Share your thoughts - Win $50 Gift Card!

Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) | Ribera del Duero / Spain
Vintage: 2018  |  Size: 750ml  |  Reserva · 90+ Rated

Bodegas Valduero is one of Ribera del Duero’s founding estates, established in 1984 by Gregorio García Álvarez in the small Burgos town of Gumiel del Mercado — making it one of the very first wineries in the appellation. Today, alongside his daughters Yolanda and Carolina, the family cultivates 200 hectares of Tempranillo at the foot of a mountain, aging their wines in an authentic cave over 30 metres deep that houses more than 4,000 oak barrels and a million bottles.

The Tierra Alta en 2 Cotas Reserva is their most terroir-driven expression: sourced from 50-year-old bush-trained vines planted at 830 metres altitude on clay-calcareous soils, with production naturally limited to 3,500 kg/ha. Harvested by hand into 14kg boxes, fermented in stainless steel, then aged 30 months in oak barrels of three different origins, followed by 18 months of bottle aging before release. The 2018 is classic and expressive — dark fruit, cedar, warm spice, and a subtle earthiness from the high-altitude soils. Fine and elegant on the palate, with well-balanced fruit and oak, firm but refined tannins, and a long, complex finish that speaks clearly of its terroir.

“Deftly made wine, with intense fruit and smart oak ageing, redolent of Ribera typicity, with a modern and easygoing style. Very clean, well defined, dry and smooth in mouth, remarkably fresh. Persistent and fruity finish… An excellent entry point to Valduero’s stable of great wines, which is one of the most notable in the whole region.”
— Decanter, 92 Points. (Vintage 2018). 

Vines: 50+ years, bush-trained  |  Altitude: 830m  |  Soils: Clay-calcareous
Aging: 30 months in oak (3 origins) + 18 months bottle aging
Pairs with: Roast lamb, suckling pig, beef stew, aged Manchego, hearty game dishes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2016

Wine Spectator 95 points | This has a lovely core of creamy anise-infused plum, blackberry and boysenberry flavors that showcase themselves a bit more vividly than many Margaux peers in this vintage do, with substantial but velvety grip and lots of extra violet, graphite and black tea notes adding to the long flow of a finish. Really beautiful feel. Best from 2023 through 2038.Wine Enthusiast 97 points Dark tannins work with the sophisticated structure of this wine. The very fine tannins are an important element of the wine, giving shape to the ripe black fruits and acidity. This wine, rich and structured, is set for a long development. Drink from 2026. Cellar Selection.

Wine Advocate 97 points | Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla drifts effortlessly from the glass with fragrant rose hip tea, candied violets and chocolate box scents over a core of fresh blackcurrants and black cherry compote plus wafts of tobacco and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a great mid-palate of softly textured black and blue fruits with loads of floral nuances and a refreshing lift on the finish. The blend this year is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 20th and October 15th at an average yield of 45 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. The alcohol is 13.5%.Decanter 95 points There's an array of flavours and complex aromatics on offer here. It's powerful and brooding, with a lyrical acidity that helps to lift up the relatively foursquare tannins on the attack. After a few minutes in the glass it begins to ripple with menthol, liquorice root, grilled cedar and sweet spices. It needs time to settle, of course, but is extremely classic, and will go the distance and then some. Matured in 60% new oak.

Jeb Dunnuck 98 points | I continue to love the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla, a thrillingly complete, flawlessly balanced, and borderline perfect Margaux that should be snatched up by readers. Notes of cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, and earth all give way to a full-bodied effort that has building tannins, no hard edges, and a level of purity and elegance that’s just about off the charts. Given its purity and balance, it’s accessible today, but it will be best with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades.

James Suckling 98 points | The aromas of blackcurrants, sweet tobacco and sandalwood are tantalizing. Then it turns to subtle, dried fruit. Full-bodied with dense and powerful tannins, yet ending with finesse and vertical nature. Very deep. Power with finesse. Try after 2025. 

Winemaker Description

#5 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025
#99 Jeb Dunnuck Top 100 of 2025
#8 Vinous Top 100 of 2025

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

100 Points Vinous | The 2022 Beau-Séjour Bécot is a total stunner. What a wine! The 2022 was magnificent en primeur, and it is all that from bottle. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. Crushed rose petal, mint, blood orange, new leather and cedar meld into a core of pliant red-toned fruit. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's precision and finesse. I have never tasted a Beau-Séjour Bécot like this.

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points | Tasted on multiple occasions, the 2022 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot is flat-out sensational, as well as the finest wine I’ve tasted from this château. Powerful aromatics of red, blue, and black fruits as well as crushed stone and violets define the aromatics, and it’s full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, has integrated acidity, and ultra-fine tannins. Based on 76% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, this heavenly Saint-Emilion will benefit from just 3-5 years of bottle age and have 30 years or more of overall longevity. Back up the truck.

The Wine Advocate 97 Points | The 2022 Beau-Séjour Bécot has turned out brilliantly in bottle. Wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of sweet wild berries mingled with rose petals, orange zest, violets, gentian and espresso roast, it's full-bodied, supple and suave, with a deep core of cool, layered fruit, beautifully vibrant flavors and polished structuring tannins, concluding with a saline finish. As I wrote when I tasted it from barrel, this is a Saint-Émilion of breathtaking perfume and harmony that will be worth a special effort to seek out.

The Wine Spectator 96 Points | This is very fresh, expressive and focused, with violet, iris and rosehip notes darting to the fore, while flavors of sleek raspberry and red currant preserves race along behind. Almost flattering, but there’s a subtle chalky tension piercing the finish, which sails through. A dreamy wine. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decanter 96 Points |  Floral notes on the nose. Tangy and sharp, lively and bright straight away, sweet and sour, so energetic and lively with a mineral grip from the fine, firm, grippy tannins. Lovely precision and almost delicate presentation of fruit. You really feel the mineral, salty, tangy aspect of the fruit, nothing feels overworked, all in balance, really quite thrilling and electric. Great purity and focus. Scintillating yet still with a lovely volume and roundness accented by tobacco, clove, liquorice and cinnamon touches. Really well worked and fresh - this feels very modern with such control to the fruit, tannins, acidity giving overall depth and complexity. Elegant but confident, taking the best density from clay density and freshness from limestone. A very singular charm with this wine.

Memo Summary Notes 

The Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 2022 is being hailed by many critics as the "best wine ever produced" by this historic Saint-Émilion estate. This vintage marks a significant milestone, recently ranking as #5 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2025.

Situated on the iconic limestone plateau of Saint-Martin de Mazerat, the estate has shifted its style under owner Juliette Bécot toward greater precision, floral aromatics, and mineral tension, moving away from the more opulent, oak-heavy profiles of the past.

Carl Loewen · Estate Riesling · Liewener Klostergarten · Mosel · Germany · 2022

Christopher Loewen is one of the Mosel’s most quietly celebrated winemakers — a craftsman who farms organically, ferments with native yeasts in large Fuder casks without temperature control, and lets each wine find its own expression. The Estate Riesling comes entirely from the Liewener Klostergarten, a site with richer soils than Loewen’s steep single-vineyard parcels, formerly bottled as a Kabinett and now declassified to “Estate” to preserve the single-vineyard designation for the estate’s highest-quality expressions. Whole-cluster pressed, fermented spontaneously, and stopped by taste — this is Riesling made with the patience and instinct of a true artisan.

The 2022 is dry-styled, rustic, and deeply approachable — a wine of beautiful complexity and mouth-filling texture born from Fuder aging and spontaneous fermentation. Yellow stone fruit, pear, and spiced citrus are underscored by a pleasingly savory salinity. At once mineral and generous, it is the kind of Riesling that rewards attention and rewards the table equally.

“A dry-styled Riesling that is at once rustic and approachable. Rockstar winemaker Christopher Loewen raises this wine in large Fuder casks, using spontaneous fermentation. This gives the wine a beautiful complexity and mouth-filling texture. A mix of yellow stone fruit, pear, and spiced citrus is underscored by a pleasingly savory salinity.”
— Rand, 67wino.shop

• Producer: Carl Loewen (Christopher Loewen), Mosel, Germany
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Mosel, Germany
• Vineyard: Liewener Klostergarten
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry — rustic, mineral, textured
• Vinification: Whole-cluster press; native yeast fermentation in Fuder casks and stainless steel; no temperature control; stopped by taste
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Yellow stone fruit, pear, spiced citrus, savory salinity, mineral texture
• Pairings: Grilled trout, roast pork, sushi, Thai cuisine, aged Gouda, charcuterie

Mosel — certified organic, Fuder-aged, spontaneously fermented Riesling from one of the valley’s most instinctive winemakers. Rustic, mineral, and built for the table.

Expert Reviews | Vintage 2020 

96 Points James Suckling | This Spatlese beams you up to Cloud 9, from where you have a wonderful view over the beautiful Mosel Valley. In spite of the considerable concentration, this is super-delicate and precise on the barely medium-bodied palate. Enormously long finish, where you barely feel the natural grape sweetness. Drink or hold. 

95 Points Wine Advocate | The 2020 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese is pure, clear and flinty on the concentrated nose that is reminiscent of a fresh fruit salad served on a slate plate on an early summer morning. Light, lush and highly finessed but seriously structured on the palate, this is a savory, very clear and elegant Sonnenuhr Spätlese with great precision and finesse and highly stimulating salinity and mouth-watering grip on the finish. Rating: 95+ 

Winemaker Description 

Always one of the first rosés to hit the market, this traditional S. Rhone blend comes from 25-50 year old vines grown along the Gassac Riber. It boasts a pleasant, intense nose with hints of strawberries. Full and round on the palate with red fruit flavors.

Few winemakers have come to define their region like Mas de Daumas Gassac has with the Languedoc. What sets Mas de Daumas Gassac apart is their unflinching commitment to pushing the boundaries — of the appellation’s rules, of conventional farming techniques, of “expected” grape varieties.

Aimé and Véronique Guibert purchased the land in the early 1970s; they had planned to start a farm, but weren’t sure what type of crops they wanted to grow. It took convincing from a Bordeaux-based soil scientist, who saw great grape-growing potential in the limestone-rich land, as densely mineral-laden as Burgundy’s Côte d’Or.

Making wine in the Languedoc is nothing new — the Greeks and Romans were doing it millennia ago. In planting their estate to vines, the Guiberts chose to buck local tradition and plant a wide (very wide) assortment of international grapes; there’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, sure, but also Petite Arvine, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo and more. Prior to owning the estate, the Guiberts traveled the world as part of a family leather business, and became enamored with grapes from far-off and exotic locales. 

Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre Terre de Maimbray Rosé Organic — Loire Valley 2025

Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy are among the most respected names in Sancerre, farming their vines sustainably in the appellation’s most prized terroir. The Terre de Maimbray Rosé is sourced from 30- to 60-year-old Pinot Noir vines grown in Terres Blanches — the Kimmeridgian marl and pure chalk soils that define Sancerre’s mineral identity. Grapes are hand-harvested and direct-pressed (rosé de presse), then fermented in stainless steel and aged on fine lees over winter to add subtle textural roundness before bottling. The result is a rosé of exceptional clarity and energy.

The nose is vibrant and mineral-accented: fresh strawberry, tangerine, and quince with subtle herb and floral nuances. On the palate it is concentrated yet lithe, offering sappy red berry and citrus fruit flavors that deepen steadily on the back half, with the mineral note returning strong on a long, seamless finish. Serve well-chilled alongside fresh summer tomato salads, goat cheese tarts, green vegetables, or grilled salmon — or simply on its own as the finest rosé aperitif you can pour.

🇫🇷 “Vibrant, mineral-accented strawberry, tangerine, and quince scents, along with subtle herb and floral nuances. The mineral note comes back strong on the long, seamless finish, which shows excellent clarity.”

• Producer: Pascal et Nicolas Reverdy
• Appellation: Sancerre AOP, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Terroir: Terres Blanches — Kimmeridgian marl and pure chalk, vines 30–60 years old
• Vinification: Direct press, stainless steel fermentation, lees aging over winter
• Farming: Sustainable / Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Best Served: Well-chilled, 46–50°F
• Pairs With: Tomato salads, goat cheese tarts, green vegetables, grilled salmon

A benchmark Sancerre rosé — mineral, precise, and built for the table.

Winemaker Description 

Chateau Carbonnieux WHITE Pessac-Leognan Grand Cru Classé 2023

Explore the elegance of Chateau Carbonnieux, one of the distinguished names in the Pessac-Leognan region, known for producing exceptional white wines. The 2023 vintage showcases the estate's commitment to quality, offering a finely balanced wine that reflects the terroir beautifully. With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, Chateau Carbonnieux has established itself as a Grand Cru Classé, known for its meticulous vineyard practices and sustainable viticulture. Each bottle is a testament to the tradition and innovation that has shaped the estate over centuries.

Expert Recognition - 2023 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast - 96 Points (Cellar Selection)
"The grapefruit and honey aromas of this wine are echoed in its crisp and rounded textures. It is ripe with apple and spice flavors, the wood aging subtly in the background. Drink from 2027."

Wine Spectator - 95 Points
"This crackles with tarragon, fleur de sel, oyster shell and lemon pith notes that ripple throughout, while a steady core of yuzu and mirabelle plum moves through. Live-wire acidity keeps everything focused and mouthwatering. Lovely. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2033."

James Suckling - 94 Points
"Sliced lemon, crushed stone, ginger and oyster shell aromas follow through to a medium body with crisp acidity and a crunchy finish. A very typical top white from Pessac. Drink now."

Wine Advocate - 90-92 Points
"A blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon, the 2023 Carbonnieux Blanc exhibits elegant aromas of pear, white peach, spring flowers and herbs, followed by a medium-bodied, satiny and long texture enhanced by bright acids and a lively mid-palate. It concludes with a long, delicate, mouthwateringly mordant finish, making it a classic white wine from this estate."

Jeb Dunnuck - 90-92 Points
"The 2023 Château Carbonnieux Blanc is light gold-hued and offer terrific aromatics of ripe citrus, minty herbs, and a kiss of grapefruit. These carry to a medium-bodied white with a round, supple texture, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length."

Grape Blend

Composition: 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sémillon
This classic Bordeaux white blend showcases the best of both varietals, combining Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity with Sémillon's richness and texture.

Tasting Profile

The 2023 Chateau Carbonnieux white wine offers an exquisite blend of vibrancy and depth. Light gold-hued with terrific aromatics including grapefruit and honey, sliced lemon, crushed stone, ginger, oyster shell, tarragon, fleur de sel, lemon pith, yuzu, mirabelle plum, pear, white peach, spring flowers, herbs, ripe citrus, and minty herbs. The palate is equally expressive, featuring crisp and rounded textures, ripe with apple and spice flavors, live-wire acidity that keeps everything focused and mouthwatering, medium body with a satiny and long texture, round and supple with nicely integrated acidity. The finish is crunchy, long, delicate, and mouthwateringly mordant with outstanding length. Wood aging is subtle in the background, allowing the fruit and terroir to shine.

Grand Cru Classé Heritage

With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, Chateau Carbonnieux has established itself as a Grand Cru Classé in the prestigious Pessac-Leognan appellation. The estate is known for its meticulous vineyard practices and sustainable viticulture, producing wines that beautifully reflect the unique terroir of Bordeaux. Each bottle is a testament to centuries of tradition and innovation.

Aging Potential

Drink Window: Now through 2033 (Wine Spectator), from 2027 (Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection)
This vintage offers both immediate enjoyment and excellent aging potential, allowing collectors to cellar it for further development.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairing Chateau Carbonnieux with the right dishes can enhance your overall dining experience. Its refreshing acidity and vibrant fruit character make it an excellent choice for:

• Grilled fish and shellfish
• Oysters and seafood platters
• Salads featuring citrus or vinaigrettes
• Creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert
• Gourmet picnics
• Summer barbecues
• Light cheese platters

Perfect for Wine Enthusiasts

This vintage is ideal for those who appreciate complexity and refinement in their wine, making it a sought-after selection for wine enthusiasts and collectors wanting to taste the essence of Bordeaux. Enjoy it chilled to fully appreciate its bright flavors and elegant character. The versatility of this Grand Cru Classé is sure to impress your guests at any occasion.

Kinishihai Yukikage ‘Snow Shadow’ Tokubetsu Junmai — Niigata, Japan (300ml)

Kinishihai is brewed in Niigata Prefecture — one of Japan's most revered sake-producing regions, celebrated for its cold winters, pristine snowmelt water, and the distinctive ‘tanrei karakuchi’ style: clean, dry, and refined sake of exceptional elegance and food-friendliness. Yukikage — meaning ‘Snow Shadow’ — is a Tokubetsu Junmai, a special designation within the Junmai category indicating a higher level of rice polishing or a distinctive brewing technique that elevates the sake above the standard. It is crafted from a blend of two local Niigata rice varietals — Gohyaku Mangoku and Koshi Ibuki — both milled to 58% of their original size, removing the outer layers to reveal a cleaner, more refined grain. Fermented with S-3 yeast, which produces a mildly fragrant and clean profile with light earthy qualities, Yukikage is a true expression of the gutsy, grounded Niigata style: smooth, earthy, and built for the table. Uniquely versatile — it is equally compelling served chilled or gently warmed, making it one of the most food-friendly sakes in the glass.

The nose is mildly fragrant and inviting: toasted brown rice, light earthiness, and a clean, grounded character. On the palate, it is smooth and earthy with notes of toasty brown rice and a gentle nuttiness. Chilled, it is a natural companion for sushi, gyoza, and delicate seafood. Gently warmed, it blossoms — the perfect accompaniment for yakitori, grilled salmon, or roasted yellowtail. A sake of genuine versatility and quiet depth.

"A true gutsy Niigata style sake — smooth and earthy, with notes of toasty brown rice. When chilled it makes a great companion for a sushi platter or gyoza dumplings, but when gently warmed it blossoms into the perfect accompaniment for yakitori, grilled salmon or roasted yellowtail." — Kinishihai, Producer

• Brewery: Kinishihai, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
• Classification: Tokubetsu Junmai
• Rice: Gohyaku Mangoku & Koshi Ibuki, milled to 58%
• Yeast: S-3
• Style: Niigata tanrei karakuchi — clean, dry, earthy
• ABV: 15%
• Size: 300ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted brown rice, light earthiness, smooth, mildly fragrant, nutty finish
• Serve: Chilled (45–50°F) or gently warmed (100–110°F)
• Best Paired With (Chilled): Sushi, gyoza, delicate sashimi, cold tofu
• Best Paired With (Warmed): Yakitori, grilled salmon, roasted yellowtail, miso soup, hearty izakaya dishes

Niigata's snow-country terroir in a 300ml bottle — Kinishihai Yukikage is smooth, earthy, and one of the most versatile sakes on the shelf.

Winemaker Description 

Tio Pepe Fino Sherry is a star bright, pale golden color. It is elegant and distinctive, with fresh bread and almond aromas. The palate is full bodied, crisp and very dry, with a complex, long finish.

Perfect with canapes and tapas, Asian food, seafood and all fish based dishes. Try it with caviar, oysters, anchovies or tuna carpaccio. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review 

James Suckling 90 Points | This is the prototypical fino sherry with all the salty and yeasty character you expect. Also dried-apple, pear and lemon-zest character. Generous, but very dry and salty on the palate with a refreshing touch of austerity. Where are the olives? Drink now, if possible from a freshly opened bottle. 

Winemaker Description 

Arneis produces a lightly styled white wine with beautiful straw yellow colour. Citrus edged orchard fruits, pear and apricot are attractive on the palate with slightly bitter floral note that can resemble almonds. L'azienda Brovia is a traditional Piemontese family wine growing estate in Castiglione Falletto, in the heart of Barolo country. The wine is appreciated for its refined elegance.

The sole white wine of the estate is produced in the Roero district from an 0.80 hectare plot in Vezza d’Alba. The soil is essentially sandy in composition and sits at 340 meters altitude on south-facing slopes. The vineyard was planted in 1980. Harvest (manual) normally occurs in mid-September.

The grapes are briefly macerated and the fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures (around 15 degrees Celsius) for two to three weeks. The wine rests in stainless steel until the early spring months of the following year and is usually released to the market, after several months of bottle aging, in late summer/early fall.

Approximately 4500 bottles are produced annually, 3,000 of which are shipped to the USA. 

Memo Pairing Notes

This Arneis is incredibly versatile. Its freshness and body make it a perfect match for:

• Raw and Cooked Seafood: Oysters, raw tuna, grilled octopus, and white fish.

• Vegetable Dishes: Vegetable-based pasta, light risottos, or asparagus.

• Cured Meats & Cheese: Light ham or salami, and fresh, milky cheeses like Burrata or soft goat cheese.

Winemaker Description 

Aged following an oxidative ageing for 12 years in Bodega La Campana in Jerez de la Frontera.

Dark bronze colour with golden rim. Pungent nutty aromas with a smoky wood background. Rich flavours of bitter chocolate, walnuts and baked chestnuts. This Oloroso wine has an intense, concentrated aftertaste, lightened by a tangy acidity.

One of the Wines of the 2020 Vintage — Saint-Émilion at Its Most Magnificent

Château Valandraud is the legendary “garagiste” estate of Jean-Luc Thunevin, one of Saint-Émilion’s most celebrated and iconoclastic producers. Elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé status, Valandraud is produced from the cooler, eastern side of Saint-Émilion and is renowned for its extraordinary concentration, perfume, and longevity. The 2020 — a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 24 months in 100% new oak — has been called one of the wines of the vintage, earning back-to-back 99-point scores from Jeb Dunnuck and James Suckling and 98 points from Vinous.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck — 99 pts: "One of the wines of the vintage. Incredible perfume of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, violets, new leather, and an almost Hermitage-like burning embers character. Full-bodied richness, ripe seamless tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and a finish that won’t quit. Give bottles 5–7 years in the cellar. Drink 2028–2053."
• James Suckling — 99 pts: "Very opulent and expressive aromas of black fruit and pine needles. So floral. Full-bodied with plush, velvety tannins and lots of fruit and texture. It goes on for minutes. Rich at the finish, but remains fresh and vivid. Superb. One of the great Valandrauds. Drink after 2027."
• Vinous — 98 pts: "A stunner. Rich, deep and explosive with dazzling intensity from start to finish. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plush dark red/black fruit, licorice, spice, mocha and new leather. Bright and wonderfully focused with sweet floral and blood orange accents on the explosive finish. Magnificent. Drink 2028–2060."
• Decanter — 96 pts (Jane Anson): "Broad-shouldered with ample depth — brambled fruits, liquorice, cigar box spice and a gorgeously saline finish. Chalky, grippy tannins with white flowers on the aromatics. 100% new oak for 24 months. Drink 2029–2046."
• Decanter — 93 pts (Georgina Hindle): "Juicy and alive with blackcurrant, black cherry and herbal-tinged blueberries. Layers of acidity, mint, freshness and toast. Full and complex with salty minerality and unmistakable signature. Drink 2027–2046."
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: "Black currant and fig preserves, warmed black tea, melted black licorice and a hint of alder smoke, framed by a loam- and espresso crema-accented finish. Best from 2027 through 2040."
• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: "Aromas of jammy black fruits mingled with toasted coconut, spices and new oak. Full-bodied, rich and chewy with generously extracted tannins. Drink 2025–2043."
• Jancis Robinson — 17++ pts: "Deep crimson. Dark and oaky — lots of 70% dark chocolate. Big, dense tannins with enough fresh fruit to fill it out for the long term. Drink 2030–2045."

Winemaker Notes

Freshness and opulence, fruit and structure. A perfect balance.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Valandraud / Jean-Luc Thunevin
• Vintage: 2020
• Aging: 24 months, 100% new oak
• Yield: 49 hl/ha
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine of this stature deserves the finest table — exceptional with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin en croute, duck confit, aged Comté, and black truffle dishes. Also magnificent on its own as a meditation wine.

Expert Reviews

• Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Malbec comes from Drummond, Luján de Cuyo and was aged 12 months in French oak, one-third new. It offers clear black fruit — ripe blackberry and plum — over delicate oak and a hint of violet. Dry and slightly compact due to the warm vintage, it carries good black-fruit flavor on the palate. Well executed for the year.
• Oscar Garcia, 67Wine | A full-bodied and expressive Malbec with substance and chewy tannins. Perfect pairing for beef dishes, poultry, or pork.

Winemaker Notes

The aromas of sweet French oak and espresso grow more complex with every swirl, unveiling black plum, ripe raspberry, and violet. Full-bodied, dense, and chewy on the palate with flavors of black raspberry, plums, roasted herbs, and mint — a classic estate-grown Malbec from one of Luján de Cuyo’s most respected producers.

• Grape Source: 100% Malbec
• Appellation: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
• Vineyard: Drummond Estate
• Location: Argentina
• Aging: 12 months in French oak (1/3 new)

Piper-Héidsieck Champagne Brut NV — Half Bottle (375ml)

Founded in 1785, Piper-Héidsieck is one of Champagne’s most storied and celebrated houses — a name synonymous with elegance, festivity, and the art of the blend. With a history of dressing Hollywood royalty and gracing the world’s most celebrated tables, Piper-Héidsieck has long stood for a bold, fruit-forward style that is instantly recognizable and endlessly appealing. The Brut NV is the house’s signature expression: a classic, well-structured Champagne that showcases the Piper style at its most vibrant.

Crafted from fruit sourced across more than 100 of Champagne’s crus, the blend is led by Pinot Noir for structure, complemented by Pinot Meunier for fleshy fruit expression, and Chardonnay for elegance and acidity. Precious reserve wines ensure a consistent, recognizable flavor profile year after year. Now available in a convenient 375ml half-bottle — perfect for a solo celebration, a romantic dinner, or a gift.

Pale gold with a festive shimmer and lively, precise bubbles. The nose offers almond, fresh hazelnut, croissant, dried lemon, and apricot. The palate is lively and balanced — fresh pear, apple, pomelo, and juicy white fruits — with a creamy mousse, bright acidity, and a smooth, rounded finish.

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points

“Balanced between a soft Brut character and crisper lemon flavors. That balance gives a fine wine, open and easy, but with a fine bite of acidity at the end.”

Wine & Spirits — 90 Points 

“A clean Champagne, green-gold in color with the flavor of peaches just coming into ripeness. Its cool mineral savor brings to mind grapes sautéed in butter.”

James Suckling — 90 Points

“Attractive aromas of croissants, sourdough, dried lemons, apricots, figs and walnuts. Soft and balanced on the palate, with a medium body, creamy mousse and a dry, rounded finish.”

Blend: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
Appellation: Champagne AOC, France
Style: Brut NV
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Scores: 90 pts WE | 90 pts W&S | 90 pts JS

Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy | Sancerre Blanc | Loire Valley | 2025

The Reverdys are one of the appellation's essential winemaking families and they have thoroughly mastered elegant and delicious Sancerre. Winemaker Julie Guiard simply has the right touch, making her Sancerre one of the most universally gratifying white wines out there. In the village of Verdigny, Reverdy's vineyards feature two of Sancerre's three principal soil types: mainly caillottes — pebbly white limestone — and some terres blanches, composed of richer marl formed in the Kimmeridgian era. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc balancing bright, zesty citrus and delicate floral nuances with an enveloping texture and stony, saline notes that make your mouth water. Irresistibly charming now, it can even age for a few years if desired. — Anthony Lynch

Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy is based in Verdigny, one of the most respected villages within the Sancerre appellation, where the family has farmed their vineyards for generations. The estate's parcels sit on two of Sancerre's three classic soil types — caillottes (pebbly white limestone) and terres blanches (Kimmeridgian marl) — a combination that gives the wine both the bright, citrus-driven freshness of limestone and the richer texture and mineral depth of the ancient marl soils. Under winemaker Julie Guiard, the domaine has become a benchmark for the appellation: precise, elegant and consistently delicious.

The 2025 opens with vibrant aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, white peach and fresh-cut grass, accented by delicate floral notes, a whisper of smoke and the stony, saline minerality that is the signature of Verdigny's limestone soils. The palate is bright and lively, with an enveloping texture and exquisite balance of fruit, acidity and mineral tension. A long, mouthwatering finish with saline and citrus notes lingers beautifully. A cut above textbook Loire Sauvignon Blanc — and a wine that rewards a few years of cellaring if you can resist opening it immediately.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. An ideal partner for raw oysters, grilled fish, fish tacos, shellfish, sushi, goat cheese, tomato salads, gazpacho and light vegetable dishes.

• Producer: Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy
• Winemaker: Julie Guiard
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC
• Region: Loire Valley, France
• Village: Verdigny
• Soils: Caillottes (pebbly limestone) and terres blanches (Kimmeridgian marl)
• Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Dry white wine
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Gato Negro | Malbec | Valle Central, Chile | 1.5L Magnum

Gato Negro is one of Chile's most beloved everyday wine brands, produced by Viña San Pedro — a winery with roots dating back to 1865 and one of the most established names in South American wine. The iconic Black Cat label has built a global following for delivering consistent, fruit-forward wines at exceptional value.

Valle Central is Chile's heartland wine region, stretching between the Andes and the Coastal Range. The warm, sunny climate and well-drained soils are ideal for Malbec — producing wines with an intense ruby-violet color, generous dark fruit, and the soft, velvety tannins that make Chilean Malbec so approachable and crowd-pleasing.

Gato Negro Malbec is deep ruby-violet in the glass with fresh aromas of plum, blackberry, and dark fruit, accented by lactic notes and a subtle touch of vanilla. On the palate, soft and medium-bodied with a smooth texture, firm structure, and a lingering, fruit-forward finish. No pretension, no fuss — just a generous, easy-drinking red that delivers every time.

Now available in a generous 1.5L Magnum — perfect for entertaining, parties, and casual gatherings. Pair with grilled red meats, burgers, lamb, empanadas, pasta with tomato sauce, and aged cheeses.

• Producer: Gato Negro / Viña San Pedro
• Varietal: Malbec
• Region: Valle Central, Chile
• Style: Soft, fruit-forward, medium-bodied red
• Closure: Screwcap
• Format: 1.5L Magnum

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais comes from the oldest vines on the property, planted in 1995 with all Dijon clones. Bottled in late January of this year, the wine sports a vibrant ruby hue and shows off notes of wild raspberries, mixed berries, a hint of fresh violets, clove spice, forest herbs, and brambly earth. It’s chiseled in its structure, with coiled tannins and a good deal of youthful tension, and also offers mineral persistence, with wonderful salinity and dark undertones of earth. It demands another few years in cool cellars to soften and expand as it evolves and will drink well over the long haul. Drink 2026-2040. 590 cases were produced.

Winemaker Description 

Planted in 1995, the Dijon block is now in its prime, delivering the complexity and elegance one expects from carefully tended twenty-six-year-old vines. The 2021 “DJ,” as it is known in-house, shows characteristic black raspberry and rose hip notes. Consistent with previous vintages, it displays Asian five spice, briar and even hints of blood orange coupled with a refreshing acidity and persistent finish. It is a superior vintage, one of the best of the decade. While the 2021 Les Dijonnais Pinot Noir is delicious right now, it will reward patience after a few years in a cool cellar.  Winemaker Description.

Winemaker Description

Enticing red plum and chocolate aromas, with soft red fruit flavors that complement hearty stews, classic pastas, and grilled red meats. Frontera is crafted by Concha y Toro, Chile's most celebrated producer, from grapes grown in the Central Valley. Approachable, fruit-forward, and perfect for everyday enjoyment — the 1.5L Magnum is ideal for gatherings and entertaining.

Food Pairings

• Grilled ribeye or burgers
• Hearty beef stew or lamb chops
• Classic pasta with tomato or meat sauce
• Aged cheddar or gouda

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Handsomely structured and full-bodied yet refined in approach, offering blackberry and cherry flavors laced with mocha espresso and cinnamon notes that build richness toward polished tannins.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | A generous and glittering Zinfandel that is both savory and mouthwatering. This wine showcases raspberry, ripe plums, tobacco and dry, forest notes. Robust and lengthy.

James Suckling 91 Points |  Aromas of blueberry tart, poached rhubarb, cigar box and sweet spices. The palate is full-bodied with firm yet integrated tannins, bright acidity and notes of black cherries, baking spices and burnt oranges. Block 28 sits at 60 meters above sea level and is planted to St. George rootstock. The wine is aged for 15 months in 65% new oak. A powerful and tightly bound wine that will age gracefully. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description 

Hendry Block 28 is located on bench lands west of the town of Napa. This 4.17-acre block is 160 feet above sea level and has thin, stony soils. Morning fog and strong afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay moderate the maritime climate. The vines were planted in 1998 using St. George roots and grafted with budwood selected from an old-vine Zinfandel vineyard on Mt. Veeder called the Brandlin Vineyard. The vines are spaced 6.9' x 5', cordon-trained and spur-pruned. A vertical trellis system supports the cordon and the canopy.

Mt. Veeder’s Brandlin Ranch was planted in 1926 with a Zinfandel which produces complex, intense fruit.  The character of this mountain fruit was very interesting to George. In the early days of winemaking at Hendry, he made an arrangement with the vineyard’s owner to tend the vines in exchange for the fruit. When the vineyard was sold, George was able to obtain budwood from the gnarled old vines, which he then grafted onto rootstock in Block 28, where we’ve grown it ever since. The character of the fruit remains distinct from our other Zinfandel and Primitivo cultivars. 

In 2021, bud break in Block 28 occurred April 7th. Bloom was May 24th. Harvest was on September 25th, with a yield of 2.93 tons per acre. Bloom-to-harvest period was 124 days. 

The alcoholic fermentation was completed in approximately one week in closed fermentation tanks. The wine was then pressed and put into barrels for malolactic fermentation. Aging was fifteen months in French oak barrels, approximately 65% - 75% of which are new each year. 

Deep ruby color. Big, blackberry jam aromatics jump out of the glass. Fruity on the front-palate, medium-heavy and balanced, drawing out to a firm finish of black tea tannins. This is a Zin for Zin-lovers! The bolder of our two Zinfandel offerings. Plenty of structure for burgers, braised lamb shanks, salumi, cheeses, and slow-roasted brisket. 

Cases: 1274
   

Winemaker Description 

A superb and age-worthy Barolo by Giacomo Conterno, from the Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. 100% Nebbiolo. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in large oak casks. Red fruits, roses, tar, licorice and spices notes. Powerful and complex. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

Expert Reviews 97 Points Wine Advocate | Of the three Barolo samples I tasted from barrel (including Arione and Cerretta, which are also from Serralunga d'Alba), the Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia was the furthest behind and the hardest to pin down at this stage in its infancy. I have opened my range of scores accordingly to compensate for the magical unknowns that are likely to occur as the wine moves toward greater harmony and integration before its commercial release. The wine is linear and pointedly focused, lacking the width and volume it will gain when given more time to flesh out and relax. The aromas are also quite primary and simple at this point, with dark cherry and even a hint of ripe strawberry ceding gradually to grilled herb, blue flower and baked brick. This vintage of Barolo Francia will require patience. (2018).

95 Points Wine Spectator | Delivers depth and power, with menthol and wild herbs shading cherry and plum flavors. The balance tips toward the tannins in the end, yet this doesn't feel overly astringent, just more structured than many '18s. Picks up a mineral element as this lingers on the finish. Be patient. (2018).

95+ Points Vinous | The 2018 Barolo Francia is powerful, deep and also a touch austere. It shows the edginess of all the 2018s, but also has a feeling of textural creaminess that adds tons of character. Spice, menthol, leather and a whole range of balsamic overtones build into the deep, imposing finish. Roberto Conterno decided to forego his Barolo Monfortino in 2018, opting instead to blend all the casks into his Francia bottling. When that happens, Francia often surprises down the road. That could very well turn out to be the case here. (2018).

Monica Larner writes:  The Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia has opened beautifully since I last tasted this wine at the winery two years ago. It was closed back then (no surprise since I tasted it as an unfinished sample), but with the distance of time, the wine has blossomed to show blackcurrant, cassis, aniseed, blue flower and pencil shaving. The Francia is known for its magical combination of power and nuance, both delivered with seamless intensity. This vintage offers a savory component with hints of toasted spice or spent ember. The tannins are fine and polished.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95

Winemaker Description 

A pale and delicate light dry Sherry that is light in color. Commonly served cold as an aperitif, many consider this Spanish wine to be the world's finest Sherry. Finos are excellent when young. A delicate pale cocktail sherry noted for its fine, dry after taste. 

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

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

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

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

Critical Acclaim

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

Serving and Pairing

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

Wine Details

Producer: Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils
Vintage: 2023
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Beaune Premier Cru
Vineyard: Champs-Pimont
Vineyard Classification: Premier Cru
Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
Exposure: East
Soil: Limestone, chalk and clay
Wine Type: Dry White Wine
Bottle Size: 750ml
Suggested Drinking Window: 5–8 years
Estimated Aging Potential: Up to 10 years under proper storage conditions

Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils Beaune Blanc Premier Cru Les Champs Pimonts 2023

Rémi Leroy | Réserve Blanc de Noirs | Extra Brut | Côte des Bar, Aube, Champagne | 85% 2022 Base | Practicing Organic

Jeb Dunnuck: 92 Points — Concentrated Pinot Noir fruit with bright citrus, a finely textured mousse and a dry, mineral-driven finish. Rated on the current 2022-base release.

Gismondi on Wine: 92 Points — An abundance of fresh raspberry and cherry fruit, supported by vibrant limestone minerality and a precise, energetic finish. Praised for its freshness, clarity and versatility at the table.

Rémi Leroy is one of the Côte des Bar's most compelling young grower-producers. After completing graduate studies in oenology and viticulture in Bordeaux, Leroy returned to his family's vineyards in Meurville in the Aube — the southern reaches of Champagne, where Pinot Noir reigns and the soils bear a striking resemblance to those of nearby Chablis. He farms a selection of carefully chosen parcels across the villages of Meurville, Bergères and Fontaine using practicing-organic methods, with an emphasis on precision, transparency and minimal intervention in the cellar.

The Réserve Blanc de Noirs is made from 100% Pinot Noir sourced from vines approximately 30 years old. What sets these vineyards apart is the soil composition: approximately 60% of the fruit comes from Kimmeridgian clay-limestone — the same ancient seabed geology that defines the finest vineyards of Chablis — while the remaining 40% comes from the rarer Portlandian limestone soils found around Meurville. The interplay between these two soil types gives the wine both generous fruit and a firm, chalky mineral backbone.

The current release blends 85% from the 2022 harvest with 15% from 2021, adding complexity and balance while preserving the freshness and ripe red fruit character of the primary base year. Vinification and maturation take place entirely in stainless steel, preserving the clarity and natural character of the Pinot Noir. Malolactic fermentation is completed in full. The wines are generally bottled without fining or filtration. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the Champagne spends approximately 24 months aging on its lees and is disgorged at an exceptionally low dosage of approximately 1 gram per liter — a near-zero addition that keeps the wine bone dry and allows the fruit and mineral terroir to speak without interference.

The wine opens with aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, red cherry and crisp red apple, followed by blood orange, citrus peel, dried flowers and fresh bread. Subtle hints of almond, chalk and gentle spice emerge with air. The palate is energetic and finely textured — a lively mousse carries ripe red fruit and citrus freshness, while Pinot Noir provides structure, depth and a lightly savory character. Cranberry, orange peel, toasted grain and green almond lead into a dry, persistent finish marked by limestone minerality and a refreshing saline quality. Immediately expressive, yet with enough concentration and structure to reward short-term cellaring.

Serve as an aperitif or throughout the meal. Pairs beautifully with charcuterie, smoked salmon, tuna tartare, sushi, roast chicken, pork, duck, mushroom dishes, grilled fish and moderately aged cheeses. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

• Producer: Rémi Leroy
• Cuvée: Réserve Blanc de Noirs
• Style: Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Côte des Bar, Aube
• Villages: Meurville, Bergères and Fontaine
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Base Vintage: 85% 2022 harvest, 15% 2021
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Vine Age: ~30 years
• Soils: 60% Kimmeridgian, 40% Portlandian clay-limestone
• Vinification: Stainless steel; unfined and unfiltered
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: ~24 months
• Dosage: ~1 g/L
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a multi-vintage Champagne, base vintages, blending proportions, dosage, lees aging period and disgorgement date may vary by release. Critic ratings may apply to different releases or disgorgements of the same cuvée.

L. Aubry Fils | Brut | Premier Cru | Montagne de Reims, Champagne | NV (70% 2021 Base) | Transitioning Organic

Wine and Spirits: 92 Points — Fresh and complex, showing red currant, green pear, red apple and wildflower honey. Praised for its lively herbal acidity, generous fruit and the additional character contributed by Champagne's rare historic grape varieties.

James Suckling: 92 Points — Smooth, rounded and beautifully balanced, with bright lemon and citrus flavors, gentle nuttiness and a refined pastry-like texture on the finish.

Wine Spectator: 91 Points — Firm and mineral driven, with wild cherry, berry fruit, wet chalk and brine. A fine mousse carries notes of whole-grain toast, grapefruit pith and lemon thyme through the finish. (Disgorged March 2025)

Vinous: 91 Points — Gracious, elegant and charming, with delicate notes of orchard fruit, spice, dried flowers and mint. (Disgorged May 2021)

L. Aubry Fils is one of Champagne's most singular grower-producers. The Aubry family has cultivated vines in the region since 1790, and brothers Philippe and Pierre Aubry now run the estate from the Premier Cru village of Jouy-les-Reims in the Petite Montagne de Reims. Their particular distinction lies in the preservation of Champagne's rarest historic grape varieties — Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau (the local name for Pinot Gris) — cultivated today by only a handful of producers in the region. These varieties appear in the Brut alongside the three classic Champagne grapes, lending the wine an aromatic complexity and originality that sets it apart from the mainstream.

The current release is composed of 31% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 31% Pinot Meunier and 7% Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau, drawn from Premier Cru vineyards in Jouy-les-Reims, Villedommange, Pargny-les-Reims and Coulommes-la-Montagne. The soils are fossil-rich limestone, contributing brightness, pronounced acidity and a firm mineral character. The estate is progressively transitioning toward organic farming, with close attention to soil health and the long-term preservation of its historic varieties.

The base is 70% from the 2021 harvest, supplemented by 30% reserve wines dating back to 1998 — a perpetual reserve that adds depth, maturity and consistency across releases. Vinification is primarily in stainless steel, preserving freshness and fruit purity, with a portion of the Chardonnay matured in previously used oak barrels for texture and subtle pastry richness. Malolactic fermentation is completed in full. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine ages more than 18 months on its lees and is finished at a dosage of approximately 4 grams per liter — dry, energetic and food-friendly.

The wine opens with aromas of green pear, crisp apple, white peach and red berries, followed by white flowers, citrus peel, fresh bread and subtle wildflower honey. With air, notes of toasted grain, almond, dried herbs and chalk emerge. The palate is lively and finely balanced — fresh orchard fruit and bright citrus are joined by wild cherry, raspberry and red currant, while a delicate mousse carries whole-grain toast, grapefruit pith, lemon thyme and roasted nuts. Firm acidity and a mineral foundation of wet chalk and brine lead to a clean, persistent and gently saline finish.

Serve as an aperitif or pair with oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, smoked salmon, sushi, roast chicken, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, fried appetizers and moderately aged cheeses. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

• Producer: L. Aubry Fils
• Cuvée: Brut
• Classification: Premier Cru Brut
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Montagne de Reims
• Villages: Jouy-les-Reims, Villedommange, Pargny-les-Reims and Coulommes-la-Montagne
• Grape Varieties: 31% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 31% Pinot Meunier, 7% Arbanne / Petit Meslier / Fromenteau
• Base Vintage: 70% 2021 harvest
• Reserve Wines: 30%, dating back to 1998
• Farming: Transitioning organic
• Soils: Fossil-rich limestone
• Vinification: Primarily stainless steel; portion of Chardonnay in used oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: 18+ months
• Dosage: ~4 g/L
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a non-vintage Champagne, grape proportions, base vintages, reserve wine percentages, dosage, lees aging period and disgorgement dates may vary by release. Critic ratings may refer to different disgorgements of the same cuvée.

Gaston Chiquet | Tradition | Premier Cru Brut | Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | NV (68% 2021 Base) | Sustainable

Wine Spectator: 92 Points — Vivacious and well balanced, with integrated acidity and a refined mousse. Ripe black cherry, blackberry, Meyer lemon peel, biscuit and white flowers, followed by a lingering mineral finish. (Disgorged February 2024)

Vinous: 90 Points — Rich and expressive, showing dried pear, chamomile, spice, dried flowers, mint and marzipan. Meunier and Pinot Noir give the wine its generous texture and broad presence. (Disgorged February 2025)

Jeb Dunnuck: 90 Points — Bright and inviting, with notes of fresh berries, citrus, flowers and peach. Juicy and medium bodied, with a soft, pillowy mousse and a clean finish.

The Wine Advocate: 90 Points — Inviting aromas of yellow orchard fruit, fresh peach, honeycomb, citrus and warm biscuits lead to a fleshy, charming palate with a refined mousse, ripe fruit and lively balancing acidity. (Disgorged November 2019)

Gaston Chiquet is one of Champagne's most storied grower-producers. In 1919, brothers Fernand and Gaston Chiquet became pioneers among the region's independent growers by producing and selling Champagne from their own fruit — a tradition now carried forward by eighth-generation Nicolas Chiquet from the Premier Cru village of Dizy in the Vallée de la Marne. Tradition is the house's flagship non-vintage Brut, a classic three-grape blend that has defined the Chiquet style for generations.

The current release is composed of 40% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, drawn entirely from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards in Dizy, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Ay. The vines are rooted in clay and limestone soils over the region's underlying chalk. The base is 68% from the 2021 harvest, supplemented by reserve wines from 2018 through 2020 — a blend that maintains the estate's consistent house style while adding depth and complexity.

Grapes are harvested by hand and vinified entirely in stainless steel, preserving the purity of fruit and the character of each vineyard site. Malolactic fermentation is completed in full, softening the wine's natural acidity and contributing to its rounded, accessible texture. Following secondary fermentation in bottle, Tradition spends more than 48 months aging on its lees — an extended maturation that develops a fine, persistent mousse and layers of fresh bread, biscuit and toasted nut complexity. The wine is finished at a dosage of approximately 6 grams per liter, producing a dry but beautifully balanced Brut style.

Golden yellow in color, Tradition opens with aromas of ripe pear, golden peach, fresh apricot and red berries, followed by white flowers, citrus peel, chamomile and freshly baked bread. Subtle notes of almond, biscuit, ginger and crushed chalk emerge as the Champagne opens in the glass. The palate is lively, creamy and well balanced — Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir bring a generous, vinous texture, while Chardonnay provides freshness and lift. Flavors of peach, black cherry, blackberry, Meyer lemon and toasted pastry develop across the palate, leading to a persistent, dry and mineral-driven finish.

Approachable enough to serve as an aperitif but structured enough for the table. Pairs beautifully with oysters, shrimp, smoked salmon, sushi, roast chicken, pork, charcuterie, fried appetizers, mushroom dishes and moderately aged cheeses. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

• Producer: Gaston Chiquet
• Cuvée: Tradition
• Classification: Premier Cru Brut
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Vallée de la Marne
• Villages: Dizy, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Ay
• Grape Varieties: 40% Pinot Meunier, 35% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir
• Base Vintage: 68% 2021 harvest
• Reserve Wines: 32%, from 2018–2020
• Farming: Sustainable
• Soils: Clay and limestone over chalk
• Vinification: Stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: 48+ months
• Dosage: ~6 g/L
• Alcohol: ~12.5% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a non-vintage Champagne, base vintages, reserve wine proportions, dosage, lees aging period and disgorgement dates may vary by release. Critic ratings may apply to different disgorgements of the same cuvée.

Egly-Ouriet | Grand Cru Extra Brut | Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs | Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Practicing Organic

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims. Francis Egly farms his parcels with meticulous care — practicing organic viticulture, harvesting by hand, and working exclusively with indigenous yeasts — producing Champagnes of uncommon depth, vinous texture, and site-driven precision that have earned the domaine a cult following among collectors and sommeliers worldwide.

The Grand Cru Extra Brut is the estate's signature non-vintage cuvée and the definitive expression of the Egly-Ouriet house style. Composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, the fruit is sourced primarily from Ambonnay, with additional parcels from the Grand Cru villages of Bouzy and Verzenay. These chalk-rich vineyards on the Montagne de Reims produce naturally concentrated fruit with the freshness and structure essential for extended aging.

Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels, including approximately 10% new oak. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve natural acidity, energy, and tension. The wine spends approximately 48 months aging on its lees before disgorgement, and is finished with a dosage of approximately 2 grams per liter — bottled unfined and unfiltered. In character, this non-vintage behaves more like a vintage wine, requiring time on cork to fully reveal its depth.

Expressive and beautifully layered on the nose: ripe pear, red apple, raspberry, and citrus peel, with toasted brioche, roasted nuts, gentle spice, and crushed chalk. The palate is concentrated and vinous — fine, energetic mousse, vibrant acidity, and a compelling mineral freshness, with orchard fruit, red berries, grilled citrus, and bitter almond unfolding to a persistent, saline finish. Approachable upon release, yet structured for further bottle development.

A versatile Champagne for the table — pairs beautifully with oysters, scallops, lobster, smoked salmon, sushi, roasted poultry, pork, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, and aged cheeses such as Comté.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: Grand Cru Extra Brut
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Appellation: Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Villages: Primarily Ambonnay; also Bouzy and Verzenay
• Grape Varieties: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Soils: Chalk-rich
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; French oak barrels (~10% new)
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: ~48 months
• Dosage: ~2 g/L
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Advocate — 94 pts: Although this appears as the 'house' non-vintage, in character it is more akin to a vintage wine that needs some time on cork. Saturated fruit — apricot, spiced apples, grilled lemons — already expressive yet not fully unsprung. Based on 2018 with 40% reserves back to 2016. 100% barrel fermentation. Persistence over pure power, underlined by oak élevage yet not coloured by it.

As this is a non-vintage Champagne, base vintages, reserve-wine proportions, dosage, and disgorgement dates may vary by release.

Tellier | Les Massales | Extra-Brut | Moussy, Pierry & Chavot-Courcourt, Coteaux Sud d'Épernay, Champagne | 2022

The Tellier family has been growing vines in the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay since 1938, but it was not until 2016 that brothers Clément and Thibault Tellier took 3 hectares of family vines and began vinifying their own micro-cuvées — launching one of the most exciting young grower-producer projects in Champagne. Working with fruit from the villages of Moussy, Pierry, and Chavot-Courcourt in the southern Marne, the Tellier brothers bring a meticulous, terroir-focused approach to a region that is increasingly recognized as a source of exceptional Champagne.

Les Massales is a single-vineyard cuvée from the clay-limestone Massales lieu-dit — a blend of the primary Champagne grapes (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier) grown across the three villages. The name references the traditional practice of massale selection — propagating vines from the best individual plants in the vineyard rather than from clonal nursery stock — a method that preserves genetic diversity and produces wines of greater complexity and terroir expression.

The 2022 shines with yellow plum, acacia honey, and toasted almond, framed by zesty acidity and a clean, mineral-driven finish. The energy, depth, and precision on display here are exactly what make grower Champagne so exciting — a compelling introduction to the Tellier lineup at an exceptional price.

Excellent as an aperitif. Pair with oysters, shellfish, sushi, grilled fish, soft cheeses, and light poultry dishes.

• Producer: Tellier
• Cuvée: Les Massales
• Style: Extra-Brut
• Appellation: Moussy, Pierry & Chavot-Courcourt, Coteaux Sud d'Épernay, Champagne, France
• Blend: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
• Vintage: 2022
• Vineyard: Massales lieu-dit; clay-limestone soils
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Yann Alexandre Brut Noir — Champagne 2020 Base

Yann and Séverine Alexandre farm their vineyards in the Petite Montagne de Reims with a single goal: to produce Champagne as naturally as possible from healthy, fully mature grapes. Certified sustainable by OCACIA, their parcels grow on calcareous-clay soils with stones, flint, and sand — a varied geology that contributes freshness, mineral tension, and complexity. The Brut Noir is the estate's signature cuvée: a blend of Pinot Meunier for generous fruit and suppleness, Pinot Noir for structure and depth, and Chardonnay for brightness and energy. Each variety is vinified separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation, then assembled and aged approximately five years on the lees in the Alexandre family's cool cellar before hand riddling and disgorgement. Awarded 92 Points by Decanter and a Silver Award in 2025.

The nose is inviting and layered: subtle brioche and toast, fresh citrus, white peach, and a delicate chalky undercurrent. On the palate, the wine is rich yet precise — generous fruit and creamy texture from the Meunier, lifted by Chardonnay's brightness and framed by Pinot Noir's quiet structure. The mousse is fine and persistent, and the finish is long, chalky, and satisfying. An excellent aperitif and a natural companion at the table.

Decanter 92 • Silver Award 2025 — "Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, curries, egg dishes, mushroom preparations, charcuterie, and creamy cheeses."

• Producer: Yann & Séverine Alexandre, Petite Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Base Vintage: 2020 (with reserve wines)
• Appellation: Champagne
• Blend: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
• Soil: Calcareous-clay with stones, flint, and sand
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by OCACIA
• Vinification: Temperature-controlled stainless steel; full malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: ~5 years; hand riddled & disgorged
• Alcohol: 12%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Brioche, toast, citrus, white peach, chalky minerality, creamy texture, long finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled chicken, curries, egg dishes, mushroom preparations, charcuterie, creamy cheeses

92 points from Decanter. Five years on the lees. Hand riddled and disgorged. Yann Alexandre's Brut Noir is grower Champagne from the Petite Montagne de Reims at its most honest and expressive.

Domaine des Loges Sauvignon Blanc — Loire Valley 2025

The Domaine des Loges family history can be traced back to 1789 — farmers and winegrowers in the heart of the Nantes vineyard, passing their know-how from generation to generation for over two centuries. In 2013, brothers Gwenaël and Benjamin Barre took over from their parents Maurice and Marie-Annick, expanding the estate to 41 hectares in the Muscadet appellation around the village of Monnières. The brothers harvest most of their grapes at night to keep them fresh and preserve delicate aromas, plant cover crops of rye, vetch, and red clover between the rows for natural fertilization, and vinify with care in stainless steel to maintain vibrant fruit character. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional value and varietal precision.

Intense straw yellow in color. The nose is aromatic and inviting — passion fruit, citrus, and white flowers, with a clean, mineral freshness that speaks to the flint, sand, and marl-limestone soils of the Loire. On the palate, the wine is round and aromatic, with exotic fruit flavors, bright acidity, and a clean, refreshing finish. Delicate, precise, and endlessly food-friendly.

Family estate since 1789 — night-harvested, stainless steel vinified, cover-cropped for natural soil health. Gwenaël and Benjamin Barre, Monnières, Loire Valley.

• Producer: Domaine des Loges (Gwenaël & Benjamin Barre), Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Loire Valley (Val de Loire IGP / Touraine)
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Vinification: Stainless steel — night-harvested to preserve aromatics
• Style: White Wine — Dry, Crisp & Aromatic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passion fruit, citrus, white flowers, exotic fruit, bright acidity, mineral freshness
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, shellfish, white fish (mullet, cod), grilled fish, goat cheese, light salads

Two centuries of Loire Valley farming in a bottle — Domaine des Loges Sauvignon Blanc is the benchmark for what honest, aromatic French white wine can be at this price.

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

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

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

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

Domaine de Villargeau Coteaux du Giennois Sauvignon Blanc 2023