French Wine

Winemaker Description 

This vintage is the fruit of setting up my establishment. It embodies my doubts, my
fears, my mistakes, my great joy, my passion, my convictions.

This wine plot is located on a rocky outcrop, on the summit of the Palais Mount. Its name comes from the Latin word “barra”, copied from the Gallic “barro” which means
“elevation, summit, peak”. Chalky brown soils, clay-limestone subsoils. Located at 300 meters high, on a plateau.

There is a forest which occupies the ridge of the mountain which protects and shelters the vineyard from the wind. This cool environment helps to produce the floral and aromatic character plus the freshness of the wines.

Fresh white fruits aromas accompanied by floral touches and mineral notes. It leaves a fresh cool taste in mouth and blends together a tonic effect with smoothness. This tense and invigorating juice leaves a long-lasting intense sensation in the mouth. The end result is remarkable thanks to the aromatic, sapid and well-delineated finality. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine Ninot Rully "La Barre" Blanc 2022 is a bright, organic expression of Chardonnay from the Côte Chalonnaise, crafted by the talented Erell Ninot, who was previously named "Best Young Winemaker" in Burgundy.

A classic partner for poultry in creamy sauces (Blanquette de veau), grilled sea bass, or scallops. It also pairs wonderfully with regional cheeses like Comté or mild Gruyère.
 

Crafted from a 20-hour maceration of Pinot Noir grapes, each parcel is vinified separately in stainless steel and epoxy-lined tanks. The wine is bottled according to the lunar calendar and undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, preserving the unique characteristics of each terroir.

This meticulous approach highlights the natural expression of the Meunier grape, resulting in a fresh, vibrant rosé with nuanced red fruit, subtle spice, and floral notes. The wine balances elegance with intensity, offering a complex, layered palate and a delicate, persistent mousse.

Perfect for festive occasions, it pairs beautifully with seafood, charcuterie, or light poultry dishes, making it a standout choice for holiday celebrations or special gatherings.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir (Saignée method)
Country: France – Champagne

This striking Brut Nature Champagne showcases the precision and depth of 100% Pinot Noir from Christophe Mignon’s meticulously farmed vineyards in the western Vallée de la Marne. Vinified with a minimalist approach and zero dosage, the wine is fermented and matured in large oak foudres, allowing the purity of the fruit and the character of the terroir to shine without excess influence.

In the glass, it reveals a beautiful shimmering hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is clean and refined, offering subtle woody notes layered with red apple, citrus peel, and hints of toasted almond. On the palate, the wine is powerful yet impeccably precise, delivering vibrant freshness, excellent tension, and a long, mineral-driven finish. The oak integration is seamless, enhancing structure and complexity while preserving energy and elegance.

This Champagne is a compelling expression of Pinot Noir in its most transparent form—vinous, structured, and deeply expressive—crafted for those who appreciate authenticity, finesse, and terroir-driven Champagne.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Champagne, France
Style: Brut Nature (Zero Dosage)
Base Year: 2018

Crafted from Chardonnay grown on the chalky and clay-limestone soils of Festigny, this Brut Nature Champagne is vinified and matured partially in large oak foudres, allowing texture and depth to develop without masking purity. The nose is clean and refined, revealing subtle notes of fresh apple, lemon zest, white flowers, and a gentle hint of toasted almond from oak aging.

On the palate, the wine is precise and energetic, driven by vibrant acidity and a finely integrated mousse. Flavors of citrus, green pear, and almond are layered with a delicate saline edge and restrained woody nuance. With zero dosage, the finish is long, focused, and mineral, highlighting the natural expression of Chardonnay and the craftsmanship of Christophe Mignon.

Elegant, structured, and deeply expressive, this Champagne is an excellent choice for lovers of terroir-driven, low-intervention wines and pairs beautifully with shellfish, seafood, or simply enjoyed on its own as a contemplative aperitif.

A beautifully preserved library release showcasing the age-worthy brilliance of Muscadet. Sourced from vines planted on a distinctive granite vein in Vallet, the 2007 L d’Or marries freshness with graceful maturity. Aromas of citrus zest, white peach, crushed oyster shell, and wet stone unfold alongside subtle notes of almond and herbal lift. The palate is vibrant and refined, with precise acidity, deep minerality, and a long, saline finish that speaks clearly of its terroir. Elegant, complex, and remarkably alive—an outstanding example of mature Muscadet direct from the domaine’s cellar.

A rare, beautifully matured Muscadet from one of the Loire Valley’s benchmark estates. Sourced from old vines rooted in a deep vein of granite, L d’Or shows how extraordinary Muscadet can become with long aging. The 2006 vintage offers layered aromas of lemon peel, crushed stone, sea spray, and gently evolving notes of hazelnut and honey. On the palate, it’s taut yet silky, with remarkable freshness, mineral intensity, and a long, saline finish. A stunning example of terroir-driven Muscadet at peak maturity, released directly from the domaine’s cellar. Perfect for collectors, seafood pairings, or anyone seeking a true Muscadet revelation.

A rare, perfectly aged Muscadet from one of the Loire’s benchmark domaines. “L d’Or” is sourced from old-vine Melon de Bourgogne planted on mica-schist soils, producing a wine of remarkable depth and longevity.

The 2005 shows extraordinary maturity: layers of salted lemon, preserved citrus, crushed stone, dried herbs, and a subtle smoky minerality. On the palate, it’s beautifully evolved yet still vibrant, with the hallmark tension and salinity that define great Muscadet. Long, savory, and deeply textural, this is a stunning library release that proves just how well Muscadet can age.

A rare treat direct from the winery’s cellar — ideal for collectors and lovers of nuanced, maritime whites. Perfect with oysters, scallops, sushi, or aged cheeses.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Distinctive in a very good way, this chooses savory elegance over power. A refreshing and mineral-driven style, with appealing pepper, spice box and chestnut, all surrounding a core of red currant threaded with a stream of herbs. With warm earth on the seductively textured palate, this shows good energy and harmony through the vibrant finish, marked by iron and smoked meat. Well-done. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2032. 2,464 cases imported.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme kicks off with crushed violets, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Leafy gradations add more complexity. Round and elegant, the full-bodied 2022 walks off the stage with persistence on the juicy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The only wine produced in the vintage due to the devastating tornado just before the harvest, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Télégramme seems to be a mix of a normal Vieux Télégraphe and a Télégramme. Black raspberries, darker cherries, peppery garrigue, and a Grand Vin sense of salty minerality define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, has rock-solid ripeness, plenty of tannins, and outstanding length.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | A blend of 85% Grenache and the rest of Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme offers up aromas of flowers, dark cherries and dark wild berries, followed by a medium to full-bodied, structured and concentrated palate with velvety tannins and a long, dense finish.

James Suckling 92 Points | An elegant expression of grenache in Chateauneuf, this has a wealth of red berries and summer flowers. The very solid tannins have been expertly crafted, and they build beautifully in the long finish. Considering how the vineyards were hit by hail just before the harvest, this has turned out very well. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 96 Points | The density and balance are so attractive here, with sliced apples, white pineapple and crushed stones. Hints of dried flowers, too, such as white roses and lilacs, as well as almonds. Medium-bodied with focus and subtle strength. Seemingly endless, with a bitter-lemon edge and nice reduction in the aftertaste of gun metal. Drink and enjoy.

Decanter 94 Points | Drouhin's Clos des Mouches 2023 exemplifies the vintage's potential for delicious whites. The wine has lush, forward aromas of Mirabelle plums and quince with hints of marzipan, butter and a suggestion of stylishly smoky reduction. The texture is supple and dense, but the richness is kept in balance and the extract carries the wine to a lingering finish. Parts of the 7ha vineyard have been replanted; the old vines that produce this bottling have delivered a wine of great character.

The Wine Advocate 93-94 Points | The 2023 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Blanc (Domaine) is another strong performance, delivering aromas of sweet pear, peach and mandarin mingled with buttered toast and mint. Full-bodied, rich and ample, it's layered and unctuous, with a seamless, satiny, textural profile and a long, lusty finish.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Stylish and graceful, this white evokes lemon, apple, white flower and honey aromas and flavors. Almost seamless in its texture and balance, with finely meshed acidity providing lift and freshness. Excellent length.

Winemaker Notes

An outstanding wine. Pale yellow color. Complex floral nose of white lilac and white rose. Once open, fruity aromas come to the fore, evolving towards grilled hazelnut and almond. When the wine is more mature, the nose is surprisingly strong and fifteen minutes of aeration produce wonderful notes of white truffle, citron (cedrat), honey and nutmeg, elegantly meshed together. Very lively on the palate. Its rich texture is in evidence, but also its structure and minerality. It is round, but never heavy. Harmonious fullness in the aftertaste. This wine allies remarkably the complexity and elegance of a Bâtard-Montrachet with the power of a Corton-Charlemagne.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Based on 70% Clairette and 30% Roussanne and barrel fermented in demi-muid and foudre, the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is gorgeous, pure, and layered. It offers honeyed white peach, white flowers, subtle croissant, and spice aromatics. Medium to full-bodied and incredibly layered, it has remarkable acidity and a great finish that shows sensational purity and length.

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | Ethereal, fresh and perfumed, the 2024 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc opens with aromas of white fruits, herbs, spices and confit citrus. Medium- to full-bodied, pure and seamless, it is layered and textured, leading to a long, penetrating finish of great finesse. All precision and delicacy, this blend of 70% Clairette and 30% Roussanne is a stunning wine. It matured for six months in a combination of barrels, foudres and amphorae.

Memo Summary Notes 

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth, Wine Spectator.

"one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck. 

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Medium golden yellow hue, the NV Champagne La Vallée Suspendue Extra Brut is expressive on the nose and leaps from the glass with rounded aromas of lemon curd, merengue, pastry dough, marzipan, and red berries. It has more intensity on the palate, becoming more savory and salty, with a brothy feel, a fluffy mousse, and a chalky, textured finish. This is a solid wine with a lot of character to enjoy over the coming 10 years.

Vinous 93 Points | The NV (2016) Extra Brut La Vallée Suspendue is a blend of 80% Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir and 5% Chardonnay, based on 2016 with 50% reserve wines from a perpetual reserve that goes back to 1999. Those elements combine in a rich, resonant Champagne that is incredibly distinctive. Dried pear, spice, tangerine oil and exotic yellow flowers all build in the glass, but it is the wine's overall balance I admire most. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2023.

Joseph Drouhin Chassagne-Montrachet 2023

Experience the elegance of Burgundy with Joseph Drouhin Chassagne-Montrachet 2023, a prestigious white wine from one of France's most celebrated appellations. Crafted by the renowned Joseph Drouhin estate, founded in 1880, this exceptional Chardonnay showcases the unique terroir of Chassagne-Montrachet through meticulous winemaking and sustainable viticulture practices.

Tasting Profile

This generous and elegant wine displays a light golden color with remarkable aromatic complexity. The nose reveals intense aromas of oyster shells, lavender flowers, sandalwood, brioche, and candied lemon, evolving toward nuances of grilled hazelnut and spice as it matures. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture, the palate is straightforward yet refined, offering flavors of ripe pear, citrus zest, stone fruits, and heather flowers. Vibrant acidity balances the wine's richness, leading to a long, flavorful finish where floral and gingerbread notes dominate.

Expert Recognition

James Suckling - 94 Points
"An intense village wine with aromas and flavors of oyster shells, lavender flowers and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a flavorful finish. Heather flowers come through. Real Chassagne-Montrachet."

The Wine Advocate - 90 Points
"An intense village wine with aromas and flavors of oyster shells, lavender flowers and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a flavorful finish. Heather flowers come through. Real Chassagne-Montrachet."

Perfect Pairings

• Grilled fish and lobster with butter
• Seafood and shellfish
• Roasted poultry dishes
• Creamy risottos and pasta
• Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly chilled at 50-55°F to enhance the wine's refreshing qualities and aromatic complexity. This versatile Chassagne-Montrachet is perfect for special celebrations or intimate dinners, and can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development. Each 750ml bottle represents the storied heritage and dedication to excellence that defines Joseph Drouhin.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2022 Château La Tour Blanche is juicy and lively, with an exotic nose of honeyed orange, white chocolate, flowers, and hints of mint. It's a rich, unctuous, fleshy, full-bodied Sauternes that brings incredible opulence while staying nicely balanced and relatively light on its feet.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Pascal Janvier Coteaux du Loir Blanc bears a unique aromatic signature. Exotically perfumed with hints of guava, musk, and clove, it finishes dry and quite flinty. 

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Citrus and lemon aromas with slight notes of fresh grass. The mouth is balanced and structured.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Light gold in color and green highlights, this Savagnin surprises with its mineral, floral and fruity notes. This complex wine offers lemony, mineral notes, aromas of white flowers and substance for a long, pleasant finish.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

The perfect association between the elegance and finesse of Chardonnay, with white flowers and white fruits aromas, pleasantly combined with roasted almond and hazelnut notes brought by the Savagnin.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

In the nose, this wine is powerful and complex, It develops smoked and toasted aromas, and more particularly aromas of brioche associated to the notes of honey and vanilla. The mouth is frank, round and rich. This wine is perfectly balanced.

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

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

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

A fresh and engergetic Chardonnay that expresses the true character of Burgundy’s signature white grape variety. Perron de Mypont Chardonnay is sourced from selected vineyard parcels in the classic Chardonnay areas of the Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, and Chablis. 

To ensure elegance and delicacy in the wine, the grapes were picked at optimal ripeness during cool mornings early in the harvest. Following fermentation, the wine was matured for nine months in used French oak barriques and 600-liter demi-muids to develop texture and complexity, while maintaining freshness. T

he finished wine is rounded and well balanced, with an aroma of white fruits and delicate flowers atop a fine mineral structure.

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

Decanter 90 Points | Strawberries and cream aromas with some peach and mint leaf. Crisp and inviting palate, with leafy complexity and a lovely strawberry and cherry delicacy on the finish.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

This fresh herbal wine is full of tangy, zesty fruits. It is bright, with a tight texture that will open out. Drink this attractive wine from late 2021.

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

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

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

This wine shows deep in color, with ruby tints. It has scents of red and black berries mixed with floral notes, together with hints of delicate spices and vanilla. On the palate, it displays aromas of crushed black fruits such as raspberries, blackcurrants, cherries and black-cherry jam. This wine is complex, rich and long with well integrated 

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Vinous 95 Points | The 2019 Clos de la Dioterie is a sophisticated, seductively perfumed style—brooding yet aromatic. Its concentrated flavors are pure; it remains light and elegant, with a delectable, chalky, veil-like texture residing on your tongue as the finish draws out with precision, sinew and line. This is a fine, texturally intriguing wine.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

This Montagne Saint-Emilion Château Grand Moulin Macquin has a red ruby color; the black cherry aromas, red berries and cinnamon; firm tannins, balanced, harmonious finish.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Mainly from Mourvèdre, which gives it this character that is both powerful and subtle, it expresses all the richness of a terroir on the shores of the Mediterranean. The Gueissard red asserts itself as a gastronomic wine that can be enjoyed now or in a few years.

Winemaker Description 

Daniel and Julien Barraud’s 2023 Clos la Verchère Pouilly-Fuissé comes from the south facing ‘La Maréchaude’ premier cru vineyard comprised of Chardonnay vines with more than 60 years of age grown on limestone rich soils. Fermented and aged in oak barrels, 20% of which are new, brings forth a wine of richness and precision. Aromas of orchard fruits, wild flowers and roasted hazelnuts on the bouquet with energetic acidity and purity on the palate and a long mineral rich finish.

Made from certified organic estate grown grapes.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | A great vintage for this cuvée, the 2022 Gigondas Terrasse Du Diable comes from higher elevation sites and pure limestone soils. (It's mostly Grenache.) Rocking levels of kirsch, ripe cherries, chalky minerality, melted licorice, and white flowers all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish. It's one hell of a sexy, ripe, impossible-to-resist Gigondas.

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

Grown on clay and gravelly soil, this 100% Cabernet Franc from Chinon, is fruitywith soft tannins and exults aromas of red berries.

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

Situated at the entry to Burgundy’s Elysian Fields, Gevrey-Chambertin is a historic village where Pinot Noir reaches its pinnacle. The village’s vineyards, with their prime east to southeast exposures, thrive on a blend of brown limestone soils and clayey marls rich in fossil deposits. This unique terroir imparts elegance, delicacy, body, and firmness to the wine. From the first sip, this wine indulges the senses with a vibrant blend of fresh strawberries and violets, which will transition to complex notes of licorice and leather as the wine matures. It is a true representation of the best that Burgundy has to offer.

Memo Summary Notes

• Complex bouquet of dark red and blue fruits (black cherry, black raspberry), floral notes (violets, potpourri), and earthy/mineral undertones.

• Palate: Full-bodied for a Beaujolais, with a seamless texture and a fleshy, concentrated core of fruit. Expect good acidity, subtle spice, and a tactile, mineral-driven finish. It has the structure to age for several years.

From over 50-year-old southwest-facing vines on sandy, granitic soils, La Croix des Rameaux is a rich and elegant Gamay made with close attention paid to managing extraction, so the wine maintains lift and energy.

Pair with

• Roast chicken or turkey (especially with herbs).

• Rich Dishes: Beef bourguignon, a savory mushroom risotto, or a hearty stew.

• Meats: Cured meats, lamb tongue, or any roast white meat.

• Casual: Gourmet pizza or dishes with red sauce.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2014 

Vinous 98 Points | Bollinger’s 2014 La Grande Année is a great way to start the evening as guests mill around Wheeler Farms. It is early evening in Napa, but there is still plenty of action in the winery, where various lots are being pressed under the watchful eye of winemaker Nigel Kinsman. There are some moments where I would very much like to be a civilian, a regular person enjoying the night, but I am more concerned with our guests having a great night, so I quickly go back to check on our wines. The Bollinger 2014 is everything I expected; bright, focused and full of all the energy this late-ripening vintage conferred to the best wines. 

Producer Description 

La Grande Année: The Great Year. This Champagne is the embodiment of everything that makes Bollinger the producer that stands apart in Champagne. La Grande Année symbolizes the word “hand-crafted” so strongly that an overused word suddenly becomes the appropriate definition. 

La Grande Année is only produced in the most outstanding of vintages, where ripeness and acidity reach a perfect balance and aging potential is excellent.