• Producer: Maison Louis Latour, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Mâcon-Villages AOC, Southern Burgundy
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, full malolactic; aged 8–10 months in stainless steel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Exotic fruit, citrus, lemon, garden herbs, fresh almond, muscat touch, fresh finish
• Best Paired With: Shellfish, white fish, charcuterie, Comté cheese, lemon-butter sauces

Classic Southern Burgundy at its most approachable — Louis Latour’s Chameroy is the benchmark for everyday white Burgundy done right.

Louis Jadot · Bourgogne, Burgundy · 2023

Louis Jadot Bourgogne Rouge Pinot Noir brings together fruit from across Burgundy in a balanced blend of the Côte d’Or, Saône-et-Loire, including Mercurey and Buxy, and Irancy. Grapes from the Côte de Nuits, Saône-et-Loire and Irancy contribute tannin and structure, while those from the Côte de Beaune bring fruitiness.

The 2023 Bourgogne is an elegant Pinot Noir with complex aromas of plums, raspberries and cherries. Fresh red-fruit flavors are complemented by earthy, floral, mushroom and mineral notes, with balanced acidity keeping the palate lively.

Winemaker Description

The production area for this wine is the whole of Burgundy. The Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir comes from a balanced blend of Côte d'Or, Saône et Loire (Mercurey, Buxy) and Irancy. Grapes originating from Côte de Nuits, Saône et Loire and Irancy will bring deep tannins while grapes coming from Côte de Beaune will bring more fruitiness.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with roasted chicken, pork or grilled fish.

Details

• Producer: Louis Jadot
• Vintage: 2023
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Appellation: Bourgogne
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Type: Red wine
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Louis Latour | Mâcon-Lugny Les Genièvres | Mâconnais, Burgundy, France | 2024 | 375ml Half Bottle

Maison Louis Latour is one of Burgundy's most storied and respected negociants, family-owned and independent since 1797. With the largest holding of Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte d'Or and a winemaking heritage stretching back to the 17th century, Louis Latour has built a global reputation for producing wines that faithfully express the character of Burgundy's diverse terroir — from the grandest Grands Crus to the most approachable village wines.

Mâcon-Lugny is one of the Mâconnais's most reliable appellations, situated in southern Burgundy where the climate is warmer and sunnier than the Côte d'Or. Les Genièvres is Louis Latour's benchmark Mâcon-Lugny — a consistently excellent, food-friendly Chardonnay that delivers genuine Burgundian character at an accessible price point.

The 2024 is clean and lively with a flowery bouquet. The nose offers white flowers, honey, ripe apple, and a hint of hazelnut. On the palate, fresh and well-balanced with bright acidity, gentle fruit, and a clean, nutty finish. An effortlessly enjoyable white Burgundy — now in a convenient 375ml half bottle, perfect for solo enjoyment or as a pairing for a single course.

Pair with grilled fish, seafood, scallops, light pasta, and Comté cheese.

• Producer: Maison Louis Latour
• Appellation: Mâcon-Lugny AOC, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
• Cuvée: Les Genièvres
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

Critical Acclaim - Prior Vintage 2023

• James Suckling — 90 pts: Clean and lively with a flowery bouquet and lovely honey, apple, and nutty flavors on the palate.

Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine · Margaux · 2020

Confidences is the second wine of Château Prieuré-Lichine, a Fourth Growth estate in Margaux. Produced from the estate's younger vines, it is harvested, vinified and aged with the same care as the Grand Vin, offering an accessible introduction to the château's approach to Bordeaux.

This 2020 bottling comes from Margaux in Bordeaux, France. Choose it for a dinner centered on roast meats, mushrooms or aged cheeses, or as an introduction to the second wines of Bordeaux's classified estates.

Wine Spectator, 87 Points: Delivers a compact core of plum and black cherry flavors, which are framed by singed cedar on the direct finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2025. 12,000 cases made. (Vintage 2020). 

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast lamb, duck confit, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses or classic Bordelaise cooking.

Wine Details

• Producer: Château Prieuré-Lichine
• Wine: Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine
• Designation: Second wine of a Fourth Growth estate
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Margaux
• Region: Bordeaux, France
• Type: Red wine
• Size: 750ml

Les Allées de Cantemerle — Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux 2020

Château Cantemerle is one of Bordeaux's most storied estates — a Fifth Growth of the 1855 Classification, nestled in the southern Haut-Médoc appellation amid one of the most beautiful park settings in all of Bordeaux. Les Allées de Cantemerle is the estate's second wine, crafted primarily from the château's younger vines with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged partly in tank and partly in barrel to avoid over-oaking, it captures the generous, fruit-forward character of Cantemerle in a more approachable, earlier-drinking style — a wine that invites sharing and friendliness even in its youth. The 2019 vintage is one of Bordeaux's finest of the decade: a warm, dry year that produced wines of exceptional ripeness, concentration, and balance.

The nose is wonderfully aromatic and expressive — the aromas really just jump out of the glass. Juicy red fruits dominate: strawberries, raspberries, and red cherries, quite bright and a refreshing change from the darker fruit profile of many Haut-Médoc wines. On the palate, it is lively and fun, light-bodied with hints of spice underneath the fruit giving structure and backbone. The finish is spicy and persistent, with the fruit-forwardness and easy-drinking style that makes this wine hard not to like.

• Producer: Château Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC
• Classification: 2nd Wine of Château Cantemerle (1855 Fifth Growth)
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend
• Vinification: Aged partly in tank, partly in barrel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, spice, lively acidity, persistent finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled beef, charcuterie, aged cheeses

The approachable face of a Bordeaux Fifth Growth — Les Allées de Cantemerle 2019 is lively, generous, and built for the table right now.

Château Blaignan — Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2019

With a grape-growing tradition stretching back to the 14th century, Château Blaignan is one of the Médoc’s most storied estates. The 2019 vintage — widely regarded as one of Bordeaux’s finest in a generation — showcases everything this historic property does best: ripe, structured fruit, velvet tannins, and a beautifully balanced finish that rewards both immediate drinking and patient cellaring.

The nose is intensely fruity with pronounced blackcurrant, black cherry, and a hint of spice. On the palate, dark cherry and plum compote lead the way, with tobacco, savory notes, and a pretty iron hint on the focused, fine-grained finish. Full-bodied with structure and elegance in equal measure.

Wine Enthusiast 90 • Wine Spectator 89 — “Drink now through 2029.”

• Producer: Château Blaignan, Médoc, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2019
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois, Médoc
• Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: 18 months in vats and oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, black cherry, plum compote, tobacco, spice, iron finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029 (3–12 years from harvest)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck, beef bourguignon, aged hard cheeses

Seven centuries of terroir knowledge in every bottle — Château Blaignan is a Médoc classic at a Cru Bourgeois price.

La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rosé Organic — Bandol, Provence, France 2025

La Bastide Blanche is one of Bandol's most respected domaines, farming their vineyards sustainably with a deep commitment to soil health, terroir expression, and the environment. Their Rosé is a perennial staff favorite — and for good reason: Bandol produces some of the most food-friendly rosé in all of Provence, fuller and rounder in the mouth than its Côtes de Provence neighbors, with mouthwatering flavors and palate-cleansing acidity that make it the ideal companion at the table. Certified organic, arvested by hand in the cool of evening or early dawn to preserve freshness. At $29.00, it is one of the great values in serious Bandol Rosé.

Pale salmon in the glass with a luminous clarity. The nose is fresh and inviting: wild strawberry, white peach, dried herbs, and a whisper of garrigue. On the palate, the wine is fuller and more structured than a typical Provence rosé — the Mourvèdre backbone gives it weight and grip, while the Grenache and Cinsault add roundness and aromatic lift. Bright, mouthwatering acidity carries the wine through a clean, mineral finish. A rosé that earns its place at the dinner table.

• Producer: La Bastide Blanche, Bandol, Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Bandol AOC
• Blend: Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault
• Farming: Organic; evening/dawn harvest for optimal freshness
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wild strawberry, white peach, garrigue, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, bouillabaisse, roast chicken, ratatouille, charcuterie, fresh goat cheese

One of Provence's most food-friendly rosés — La Bastide Blanche Bandol is the bottle that belongs on every summer table.

Château Peyrabon Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois — Bordeaux 2016

The 2016 Bordeaux vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest of the modern era — a year of perfect balance between power and elegance, with a growing season that delivered concentration, freshness, and structure in equal measure. Château Peyrabon, situated just west of the prestigious Pauillac appellation in the Haut-Médoc, is one of the appellation's most consistent Cru Bourgeois overachievers. High in Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 is now in its prime drinking window and has earned 91 points from both Wine Enthusiast and Vinous, and 90 points from Decanter — a Best Buy by any measure at this price.

The nose is finely detailed and captivating: blackberry, raspberry, pressed flower, blackcurrant, and mineral aromas that exude class. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced and medium-to-full-bodied with fine-grain tannins, ripe generous black-currant fruit, a distinctive saline quality with touches of oyster shell and spice, and a poised, edgy finish of cedar and dark fruit. It is drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve through 2038.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Best Buy — "With its high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a good structure and ripe, generous black-currant flavors. Its fresh character gives juiciness that contrasts with the rich fruits. Drink from 2023." (Vintage 2016).
Vinous 91 — "Finely detailed bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, pressed flower and mineral aromas. This exudes class. Fine grain tannin, one of the more saline Cru Bourgeois with touches of oyster shell and spice. Very fine." (Vintage 2016). 
Decanter 90 — "Rich, ripe black fruit with plenty of structural support from grippy and energetic tannins, well balanced by bright acidity. Drinking Window 2023–2038." (Vintage 2016). 

• Producer: Château Peyrabon, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2016
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Cru Bourgeois
• Region: Bordeaux, France
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend (Merlot)
• Drinking Window: Now – 2038
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, pressed flower, oyster shell, cedar, dark spice, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Rack of lamb, pan-seared duck breast, prime rib, wild mushroom sauté, aged Comté

A 91-point Cru Bourgeois from a legendary Bordeaux vintage at an honest price — Château Peyrabon 2016 is the benchmark for what Haut-Médoc Cabernet can deliver under $25.

Louis Latour Pouilly-Fuisse — Maconnais 2024

Maison Louis Latour has been one of Burgundy’s most storied negociants since 1797, and their Pouilly-Fuisse is a benchmark expression of the Maconnais appellation. The vineyards sit within a breathtaking limestone and heavy clay landscape — a terroir that gives Pouilly-Fuisse its distinctive richness and mineral backbone. Fermented in stainless steel with complete malolactic fermentation and aged 8 to 10 months on lees, this is a Chardonnay of genuine generosity and finesse.

The nose is bright and floral: honeysuckle, lime blossom, and a delicate citrus lift. On the palate, it is full-bodied and generous, with notes of fresh almonds and brioche underpinned by a clean, mineral thread. The finish is long, elegant, and unmistakably Burgundian.

🇫🇷 Burgundy Report (Bill Nanson) — Pouilly-Fuisse 2024, January 2026.

• Producer: Maison Louis Latour, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Pouilly-Fuisse AOC, Maconnais, Burgundy
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, full malolactic; aged 8-10 months in stainless steel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Honeysuckle, lime blossom, fresh almonds, brioche, long mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Shellfish, charcuterie, skate, Reblochon cheese, roasted chicken

Generous, floral, and classically Burgundian — Louis Latour’s Pouilly-Fuisse is the Maconnais at its most elegant.

Our Professional Review 

Starts out with sweet, slightly stewed red plum and cherry fruit on the nose and on entry, then opens up to baking spice, medicinal herbs, and crushed flowers.  Medium bodied, and very satisfying on the palate with finely etched but assertive tannins.   

Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

Memo Summary Notes

The 2019 Château La Bastienne comes from Montagne-Saint-Émilion, one of the "satellite" appellations of Saint-Émilion. The 2019 vintage in Bordeaux is widely considered exceptional, characterized by a perfect balance of concentration, freshness, and elegance.

Réserve du Naufraget | Vouvray AOC | Loire Valley, France | 2024

From Maison Pierre Chainier, a family-owned négociant based in Amboise on the banks of the Loire, this Vouvray is a textbook expression of Chenin Blanc from one of France's most storied appellations. Grown on the chalky Tuffeau soils upstream from Tours, the grapes are handpicked in October — some with a touch of noble rot (botrytis) that concentrates natural sugars and adds aromatic complexity. A slow, month-long fermentation yields a beautifully off-dry style: a sweet, generous entry that resolves into a clean, refreshing finish.

Rich and aromatic on the nose with orange peel, honeysuckle, ripe quince, and a whisper of beeswax. The palate is round and textured, with flavors of honey, poached pear, and candied citrus carried by bright Chenin acidity. The finish lingers with a gentle honeyed note. One of the most food-versatile whites available at this price.

• Producer: Maison Pierre Chainier
• Appellation: Vouvray AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc
• Style: Off-Dry
• Vintage: 2024
• Closure: Screwcap
• Serve: 46–50°F
• Pairings: Thai green curry, Szechuan dishes, spicy tuna rolls, pork with apple sauce, honey-glazed ham, fruit tarts, almond pastries
• Size: 750ml

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge — Southern Rhône, France 2022

No name in the Rhône Valley commands more respect than Guigal. From their legendary single-vineyard La Las to this benchmark Côtes du Rhône, Marcel Guigal and his family have spent decades proving that the Southern Rhône can deliver both grandeur and extraordinary value in the same bottle. The 2022 Rouge is a textbook expression of the appellation: a Syrah-led blend with Grenache and Mourvèdre, it is deep, dark, and generously fruited — full-bodied yet polished, with smooth tannins and a long, elegant finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 92 points and called it "exceptional value." 

The nose is intensely aromatic: black cherry, dark plum, rose petal, and warm spice. On the palate, the fruit is bright and concentrated, with earthy depth, fine-grained tannins, and a playful, spice-laced finish that lingers well beyond its price point. A touch of aeration opens it up beautifully — decant briefly or simply let it breathe in the glass.

Wine Enthusiast 92 • James Suckling 90 — "Exceptional value. Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics create a lively nose. On the palate, fruit and earthy notes come into perfect balance with a bit of aeration. A great pairing for meaty dishes, offering exceptional value.

James Suckling — 90 Points
A juicy, fruity red with aromas of dark cherries, red berries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Bright fruit character on the palate with a playful finish and a touch of spices. Drink now.

• Producer: E. Guigal, Ampuis, Rhône Valley, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône
• Blend: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, dark plum, rose petal, warm spice, earthy depth, smooth tannins
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, roast chicken, charcuterie, beef stew, hard cheeses

The world's most trusted Rhône producer at its most approachable — Guigal's Côtes du Rhône is the benchmark for what Southern France can deliver at any price.

Château L’Escart Cuvée Eden Organic Biodynamic Bordeaux Supérieur — Bordeaux 2024

Château L’Escart is a certified organic and biodynamic estate located east of Bordeaux near Saint-Loubès, farming 26 hectares of vineyards planted with the full spectrum of traditional Bordeaux varieties. The Cuvée Eden is their flagship expression — a five-grape Bordeaux Supérieur that reflects the estate’s commitment to farming in harmony with nature while delivering a wine of genuine richness and complexity. Biodynamic viticulture treats the vineyard as a living ecosystem, producing grapes of exceptional concentration and terroir character without synthetic inputs. At this price, it is one of the most compelling organic Bordeaux values available.

Intense, bright red with a full-bodied, generous palate. The nose opens with cassis, blueberry, and blackberry, anchored by oak-influenced vanilla and a cedary accent. On the palate, the wine is rich and structured, with fine tannins that provide texture and grip through a long, balanced finish. Ideal for the table and versatile enough for everything from a grilled entrecôte to a high-end pizza night.

• Producer: Château L’Escart, Saint-Loubès, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 7% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, cedar, fine tannins
• Best Paired With: Grilled entrecôte, lamb kebabs, beef tartare, grilled mushrooms, lentil stew, pizza

Certified organic and biodynamic Bordeaux Supérieur at a rock-bottom price — Château L’Escart Cuvée Eden is the five-grape Bordeaux that over-delivers at every level.

Château d'Issan · Blason d'Issan · Margaux · 2022

Blason d'Issan is the second wine of Château d'Issan, the historic Margaux estate classified as a Third Growth in 1855. It offers an accessible introduction to the estate's Margaux character, with the 2022 blend bringing together 55% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot.

Jeb Dunnuck's review of the 2022 describes ripe red and black currants, leafy herbs, damp earth and tobacco. Medium-bodied, with a round, lush mouthfeel and plenty of fruit, it combines generous texture with a satisfying finish. The wine was raised in 35% new oak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling, 94 Points: A velvety and fresh wine with silky tannins that flow across the palate. It's medium-bodied with an impression of crunchiness. Creamy texture. Zesty, flavorful finish. Very approachable now but better in two or three years. Second wine of d'Issan. 44% cabernet sauvignon, 55% merlot and 1% petit verdot.

Decanter, 92 Points · Barrel Sample: Beautiful aromatics, fresh and floral dark blackcurrant fruit, milk chocolate. Intensely concentrated, a real bite to the fruit with powdery, firm and filling tannins. A gorgeous mouthfeel, fresh but straight and tense, keeps the focus and direction. You can feel his has been well worked with balanced ripeness and acidity. Feels nicely focussed and detailed, juicy and concentrated with purity and strength. Impressive and persistent. This will be great in 5 - 10 years. 1% PV planted in 1982. 14% press wine. Percentage of production: 46%. Total acidity: 3.62. 35% new barrels. 3.60pH.

Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points · 2022 Vintage: The second wine of this château, the 2022 Blason D'Issan is based on 55% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Petit Verdot that was raised in 35% new oak. It has a terrific nose of ripe red and black currants, leafy herbs, damp earth, and tobacco. This carries to a medium-bodied 2022 with plenty of fruit, a round, lush mouthfeel, and a great finish.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, mushroom dishes or aged hard cheeses.

Wine Details

• Producer: Château d'Issan
• Wine: Blason d'Issan, the estate's second wine
• Appellation: Margaux, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Blend: 55% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot
• Maturation: 35% new oak
• Size: 750ml

A generous, polished Margaux for a thoughtfully prepared dinner.

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer: A fresh, bright Bordeaux Blanc with aromas of citrus and white stone fruits backed by subtle herbs and bracing minerality. Incredible complexity for an amazing price!

About the Wine Château La Rame is among the oldest and most renowned properties in the Sainte-Croix-du-Mont appellation, situated on a hill overlooking the Garonne River, 25 miles southeast of Bordeaux. While the estate is world-famous for its sweet wines, this "Sec" (dry) bottling is a sommelier favorite for its oyster-shell minerality and electric freshness.

95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon from hillside clay-limestone soils blessed with an exceptional substratum — a bed of fossilized oysters dating from the Tertiary era. Vines average 25 years old. Manual harvest, fermented in temperature-controlled vats, and aged 6 months on fine lees.

Tasting & Pairings

Citrus, white stone fruit, subtle herbs, and bracing oyster-shell minerality. Crisp, vibrant, and electric with impressive complexity for the price.

• Fresh oysters, mussels, or moules frites — the fossilized oyster terroir meets actual oysters. A perfect match.
• Grilled white fish with lemon and sea salt — the classic Bordeaux Blanc pairing.
• Goat cheese (chèvre) — the acidity and minerality cut through creamy cheese beautifully.

Hugel Classic Riesling — Alsace, France 2024

Famille Hugel is one of Alsace's most storied and respected wine dynasties — founded in Riquewihr in 1639 and now in its fourteenth generation of family ownership, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wine estates in the world. From their base in the medieval village of Riquewihr at the heart of the Alsace wine route, the Hugel family has been a defining force in establishing Alsace Riesling as one of the world's great white wine styles: dry, mineral, precise, and built for the table. The Classic Riesling is the family's signature expression — sourced from around half estate-grown fruit from Riquewihr, supplemented by select villages to the north and south, and crafted to showcase the finesse, frankness, and electric minerality that define Hugel's house style. It is their most demanding variety, as Riesling is also the latest ripening — expressing itself best on the steepest slopes with the most complex minerality.

The nose is unusually expressive for a Classic: a kiss of crushed fennel seed rises above pear and lemon — aromatic, precise, and inviting. On the palate, it is super slender and vividly bright, almost sylph-like, with exquisite lemony charm and lemon pithiness. Electric, vivid, and bone-dry, with a lip-smacking finish that is a tonic on any occasion. Wonderful balance and elegance — the ideal partner to fish and seafood.

Vinous 89 — "The palate is super slender and vividly bright, almost sylph-like but with exquisite lemony charm and lemon pithiness. This is an electric, vivid little Riesling; the finish is bone-dry and lip-smacking and should be a tonic on a hot day." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Famille Hugel, Riquewihr, Alsace, France (est. 1639)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Style: Bone-dry
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Crushed fennel seed, pear, lemon, lemon pith, electric acidity, mineral, bone-dry lip-smacking finish
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, sushi, scallops, lobster, Alsatian choucroute, soft cheeses, asparagus

Fourteen generations of Alsace Riesling mastery — Hugel Classic 2024 is electric, bone-dry, and one of France's most reliably brilliant white wine values.

La Vieille Ferme Ventôux Rosé — Rhône Valley 2025 | 1.5L Magnum

La Vieille Ferme is the beloved everyday label of Famille Perrin — the same dynasty behind Château de Beaucastel — and the 2025 Ventôux Rosé is everything the iconic “Chicken Wine” has always promised: fresh, generous, and endlessly drinkable. Blending Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah from vineyards in the Ventôux appellation, this magnum format is the ultimate warm-weather bottle — made for long tables, summer evenings, and good company. At under $18 for a 1.5L, it is one of the most exciting values in all of French rosé.

The color is a beautiful bright powder-pink with silver highlights. The nose is fresh and inviting: rose petals, red fruit, and a delicate tangy lift. On the palate, it is lively and balanced, with juicy notes of strawberry and peach framed by a saline, mineral finish that lingers with elegance and finesse. It drinks beautifully right now — and the magnum keeps it fresher, longer.

• Producer: La Vieille Ferme (Famille Perrin), Rhône Valley, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Ventôux AOC
• Blend: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
• Format: 1.5L Magnum
• Tasting Notes: Rose petal, strawberry, peach, red fruit, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled chicken, salmon, summer salads, charcuterie, goat cheese, light pasta

A Beaucastel-pedigree rosé in magnum at an honest price — La Vieille Ferme is the benchmark for what everyday French rosé can be.

Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse 2024 · Pouilly-Fuissé, Burgundy, France

Producer Description

At the top of the Mâconnais hierarchy, Pouilly-Fuissé is Burgundy’s great white wine of the south — and Louis Jadot’s expression is a benchmark of the appellation. Sourced from the villages of Fuissé, Pouilly, Loché, and Vinzelles, this is a Chardonnay of genuine complexity: rich and structured, yet precise and fresh. Judicious oak use adds texture without obscuring the wine’s terroir-driven character.

Vineyard

Varietal: Chardonnay (100%). Region: Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France. Soil: Limestone and clay. Viticulture: Conventional.

Vinification

Fermentation: Barrel fermented. Aging: Partial oak aging, subtle and well-integrated. Style: Rich, structured, with mineral precision.

Tasting Notes

The nose opens with aromas of fresh apple, honey, and white flowers. On the palate, elegant and rich — toasted hazelnuts, citrus zest, and a creamy mid-palate give way to a long, mineral finish. A “mini-Meursault” at a far more approachable price.

Pair with roasted salmon, shellfish in garlic butter, or creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

Details

• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Region: Pouilly-Fuissé, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Type: White

Marcel Lapierre Raisins Gaulois VdP de Gaul Organic 2025

Marcel Lapierre is one of the founding fathers of the natural wine movement in Beaujolais, and Raisins Gaulois is his most joyful, approachable expression. Sourced from 60-year-old Gamay vines on granitic soils, the 2025 is vinified without sulfur using semi-carbonic maceration — the result is a wine that is pure, vibrant, and made to be drunk with abandon. Think red cherries, clementine zest, and a whisper of earth, with silky tannins and a refreshing finish. Serve slightly chilled.

• Producer: Marcel Lapierre
• Grape: 100% Gamay
• Region: VdP de Gaul, Beaujolais, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Certified Organic, No Added Sulfur
• Vinification: Semi-carbonic maceration, 4–6 days; 2 months in cuve before release
• Alcohol: 12.5%

Pairs beautifully with roasted cod, coq au vin, prawn dumplings with sweet chilli sauce, or your next backyard barbecue.

Commanderie de Peyrassol | Cuvée des Commandeurs | Côtes de Provence Rosé | 2025 | 750ml

Few estates in Provence carry a history as remarkable as Peyrassol. Located in the heart of the appellation, the Commanderie was founded by the Knights Templar in the early Middle Ages — the first recorded grape harvest here dates to 1256. When the Templars were dissolved in 1311, the Knights of Malta assumed stewardship, maintaining the vineyards with characteristic precision until the French Revolution. The Rigord family purchased the estate in 1870, and today Françoise Rigord — who has been making wine here since 1981 — continues alongside her son François. Nearly eight centuries of uninterrupted winemaking, and the Cuvée des Commandeurs remains the estate's most beloved bottle.

Pale and luminous in the glass, this is quintessential Provence rosé: delicate, dry, and effortlessly elegant. Expect fresh strawberry, white peach, and citrus zest on the nose, with a clean, mineral-driven palate and a crisp, refreshing finish. This is the wine that spring and summer were made for.

Serve well chilled alongside black olives, tomato-based dishes, grilled fish, ratatouille, or a simple spread of Provençal charcuterie.

• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC, France
• Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah (traditional Provence blend)
• Style: Dry, pale rosé
• Vintage: 2025
• Serve: Well chilled, 8–10°C
• Pairs with: Grilled fish, ratatouille, tomato dishes, black olives, Provençal charcuterie

Domaine Delobel Touraine Sauvignon Blanc “Angle Droit” — Loire Valley 2024

Domaine Delobel is one of the Loire Valley’s most exciting organic estates, founded in 2013 by Benjamin Delobel in Ouchamps, on the celebrated Oisly vineyard. Working with 10 hectares of certified-organic Sauvignon Blanc — planted from mass selections to preserve old-vine complexity — Benjamin crafts wines that are, as the name “Angle Droit” (Right Angle) suggests, straight, pure, and technically precise. For fans of Sauvignon Blanc who find New Zealand styles too loud and Sancerre too expensive, this wine hits the perfect middle ground. Manual harvests at dawn, slow pneumatic pressing, stainless steel fermentation, and aging on lees deliver a wine of exceptional freshness and mineral clarity.

The nose is lively and inviting: dried hay, field grass, sliced green apple, and crabapple aromas converge in a satisfying, savory frame. On the palate, the wine washes across wet river stone with tart acidity accented by white blossom — mineral-driven, focused, and refreshingly precise. The finish is clean and lingering.

Wine Enthusiast 90 — Reggie Solomon: “This lively wine refreshes the senses. The mineral-driven palate washes across wet river stone with tart acidity accented by white blossom.”

• Producer: Domaine Delobel, Ouchamps, Touraine, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Touraine AOC
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Certified Organic since 2013
• Vinification: Manual harvest, pneumatic press, stainless steel, aged on lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dried hay, green apple, crabapple, white blossom, wet river stone, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Goat cheese (Selles-sur-Cher, Crottin de Chavignol), oysters, fish ceviche, grilled sea bass, fresh asparagus

Pure, precise, and organically farmed — Domaine Delobel’s “Angle Droit” is the benchmark for honest, terroir-driven Touraine Sauvignon Blanc.

Château Lilian Ladouys — Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2020

Château Lilian Ladouys is one of Saint-Estèphe’s most exciting estates — and the 2020 vintage may be its finest hour. Owned by the Lorenzetti family and now classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel (the top tier of the new classification), Lilian Ladouys consistently punches well above its weight, delivering Classified Growth quality at a fraction of the price. The 2020 vintage — one of Bordeaux’s greatest in a generation — is big, bold, and built for the long haul.

Dark fruits, damp earth, truffle, cassis, licorice, and a deft touch of creamy oak define the nose. On the palate, powerful yet polished tannins frame a concentrated, medium-to-full-bodied wine with exceptional length and a racy, structured finish. Already showing complexity, it will evolve gracefully for 10–15 years and beyond.

Wine Enthusiast 93–95 • Decanter 93 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • James Suckling 92 • Robert Parker 91+

• Producer: Château Lilian Ladouys, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2020
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, dark fruit, truffle, damp earth, licorice, creamy oak, powdery tannins
• Cellar Potential: Best after 2025–2027; will evolve through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, truffle dishes, aged hard cheeses

One of the clear leaders of the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel category — Lilian Ladouys 2020 is a Saint-Estèphe benchmark at a remarkable price.

Val de Mer by Patrick Piuze Chablis 2025 is a beautifully focused expression of Chardonnay, bringing together fruit from three distinct parcels in the Chablis region: Des Couverts in the village of Chablis, Préhy near Courgis, and Lignorelles.

Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, the wine emphasizes freshness, purity and the naturally mineral character of Chablis. The absence of oak keeps the fruit bright and transparent, allowing the distinctive character of the region to remain firmly at the forefront.

Tasting Notes
Bright and refreshing, with lively citrus, green apple and fresh orchard-fruit character accented by subtle floral and stony notes. The palate is crisp and energetic, showing excellent balance between juicy fruit, vibrant acidity and classic Chablis minerality. A subtle saline quality carries through the clean, persistent finish.

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Chablis
Appellation: Chablis
Vintage: 2025
Producer: Val de Mer by Patrick Piuze
Vineyard Sources: Des Couverts, Préhy and Lignorelles
Farming: Sustainable
Harvest: Hand harvested
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation
Vinification & Aging: Stainless steel
Bottle Size: 750ml

Vineyard Sources
The 2025 Val de Mer Chablis is assembled from three parcels situated in different parts of the Chablis appellation. Des Couverts is located in the village of Chablis, Préhy lies near Courgis, and the third parcel comes from Lignorelles. Bringing these sites together creates a broader expression of Chablis while maintaining the freshness, tension and mineral character associated with the appellation.

About Val de Mer
Val de Mer is Patrick Piuze's second winery, co-owned with Moutard-Diligent and based in Tonnerre near Chablis. Although separate from Patrick Piuze's namesake winery, Val de Mer follows a very similar winemaking philosophy. Grapes are harvested by hand, fermentations begin spontaneously with native yeasts, and the emphasis remains on transparent expressions of Chardonnay and Chablis terroir.

One important distinction is that Val de Mer works with different vineyard sources from Patrick Piuze's namesake wines. While Piuze frequently bottles village-level Chablis from individual terroirs, Val de Mer takes a more traditional approach by blending multiple parcels to create a broader expression of the appellation.

About Patrick Piuze
Patrick Piuze has become one of the most distinctive figures in modern Chablis, known for his meticulous attention to individual vineyard sites and a restrained approach in the cellar. His wines emphasize freshness, precision and terroir rather than overt winemaking influence.

Val de Mer extends this philosophy into a range of wines designed to deliver classic Chablis character with excellent accessibility and value. The village Chablis is fermented and aged in tank, preserving Chardonnay's natural freshness and highlighting the mineral personality of the region.

Food Pairing
An exceptionally versatile white wine for the table. Pair with oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, crab, sushi and sashimi, grilled or roasted white fish, roast chicken and fresh cheeses. Its bright acidity and mineral character also make it an excellent aperitif.

Why We Like It
This is classic, highly drinkable Chablis with Patrick Piuze's touch: fresh, precise and mineral, without unnecessary oak influence. Sourced from three different Chablis parcels and aged entirely in stainless steel, it offers an excellent introduction to the Val de Mer style and tremendous versatility at the table. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux) 91 Points | Crisp citrus, white pear, a ton of peach juice, slate, cloves, this is unfussy, easy drinking, and great value. Pierre Lurton home estate.

James Suckling 91 Points | Light, crispy stone fruit with gooseberries and guava. Dry, this has light to medium body and good acidity. Medium finish.

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Louis Latour | Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC | Burgundy, France | 2023 | 375ml Half Bottle

Maison Louis Latour is one of Burgundy's most storied and respected négociants, family-owned and independent since 1797. With the largest holding of Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte d'Or and a winemaking heritage stretching back to the 17th century, Louis Latour has built a global reputation for producing wines that faithfully express the character of Burgundy's diverse terroir — from the grandest Grands Crus to the most approachable regional appellations.

Bourgogne Pinot Noir is Burgundy's regional appellation, drawing fruit from vineyards across the entire region. Pinot Noir is the native red grape of Burgundy — one of the world's most celebrated and terroir-sensitive varieties — and Louis Latour's Bourgogne expression offers a genuine introduction to the elegance and finesse that defines great red Burgundy.

Vinified traditionally in open vats and aged 10 to 12 months in stainless steel to preserve freshness and fruit purity. The 2023 shows a deep, bright ruby hue. The nose is elegant — red fruits, blackcurrant bud, and licorice, lifted by a hint of spice. On the palate, round and well-balanced with freshness and a supple texture, expressing notes of cherry, blackcurrant, and licorice that linger through a harmonious finish. A classic, food-friendly Burgundy red in a convenient 375ml half bottle.

Pair with grilled meats, roast duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, and mature cheeses.

• Producer: Maison Louis Latour
• Appellation: Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Vinification: Traditional open vat fermentation; 10–12 months in stainless steel
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle