3101 products
Pierre Moncuit Henriette Brut Rose GC (Base 2018] 750ml (Introductory Price)
The NV (2018) Brut Rosé Henriette is a blend of 90% Chardonnay from old vines in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and 10% Pinot Noir from the south-facing slopes of Bouzy.
Vinous describes this release as a powerful, savory and serious Rosé Champagne, with complex notes of dried cherry, chalk, dried herbs and white pepper.
93 Points — Vinous Media The NV (2018) Brut Rosé Henriette is a blend of 90% Chardonnay from old vines in Mesnil with 10% Pinot Noir from the south-facing slopes of Bouzy, a pretty intriguing combination. Powerful and quite savory, the Henriette is very much a serious Rosé for the dinner table. Dried cherry, chalk, dried herbs and white pepper lend notable complexity throughout. This is a terrific showing for Moncuit's Rosé, the best I can remember tasting. Dosage is 8 grams per liter. Disgorged: March 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year.
Pierre Moncuit Henriette Brut Rosé Grand Cru (Base 2018)
Pierre Moncuit Henriette Brut Rosé Grand Cru is an elegant and distinctive Grower Champagne from one of the historic family estates of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Unlike the domaine's Blanc de Blancs bottlings, Henriette introduces Pinot Noir into the blend, bringing red-fruit character, additional structure and a more vinous personality while retaining the freshness and mineral precision that define the Pierre Moncuit style.
This release is based entirely on the 2018 harvest. Chardonnay from the Grand Cru vineyards of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger forms the core of the wine, complemented by Grand Cru Pinot Noir. The result is a beautifully balanced Rosé Champagne that combines Côte des Blancs finesse with the depth and savory character of Pinot Noir.
The wine is vinified in stainless steel, in keeping with Pierre Moncuit's philosophy of preserving freshness, purity of fruit and a clear expression of terroir. The finished Champagne carries a dosage of approximately 8 grams per liter, giving it a harmonious Brut profile while maintaining excellent freshness and definition.
In the glass, Henriette shows an attractive rosé hue and a fine, persistent mousse. Aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry are joined by suggestions of citrus peel, dried flowers, chalk and subtle spice. The palate is lively yet substantial, with bright red fruit framed by crisp acidity, mineral tension and a gently creamy texture.
This is a Rosé Champagne with enough depth and structure for the dinner table while remaining elegant enough to serve as an aperitif. Its combination of fruit, freshness and savory complexity makes it particularly versatile with food.
Wine Details
- Producer: Champagne Pierre Moncuit
- Cuvée: Henriette
- Style: Brut Rosé Grand Cru Champagne
- Base Vintage: 2018
- Country: France
- Region: Champagne
- Primary Village: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
- Classification: Grand Cru
- Grapes: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
- Dosage: Approximately 8 g/L
- Vinification: Stainless steel
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Tasting Notes
Expressive aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry and raspberry mingle with delicate floral notes, citrus, chalk and spice. The palate is fresh and energetic, with fine bubbles, attractive fruit concentration and a mineral backbone. Subtle savory notes add complexity through the long, balanced finish.
Food Pairing
A particularly food-friendly Rosé Champagne, Henriette is excellent with salmon, tuna, lobster, shrimp, sushi, duck, charcuterie and roast poultry. It also pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses and dishes featuring mushrooms or gently savory sauces.
About Champagne Pierre Moncuit
Champagne Pierre Moncuit is a family-run Grower Champagne estate based in the celebrated Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. The Moncuit family has cultivated vines in the village since the late nineteenth century, developing a particular expertise with Chardonnay and the chalk-rich soils of Le Mesnil.
A distinctive feature of the domaine is its approach to non-vintage Champagne: rather than blending multiple harvests and reserve wines, Pierre Moncuit's NV cuvées are produced from a single harvest. This allows each release to express not only its vineyard origins but also the individual character of its growing season.
Henriette Brut Rosé Grand Cru offers a fascinating counterpoint to the domaine's celebrated Blanc de Blancs wines, combining the precision and mineral character of Le Mesnil Chardonnay with the richness and red-fruit expression of Pinot Noir.
Pierre Moncuit Delos Brut Blanc de Blancs GC (Base 2021) 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
Pierre Moncuit Delos Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is a refined, mineral-driven Grower Champagne produced entirely from 100% Chardonnay grown in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of the most celebrated Chardonnay terroirs in Champagne's Côte des Blancs.
Delos is one of the signature cuvées of the family-run Pierre Moncuit estate and offers a classic expression of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger: elegant, precise and beautifully structured, with the chalky mineral character for which this Grand Cru village is renowned.
Although labeled non-vintage, this release is based on the 2021 harvest. Pierre Moncuit favors vinification and aging in stainless steel, allowing the purity of the Chardonnay and its terroir to remain at the forefront. The Brut Delos is finished with a dosage of 7 grams per liter, giving the wine a slightly rounder and more generous profile than the estate's Extra Brut version while retaining freshness and tension.
The Base 2021 release offers an inviting combination of white flowers, orchard fruit, pastry, spice and mint. The palate balances bright acidity with a softer, more generous texture, leading to an elegant, persistent finish. A beautifully versatile Champagne for both aperitif drinking and the dinner table.
Pair with oysters, shellfish, sushi, grilled fish, lobster, roast chicken, creamy cheeses — or simply enjoy on its own as an elegant aperitif.
Wine Details
- Producer: Pierre Moncuit
- Cuvée: Delos
- Style: Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
- Base Vintage: 2021
- Country: France
- Region: Champagne
- Subregion: Côte des Blancs
- Village: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru
- Grape: 100% Chardonnay
- Vinification: Stainless steel
- Dosage: 7 g/L
- Disgorgement: May 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year
- Drinking Window: 2025–2031
About Pierre Moncuit
Based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne Pierre Moncuit is a historic family estate particularly renowned for its Chardonnay-based Champagnes. The name Delos comes from the maiden name of Nicole and Yves Moncuit's mother. The cuvée is produced in both Brut and Extra Brut versions and stands as one of the domaine's principal Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs expressions.
Press Notes
91 pts — Vinous Media: "The NV (2021) Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Delos Grand Cru is attractive, although a touch svelte in this release. Brisk acids cut through a core of citrus fruit, while floral and chalky notes lift the mid-palate and finish." Dosage: 3 g/L. Disgorged: February 2025.
Why We Like It
Delos is an excellent introduction to the distinctive Chardonnay of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The Brut bottling combines the village's naturally racy, mineral personality with just enough dosage to give the wine additional texture and accessibility — refined enough for a special occasion, versatile enough for the whole meal.
Domaine J-L & F Chavy Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Champs Gains 2023 750ml (Offer)
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
Domaine J-L & F Chavy Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Clavoillons 2023 750ml (Offer)
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
R.H. Coutier Tradition Brut (Base 2021) 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
About R.H. Coutier
R.H. Coutier Tradition Brut (Base 2021) is a generous, characterful Champagne from one of Ambonnay's most respected grower-producers — a family estate with deep roots in this celebrated Grand Cru village of the Montagne de Reims. Composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced entirely from estate-grown fruit in Ambonnay, this is a classically styled Grand Cru Champagne with the depth and structure to accompany the table and the freshness to shine as an aperitif.
Tasting Notes
The nose opens with ripe orchard fruit, tangerine oil, honeycomb, mint, and freshly baked pastry — inviting and complex from the first pour. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with a soft, pillowy mousse and a fleshy core of fruit, balanced by tangy acidity. Notes of tart lemon, lime, sourdough, and rhubarb add layers of complexity, while Ambonnay’s limestone-rich soils provide freshness and definition through the long, chalky finish. Rich yet energetic — a Champagne of genuine character.
Critical Acclaim
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 91 Points: “Exhibiting notions of waxy orchard fruit, honeycomb, mint, tangerine oil and fresh pastry, it’s medium to full-bodied, bright and pillowy, with tangy acids and a fleshy core of fruit. Full of flavor and character, this is a fine effort.”
Wine & Spirits — 91 Points: “The Coutier family blends 20 percent Chardonnay into the Pinot Noir for this cuvée, all of it estate grown in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay. The wine balances tart lemon and lime scents with notes of sourdough starter and rhubarb. Almost cakey in its richness, this has the limestone acidity to cut through rich foods, whether seared foie gras or braised short ribs.”
Food Pairings
Serve with roast poultry, seared foie gras, braised short ribs, mushroom dishes, rich seafood, aged cheeses, and buttery pastry-based appetizers. Equally compelling as a standalone aperitif.
Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes 2023 750ml (Offer)
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
Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Champsgains 2023 750ml (Offer)
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 et Fils Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Clos St. Jean 2023 750ml (Offer)
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' 1er Cru Brut (Base 2021) Champagne 750ml (Introductory Offer)
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
Champagne Geoffroy 'Lieu Dit Les Collinardins' Blanc de Blancs 1er Cru Brut Nature 2019 750ml (Introductory Pricing)
94+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck
94 Points — Wine Spectator
93 Points — James Suckling
90 Points — Wine Advocate
One vineyard. Zero dosage. Pure Chardonnay from chalk. Champagne Geoffroy's 2019 Les Collinardins is an exceptionally limited, single-parcel Blanc de Blancs from a southwest-facing lieu-dit in Damery, on the border of Cumières in the Vallée de la Marne. Fermented with indigenous yeasts, matured two years in oak, aged 36 months under cork and disgorged without dosage, it is a concentrated, mineral-driven Champagne of remarkable precision and length.
The Vineyard
Les Collinardins is a southwest-facing parcel situated in Damery at approximately 104 meters above sea level on an 18% slope. Geoffroy farms approximately 0.5 hectare of Chardonnay vines planted between 1990 and 2007. The soil is siliceous clay over chalk beginning at approximately 70 centimeters depth — clay contributing richness and ripe fruit, chalk delivering freshness, tension and the persistent mineral character that defines the wine.
The Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Although the Vallée de la Marne is more commonly associated with Pinot Noir and Meunier, Les Collinardins demonstrates the depth and precision Chardonnay can achieve in a carefully selected chalk-influenced site. The wine combines citrus, pear and floral notes with a broader, more vinous texture than many traditional Côte des Blancs Champagnes.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum ripeness, carefully sorted and pressed in a traditional Coquard press, with only the finest tête de cuvée juice selected. Vinification is carried out by gravity with indigenous yeasts. The wine is fermented and matured on its lees for two years, predominantly in 600-liter oak demi-muids and smaller seasoned barrels. Malolactic fermentation did not occur, preserving the wine's racy natural acidity.
Secondary fermentation takes place under cork. The Champagne then spends approximately 36 months aging in bottle before release — without fining, filtration or dosage. The April 2024 disgorgement carries 0 g/L, making it a true Brut Nature.
Tasting Notes
The 2019 opens with aromas of candied lemon, key lime, white pear and quince, accompanied by apple blossom, honeysuckle and spring flowers. With air, notes of brioche, pastry, hazelnut, butter, smoky stone and graphite emerge.
The palate is firm, vertical and finely structured, with crisp acidity and a precise, pinprick mousse. Tangerine, lime peel, poached pear and tropical-fruit flavors are balanced by chalk, toasted almond and a subtle saline quality. Despite its richness, the wine remains energetic and incisive — its satiny texture leading into a long, dry and mineral finish marked by citrus, toast and smoky stone.
Professional Ratings
94+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck: Fantastic nose with notes of candied lime and lemon, key lime, white pear, smoky stones, tropical fruit and fresh cream. The palate is vertical and compact, with nervous tension and energy. Ripe and long on the palate, with toasty notes and building richness.
94 Points — Wine Spectator: Fragrant and enticing, with chalk, mineral, spice, apple blossom and graphite aromatics lacing flavors of tangerine, lime peel, poached quince and pear, and blanched almond and toast point. Firm and finely meshed, with a satiny texture and long, long finish. Disgorged April 2024. Drink now through 2040.
93 Points — James Suckling: Pastry aromas dominate with lemon curd, butter and spring flowers. Pinprick bubbles with crisp acidity, a lean yet elegant palate, light body and a toasty mineral finish.
90 Points — Wine Advocate: Sourced from a 0.5-hectare, southwest-facing parcel in Damery. Elevage for a full two years predominantly in 600-liter demi-muids. Disgorged without dosage in April 2024. Aromas of nashi pear, honeysuckle and nuts. Medium- to full-bodied, textural and incisive — vinous in character with a pinpoint mousse. Racy acidity and a lime-tinged finish underscore the no-malolactic vinification.
The Producer
The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in the Vallée de la Marne since the 17th century. Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy produces distinctive grower Champagnes emphasizing individual vineyard expression, ripe fruit, indigenous-yeast fermentation, long maturation and restrained dosage. Although the family's winery is now based in Aÿ, its identity remains closely connected to the vineyards surrounding Cumières and Damery.
Food Pairing
This structured Blanc de Blancs pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, lobster, crab, grilled sea bass, sole meunière and sushi. Its richness and mineral acidity also complement roast chicken, mushroom risotto and aged cheeses such as Comté or Parmesan.
Serving and Cellaring
Serve at approximately 48–52°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. The wine may be enjoyed now, but its concentration and acidity should support development through approximately 2040.
Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Lieu-Dit Les Collinardins
Vintage: 2019
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Damery
Style: Vintage Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature
Classification: Premier Cru
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard: Les Collinardins
Parcel Size: Approximately 0.5 hectare
Vine Age: Planted 1990–2007
Exposure: Southwest
Altitude: Approximately 104 meters
Slope: Approximately 18%
Soil: Siliceous clay over chalk
Farming: Practicing organic
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Pressing: Traditional Coquard press; tête de cuvée juice only
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in seasoned oak
Barrel Aging: Approximately 2 years in 600L demi-muids
Malolactic Fermentation: None
Bottle Aging: Approximately 36 months under cork
Dosage: 0 g/L (Brut Nature)
Disgorgement: April 2024
Fining and Filtration: Neither fined nor filtered
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml
Louis Jadot Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay 2024 750ml
Maison Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy's most venerable and trusted wine houses, founded in Beaune in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot. Over more than 165 years, the house has built an unrivaled reputation for consistency, terroir integrity, and the purest possible expression of Burgundy's great appellations. Jadot's principles of vinification balance tradition and technology, taking the lightest possible hand in the cellar — a philosophy that has made it the benchmark négociant for Burgundy lovers worldwide. The house is headquartered in the heart of Beaune, next to the historic Couvent des Jacobins.
The Bourgogne Blanc is vinified and blended from 100% Chardonnay sourced from quality growers in the Mâconnais and Côte Chalonnaise. In keeping with Jadot's practice of réplis, a proportion of superior village-level wines is incorporated into the blend in most vintages, elevating the quality of the final wine beyond what the appellation alone might suggest. The wine is aged in stainless steel for 12 months, preserving freshness and the natural expression of the Chardonnay grape.
The 2024 growing season began mildly, with warm weather in February and early March. April and May were cool and rainy, slowing growth and delaying flowering to early June. Temperatures rose to seasonal norms in July with abundant rainfall, followed by a drier, warmer August and a cool September — conditions that favored freshness and natural acidity in the final wines.
The 2024 Bourgogne Blanc opens with an expressive nose of green apple, pear, and crushed stone, with delicate floral notes. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively, with bright citrus fruit and subtle tropical hints of apricot and pineapple. Clean, precise, and beautifully balanced — an accessible and genuinely satisfying introduction to white Burgundy from one of the appellation's greatest names.
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Burgundy, France
Appellation: Bourgogne Blanc
Vintage: 2024
Sources: Mâconnais and Côte Chalonnaise
Élevage: 12 months in stainless steel
ABV: 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Pairing: Grilled fish, roast chicken, fresh goat cheese, oysters, light pasta with cream sauce, and classic French charcuterie.
Pierre Paillard Champagne 1er Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs Ludes 2020 750ml (Introductory Price)
PIERRE PAILLARD CHAMPAGNE 1ER CRU EXTRA BRUT BLANC DE NOIRS LUDES 2020 | 750ML
🇫🇷 France — Pinot Meunier | Ludes, Montagne de Reims, Champagne
A terroir-driven Blanc de Noirs of rare precision and mineral intensity. The bouquet opens with ripe white peach, apricot, nectarine, red apple, citrus peel, brioche, and subtle floral accents. On the palate it is vinous yet sharply defined — fine bubbles, lively acidity, and a pronounced chalky salinity that takes precedence over the grape’s naturally generous fruit. The finish is long, dry, and energetic with an elegant, pleasantly bitter edge. A powerful yet beautifully controlled expression of Meunier — more linear, saline, and structured than the grape is often expected to be.
Produced entirely from old-vine Pinot Meunier (planted 1970) grown in the lieux-dits Les Hautes-Pertes and Les Vigneulles-de-Devant in the Premier Cru village of Ludes, near Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne. The soils are highly calcareous with very little clay over deep chalk subsoil — the source of the wine’s distinctive mineral tension. Vinified and aged in oak barrels, bottled under natural cork for secondary fermentation, then matured approximately 4.5 years on the lees before disgorgement at a very low dosage of 2 g/L.
94 Points — James Suckling
Pairs well with: Oysters, sushi, sashimi, smoked trout, grilled white fish, scallops, shellfish, roast poultry, and creamy cheeses. An exceptional aperitif.
Grape: 100% Pinot Meunier
Classification: Premier Cru
Village: Ludes, Montagne de Reims
Vintage: 2020
Lees Aging: ~4.5 years
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Format: 750ml
Score: 94 pts James Suckling
Pierre Paillard Coteaux Champenois Les Mignottes Bouzy Rouge 2022 750ml (Introductory Price)
Pierre Paillard Coteaux Champenois Les Mignottes Bouzy Rouge 2022 | 750ml | Bouzy Grand Cru, Champagne, France
A rare and beautifully expressive still red wine from the heart of Champagne, Les Mignottes is produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in a single south-facing parcel in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. Rather than undergoing a second fermentation to become sparkling Champagne, the wine is bottled under the Coteaux Champenois appellation, revealing the depth, fragrance and mineral character of Bouzy Pinot Noir in its purest form.
The Les Mignottes vineyard lies on the warm, fully exposed southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. Its chalky limestone terroir contains a higher proportion of clay than many neighboring Bouzy parcels, helping the Pinot Noir achieve excellent ripeness while retaining the freshness and mineral definition characteristic of Champagne.
The vines are farmed organically, and yields are kept low to encourage concentration. The grapes are harvested by hand and vinified in a Burgundian style, using approximately one-third whole clusters and indigenous yeasts. Following a 15-day maceration, the wine is matured for 12 months in French oak barrels, with only a small proportion of new oak. It is bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its natural texture, aromatic detail and sense of place.
The 2022 vintage is vivid and perfumed, opening with aromas of ripe cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry and plum, accompanied by violets, lavender, exotic spice, cocoa and subtle savory-earth notes. The palate is supple and concentrated, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a mineral core that brings freshness and energy to the wine's generous fruit.
Medium to full-bodied yet elegant and refined, Les Mignottes combines the fragrance and precision of cool-climate Pinot Noir with the depth and ripeness associated with Bouzy's sunny, south-facing vineyards. The finish is long, balanced and lightly spicy, with lingering red fruit, dark stone and chalky mineral notes.
Approachable now for its vibrant fruit and silky texture, this limited-production Coteaux Champenois also possesses the structure and balance to develop additional complexity with careful cellaring.
Critical Acclaim
94 Points — James Suckling
Floral and refined, with lavender, violets, raspberries and strawberries. Fine tannins and bright acidity lead to a precise, elegant finish, with delicate fruit framed by French oak. Drink now or hold.94 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
A beautifully energetic and balanced Bouzy Rouge, offering cherry, cocoa, spice, savory earth and mineral notes. Fine tannins and excellent ripeness carry through the long, clean finish. Drink 2025–2040.92 Points — Wine Advocate
A supple and deeply expressive Pinot Noir showing ripe plum, cherry, violets and exotic spice. Medium to full-bodied, with generous depth, immediate charm and the potential to continue developing in bottle.
Food Pairing
An excellent partner for roasted duck, grilled salmon, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, veal, mushroom dishes, lentils, charcuterie and soft-ripened cheeses. Serve slightly cool, around 55–60°F, to highlight its fragrance and freshness.
Wine Details
- Producer: Champagne Pierre Paillard
- Country: France
- Region: Champagne
- Appellation: Coteaux Champenois
- Village: Bouzy Grand Cru
- Vineyard: Les Mignottes
- Vintage: 2022
- Wine Type: Dry, still red wine
- Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
- Farming: Certified organic
- Vineyard Exposure: South-facing
- Soil: Chalky limestone with a higher proportion of clay
- Harvest: Hand-harvested
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts
- Whole Clusters: Approximately one-third
- Maceration: Approximately 15 days
- Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels
- Fining and Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
- Alcohol: 13%
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Champagne Guy Charlemagne Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Les Coullemets 2016 750ml (Introductory Price)
Guy Charlemagne | Les Coullemets — Mesnillésimes | Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut | Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne | 2016
Guy Charlemagne is a celebrated grower-producer based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — one of Champagne's most prestigious Grand Cru villages, renowned worldwide for producing Blanc de Blancs of extraordinary mineral precision, tension, and longevity. The estate's vineyards average 58–60 years of age and are planted with massal selections, contributing depth, concentration, and a strong sense of place. Guy Charlemagne uses extended bottle aging and slightly reduced pressure for its parcel wines, creating a fine mousse and elegant, creamy texture while preserving clarity and tension.
Les Coullemets is part of Guy Charlemagne's distinguished “Mesnillésimes” series — single-vineyard, single-vintage expressions of individual Le Mesnil lieux-dits that showcase the unique character of each parcel. Les Coullemets is produced entirely from Chardonnay grown in the chalk-rich soils of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, reflecting the naturally firm structure, mineral precision, and saline depth for which the village is celebrated.
The 2016 vintage in Champagne produced wines of exceptional freshness, tension, and aging potential. The bouquet opens with white flowers, crisp apple, citrus peel, and ripe pear, followed by fresh pineapple, brioche, toasted nuts, gentle spice, and a subtle smoky quality. On the palate, taut and energetic — bright acidity with a refined mousse and a pronounced chalky mineral core. Lemon, white peach, almond, and orchard fruit lead into a long, fresh finish marked by bitter citrus, salinity, and finely etched minerality. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine dry and focused, allowing the purity of the Chardonnay and the distinctive character of Les Coullemets to remain at the forefront. Expressive now, with the structure and concentration to develop further with additional bottle age.
Serve as a sophisticated aperitif or pair with oysters, caviar, lobster, crab, seared scallops, grilled sole, halibut with lemon butter, sushi, and mild creamy cheeses.
- Producer: Guy Charlemagne
- Cuvée: Les Coullemets (Mesnillésimes series)
- Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut
- Appellation: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
- Grape: Chardonnay (100%)
- Vintage: 2016
- Vine Age: ~58–60 years; massal selections
- Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
- Serving: 48–54°F; enjoy now or cellar for further development
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2016
- Vinous — 91 pts: Laced with hints of lemon oil, chalk, mint and dried flowers. Light on its feet and vibrant — a classic Champagne from Mesnil. Bracing saline notes support the mid-palate and finish.
Champagne Guy Charlemagne Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc De Blancs Grande Réserve Base 2022 (Introductory Price)
Guy Charlemagne Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grande Réserve — Le Mesnil-sur-Oger & Oger, Base 2022
Important availability note:
The Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blancs Grande Réserve Extra Brut Grand Cru, base 2019, is expected to arrive during the last week of August 2026. All other featured Guy Charlemagne Champagnes are currently in stock.
Guy Charlemagne is one of the Côte des Blancs’ most respected grower-producers, farming Grand Cru Chardonnay in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — the village that defines the benchmark for Blanc de Blancs Champagne. The Grande Réserve is the estate’s signature non-vintage expression, assembled from Chardonnay grown exclusively in the Grand Cru villages of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger, with reserve wines blended in to add depth, complexity, and continuity across vintages. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine dry and focused, allowing the chalk-rich terroir of the Côte des Blancs to speak without interference. This is the entry point into the Charlemagne range — and it sets a remarkably high bar.
Pale golden with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is fresh and expressive: lemon zest, crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, and crushed stone, followed by subtle brioche, almond, and fresh pastry from extended lees aging. On the palate, bright citrus fruit combines with a creamy mousse and a pronounced mineral core. The finish is long, clean, and saline — chalk, lemon, and toasted hazelnut lingering with precision.
- Producer: Guy Charlemagne, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne, France
- Base Vintage: 2022
- Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
- Villages: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger & Oger
- Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
- Style: Blanc de Blancs, Extra Brut (with reserve wines)
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, orchard fruit, white flowers, crushed stone, brioche, almond, saline chalk finish
- Serve: 46–50°F
- Best Paired With: Oysters, shellfish, sushi, smoked salmon, caviar, delicate white fish, soft-ripened cheeses
Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from the village that defines the category — Guy Charlemagne’s Grande Réserve is the benchmark grower Champagne at an honest introductory price.
R Pouillon Champagne Les Chataigniers Extra-Brut 2019 750ml (Introductory Offer)
R. Pouillon & Fils | Les Châtaigniers | Extra-Brut | Festigny, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 2019 | Organic
R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards with rigorous organic principles and a deep commitment to expressing the individual character of each parcel — producing wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir transparency.
Les Châtaigniers is a distinctive single-vineyard Champagne from the village of Festigny, situated on the left bank of the Marne Valley in the Vallée du Flagot. The parcel's calcareous clay soils create an especially expressive terroir for Pinot Meunier — a grape that is often underestimated in Champagne but capable of extraordinary depth, structure, and refinement in the right hands and the right site. The clay-rich soils encourage generosity and texture, while the calcareous component contributes freshness, precision, and a firm mineral backbone.
The fruit is harvested by hand and vinified in oak casks ranging from new barrels to vessels up to ten years old, then rested for approximately 18 months in neutral barriques before bottling. Full malolactic fermentation adds roundness and creaminess. Beginning with the 2019 vintage, Pouillon extended his innovative Méthode Fabrice Pouillon to all estate Champagnes — using naturally sweet grape juice from the domaine for the secondary fermentation and dosage rather than externally sourced sugar, preserving a more direct connection between the finished Champagne, its fruit, and its vineyard of origin.
Broad, vinous, and deeply expressive. Aromas of golden apple, quince, ripe pear, and subtle red fruit joined by floral, herbal, and gently savory notes, with hints of flint, warm spice, toasted grain, and earthy minerality. On the palate, the natural roundness of Pinot Meunier is balanced by vibrant acidity and a fine, persistent mousse. Generous fruit and supple texture are anchored by mineral tension, giving the wine both richness and energy. The finish is long, dry, and layered — lingering orchard fruit, chalk, spice, and a delicate reductive character. A gastronomic Champagne with the depth and structure to accompany an entire meal.
Pair with roasted poultry, pork, veal, creamy mushroom dishes, fried seafood, richer fish preparations, washed-rind cheeses, and aged Comté.
- Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
- Cuvée: Les Châtaigniers
- Style: Extra-Brut
- Appellation: Festigny, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
- Grape: Pinot Meunier (100%)
- Vintage: 2019
- Farming: Organic
- Soils: Calcareous clay (Vallée du Flagot)
- Vinification: Oak casks (new to 10 years old); Méthode Fabrice Pouillon
- Élevage: ~18 months in neutral barriques; full malolactic fermentation
- Dosage: Extra-Brut (estate grape juice)
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2019
- WineLens — 95 pts: Complex and distinctive — apple, quince, herbal and floral notes with touches of flint and gentle reduction. Medium to full-bodied with excellent freshness and acidity, beautiful roundness, impressive dimension, and a long finish.
R. Pouillon Champagne Rosé de Macération Brut (2021 Base) 750ml
R. Pouillon & Fils | Rosé de Macération | Premier Cru Rosé Brut | Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 2021 Base | Biodynamic
R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards according to biodynamic principles — a commitment to the land that goes beyond organic certification, working in harmony with natural cycles to produce wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir expression.
The Rosé de Macération is a deeply individual and highly distinctive rosé Champagne made entirely from Pinot Noir grown on clay-limestone soils in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. Rather than producing the rosé by blending white Champagne with still red wine — the conventional method — Fabrice allows the freshly pressed juice to remain in contact with the grape skins for up to 12 hours. This short maceration extracts color, aroma, and gentle tannin while preserving the freshness and precision essential to Champagne, giving the wine its distinctive pale ruby color, structure, and expressive red-fruit character.
Fermentation takes place in a combination of traditional enameled tanks and neutral oak barrels. Approximately 80% of the wine is élevaged for eight months, while the remaining 20% is aged for 18 months in neutral oak. The current year's wine is then blended with the longer-aged portion retained from the previous harvest — a thoughtful assemblage that balances the natural tannic structure of a macerated rosé with the softness, complexity, and mellow texture developed through extended aging.
The 2021-base Rosé de Macération is pale ruby-red in the glass. The bouquet is intensely flinty with generous aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, red cherry, citrus peel, dried flowers, spice, and subtle brioche. On the palate, structured and energetic — ripe red-fruit flavors with bright mineral acidity and an emphatic, persistent mousse. Impressive concentration without heaviness, with a distinctly dry, clean, precise, and refreshing finish. A gastronomic rosé Champagne with the depth and structure to accompany an entire meal.
Pair with duck, roast poultry, pork, grilled salmon, tuna, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, washed-rind cheeses, and aged Comté.
- Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
- Cuvée: Rosé de Macération
- Classification: Premier Cru Rosé Brut
- Appellation: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
- Grape: Pinot Noir (100%)
- Base Vintage: 2021
- Farming: Biodynamic
- Soils: Clay-limestone
- Rosé Method: Skin maceration up to 12 hours
- Vinification: Enameled tanks & neutral oak; 80% élevaged 8 months, 20% aged 18 months in neutral oak
- Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
- Bottle Size: 750ml
Critical Acclaim
- James Suckling — 92 pts: Intensely flinty bouquet with generous raspberry fruit. Structured, dry, and powerful — bright mineral acidity and a pronounced mousse, finishing exceptionally clean and precise.
Pascal Doquet Champagne Anthocyanes Rose 1er Cru Brut (2018 Base) (Introductory Price)
A distinctive, terroir-driven rosé Champagne from Pascal Doquet, one of the Côte des Blancs’ leading organic grower-producers. Anthocyanes is crafted from equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all harvested in 2018, combining the mineral precision of the Côte des Blancs with the structure and expressive red-fruit character of Pinot Noir.
The Pinot Noir comes from La Barre, a named vineyard site in Vertus. It is macerated on the skins for approximately 48 hours before pressing, extracting its vivid color and aromatic intensity through the traditional saignée method. The wine is then matured in barrel for up to one year before being blended with Chardonnay from Vertus and bottled for its secondary fermentation.
The name Anthocyanes refers to anthocyanins, the natural pigments found in grape skins that give the Champagne its striking rosé color. Despite its depth of color and character, this is not a heavy or overtly vinous rosé. It retains the freshness, finesse and mineral energy associated with Pascal Doquet’s Champagnes.
Pale to medium salmon-pink in the glass, it opens with aromas of sliced strawberries, red berries, citrus peel and rose petals, followed by delicate notes of honey, spice and chalk. The palate is lively and finely textured, with elegant bubbles, bright acidity and a balanced combination of ripe red fruit, citrus freshness and savory mineral character. The finish is dry, energetic and persistent.
This expressive rosé Champagne is excellent as an aperitif but also has enough structure for the table. Pair it with salmon, tuna tartare, sushi, shellfish, roast poultry, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, creamy cheeses or aged goat cheese.
Grapes: 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir
Region: Champagne, France
Village: Vertus
Classification: Premier Cru
Pinot Noir Vineyard: La Barre
Base Vintage: 2018
Farming: Certified organic
Production: Rosé de saignée
Maceration: Approximately 48 hours
Maturation: Pinot Noir aged in barrel for up to one year
Style: Rosé Premier Cru Brut
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: Approximately 12.5%
Highly Rated
90 Points — The Wine Advocate
90 Points — James Suckling
Pascal Doquet Arpège Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature (2019 Base) 750ml (Introductory Price)
Pascal Doquet Arpège Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature — Côte des Blancs 2019 Base
Pascal Doquet is one of the leading organic growers of the Côte des Blancs, farming his vineyards in Vertus, Villeneuve, and Mont Aimé with certified organic practices and a deep commitment to terroir transparency. The Arpège is his entry-point Blanc de Blancs — 100% Chardonnay from parcels not selected for his limited-production Coeur de Terroir bottlings — yet it is anything but secondary. The chalk and flinty silex soils of Mont Aimé give the wine its distinctive mineral structure and smoky depth, while a substantial proportion of reserve wine held in enamel tanks adds complexity and consistency. Finished with zero dosage, the Brut Nature designation allows the Chardonnay and its vineyard origins to speak with exceptional clarity. Rated 93 points by James Suckling and 91 by The Wine Advocate.
The bouquet opens with ripe pear, crisp apple, and citrus, followed by spice, black tea, white flowers, and lightly toasted brioche. On the palate, the wine is energetic and finely textured — bright acidity, delicate bubbles, and a pronounced chalky, saline character. Subtle smoky and savory notes add complexity, and the finish is dry, focused, and persistent. An exceptional aperitif with the structure to carry through a full meal.
James Suckling 93 • Wine Advocate 91 • Wine Spectator 90 — "A refined yet expressive Champagne… terroir-driven and precise."
- Producer: Pascal Doquet, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
- Base Vintage: 2019 (with reserve wines)
- Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
- Vineyards: Vertus, Villeneuve & Mont Aimé
- Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
- Style: Blanc de Blancs, Brut Nature
- Dosage: 0 g/L
- Farming: Certified Organic
- Reserve Wine: Held in enamel tanks for freshness and purity
- Alcohol: ~12.5%
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Ripe pear, apple, citrus, spice, black tea, white flowers, brioche, chalky minerality, smoky notes, saline finish
- Best Paired With: Oysters, shellfish, sushi, sashimi, grilled seafood, roast poultry, creamy cheeses, aged goat cheese
93 points from James Suckling. Zero dosage. Certified organic. Pascal Doquet's Arpège is Côte des Blancs Blanc de Blancs at its most honest and mineral-driven.
Yann Alexandre Blanches Terres Rosé 1er Cru Brut (2018 Base) (Introductory Price)
Yann Alexandre Blanches Terres Rosé 1er Cru Brut — Champagne 2018 Base
This elegant Premier Cru rosé is drawn from two exceptional lieu-dits: Les Blanches Terres in Coulommes-la-Montagne for Chardonnay, and Saint Lié in Villedommange for Pinot Noir. At 94% Chardonnay, it is a blanc de blancs in spirit — mineral-driven, precise, and tensile — with 6% Pinot Noir red wine added to impart delicate color, red-fruit lift, and subtle structure. The 2018 base is blended with 60% reserve wine, grounding the cuvée in depth and consistency, before a minimum of 48 months en tirage develops a refined mousse, creamy texture, and layered complexity.
The nose is graceful and expressive: white peach, strawberry, and fresh raspberry over a bed of chalk and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is precise and mineral-driven, with fine, persistent bubbles carrying notes of citrus cream, red currant, and brioche to a clean, saline finish. The Brut dosage of 6 g/L keeps the wine focused and dry, while the partial oak vinification adds just enough texture to elevate it at the table.
"Elegant and gastronomic — a Chardonnay-driven rosé Champagne of rare freshness, mineral energy, and delicate red-fruit charm."
- Producer: Yann & Séverine Alexandre, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
- Base Vintage: 2018
- Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
- Vineyards: Les Blanches Terres (Coulommes-la-Montagne) & Saint Lié (Villedommange)
- Blend: 94% Chardonnay, 6% Pinot Noir (red wine addition)
- Reserve Wine: 60%
- Vinification: Primarily stainless steel; 15% Chardonnay in oak; partial malolactic fermentation
- Lees Aging: Minimum 48 months en tirage
- Dosage: 6 g/L | Acidity: 5.51 g/L | pH: 2.9 | Alcohol: 12%
- Farming: Certified Sustainable by OCACIA
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: White peach, strawberry, raspberry, chalk, white flowers, citrus cream, red currant, brioche, saline finish
- Best Paired With: Smoked salmon, tuna tartare, shellfish, sushi, roast poultry, charcuterie, creamy cheeses
Sixty percent reserve wine, 48 months on the lees, and two Premier Cru lieu-dits of rare mineral character — Yann Alexandre's Blanches Terres Rosé is grower Champagne at its most refined.
J. Vignier Champagne Pur Cramant Grand Cru Lieu-Dit Les Fourches Extra Brut (2016). (Pre-Sale Price)
J. Vignier’s Pur Cramant is a rare, single-vineyard Grand Cru Champagne created to capture the character of one exceptional parcel in Cramant. For this cuvée, Nathalie Vignier selects a different lieu-dit from her family’s Cramant holdings according to which site she believes most clearly expresses the personality of the vintage. For the 2016 release, that vineyard was Les Fourches.
Located in the southern part of Cramant, close to the renowned Bateau vineyard, Les Fourches is planted with Chardonnay vines more than 55 years old. The parcel’s northeast-facing slopes and distinctive combination of clay-rich marl over pure Cretaceous chalk create a Champagne with both depth and precision. The marl contributes texture and power, while the deep chalk subsoil provides freshness, tension and the refined mineral character associated with the finest wines of the Côte des Blancs.
Produced entirely from Grand Cru Chardonnay, the wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve the purity of the fruit and the clarity of the vineyard expression. It underwent full malolactic fermentation and remained on its lees until bottling in April following the harvest. The Champagne then spent approximately 64 months aging en tirage before disgorgement, developing a fine mousse, greater complexity and a beautifully integrated texture.
Pur Cramant Les Fourches is precise, concentrated and elegantly structured. Aromas of lemon zest, white peach, green apple and white flowers are complemented by subtle notes of brioche, almond and chalk. The palate is energetic and finely textured, with bright citrus, ripe orchard fruit and a pronounced mineral core. Its Extra-Brut dosage keeps the finish dry, focused and persistent while allowing the character of the old vines and chalk-rich terroir to remain at the forefront.
This is a sophisticated, terroir-driven Champagne that is equally compelling as an aperitif or served with food. Pair it with oysters, caviar, scallops, lobster, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry dishes, mushroom risotto or aged cheeses.
Wine Details
- Producer: J. Vignier
- Cuvée: Pur Cramant
- Lieu-Dit: Les Fourches
- Vintage: 2016
- Region: Champagne, France
- Appellation: Côte des Blancs
- Village: Cramant
- Classification: Grand Cru
- Wine Style: Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut
- Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
- Vine Age: More than 55 years
- Orientation: Northeast
- Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and clay
- Farming: Certified sustainable by Socofret
- Vinification: Stainless steel
- Élevage: Stainless steel
- Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
- Lees Aging: Approximately 64 months en tirage before disgorgement
- Residual Sugar: 4.3 g/L
- Acidity: 4.4 g/L
- pH: 3.07
- Alcohol: 12.25%
- Bottle Size: 750ml
J. Vignier Champagne Ora Alba Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut (2013 Base) Introductory Offer
J. Vignier Ora Alba Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Brut — Côte des Blancs 2013 Base
Ora Alba — "the first light of day" — is J. Vignier's interpretation of northern Côte des Blancs Chardonnay at its most luminous and precise. Produced entirely from Grand Cru fruit sourced from three prestigious villages — Cramant, Chouilly, and Oiry — the cuvée draws on deep Cretaceous chalk complemented by marl and clay, a geology that yields Champagne of both mineral tension and generous texture. Cramant contributes structure and pronounced chalky minerality, Chouilly adds elegance and ripe fruit, and Oiry brings freshness and linear precision. Vinified and aged in stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation, then aged on the lees for an extended period before disgorgement, the 2013 base gives the wine exceptional depth and a decade-plus of development. Certified sustainable by Socofret.
Fresh and refined on the nose: lemon zest, white peach, green apple, and delicate white flowers, with subtle brioche and toasted almond emerging with air. The palate is precise and energetic — layers of citrus, orchard fruit, and chalky minerality carried by fine bubbles and a softly creamy texture. The finish is long, dry, and elegant, with a persistent mineral drive that speaks clearly of its Grand Cru origins.
"Ora Alba is the Vignier family's vision of northern Côte des Blancs Chardonnay — bright, luminous, and deeply mineral."
- Producer: J. Vignier, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
- Base Vintage: 2013
- Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
- Villages: Cramant, Chouilly & Oiry
- Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
- Style: Blanc de Blancs Brut
- Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and clay
- Farming: Certified Sustainable by Socofret
- Vinification: Stainless steel; full malolactic fermentation
- Lees Aging: Extended aging before disgorgement
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, white peach, green apple, white flowers, brioche, toasted almond, chalky minerality, long dry finish
- Best Paired With: Oysters, caviar, lobster, scallops, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses
A 2013 base. Three Grand Cru villages. Extended lees aging. J. Vignier's Ora Alba is northern Côte des Blancs Blanc de Blancs at its most precise and compelling.
Hess Select Chardonnay Monterey County 2024 750ml
Hess Select Chardonnay Monterey County 2024 — Monterey County, California
Hess Collection is one of California’s most respected family-owned wineries, with estates spanning Napa Valley and beyond. Hess Select is their approachable everyday label — crafted with the same attention to quality as their flagship wines but designed for the table. This Monterey County Chardonnay draws from one of California’s premier cool-climate appellations, where Pacific breezes off Monterey Bay preserve natural acidity and allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, producing Chardonnay of genuine character at an honest price.
A thoughtful blend of 70% stainless steel and 30% French oak fermentation keeps the wine fresh and bright while adding a touch of richness. The nose opens with aromas of grilled pineapple, star fruit, and vanilla, leading to a medium-bodied palate of sliced peach and golden apple, with a touch of crème brûlée on the finish — clean, balanced, and crowd-pleasing.
70% stainless, 30% French oak — Monterey freshness with just enough richness to satisfy.
- Producer: Hess Collection (Hess Select), Napa Valley, California
- Vintage: 2024
- Appellation: Monterey County
- Varietal: Chardonnay
- Fermentation: 70% stainless steel, 30% French oak
- Format: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Grilled pineapple, star fruit, vanilla, sliced peach, golden apple, crème brûlée finish
- Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster mac and cheese, creamy pasta, Brie, aged cheddar, goat cheese
Consistent, crowd-pleasing, and genuinely well-made — Hess Select Chardonnay is the benchmark for everyday California white.
Fetzer Valley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml
FETZER VALLEY OAKS CABERNET SAUVIGNON NV | 750ML
🇺🇸 United States — Cabernet Sauvignon | California
A reliable, food-friendly California Cabernet that delivers more than its price suggests. The nose opens with enticing aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and vanilla, with evident oak spice and a hint of herbs. On the palate, ripe blackberry, mocha, toffee, and vanilla layer together in a medium-bodied wine with medium-firm tannins that provide structure and balance. A wine that will continue to evolve in the bottle.
Fetzer’s Valley Oaks range has long been a benchmark for approachable, well-made California red — consistent, versatile, and built for the table.
Pairs well with: Grilled meats, burgers, pasta with red sauce, aged cheddar.
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: California, United States
Style: Medium-bodied, oak-aged
Format: 750ml
Dierler-Cade Alsace Riesling 2023 750ml
DIRLER-CADÉ ALSACE RIESLING 2023 | 750ML
🇫🇷 France — Riesling | Alsace
A jolt of energy delivered with ease and gentleness. This estate Riesling is harvested across Dirler-Cadé’s holdings, including fruit from the Grand Crus of Saering, Kitterlé, Kessler, Spiegel, Belzbrunnen, and Oberer Spiegel — with 70% of the estate’s Riesling on grand cru sites, this is a village wine with exceptional raw material. The nose is scented and bright, with navel orange peel and a touch of apricot. The palate is immediately vibrant, racy, slender, and crystalline — vivid, light, and bone-dry, with all the freshness and precision that defines great Alsatian Riesling.
All plots at Dirler-Cadé have been farmed biodynamically since 1998, with the goal of expressing the exceptional personality of each terroir. The estate’s four Grand Crus — Kitterlé, Saering, Spiegel, and Kessler — are each associated with one of the four elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. The Saering (“sea ring”) recalls the calcareous sediments deposited in the Oligocene period, producing wines that are juicy, broad, and dense with great power.
92 Points — Vinous
“The palate is immediately vibrant, racy, slender and crystalline. This is so vivid, light and vibrant. The 2023 is a jolt of energy delivered with ease and gentleness despite all its wonderful freshness. Bravo. (Bone-dry)” (Vintage 2023).93 Points — Ian d’Agata (Vintage 2023).
92 Points — RVF
“The simple Riesling is a good introduction to the house style, precise and sapid.” (Vintage 2023).
Pairs well with: Alsatian choucroute, grilled fish, oysters, soft cheeses, and Asian cuisine.
Grape: Riesling
Region: Alsace, France
Vintage: 2023
Style: Bone-dry
Format: 750ml
Viticulture: Biodynamic since 1998
Scores: 93 pts Ian d’Agata | 92 pts Vinous | 92 pts RVF
Mondot by Troplong Mondot Saint-Emilion 2021 750ml
Château Mondot Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2021
Perched atop a singular hill overlooking the ancient village of Saint-Émilion, Château Mondot has stood as an understated beacon of exceptional terroir since its creation in 1700. The estate — the second wine of the legendary Château Troplong Mondot — occupies a position like no other in the appellation, its lofty elevation and unique soil profile setting it apart from its neighbors on the limestone plateau.
The secret lies beneath the surface: Mondot's hill is one of the only places in Saint-Émilion where ancient Agenais Molasse clays, formed during the region's geological creation, have survived erosion to great depths, overlying the astéries limestone so characteristic of the appellation. This rare clay-over-limestone profile is the defining signature of Mondot's wines — lending them structure, freshness, and a distinctive mineral tension that sets them apart.
The 2021 Mondot holds a special place in the estate's history: it is the last vintage produced exclusively from Merlot grown on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau — a milestone worth cellaring. Bright and vibrant in character, the wine reflects the cool, precise nature of the 2021 vintage with crystalline energy and elegant restraint.
Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with floral wildflower and crushed flower aromas, followed by red cherry, blackberry, currant, orange peel, cola, mint, and white pepper, with a touch of toasted oak and blue fruit. The palate is refined and focused — not plush or heavy — with pure acidity, a gorgeous tannic structure, and a mouthwatering, saline finish with notes of liquorice and wet stone. Drink from 2027.
Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts
"Floral wildflower aromas. Partial wood aging has produced a wine with light toast and pure acidity. Black-currant flavors are dominant with bright acidity as well as structure. Drink from 2027." (Vintage 2021).
Decanter — 93 pts
"Beautifully delicate and fragrant — a touch of cola, blue fruits and salt with green pepper and toasted oak. Refined and focussed, crisp and mouthwatering, excellent energy and sense of life with a delicious moreish liquorice, wet stone finish. A serious, well-constructed wine with depth but no heaviness." (Vintage 2021).
James Suckling — 92 pts
"A vivid and bright red with currant, orange peel and some light spices. Medium body and fine tannins that turn dusty in the finish." (Vintage 2021).
Vinous — 91 pts
"A bright, vibrant wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white pepper abound. A wine of crystalline energy and tension — super-impressive." (Vintage 2021).
Wine Advocate — 90 pts
"Charming and expressive, bursting with aromas of blackberries, plums, orange zest and spices. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, seamless and suave, with succulent acids and a mouthwateringly saline finish. The last rendition of Mondot produced exclusively from Merlot growing on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau." (Vintage 2021).
Varietal: 100% Merlot (final vintage)
Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2021
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 WE | 93 Decanter | 92 JS | 91 Vinous | 90 WA
Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Chardonnay 2024 750ml
Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection Chardonnay 2024
Francis Ford Coppola Winery has long been a standard-bearer for approachable, expressive California wines. The Diamond Collection — named for the director's four Academy Awards — represents the winery's commitment to quality across a range of varietals and appellations. This Chardonnay draws from the cool, wind-swept vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands, a region celebrated for producing whites of exceptional depth and natural acidity.
The 2024 vintage benefits from the Highlands' signature growing conditions: morning fog rolling in from Monterey Bay, afternoon coastal breezes, and well-draining hillside soils. Together, these elements create a long, even growing season that allows fruit to develop remarkable intensity while retaining freshness and balance.
Pale gold in the glass, the wine delivers a rich, creamy texture with lush impressions of ripe apple, pear, and toasted oak. The palate is generous yet balanced, with a smooth finish and impeccable structure. A versatile, crowd-pleasing Chardonnay that overdelivers at its price point.
Wine Enthusiast — 87 pts
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands, California
Vintage: 2024
Format: 750ml
Score: 87 pts — Wine Enthusiast
Chateau Mont Redon Chateauneuf du Pape 2022 750ml
Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022
Château Mont-Redon is one of the most storied estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, its history predating the appellation itself. In 1923 — more than a decade before the AOC was formally established in 1936 — visionary proprietor Henri Plantin acquired this isolated plateau property, then covered in scrubland and groves, and set about clearing the land and planting vines in the famous rolled pebbles (galets roulés) that define the appellation's most iconic terroir.
Located in the northwestern sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the estate is uniquely privileged to possess all three of the appellation's emblematic terroir types: the pebble-strewn plateau, the compact sandy safres, and the ancient urgonian limestone. This rare combination of complementary soils is the foundation of Mont-Redon's complexity and consistency across vintages.
The 2022 is a blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and a mix of other authorized varieties including Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarèse, and Cinsaut, matured in a combination of new and used barrels, concrete, and large foudres. The result is a wine of remarkable depth, structure, and elegance — built for the cellar, but already showing its extraordinary potential.
Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with a gorgeous nose of dark cherries, black raspberries, cassis, dried thyme, black pepper, violets, and spicy garrigue, with hints of leather, licorice, and gravel. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with a firm yet refined tannic frame, dark berry fruit at the core, and a long, focused finish with crushed stone and graphite minerality. Best from 2027–2028 and drinking brilliantly for 15+ years.
James Suckling — 96 pts
"A well-composed, structured and refined Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The nose reveals notes of dark cherries, cassis, dried thyme, black pepper and a touch of violets. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Robust and focused, and the funneled finish has length. Try after 2028." (Vintage 2022).
Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts
"A gorgeous nose of black raspberries, Bing cherries, spicy garrigue, leather, and ground pepper. With medium to full-bodied richness and a concentrated yet focused, elegant style on the palate, it’s going to benefit from 2–3 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly over the following 15+ years." (Vintage 2022).
Vinous — 92 pts
"Distinct licorice, gravel, red cherry and violet notes alongside minty undertones. Constructed around a firm tannic core, the full-bodied 2022 is clearly built for the long haul, demanding five more years in a cool cellar." (Vintage 2022).
Wine Spectator — 92 pts
"Large in scale and richly styled, with a ripe core of cherry and cassis liqueur hemmed in with chalk-fine tannins. Smoked anise, meat and earth merge in, while graphite and crushed stone notes line the robust finish." (Vintage 2022).
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 91+ pts
"Aromas of violet, dark wild berries, lavender and smoke. A medium to full-bodied, concentrated and structured wine with an assertive tannic frame, velvety tannins and a long and spicy finish." (Vintage 2022).
Blend: ~60% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, plus Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarèse, Cinsaut
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Southern Rhône, France
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml
Scores: 96 JS | 94 JD | 92 Vinous | 92 WS | 91+ WA
Domaine Michel Niellon Chassagne Montrachet 2023 750ml
Domaine Michel Niellon | Chassagne-Montrachet | Burgundy, France | 2023
One of Chassagne-Montrachet's most trusted names, Michel Niellon has long produced village-level whites of uncommon precision and depth. The 2023 vintage brings a ripe yet fresh expression of the appellation — orchard fruit, white flowers, and hazelnut on the nose, followed by yellow apple, lemon curd, and flint on the palate. The texture is rounded and polished, balanced by underlying freshness and chalky lift. A wine of aromatic depth and quiet authority.
Tasting Notes
Pear and apple compote, citrus confit, rosemary oil. Punchy and delicious flavors with a clean, dry, and refreshing finish. A few years of cellaring will reward patience.
Critical Acclaim
Burghound 88 Points — Allen Meadows
"A ripe but agreeably fresh and layered nose reflects notes of pear and apple compote, citrus confit and a suggestion of rosemary oil. The punchy and delicious, if not especially dense, flavors also conclude in a clean, dry and refreshing finale. This could use better depth so a few years of cellaring should prove to be beneficial."
- Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Vintage: 2023
- Format: 750ml
- Producer: Domaine Michel Niellon
Domaine Michel Niellon Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumees Clos de la Truffiere 2023 750ml
Domaine Michel Niellon · Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru · Les Chaumées – Clos de la Truffière · Burgundy · 2023
Domaine Michel Niellon is one of Chassagne-Montrachet’s most revered addresses — a small, meticulous family estate that has farmed its premier cru parcels for generations with an unwavering commitment to terroir expression over winemaking intervention. Les Chaumées – Clos de la Truffière is among the domaine’s most prized holdings: a monopole planted with ancient vines, some more than a century old, set very high on the slope where the combination of altitude, old vine concentration, and Chassagne’s signature limestone soils produces Chardonnay of extraordinary tension and longevity. The 2023 earned 96 points from Charles Curtis MW at Decanter — a wine built for the cellar and the ages.
The 2023 opens with pronounced ripe fruit aromas of lemon peel, nectarine, and gooseberry, edged with saline minerality. The texture is impressively fresh for the vintage — lilting and silky — with marvellous concentration and great tension on the palate. A wine of rare substance and precision, it will benefit from a decade in the cellar and has the structure to drink beautifully for several decades after that.
“Pronounced ripe fruit aromas of lemon peel, nectarine and gooseberry, with an edge of saline minerality. The texture is impressively fresh for the vintage, with a lilting, silky texture, marvellous concentration and great tension on the palate. The grapes are from ancient vines, some more than a century old, planted very high on the slope. This will benefit from a decade in the cellar, but it has the substance to drink for several decades after that.”
— Charles Curtis MW, Decanter · 96 Points
- Producer: Domaine Michel Niellon, Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France
- Vintage: 2023
- Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru
- Climat: Les Chaumées – Clos de la Truffière (monopole)
- Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
- Vines: Ancient vines, some 100+ years old; high on the slope
- Style: Dry white — mineral, concentrated, exceptional tension
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Lemon peel, nectarine, gooseberry, saline minerality, silky texture, great concentration and tension
- Cellar: Drink 2033–2050+
- Pairings: Lobster, turbot, Dover sole, scallops, white truffle dishes, aged Comté
Decanter 96 · Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru — century-old vines, monopole climat, and a decade or more of cellaring ahead. One of Burgundy’s most compelling 2023s.
Château La Nerthe Côtes du Rhône Les Cassagnes Blanc 2022 750ml
Château La Nerthe | Les Cassagnes Blanc | Côtes du Rhône | Rhône Valley, France | 2022
One of the Rhône Valley's most storied estates, Château La Nerthe has been producing wines of elegance and precision since 1590 — the only true château in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Les Cassagnes Blanc is their approachable Côtes du Rhône white, a blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne grown within the Massif d'Uchaux territory. The 2022 delivers aromatic intensity and creamy texture, with cooked lemon, nectarine, peach, white pepper, and white flowers. A wine of volume, balance, and vivid finish — exceptional value from a legendary address.
Tasting Notes
Cooked lemons, fresh bay leaves, peaches, white pepper, and white flowers on the nose. Medium body with a harmonious, creamy palate. Concentrated nectarine flavors with a touch of oak spice and a vivid, aromatic finish.
Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022
Decanter 92 Points
"There's a touch of oak to the nose and palate, giving a touch of spice and polish to the intense, concentrated nectarine flavours. Plenty of impact and concentration."
James Suckling 92 Points
"An aromatic nose of cooked lemons, fresh bay leaves, peaches, white pepper and white flowers. Medium body with a harmonious and creamy palate. It has volume and balance with an aromatic and vivid finish."
- Appellation: Côtes du Rhône, Rhône Valley
- Blend: Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne
- Vintage: 2022
- Format: 750ml
- Producer: Château La Nerthe
Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Russian River 2023 750ml
Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Russian River Valley — Sonoma County 2023
Lewis Cellars is one of Napa and Sonoma’s most celebrated producers of opulent, barrel-fermented Chardonnay — and the Russian River Valley bottling is the more feminine, floral counterpart to their Napa expression. The Russian River Valley is defined by its proximity to the Pacific: morning fog, cool afternoons, and salty ocean air that slow ripening and impart a distinctive floral aromatic quality and subtle minerality that sets this appellation apart. The 2023 growing season was one of the longest of the past decade — mild, consistently sunny weather promoted even ripening with exceptional complexity. Lewis waited until late September to begin harvest, picking the last fruit in the second week of November, allowing prolonged hang time for maximal flavor development. The wine is fully barrel-fermented with native yeast and undergoes 100% malolactic conversion in French oak — the Lewis signature.
The color is a luminous golden straw. The nose is rich and captivating: sweet jasmine, roasted pear, popcorn, caramel, cinnamon, and citrus blossom, with a whisper of salty Pacific air. On the palate, it is full-bodied, broad, and richly textured — pear syrup, lemon cream, apple chutney, flaky pastry, and Meyer lemon curd, with rocky minerality and barrel spice woven through a long, succulent, and elegant finish. Vibrant and elevated on entry, graceful and complex through the mid-palate, and deliciously succulent on the landing.
Expert Reviews
James Suckling — 94 Points
“This full-bodied, soft and rich wine drips with pear-syrup and lemon-cream flavors. Fully barrel-fermented with native yeast and 100% malolactic, it feels broad and melted, tasting ultraripe, almost sweet. Great wine if you like this style. Drink or hold.”Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“Big, rich aromas of popcorn, roasted pear, caramel, and cinnamon waft on the nose. The palate is broad and richly textured, with flavors of apple chutney, flaky pastry, rocky minerality, barrel spice, and citrus blossoms, with echoes of cinnamon and Meyer lemon curd through the finish.”
- Producer: Lewis Cellars, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
- Vintage: 2023
- Appellation: Russian River Valley
- Varietal: Chardonnay
- Vinification: Fully barrel-fermented with native yeast, 100% malolactic conversion, French oak
- Harvest: Late September – second week of November (extended hang time)
- Style: Rich, opulent, floral, cool-climate Russian River Chardonnay
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Jasmine, roasted pear, caramel, lemon cream, apple chutney, Meyer lemon curd, rocky minerality, salty Pacific air
- Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold 3–5 years
- Best Paired With: Lobster, crab, roast chicken, creamy pasta, soft-ripened cheeses, scallops
Russian River Chardonnay at its most lush and expressive — Lewis Cellars 2023 is the Pacific Coast in a glass.
Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder Napa Valley 2021 750ml
Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Veeder — Napa Valley 2021
Mt. Brave is the Mountain Veeder project of Chris Carpenter — the winemaker behind Lokoya and Cardinale, and one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated mountain viticulturists. The estate vineyards sit high above the fog line on the undulating ridgelines of Mt. Veeder, where some sites date back to just before the Civil War. The soils are volcanic and iron-rich, the yields are brutally low, and the fruit that survives is among the most concentrated and complex in all of Napa. Carpenter’s philosophy is one of restraint and terroir transparency — allowing Mt. Veeder to reveal itself in each vintage rather than imposing a winemaker’s hand. The 2021 blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 1% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot — 3,830 cases produced. James Suckling called it the best Mt. Brave ever made.
The color is a deep, saturated ruby. The nose is breathtaking: violets, black currant, cassis, blueberry, dried sage, bay leaf, and cedary oak, with gorgeous mid-palate depth and nuances of tobacco, graphite, and bouquet garni. On the palate, it is full-bodied and silky — very fine tannins that caress the palate with velvety precision, mouthwatering ripeness, and a long, focused, and deeply complex finish. There is upfront accessibility today, but this wine deserves 3–4 years in the cellar and will reward patience for two decades. Very Veeder, with a touch of old school.
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021
James Suckling — 99 Points
“A fabulous wine of focus and polish with very fine tannins that caress your palate and give great length to the finish. Medium to full body. The aromas of violets and currants are so beautiful. Dreamy. Best ever? A blend of 92% cabernet sauvignon, 4% cabernet franc, 2% merlot, 1% malbec and 1% petit verdot. A total of 3,830 cases produced. Give it three to four years to soften.”Jeb Dunnuck — 97 Points
“The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder is a classic Mountain Cabernet with full-bodied richness and ample, although velvety, tannins as well as pure cassis and currant-like fruits, gorgeous mid-palate depth and opulence on the palate, and beautiful complexity in its tobacco, graphite, and bouquet garni-like nuances. It’s another remarkable wine from Carpenter that has some upfront accessibility today yet deserves 3-4 years in the cellar. It will have two decades of overall longevity, and as top Napa Cabernet Sauvignon goes, it’s a terrific value.”Wine Advocate — 95 Points
“Cassis and blueberries are joined on the nose by hints of dried sage, bay leaf and cedary oak. Full-bodied and silky, with drying tannins and mouthwatering ripeness on the long finish. Give it a couple of years in the cellar and drink it over the next couple of decades.”Wine Spectator — 94 Points
“This is deep and winey, with cassis, plum paste and linzer torte notes leading the way. Structured but succulent, offering singed apple wood, bay and cast iron accents that support the fruit through the long and focused finish. Very Veeder, with a touch of old school. Best from 2025 through 2040.”
- Producer: Mt. Brave (Chris Carpenter), Mountain Veeder, Napa Valley, California
- Vintage: 2021
- Appellation: Mountain Veeder, Napa Valley
- Composition: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
- Production: 3,830 cases
- Style: Powerful, silky, terroir-driven Mountain Veeder Cabernet
- Size: 750ml
- Tasting Notes: Violets, black currant, cassis, blueberry, dried sage, tobacco, graphite, bouquet garni, cedary oak
- Drink Window: 2025–2040
- Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, grilled ribeye, lamb rack, wild mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses
Mountain Veeder Cabernet at its absolute pinnacle — Mt. Brave 2021 is Chris Carpenter’s finest hour.
Beaulieu Vineyard BV Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 750ml
About This Wine
Beaulieu Vineyard — BV — is one of Napa Valley's most storied estates, founded in 1900 and home to the legendary Georges de Latour Private Reserve. The BV Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is the house's approachable flagship: a Bordeaux-inspired blend drawing from Rutherford, Calistoga, and St. Helena, aged 15 months in French and European oak. Generous, polished, and built for immediate enjoyment.
The 2022 vintage delivers a warm, fruit-forward profile — strawberry, black cherry, and cassis up front, with kola nut, mocha, and toasted oak in support. The blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Merlot, and Petit Verdot adds mid-palate plushness and a lingering, finessed finish. Medium-bodied with soft tannins and a lovely mouthfeel, this is a Napa Cab that delivers at the table tonight.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Deep ruby
- Nose: Caramel, ripe red berries, strawberry, black cherry, cassis
- Palate: Medium body, juicy red and black fruit, blueberry, kola nut, mocha, toasted oak
- Finish: Soft tannins, tangy freshness, lingering and finessed
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022
Wine Enthusiast 93 | Focused and brilliant flavors of red and black cherries and black currants drive this sleek and powerful wine, as minty, toasty, and tobacco-like accents stay subtly in the background. A full body, medium to full tannins and good fruit acidity lend tangy freshness. Best from 2026.
James Suckling 92 | A warm and generous wine with a sweet-seeming richness that makes it easy to sip without further aging. Full-bodied, laced with mostly red fruit — strawberries to cherries — with underlying blueberry, cocoa and crème de cassis notes. Drink now.
Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, roasted chicken, lamb burgers, aged cheddar, and tomato-based pasta. Versatile enough for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Product Details
Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Napa Valley, California
Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 5% Malbec, 3% Petite Sirah, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
Oak Aging: 15 months, French & European oak (30% new)
Style: Full-bodied Red Wine
Ferrari Carano Cabernet Sauvignon Sonomay County 2022 750ml
Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon — Sonoma County 2022
Ferrari-Carano is one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated family-owned wineries, founded in 1981 by Don and Rhonda Carano on the benchlands of Dry Creek Valley. Over four decades, they have built a reputation for estate-driven wines of exceptional quality and consistency — wines that express the warmth, generosity, and complexity of Sonoma County at its best. The Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is their benchmark red: a bold, structured wine sourced from select Sonoma County vineyards and crafted by Senior Red Winemaker Rebecka Deike. The 2022 is a distinctive blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Syrah — an unconventional but inspired combination that adds plush texture and savory depth to the classic Cabernet framework. James Suckling awarded it 92 points; Wine Enthusiast 91 points.
The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is rich and layered: damson plums, tobacco leaves, cedar, and licorice, with concentrated aromas of roasted cherry, cocoa powder, and black pepper adding complexity and intrigue. On the palate, it is full-bodied and generous — firmly framed tannins, a plush mouthfeel, and flavors of blackberry, licorice, and toasty barrel spices that linger along a neatly balanced finish. Fruity yet savory, structured yet approachable — very generous and giving for the price.
Expert Reviews
James Suckling — 92 Points
“Aromas of damson plums, tobacco leaves, cedar and licorice. The full-bodied palate has firmly framed tannins and a plush mouthfeel. This is a fruity yet savory blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% syrah. Very generous and giving for the price. Drink or hold.”Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
“Concentrated aromas of roasted cherry, cocoa powder and black pepper dominate the nose of this Cab. The palate is rich and broad, with flavors of blackberry, licorice and toasty barrel spices that linger along the neatly balanced finish.”
- Producer: Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
- Vintage: 2022
- Appellation: Sonoma County
- Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah
- Size: 750ml
- Style: Bold, plush, fruit-forward Sonoma County Cabernet
- Tasting Notes: Damson plum, roasted cherry, tobacco, cedar, licorice, cocoa, blackberry, toasty spice
- Drink Window: Now–2030
- Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, BBQ, aged cheddar, dark chocolate
Two critics, two 90+ scores — Ferrari-Carano 2022 is Sonoma County Cabernet at its most generous.
Kendall Jackson Chardonnay Grand Reserve Santa Barbara County 2023 750ml
Kendall-Jackson | Santa Barbara County, California | Chardonnay | 2023
Santa Barbara County's unique east-west mountain orientation channels cold Pacific breezes deep into the estate vineyards of the Santa Maria and Los Alamos Valleys — a geological quirk that produces grapes of exceptional intensity and natural acidity. Aged in partly new French oak, the Grand Reserve Chardonnay delivers a creamy, layered texture grounded by bright minerality from the region's calcareous soils. This is KJ at its most refined: lush, structured, and built for the table.
Clones: Dijon and Rued
Oak: Partly new French oak
Drink: Now–2028
Tasting Notes
- Lush tropical fruit, citrus, and floral notes on the nose
- Vanilla, spice, and calciferous minerality on the palate
- Creamy mouthfeel | Bright acidity | Long, rich finish
Pairings: Crab cakes, scallops, roast chicken, soft cheeses, creamy pasta