Introductory Offer Wines

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points: Classic granite notes of cassis and darker cherries, graphite, crushed stone, pepper, and violets all emerge from the 2023 Saint Joseph Offerus. Medium-bodied, focused, and beautifully balanced on the palate, with textbook Saint Joseph tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a crisp, mineral-laced finish. Will evolve nicely over the coming 8–10 years.

Winemaker Description

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint Joseph OFFERUS 2023 750ml

The Offerus is produced by Chave Sélection, the négociant arm of the legendary Chave family — one of the Northern Rhône’s most revered dynasties. While the Domaine’s own Saint-Joseph commands upwards of $130, the Offerus delivers a similar pedigree and granite-driven terroir character at a fraction of the price. Pure Syrah sourced from the granitic hillsides of Saint-Joseph, it is a benchmark insider value in the appellation and a testament to the Chave family’s uncompromising standards across every tier of their portfolio.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence, roasted duck breast, or beef daube.
• Classic French: Hearty cassoulet, charcuterie board, or braised short ribs with olives.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire, or a firm washed-rind cheese.

A distinctive Premier Cru white Burgundy from Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils, this wine is produced from Chardonnay grown in the Beaune Premier Cru vineyard of Champs-Pimont. Introduced by the estate with the 2021 vintage, the cuvée is made from grapes carefully selected during harvest.

The vineyard’s chalky, limestone-rich soil gives the wine its characteristic mineral and saline expression. Its eastern exposure encourages freshness, while its position at mid-slope provides balance, concentration and structure. The vines are approximately 40 years old, contributing additional depth and complexity.

The 2023 vintage offers elegant aromas of lemon-lime, freshly sliced apple and delicate floral notes. The palate is beautifully textured and concentrated, with bright acidity and subtle mineral tension. A bone-dry finish brings together citrus zest, saline freshness and a lightly bitter note that adds definition and length.

Refined and energetic, this is a precise expression of Chardonnay from the Côte de Beaune, combining generous texture with freshness, minerality and excellent aging potential.

Critical Acclaim

Allen Meadows, Burghound: 88–91 Points “More elegant and slightly fresher aromas include those of lemon-lime, just sliced apple and a variety of floral wisps. There is again a lovely texture and even better volume to the more concentrated flavors that exude a subtle minerality on the bone-dry finale that also flashes a bitter zest character.”

Serving and Pairing

Serve lightly chilled with scallops, lobster, grilled or roasted fish, poultry in a cream sauce, mushroom risotto, vegetable dishes or soft and semi-firm cheeses. The wine may be enjoyed young for its freshness or carefully cellared to develop greater complexity.

Wine Details

Producer: Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils
Vintage: 2023
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Beaune Premier Cru
Vineyard: Champs-Pimont
Vineyard Classification: Premier Cru
Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
Exposure: East
Soil: Limestone, chalk and clay
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 Beaune Blanc Premier Cru Les Champs Pimonts 2023

Only 120 cases imported to the United States

Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott Condrieu 2022 is an elegant and beautifully expressive Viognier from one of the Northern Rhône's most celebrated white wine appellations. Rich and aromatic yet remarkably fresh, it combines the lush fruit and floral character of Condrieu with the mineral precision and energy that define Graeme and Julie Bott's style.

The wine comes from approximately 25-year-old Viognier vines planted on the steep granite soils of Condrieu. These demanding hillside vineyards naturally produce small yields, helping to create a wine with concentration, depth and a strong sense of place.

Expert Reviews

93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2022 Condrieu from Graeme & Julie Bott is a lovely classic in the making, unfurling in the glass with aromas of spring blossoms, white fruits, flowers, apricots and honeysuckles mingled with delicate spicy notes. Bright and vibrant, it's medium to full-bodied, enrobing and precise with a sappy, charming mid-palate that segues into a sappy, delicately phenolic finish. Made from purchased grapes, fermented in barrels and matured for nine months in large barrels, this is a strong effort.

93 Wine Spectator: A floral, bright and expressive white, with elderflower and white peach flavors shored up with crushed flint minerality, fresh-cut chive notes and zippy acidity. Lacy in feel, showing terrific purity throughout and ending with a clean finish. Drink now through 2025. 375 cases made, 120 cases imported.

92 James Suckling: A fruity nose with fresh pears, green apples, fresh apricots, herbs and mild spices. It’s medium-bodied with a caressing texture. Well-balanced with a spicy and mineral edge. Precise with a succulent finish. Drink or hold.

91 Jeb Dunnuck: A clean, classy, medium-bodied effort from this estate, the 2022 Condrieu has textbook tart apricot and orange blossom-like fruit as well as some spicy, mineral nuances. I love its balance, and it has good acidity and a great finish. It's going to shine on the dinner table.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted in the vineyard before being whole-bunch pressed. After cold settling, fermentation takes place in barrel, followed by approximately 10 months of aging in French oak barrels before bottling. Production is extremely limited, at approximately 2,000 bottles.

Tasting Notes

Golden in color with pale yellow highlights, the 2022 Condrieu opens with expressive aromas of ripe peach, apricot and fresh yellow fruits accented by delicate white flowers and subtle violet notes. The palate is rich, concentrated and silky, yet beautifully balanced by freshness, mineral tension and a subtle saline character.

Despite its generous texture, the wine remains bright and energetic throughout, finishing long and precise with a delicate savory bitterness that brings definition and balance to the ripe Viognier fruit.

About Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott

Graeme and Julie Bott met while working at the renowned Northern Rhône domaine of Stéphane Ogier before establishing their own estate. Their vineyards are centered around the Northern Rhône, where they focus on expressive, pure wines that emphasize freshness and the distinctive character of their hillside terroirs.

Food Pairing

A beautiful match for rich and creamy dishes. Pair with vegetable risotto, roast or poached poultry with cream sauce, foie gras, or other dishes where the wine's generous texture can complement richness while its freshness keeps the pairing lively and balanced.

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott
• Vintage: 2022
• Country: France
• Region: Northern Rhône
• Appellation: Condrieu AOC
• Grape: 100% Viognier
• Soil: Granite
• Vine Age: Approximately 25 years
• Harvest: Hand harvested
• Vinification: Whole-bunch pressed; barrel fermented
• Aging: Approximately 10 months in French oak barrels
• Production: Approximately 2,000 bottles
• Bottle Size: 750ml

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

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

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

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

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

Elegant, mineral and deeply expressive Premier Cru Chablis.

Lucien Le Moine's 2023 Chablis Premier Cru Montmains is a beautifully poised expression of Chardonnay from one of Chablis' classic left-bank Premier Cru sites. Montmains is a relatively cool, wind-exposed vineyard rooted in Kimmeridgian marl, conditions that naturally favor freshness, tension and the distinctive mineral character associated with fine Chablis. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The 2023 is precise yet generous, opening with aromas of fresh lemon, green apple and citrus zest, followed by subtle notes of white flowers, almond and crushed stone. The palate combines ripe Chardonnay fruit with vibrant acidity and a firm mineral core, showing excellent concentration without sacrificing freshness. Chalky, saline nuances emerge toward the finish, which is long, clean and beautifully balanced.

Lucien Le Moine is the tiny Beaune-based micro-négociant founded by Mounir Saouma and Rotem Brakin. Their highly individual approach emphasizes extended aging on the full lees, minimal movement of the wine, no racking during élevage, and bottling without fining or filtration. The result is a style that combines remarkable texture and depth with a transparent expression of each individual vineyard. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Montmains is especially compelling in the hands of Lucien Le Moine: the vineyard's naturally cool personality and mineral backbone provide a striking counterpoint to the house's rich, lees-driven texture. The result is a Chablis with both immediate presence and excellent potential for further development in bottle.

Professional Review

Allen Meadows (Burghound) notes:  With respect to 2023, Mounir told me that “it is a vintage of excess in every sense of the term. We again had, at least from a historical perspective, an extreme growing season if perhaps not quite as extreme as those of several other recent vintages. Yields were high everywhere, alcohols were generous, acidities were lowish without being actually low and despite all of this, I believe 2023 is an exceptionally good vintage. One of the all-time greats? No, but certainly as good as any number of vintages over the past 20 years and better than many. 

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Burgundy, France
Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru
Vineyard: Montmains
Vintage: 2023
Size: 750ml

Food Pairing: An exceptional partner for oysters, shellfish, scallops, grilled or roasted fish, lobster, poultry in cream sauce and soft goat cheeses. Its combination of acidity, minerality and texture also makes it an excellent choice for richer seafood preparations.

Serving: Serve lightly chilled. Lucien Le Moine recommends decanting its wines, even whites, to allow naturally retained CO2 from the long élevage to dissipate and the wine to fully reveal its aromatics and texture. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Pure, mineral and beautifully precise Premier Cru Chardonnay from Puligny-Montrachet.

Lucien Le Moine's 2023 Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru La Garenne is a refined and highly expressive white Burgundy, combining the crystalline minerality and tension associated with Puligny-Montrachet with the house's signature depth and texture.

La Garenne is one of Puligny-Montrachet's classified Premier Cru climats in the Côte de Beaune. The vineyard produces Chardonnay of notable freshness, precision and mineral definition, making it an especially compelling site for lovers of structured, age-worthy white Burgundy.

The 2023 vintage opens with cool, lifted aromas of Granny Smith apple, lemon rind, crushed fennel and delicate floral notes. The palate is rich and caressing without losing focus, showing generous Chardonnay fruit framed by vivid acidity and pronounced minerality. Citrus notes become increasingly prominent toward the finish, which is bone-dry, firm, beautifully balanced and impressively persistent.

This combination of richness and tension is particularly characteristic of fine Puligny-Montrachet: the wine has enough breadth and texture to feel luxurious, yet its mineral backbone keeps the palate focused, energetic and precise. The 2023 La Garenne is already compelling, but its structure suggests excellent potential for further development in bottle.

Lucien Le Moine is the tiny Beaune-based micro-négociant founded by Mounir Saouma and Rotem Brakin in 1999. The house specializes in Premier and Grand Cru Burgundy, generally producing only one to three barrels of each individual Cru.

The wines are selected very early, immediately after pressing, and raised entirely by Lucien Le Moine through bottling. Both whites and reds are aged on 100% of their lees, with gentle bâtonnage when appropriate and no racking during élevage. The wines are bottled by gravity and are neither fined nor filtered, preserving their texture, complexity and individual vineyard character.

In La Garenne, this long lees aging adds richness and depth while allowing the vineyard's naturally mineral, citrus-driven personality to remain clearly defined. The result is an elegant, concentrated and beautifully balanced Premier Cru white Burgundy.

Professional Review

BURGHOUND 93 POINTS :  Cool, airy and pure aromas include those of Granny Smith apple, lemon rind, crushed fennel and a floral top note. The rich, generously proportioned and caressing medium weight flavors also exude evident minerality on the overtly citrusy bone-dry finish that exhibits impressive persistence on the well-balanced and firm finale. Fine quality here and worth checking out. 91-93

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Burgundy, France
Subregion: Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru
Vineyard: La Garenne
Vintage: 2023
Size: 750ml

Food Pairing: Excellent with lobster, scallops, oysters, roasted or grilled fish, poultry in a light cream sauce, veal, mushroom dishes and risotto. It also pairs beautifully with Comté, Gruyère and other firm, nutty cheeses.

Serving: Serve lightly chilled rather than ice cold to allow the wine's aromatics, texture and minerality to emerge. Lucien Le Moine recommends decanting its wines, including the whites, so that naturally retained CO2 from the long élevage can dissipate and the wine can fully open.

Taut, mineral and beautifully layered Premier Cru Chardonnay from one of Meursault's most distinctive high-slope sites.

Lucien Le Moine's 2023 Meursault Premier Cru Blagny Blanc is a refined expression of Chardonnay from the elevated vineyards of Blagny, situated above the classic Meursault slopes near the border with Puligny-Montrachet. White wines from this sector are entitled to the Meursault appellation, and the site's higher elevation and limestone-rich soils are known for giving the wines a particularly fresh, structured and mineral character.

The 2023 opens with aromas of ripe pear, white peach and citrus blossom, joined by notes of hazelnut, brioche and subtle flint. The palate is generous yet focused, balancing Meursault's characteristic richness with bright acidity and a firm mineral core. Orchard fruit and citrus unfold across a creamy, finely textured palate, while saline and chalky notes bring precision and lift to the long, persistent finish.

Blagny offers a compelling contrast within Meursault. Its elevated position lends the wine additional freshness and tension, resulting in a style that combines the breadth and texture associated with Meursault with a more linear, mineral-driven personality reminiscent of neighboring Puligny-Montrachet.

Lucien Le Moine is the tiny Beaune-based micro-négociant founded by Mounir Saouma and Rotem Brakin in 1999. The house works exclusively with selected Premier and Grand Cru wines from the Côte d'Or, typically producing only one to three barrels of each individual Cru.

The wines are selected very early and raised entirely by Lucien Le Moine from the beginning of their élevage. Both whites and reds are aged on 100% of their lees, with no racking during maturation. The wines are bottled by gravity and are neither fined nor filtered, an unusually patient approach designed to preserve texture, complexity and the individual character of each vineyard.

In the 2023 Meursault Premier Cru Blagny, this extended lees aging brings depth and supple texture without obscuring the site's naturally cool, stony personality. The result is a distinctive white Burgundy with concentration, freshness and excellent potential for further development in bottle.

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Burgundy, France
Subregion: Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Meursault Premier Cru
Vineyard: Blagny
Vintage: 2023
Size: 750ml

Food Pairing: Excellent with lobster, scallops, roasted fish, poultry in cream sauce, veal, mushroom dishes and risotto. Its combination of richness and mineral freshness also pairs beautifully with Comté, Gruyère and other firm, nutty cheeses.

Serving: Serve lightly chilled rather than very cold to allow the wine's texture and aromatics to fully emerge. Lucien Le Moine recommends decanting its wines, including the whites, allowing naturally retained CO2 from the long élevage to dissipate and the wine to open fully.

Premier Cru Chablis with remarkable depth, energy and mineral precision.

Lucien Le Moine Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2023 is a distinctive expression of Chardonnay from one of Chablis' most highly regarded Premier Cru vineyards. Situated southeast of the Grand Cru hill, Mont de Milieu enjoys excellent exposure and generous sunshine, producing wines that combine the unmistakable mineral character of Chablis with impressive richness and power.

The 2023 opens with an expressive and slightly exotic aromatic profile of white peach, citrus peel, jasmine tea and delicate floral notes. The palate is concentrated and beautifully textured, with excellent mid-palate density, vibrant freshness and a pronounced mineral backbone. Despite its richness, the wine remains precise and focused, leading into a long, balanced and distinctly bone-dry finish.

Powerful · Mineral · White Peach · Citrus · Floral · Bone-Dry

Lucien Le Moine is the small, highly regarded Burgundy house founded by Mounir and Rotem Saouma in Beaune. Working with carefully selected wines from exceptional vineyards throughout Burgundy, the domaine is known for long élevage, minimal intervention and an uncompromising approach designed to allow each vineyard and vintage to reveal its individual character.

Mont de Milieu's combination of warmth, limestone-rich Chablis terroir and Premier Cru pedigree gives this wine both immediate aromatic appeal and the structure to develop beautifully with time. An impressive Chablis for drinking alongside seafood, oysters, lobster, scallops, grilled fish, roast poultry and creamy cheeses.

Expert Rating

BURGHOUND 93 POINTS:  There is a cool exoticism to the nose of jasmine tea, orange peel, white peach and just enough Chablis character to be persuasive. There is excellent volume and mid-palate density to the solidly powerful and sappy medium-bodied flavors that conclude in a bone-dry, long and balanced finale. This also needs to develop better depth but given the potential aging curve, that should not be an issue. 91-93

Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: Burgundy, France
Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru
Vineyard: Mont de Milieu
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml

Rich, mineral and beautifully refined Premier Cru Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet.

Lucien Le Moine's 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru La Grande Montagne is an expressive white Burgundy combining the depth and texture for which Chassagne is celebrated with freshness, precision and a persistent mineral character.

La Grande Montagne is a Premier Cru climat of Chassagne-Montrachet in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. The vineyards of Chassagne sit on predominantly clay-limestone soils, providing Chardonnay with an exceptional balance of richness, structure and mineral tension.

The 2023 offers an inviting aromatic profile of ripe pear, citrus, yellow apple and white flowers, complemented by subtle notes of toasted almond, stone and gentle spice. On the palate, the wine is generous and layered, with beautifully textured Chardonnay fruit balanced by bright acidity and an underlying mineral backbone. The finish is long, focused and elegant, with lingering citrus, saline and lightly nutty nuances.

Lucien Le Moine is the tiny Beaune-based micro-négociant founded by Mounir Saouma and Rotem Brakin in 1999. Production is exceptionally limited, often amounting to only one to three barrels of an individual Cru. The wines are selected shortly after pressing and then raised entirely by Lucien Le Moine from the beginning of their élevage through bottling.

A defining element of the house style is extended aging on 100% of the lees. The wines remain on their lees throughout élevage without racking, allowing them to develop remarkable texture, complexity and depth. Bottling is performed by gravity, and the wines are neither fined nor filtered.

In La Grande Montagne, this distinctive approach brings an additional dimension of richness and breadth to the naturally mineral character of Chassagne-Montrachet. The result is a compelling Premier Cru with impressive presence today and the structure to develop beautifully with bottle age.

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Burgundy, France
Subregion: Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru
Vineyard: La Grande Montagne
Vintage: 2023
Size: 750ml

Food Pairing: Beautiful with lobster, scallops, roasted or grilled fish, poultry, veal, creamy mushroom dishes and rich seafood preparations. It is also an excellent match for aged Comté, Gruyère and other firm, nutty cheeses.

Serving: Serve lightly chilled rather than ice cold to allow the wine's texture and aromatics to emerge. Lucien Le Moine recommends decanting its wines, including the whites, so that naturally retained CO2 from the long élevage can dissipate and the wine can fully open.

For those looking to experience the Vincent Paris style at a lower price point, Granit 30 is another exceptional find.

Named for the approximately 30-degree slopes on which its Syrah grows, Granit 30 offers a beautifully expressive introduction to Paris' Cornas: dark fruit, pepper, mineral character and the unmistakable granitic personality of the appellation.

It delivers the combination that makes Vincent Paris so compelling — Cornas intensity without heaviness, plenty of Northern Rhône character, and remarkable freshness and precision.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

96 Points James Suckling: A profound nose of cherries, crushed raspberries, roasted meat, cigar box, black pepper, warm spices and some bark and leather. Medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. Expansive and spherical. Ample but refined in texture, with perfectly integrated structure at the edges and a vibrant, focused midpalate showing a bright, stony and peppery dimension. Quite spectacular for the vintage, with a very long, flinty finish. Drink or hold.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: Brilliant aromatics of blue fruits, fig, blood orange, pepper, and violet notes emerge from the medium-bodied 2024 Cornas La Geynale, which has a concentrated mouthfeel, building, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This reminds me of a great vintage of Clape Cornas! It sees a lot more stems and comes from the oldest vines of the estate, and it's going to need 4-5 years of bottle age. It's up there with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Barrel Sample: 94-96

95 Points Vinous:  The 2024 Cornas La Geynale hails from the glass with intense peppercorn, crushed rocks, fleshy tones and precisely ripe blackberry. Dried violets and earthy tones add more aromatic layers. Built like a skyscraper, the 2024 is a serious La Geynale in the making, lifting the finish with stupendous vitality. I can't wait to taste it once it's bottled. Barrel Sample: 93-95

Granit 30 is Vincent Paris’ vibrant, approachable expression of Cornas, produced from relatively young Syrah vines planted at both the lower and upper reaches of the appellation, from approximately 100 to 400 meters in elevation. The fruit comes in part from the Patou sector, where vines grow in decomposed granite soils at the base of the hillside, giving the wine freshness, finesse and an unmistakable mineral character.

Because the vines are younger than those used for Paris’ more powerful Cornas bottlings, the grapes are fully destemmed before fermentation. The wine undergoes approximately three weeks of maceration with gentle extraction, followed by 12 months of aging in used barrels. This restrained approach keeps the emphasis on pure Syrah fruit, spice and the granitic personality of Cornas rather than oak.

The 2024 Granit 30 shows a deep red color with aromas of blackberry and other dark fruits layered with black pepper, savory spice and subtle earthy notes. The palate is juicy and energetic, with ripe fruit, peppery complexity and supple, well-coated tannins.

Compared with Vincent Paris’ more structured Granit 60 and La Geynale bottlings, Granit 30 is especially inviting in its youth. It offers plenty of classic Cornas character—dark Syrah fruit, spice, freshness and mineral drive—while remaining polished, balanced and remarkably easy to enjoy.

The finish is long and savory, with lingering pepper, dark fruit and granite-derived freshness. It can be enjoyed relatively young for its exuberant fruit and supple texture, yet it has enough structure and balance to develop beautifully for more than a decade.

An excellent introduction to both Vincent Paris and the Cornas appellation, Granit 30 delivers genuine Northern Rhône character with impressive purity, freshness and value.

Producer: Domaine Vincent Paris
Vintage: 2024
Region: Northern Rhône, France
Appellation: Cornas AOC
Grape: 100% Syrah
Vineyards: Parcels at the lower and upper slopes of Cornas
Elevation: Approximately 100–400 meters
Soil: Granite and decomposed granite
Vinification: 100% destemmed; approximately three-week maceration with gentle extraction
Aging: 12 months in used oak barrels
Style: Dark-fruited, peppery, fresh and supple
Cellaring: Delicious young; capable of aging for 10+ years

93 Points James Suckling: Limes, pears, white flowers and wet stones on the nose. Open and balanced, with good acidity and a chalky texture. Approachable now, but better in 2028.

Old-Vine Chablis with Depth, Ripe Fruit and Chalky Minerality
Patrick Piuze's 2025 Chablis "Terroir de Courgis" is a distinctive village-level Chablis from a single vineyard on the Left Bank of the Serein. Planted in 1937, the old Chardonnay vines grow in clay-rich topsoil over classic Kimmeridgian limestone bedrock, producing one of the richest and most generously textured wines in Piuze's Terroir series.

The greater proportion of clay found on the Left Bank contributes weight, texture and ripe fruit, while the underlying limestone provides the freshness, chalky structure and mineral character that define classic Chablis. Piuze vinifies the Terroir wines in tank rather than barrel, keeping the focus firmly on fruit, freshness and vineyard expression.

Tasting Notes
Expressive and beautifully balanced, the 2025 Terroir de Courgis offers aromas of fresh lime, ripe pear and white flowers layered with wet stone and mineral notes. The palate is open and generous, showing juicy orchard and stone fruit balanced by lively acidity and a distinctly chalky texture. Fuller and rounder than many of Piuze's other village Chablis bottlings, it nevertheless retains excellent freshness and a clean, mineral-driven finish.

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Chablis
Appellation: Chablis
Village/Terroir: Courgis
Vintage: 2025
Producer: Patrick Piuze
Vineyard: Single vineyard
Vine Age: Planted in 1937
Soil: Clay topsoil over Kimmeridgian limestone bedrock
Farming: Sustainable
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation
Vinification & Aging: Fermented and aged in tank
Bottle Size: 750ml

About Terroir de Courgis
Courgis lies on the Left Bank of the Serein, an area of Chablis where the soils generally contain more clay than those of the Right Bank. This additional clay tends to produce wines with greater breadth, richness and ripe fruit while preserving the underlying limestone-driven freshness and minerality of Chablis.

Patrick Piuze's Terroir de Courgis comes from a single vineyard planted in 1937. Among his village-level Terroir bottlings, Courgis is typically the most substantial and weighty, characterized by ripe, juicy fruit and a generous texture balanced by classic Chablis acidity and minerality.

About Patrick Piuze
Canadian-born Patrick Piuze has become one of the most distinctive winemakers in Chablis, building his reputation through a remarkable collection of vineyard-specific wines. Rather than blending away the differences between sites, Piuze emphasizes individual terroirs, allowing each village and vineyard to express its own personality.

His cellar approach is deliberately low intervention. Fermentations occur spontaneously, and the village-level Terroir wines are fermented and aged primarily in older stainless-steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, and the wines receive only gentle filtration before bottling. The result is a transparent style of Chablis focused on freshness, texture, minerality and sense of place.

Food Pairing
Excellent with oysters, clams, crab, scallops, shrimp, sushi and sashimi, grilled or roasted white fish, roast chicken and creamy seafood dishes. The additional richness of Courgis also makes it an excellent match for richer shellfish preparations, poultry and soft cheeses.

Cellaring
Already approachable for its generous fruit and open texture, but its acidity and mineral structure should allow it to develop additional complexity with bottle age. James Suckling suggests it will be even better beginning in 2028. ```

A Remarkable Village Chablis from Just Below Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre
Patrick Piuze's 2025 Chablis "Les Bas De Chapelots" comes from a particularly exciting vineyard situated directly below the Chapelots climat of the renowned Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre. The parcel was planted in 1982 and was introduced to Piuze's lineup with the 2023 vintage, making this one of the newer and more distinctive additions to his collection of vineyard-specific Chablis.

Although classified at the village Chablis level, the vineyard's location immediately beneath one of the Right Bank's celebrated Premier Cru sites gives this bottling unusual pedigree. Patrick Piuze's philosophy is centered on precisely these differences in terroir, producing individual wines from specific vineyards rather than blending away their distinctive personalities.

Tasting Notes
Fresh, approachable and beautifully mineral, the 2025 Les Bas De Chapelots shows bright notes of pear and lime supported by the stony, mineral character associated with classic Chablis. The palate combines juicy fruit with freshness and precision, leading to an impressively long, mineral-driven finish.

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Chablis
Appellation: Chablis
Vineyard: Les Bas De Chapelots
Vintage: 2025
Producer: Patrick Piuze
Vine Age: Vineyard planted in 1982
Location: Directly below the Chapelots climat of Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre
Farming: Sustainable
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation
Malolactic Fermentation: Naturally occurring
Bottle Size: 750ml

About Les Bas De Chapelots
Les Bas De Chapelots is a special village-level site located immediately below Chapelots, a climat within the celebrated Chablis Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre on the Right Bank of the Serein. Its proximity to Premier Cru vineyards makes it an especially compelling example of Patrick Piuze's terroir-focused approach to Chablis.

The vineyard was planted in 1982, and Patrick Piuze first introduced Les Bas De Chapelots as a separate bottling with the 2023 vintage. The wine combines the freshness and accessibility of village Chablis with impressive mineral persistence and a sense of place that makes it particularly attractive for Chablis enthusiasts.

About Patrick Piuze
Montreal-born Patrick Piuze has established himself as one of the most distinctive producers in modern Chablis. Working closely with growers throughout the region, he sources fruit from carefully selected parcels and produces numerous vineyard-specific wines designed to highlight the differences between Chablis' individual terroirs.

Piuze places particular emphasis on old vines and careful harvesting. While machine harvesting is widespread in Chablis, his grapes are harvested by hand. In the cellar, fermentations occur spontaneously and malolactic fermentation proceeds naturally, with a deliberately low-intervention approach intended to keep the vineyard character at the forefront.

Food Pairing
An excellent partner for oysters, clams, shrimp, scallops, crab, sushi and sashimi, grilled or roasted white fish and roast chicken. Its combination of citrus freshness, ripe pear and persistent minerality also makes it a beautiful aperitif and a natural match for fresh and soft cheeses.

Why We Like It
Les Bas De Chapelots occupies an unusually privileged position for a village-level Chablis, sitting directly beneath Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre. With vines dating to 1982 and Piuze's meticulous terroir-driven approach, this is an excellent opportunity to experience a distinctive Chablis site at an especially attractive level. 

Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott Côte-Rôtie 2020 is a beautifully expressive Northern Rhône Syrah that combines the power and savory complexity of Côte-Rôtie with the domaine's signature elegance and finesse. Produced in extremely limited quantities, this is a refined, age-worthy wine with dark fruit, floral perfume, spice and beautifully polished tannins.

The fruit comes from approximately 40-year-old Syrah vines planted on the schist soils of the Côte Brune in Ampuis. These steep, rocky vineyards are at the heart of Côte-Rôtie and give the wine remarkable intensity, structure and mineral character.

Expert Ratings

94 Points — Vinous

Glistening ruby. Spice- and mineral-accented cherry and black raspberry scents are complemented by suggestions of pipe tobacco, violet, smoky bacon and exotic spices. Densely packed and subtly chewy in texture, offering appealingly sweet, spice-tinged red and dark berry and floral pastille flavors that are supported by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. The mineral note returns on a very long, penetrating finish that features polished tannins and resonating florality.

93 Points — Wine Spectator

Shows seductive violet, crushed plum and spice notes that mingle on the palate, grounded by balsamic and olive tapenade. The dry finish, with power that builds, is marked with a dusting of white pepper. Drink now through 2030.

93 Points — James Suckling

Dark cherries, plums, black olives, grilled meat, earth and cloves on the nose. Medium to full body with fine tannins. Serious and well-balanced with a restrained power and a lively finish with excellent length.

92 Points — Jeb Dunnuck

I loved the 2020 Côte Rôtie, another terrific effort here. Giving up lots of ripe black and blue fruits as well as spring flowers and bouquet garni-like notes, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, has ripe, sweet tannins, and a great finish.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted both in the vineyard and again upon arrival at the winery. Approximately 80% of the fruit is destemmed before a cold maceration in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Fermentation begins naturally with indigenous yeasts, followed by 18 months of aging in French oak barrels.

Production is exceptionally small, at approximately 1,200 bottles, making this a particularly limited expression of Côte-Rôtie.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby with violet reflections, the 2020 Côte-Rôtie offers an expressive aromatic profile of ripe blackberry, dark cherry and plum layered with violet, cracked pepper and savory spice. Subtle notes of olive, smoked meat and earthy minerality add classic Northern Rhône complexity.

The palate is full and concentrated yet remarkably supple, with ripe dark fruit framed by firm, silky tannins and fresh acidity. Peppery spice and mineral notes carry through the long, elegant finish, giving the wine both immediate appeal and excellent potential for further development in the cellar.

About Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott

Graeme and Julie Bott met while working at the renowned Northern Rhône estate of Stéphane Ogier before establishing their own domaine. Beginning with a small cellar in their garage, they gradually planted vineyards in Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph and Seyssuel.

Today, working from their cellar in Ampuis, their philosophy centers on allowing the Northern Rhône's schist and granite terroirs to speak clearly through the wines. Production remains deliberately small, with an emphasis on balance, purity and finesse.

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for grilled or roasted beef, ribeye steak, rack of lamb, braised lamb, duck and slow-cooked game. Its savory, peppery character also pairs beautifully with mushrooms, lentils, roasted root vegetables and dishes featuring rosemary, thyme or black pepper.

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott
• Vintage: 2020
• Country: France
• Region: Northern Rhône
• Appellation: Côte-Rôtie AOC
• Vineyard Location: Ampuis, Côte Brune
• Grape: Syrah
• Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
• Soil: Schist
• Harvest: Hand harvested
• Vinification: Approximately 80% destemmed; indigenous yeast fermentation
• Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels
• Alcohol: 13%
• Production: Approximately 1,200 bottles
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Poised, precise and quietly complex.
Assemblage 6 presents a refined and highly detailed expression of IWA 5, combining exotic fruit, floral lift, savory depth and subtle bitterness in a remarkably controlled style. Notes of lychee, gardenia, green papaya, nori seaweed and dark chocolate create a sake that is both elegant and distinctive.

With Assemblage 6, IWA explores contrast through delicacy and depth. The aromatic profile is expressive yet composed, moving from bright floral and tropical notes toward more savory, mineral and umami-driven tones as the sake opens.

The nose begins with lychee and gardenia, bringing a fragrant, lifted character. With air, notes of green papaya emerge, followed by a subtle savory suggestion of nori seaweed and a darker, more complex note reminiscent of dark chocolate.

On the palate, Assemblage 6 is precise and finely structured. The texture is polished and seamless, with freshness carrying the sake from its bright opening through a more savory and contemplative middle. The finish is long, clean and quietly persistent, with delicate umami and bittersweet tones adding complexity.

The result is a Junmai Daiginjo of remarkable poise — layered and expressive without becoming heavy, and particularly compelling as it evolves in the glass.

Style: Poised · Precise · Lychee · Gardenia · Green Papaya · Nori · Dark Chocolate

Serving: Serve lightly chilled and allow it to warm gradually in the glass. Its combination of floral, savory and umami notes makes it especially versatile with food.

Assemblage 6 captures IWA's signature balance in a particularly refined form, offering elegance, complexity and a distinctive savory edge.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Gravitas, depth and beautifully layered complexity.
Assemblage 5 reveals a deeper, more contemplative side of IWA 5, combining richness and aromatic intensity with the precision and balance that define the project. Notes of plum, raspberry, jasmine, pineapple and almond unfold gradually, creating a sake of remarkable dimension and poise.

With Assemblage 5, IWA moves toward greater depth and concentration while preserving an essential sense of freshness. The aromatics are generous yet refined, with ripe fruit, delicate florals and subtle nutty tones coming together in a seamless, harmonious expression.

The nose opens with notes of plum and raspberry, followed by an elegant floral lift of jasmine. As the sake develops in the glass, hints of pineapple and almond emerge, adding richness and complexity without overwhelming its finely balanced character.

On the palate, Assemblage 5 is broad, layered and composed. There is a satisfying sense of weight and depth, yet the texture remains polished and controlled. Fruit, floral and savory elements build gradually toward a long, refined finish that is both generous and exceptionally precise.

The result is a Junmai Daiginjo with genuine gravitas — complex and expressive, but never excessive. It rewards slow tasting and continues to reveal new dimensions as it opens in the glass.

Style: Gravitas · Depth · Plum · Raspberry · Jasmine · Pineapple · Almond

Serving: Serve lightly chilled and allow time in the glass for the aromatics and texture to fully develop. An excellent choice for richer dishes and more contemplative drinking.

Assemblage 5 shows IWA at its most profound and layered, balancing generosity and depth with remarkable elegance and control.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Juicy, lifted and wonderfully expressive.
Assemblage 4 brings a more playful and vibrant dimension to IWA 5, combining generous texture with remarkable freshness. Notes of marzipan, citrus zest, sansho and fennel unfold across a sake that feels energetic, precise and beautifully composed.

With Assemblage 4, IWA continues to explore the possibilities of assemblage through contrast and balance. There is richness here, but it is never heavy. Instead, the sake moves effortlessly across the palate, with bright aromatics and savory complexity creating a sense of constant motion.

The nose opens with delicate notes of marzipan and fresh citrus zest, followed by the distinctive aromatic lift of sansho pepper. As the sake develops, subtle herbal and anise-like tones of fennel emerge, adding freshness and complexity.

On the palate, Assemblage 4 is juicy, supple and energetic. Its rounded texture is balanced by a lively, finely structured freshness that keeps the sake focused from beginning to end. Citrus and spice carry through the finish, leaving a clean, savory and mouthwatering impression.

The result is a Junmai Daiginjo that feels both sophisticated and spontaneous — expressive enough to enjoy on its own, yet versatile and dynamic at the table.

Style: Juicy · Dancing · Marzipan · Sansho · Citrus Zest · Fennel

Serving: Serve lightly chilled. Particularly rewarding with food, and worth allowing to develop in the glass as its temperature slowly rises.

Assemblage 4 captures IWA's signature sense of harmony while introducing an especially lively, vibrant and gastronomic personality.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Intensity without weight.
Bright floral and vegetal notes gradually reveal deeper tones and IWA's characteristic white-pepper spice. The palate is energetic, seamless and beautifully balanced, culminating in a racy, tactile finish.

With Assemblage 3, IWA turns up the intensity while maintaining the sense of equilibrium that defines the project.

The nose is highly defined, opening with bright vegetal and floral impressions rather than overt fruit. Given time and air, deeper and more complex tones emerge, accompanied by the distinctive suggestion of white pepper that has become part of IWA's aromatic signature.

The palate delivers an impressive combination of presence and weightlessness. Energetic and finely structured, it builds toward a tactile, racy and intensely mouthwatering finish without becoming heavy. The result is a Junmai Daiginjo that feels simultaneously powerful and exceptionally controlled.

Assemblage 3 combines Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangoku, five yeast strains, predominantly traditional Kimoto and reserve sake components. The individual components are polished to 35%, with no added alcohol.

Style: Intense · Floral · Energetic · White Pepper · Mouthwatering

Serving: Excellent with food and particularly interesting as it develops with air and temperature.

Assemblage 3 is where IWA's quiet elegance begins to show a distinctly more energetic edge.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Purity comes into focus.
Assemblage 2 heightens the aromatic expression of IWA 5, building upon the balance and textural complexity of the inaugural release while placing greater emphasis on purity and aromatic definition. Floral and vegetal when cool, increasingly fruity and spicy as it warms, it finishes mineral, persistent and mouthwatering.

At cooler temperatures, the sake is taut, luminous and precise, showing delicate vegetal and floral qualities. As it warms, the expression becomes more energetic and expansive, with fruit and spice emerging alongside increased persistence.

At warmer temperatures, the palate gains body and breadth while retaining its clarity, introducing mineral, earthy and gently bitter elements with a mouthwatering, savory finish and nuances of licorice.

The assemblage is composed from Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangoku, along with five different yeast strains, predominantly traditional Kimoto and reserve sake components. All individual components are polished to 35%, with no added alcohol.

Style: Pure · Floral · Vibrant · Mineral · Precise

Serving: Particularly compelling as it moves from cool to cellar temperature. For the collector interested in following the evolution of IWA, Assemblage 2 marks an important refinement of the original vision — clearer, brighter and increasingly expressive.

Assemblage 2 is where IWA's purity of vision becomes unmistakable.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

Where the story begins.
Complex, layered and unusually savory, Assemblage 1 established the essential IWA 5 signature: richness without heaviness, finely balanced aromatics, saline persistence and distinctive umami. This is the founding expression — the sake that introduced Richard Geoffroy's vision to the world.

Assemblage 1 introduced a sake grounded in Japanese tradition but deliberately unconventional in its pursuit of balance between aroma, palate, texture and finish. Its aromatic profile leans toward deeper, darker tones than one might expect from Junmai Daiginjo, while the palate is beautifully composed, savory and persistent.

Subtle fruit and vegetal notes evolve toward spice and wood as the sake warms, eventually revealing more bitter, saline and umami-driven dimensions with suggestions of iodine and licorice.

Assemblage 1 uses Yamada Nishiki, Omachi and Gohyakumangoku rice, five yeast strains, predominantly traditional Kimoto methods and reserve sake components. It is a Junmai Daiginjo with no added alcohol; its classification is based on a 50% polishing rate for the least-polished component.

Style: Complex · Savory · Layered · Saline · Umami-Rich

Serving: Fascinating across a range of temperatures; allow it to open in the glass. A compelling opportunity to experience where the entire Assemblage project began.

Assemblage 1 is the most foundational expression of IWA — the origin of a remarkable and ongoing story.

Producer: IWA 5  |  Region: Toyama, Japan  |  Type: Junmai Daiginjo  |  Volume: 720ml

This refined white Burgundy is produced from 100% Chardonnay grown in Les Charmes, a village-level lieu-dit in Puligny-Montrachet situated near Meursault’s celebrated Premier Cru Les Charmes vineyard. The southeast-facing site lies at approximately 240 meters in elevation, with mature vines planted in the region’s characteristic clay and limestone soils.

The 2023 vintage offers a luminous white-gold color and an expressive bouquet of fresh lime, grapefruit, crisp orchard fruit and subtle oak. Broad and finely textured on the palate, it combines ripe white-fruit richness with flinty minerality, refreshing citrus acidity and the poised structure characteristic of Puligny-Montrachet. A delicate hint of vanilla adds complexity without overwhelming the wine’s purity and freshness.

The grapes are harvested by hand, gently pressed and allowed to settle before fermentation in French oak barrels, approximately 20% of which are new. Malolactic fermentation and maturation also take place in barrel, producing a beautifully balanced wine with excellent definition, elegance and length.

The Chavy family has cultivated vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet for more than two centuries. Jean-Louis Chavy continues a six-generation family tradition of producing Chardonnay distinguished by precision, finesse, freshness and mineral expression. His son Paul joined the domaine in 2020, helping guide the historic estate into its next generation.

• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Subregion: Côte de Beaune
• Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet
• Vineyard: Les Charmes
• Classification: Village-level lieu-dit
• Soil: Clay and limestone
• Exposure: Southeast
• Vinification: Fermented and aged in French oak, approximately 20% new
• Style: Dry, elegant and mineral-driven white Burgundy
• Serving Temperature: Approximately 50–55°F

Food Pairings: An excellent companion to oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, scallops, lobster, roast chicken, creamy poultry dishes and mild Alpine cheeses.

Domaine J-L & F Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Les Charmes 2023

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

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

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

The Place

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

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

The Les Vignes Blanches Vineyard

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

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

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

The Domaine’s Parcel

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

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

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

The Grape: 100% Chardonnay.

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

Viticulture

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

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

Winemaking and Aging

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

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

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

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

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

Professional Ratings

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

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

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

The 2023 Vintage

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

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

The Domaine

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

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

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

Food Pairing

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

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

Serving and Cellaring

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

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

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

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Meursault Les Vignes Blanches 2023

92 Points - Wine Spectator
89-91 Points - Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy

Two vineyards. Two soils. One seamless expression of Meursault. Domaine Clos de la Chapelle's 2023 Cuvee Confluence draws from En Marcausse and Les Vignes Blanches, contiguous lieux-dits whose contrasting geology gives this village-level Chardonnay a complexity that rivals many a Premier Cru. Clay-driven richness meets limestone-driven tension, and the result is a white Burgundy of genuine depth, harmony and length.

The Place

Meursault occupies the heart of the Cote de Beaune, flanked by Volnay to the north and Puligny-Montrachet to the south. It is one of Burgundy's most celebrated white-wine villages, internationally recognized for Chardonnay that combines generous orchard fruit, hazelnut complexity and a pronounced limestone-derived mineral character with vibrant, food-friendly acidity.

Although Meursault has no Grand Cru vineyards, its finest Premier Cru and village-level climats produce some of Burgundy's most distinctive and age-worthy whites. The appellation encompasses approximately 382.64 hectares of white-wine production, including 103.79 hectares of Premier Cru, planted predominantly to Chardonnay in a complex mosaic of limestone, marl, clay and gravel.

The Meaning of Cuvee Confluence

The name Confluence speaks to a meeting of opposites: old vines and young, two adjoining vineyards, two distinct but complementary terroirs. Although En Marcausse and Les Vignes Blanches share a boundary, the soil composition shifts noticeably at the point where one vineyard meets the other, and it is precisely this contrast that defines the wine.

The Vineyards

En Marcausse lies immediately below Les Petits Charrons on the Meursault slope. Natural drainage is encouraged by a break in the topography, while the vineyard's higher clay content contributes body, texture and breadth to the finished wine. The domaine farms approximately 0.20 hectare here.

Les Vignes Blanches takes its name from the pale, gravelly limestone that characterizes the site. These chalkier soils deliver greater mineral tension, freshness and precision. The domaine holds approximately 0.41 hectare, farmed from both younger and older vines. For the 2023 vintage, Jasper Morris noted that a section previously planted to Pinot Noir has been top-grafted to Chardonnay, a change that will further strengthen the domaine's white-wine holdings from 2025 onward.

The Grape: 100% Chardonnay

Chardonnay is uniquely sensitive to variations in soil, elevation and exposure. In the limestone and clay soils of Meursault, it produces wines of generous orchard-fruit character, citrus freshness, hazelnut complexity and a distinct mineral or saline undertone. In Cuvee Confluence, it expresses both sides of the blend simultaneously: the rounded texture and ripeness of clay-rich En Marcausse, and the citrus-driven freshness and chalky tension of Les Vignes Blanches.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle's vineyards are certified organic and cultivated according to biodynamic principles. Soils are worked regularly, chemical pesticides and fertilizers are avoided, and yields are carefully controlled to encourage concentration and a clear expression of each individual site.

Grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification is conducted with minimal intervention, allowing the contrasting personalities of En Marcausse and Les Vignes Blanches to remain visible in the finished wine. Fermentation and maturation in oak barrels add texture and complexity, with restrained notes of toast, vanilla and spice that integrate into rather than dominate the wine's fruit and mineral core.

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Cuvee Confluence opens with aromas of ripe peach, yellow apple and pear, lifted by citrus peel, white flowers, toasted hazelnut and a delicate oak influence. The palate is supple, juicy and harmonious, with flavors of peach, apple tart and ripe citrus framed by oyster-shell salinity and finely integrated toasted oak. The clay-rich component contributes roundness and depth; the limestone soils bring acidity, mineral tension and focus. Subtle notes of vanilla, butterscotch and hazelnut emerge toward the finish. Despite its generous fruit and texture, the wine remains fresh and balanced, concluding with impressive harmony, mineral persistence and length.

Professional Ratings

92 Points - Wine Spectator: This beautifully integrated white features peach, apple tart and oyster shell flavors framed with toasty oak. Supple and juicy, this ends with echoes of vanilla and butterscotch. Shows excellent harmony and length.

89-91 Points - Jasper Morris MW, Inside Burgundy (Barrel Sample): The Cuvee Confluence comes from the top of Vignes Blanches and Marcausses, where the pinot part has now been top-grafted to chardonnay (which will really deliver from 2025). Mid lemon yellow. A pleasing fruit on the cusp between white and yellow, decent acidity, some length, not quite the flow which gave me such pleasure in the Vignes Blanches.

The Domaine

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle is a small, historic Cote de Beaune estate based in Bligny-les-Beaune, closely associated with the renowned village of Volnay. It takes its name from the Volnay Premier Cru Clos de la Chapelle monopole, a walled vineyard situated opposite the historic chapel of Notre Dame de Pitie, acquired in 2011 and renamed in honor of its flagship terroir.

Today the estate farms approximately five hectares across 16 individual terroirs in Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Pernand-Vergelesses, Meursault and Corton. All vineyards are certified organic and farmed biodynamically. Grapes are harvested by hand, yields are kept low and cellar intervention is minimized. Total production averages only approximately 1,800 cases annually, making each bottling highly limited.

Food Pairing

Cuvee Confluence is an excellent partner for roast chicken, sole meuniere, halibut with brown butter, sea bass, scallops and lobster ravioli. It also pairs beautifully with creamy mushroom dishes, risotto, pork tenderloin, veal in a light cream sauce and mature cheeses such as Comte or Gruyere.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 16 degrees C (61 degrees F). Slightly cooler service will emphasize citrus and mineral character; allowing the wine to warm gradually in the glass will reveal additional texture, hazelnut and oak-spice complexity. The 2023 is expressive enough to enjoy young with a little air, but its acidity and mineral structure should support several years of further development in the cellar.

Producer: Domaine Clos de la Chapelle
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Cote de Beaune
Village: Meursault
Appellation: Meursault AOC
Classification: Village
Cuvee: Cuvee Confluence
Vineyard Sources: En Marcausse and Les Vignes Blanches
Source Parcels: Approximately 0.61 hectare combined
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Soils: Clay-rich (En Marcausse); pale gravelly limestone (Les Vignes Blanches)
Farming: Certified organic; biodynamic principles
Harvest: Hand harvested
Wine Type: Dry white wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

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

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

The Place

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

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

The Vineyard

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

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

The Grape

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

Winemaking

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

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

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

Professional Ratings

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

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

The Domaine

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

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

Food Pairing and Service

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

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

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

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru 2023

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

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

The Place

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

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

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

The Charmes Vineyard

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

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

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

The Domaine’s Parcel

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

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

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

The Grape

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

Winemaking and Aging

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

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

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

Professional Ratings

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

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

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

The Domaine

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

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

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

Food Pairing

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

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

Serving and Cellaring

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

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

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

Domaine Clos de la Chapelle Meursault Premier Cru Charmes 2023