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67Wine Buyer's Note

Bernie & Dorothy, Paulo & Barbara, and Annie — Follow the Drinker® (August 2025)
This is just a terrific wine. We drank it with burgers, roast chicken, and hanger steaks — and it just worked so well. 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah, the wine fills your mouth with black fruit and cherry-like flavors and does it all in a gentle way. Finishes absolutely clean, fresh, and mouthwatering. Everyone enjoyed drinking it.

Winemaker Description

Ruby red, nicely bright. Fresh cherry and blackberry on the nose with notes of cracked pepper. Dark berry and touches of anise on the palate, with sweet cherries and raspberry. The quality of winemaking is evident — a Parisian brasserie favorite.

Product Details

• Producer: Domaine Pélaquié
• Region: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
• Vintage: 2023
• Drinking Window: Now–2030
• Format: 750ml

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chateau d'Oupia Pays d'Herault Les Heretiques 2024 · Languedoc, France

This Carignan and Grenache blend from Languedoc takes its name from the Cathars, a local heretical group who resisted rigid Christian dogma in the 13th century. The wine is similarly rebellious: an unconventional blend bursting with dark berry fruit, violets, and garrigue, backed by freshness and minerality. Sustainable.

Vinification

The Carignan vines average 40 years in age, with some of them being over 100 years old. The fruit is sustainably farmed and harvested partly by hand and partly by machine. The Carignan remains in whole clusters and goes through a carbonic maceration in tank, while the Grenache is destemmed and goes through a 3-4-week maceration in concrete vats. Fermentation is with selected yeasts. The two varieties are blended and aged in tank, and the wine is bottled with a light, non-sterile filtration.

Producer

Everyone talks about the new quality of wines from the Languedoc. For us, this doesn't mean the ubiquitous varietal bottlings from irrigated flat vineyards but the wonderful wines coming from the best hillside vineyard sites in AOCs like Minervois, Corbières and Coteaux-du-Languedoc. The Château d'Oupia is one of the best.

André Iché inherited an impressive 13th century castle and a large estate in the barren Minervois region. Iché was never a member of his village coop, tended his very old vines and made his wines but sold everything in bulk to local négociants. One day, a Burgundian winemaker happened to be in Oupia, tasted Iché's wines, and was so enthused that he convinced Iché to bottle and market his production.

André passed away in late 2007. His daughter, Marie-Pierre, currently runs the estate with the help of Fabrice Lopez and many old timers who know the land like the back of their hands.

Critical Acclaim

Robert Parker — Château d'Oupia has consistently been praised and rated a "best buy": "Château d'Oupia has produced the ideal bistro wine. Dark, ruby-colored, the wine is wonderfully clean and pure, with an exuberant personality, and gobs of rich, peppery, red and black fruit...Bravo to proprietor André Iché!"

Details

• Producer: Chateau d'Oupia
• Country: France
• Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
• Sub-region: Pays d'Hérault
• Grapes: Carignan and Grenache
• Vintage: 2024
• Certification: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Women Led 

Importer profile courtesy of Louis/Dressner.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | Hints of dried herbs accent raspberries and cherries on the nose of the 2021 Gigondas le Claux. All old-vine Grenache, this is a full-bodied, rich, concentrated effort, with a long, velvety finish oozing dark chocolate. It's exciting stuff, especially considering how difficult the vintage was for some growers.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | Opulent and broad, with a generous cascade of ripe plum and winey cassis notes wrapped in talc-fine yet sturdy tannins. Chewy, with strappy black licorice and cast iron moving in. A seductive, concentrated Gigondas, with impressive harmony as every element hums along toward the seemingly endless finish. Outstanding. Best from 2025 through 2040.

Vinous 94 Points | The 2021 Gigondas Le Claux is at eye level with the Hominis Fides from the same vintage. Powerful and refined, it bursts with intense ripe red fruits, followed by hints of blueberry and traces of cloves, cedar and licorice. This outstanding 2021 red is built around a massive tannic structure. Hence, don't even think about opening a bottle before 2030, as it would be a terrible waste of what eventually will merge into a substantial Gigondas of pedigree and class.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | The 2021 Gigondas Le Claux is elegant and refined, with medium-bodied richness and depth as well as ultra-fine tannins. It has an almost Pinot Noir-like quality in its ripe red fruits, spring flowers, camphor, and forest floor aromatics, and it has good concentration as well as length on the finish. As always, this single vineyard release is all Grenache that wasn't destemmed and was brought up in demi-muids.

Cellier des Dauphins · Côtes du Rhône · 2025

Cellier des Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Organic Rouge 2025 is an inviting Southern Rhône red made from organically grown grapes. A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, it brings together generous fruit, Mediterranean warmth and the easygoing elegance of France’s Rhône Valley.

Tasting Notes

Ripe blackberries, juicy cherries and dark plums mingle with black pepper, wild herbs and subtle spice. Smooth and fruit-forward on the palate, it offers ripe red and black berry flavors, gentle tannins and a balanced, refreshing finish. Approachable yet full of character, it is a versatile red for everyday enjoyment and meals shared with friends.

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description: This outstanding red is a classic Rhone blend. This vibrant young red delivers a sumptuous hit of ripe red fruit, accompanied by just a hint of cinnamon spice and soft, smooth tannins. It’s incredibly good value for money and is particularly good when accompanying a juicy steak or grilled meats.

Blend: 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah

Organically grown

Recognition

Wine Enthusiast · Vintage Not Specified: #82 Top 100 Best Buys 2026

Food Pairings

Pair with juicy steak, grilled chicken, roasted meats, lamb, burgers, Mediterranean vegetables, pasta with tomato-based sauces or charcuterie.

Details

• Producer: Cellier des Dauphins
• Vintage: 2025
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Rhône
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC
• Grape: Grenache; blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah
• Type: Red wine
• Farming: Organically grown

Chateau Mont Redon Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Rouge 2023 375ml HALF BOTTLE

Producer Description

Enchanting and complex on the nose with red fruit, tobacco leaf, licorice, and delicate spices. Super-sensual on the palate — rich and refined, with stunning interplay of ripe fruit, raw-meat, and smoked-bacon character. Very long, silky finish. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 97 Points — Brimming with youthful Amarena cherry fruit, this has excellent concentration but also a compact tannic core. Really needs some time to open up. Very long and intense finish with stacks of licorice.

Vinous 92 Points — Vinified from fully destemmed grapes, the deep ruby-colored 2023 develops with red and black plum, licorice, fresh violets, and leafy elements. Full-bodied and polished, with a juicy core of fruit and good freshness on the bright resolution.

Wine Advocate 91 Points — A blend of 60% Grenache Noir, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and other permitted varieties. Somewhat introverted and oak-driven, opening with aromas of toast, spices, and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, enveloping and creamy, with a fleshy core of fruit framed by assertive oak tannins. Well-balanced and competently executed.

Wine Details

Producer: Château Mont-Redon
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France
Blend: 60% Grenache Noir, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre
Vintage: 2023
Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Farming: Sustainable

Famille Ferrando · Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis · 2023

100% Grenache · Rhône Valley, France · 750ml · Introductory Offer — Pre-Sale

Producer & Terroir

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown since her first release in 2003. Colombis brings together Grenache from three parcels, Rayas, Les Roues, and Colombis, offering a focused expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Tasting Notes

Rose petals, violets, black raspberries and dark cherries meet licorice, pepper and dried herbs. The critics describe a wine of depth and concentration, balanced by a perfumed character, fine tannins and a seamless, lingering finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Wine Spectator, 95 Points: Expressive, perfumed and ripe, with a glossy stream of bitter cherry and steeped plum anchored by bolts of iron. Warm spice, licorice, sanguine and grilled anise notes merge in, with a vivid flash of alpine herbs and singed alder smoke. A weighty, well-structured red that’s still unwinding yet is impressively approachable

James Suckling, 98 Points: Enormously deep and concentrated, but this is so subtle and defies easy description. The superfine tannins give this an incredibly fine texture, the richness building in the finish without adding anything to the impression of weight. From three old-vine grenache vineyards that have limestone, sand and galet soils. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck, 97 Points: Black raspberries, ground pepper, white pepper, and sappy floral notes all make an appearance in the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Colombis, another remarkable wine from this family. With medium to full-bodied richness, it's incredibly well-balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. As with the estate’s other cuvées, it reminds me of their 2020. As usual, this cuvée is 100% Grenache that’s from a mix of three parcels (Rayas, Les Roues, and Colombis). It was not destemmed and was brought up in a mix of concrete, foudre, and clay jars.

Vinous, 96 Points: The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis is magnificent, bursting from the glass with prominent rose petal, crushed violets, strawberry compote, spicy licorice, dried herbs and minty shadings. Enveloped in velvety tannins, the perfumed 2023 is shaping up to be a wildly alluring Colombis, closing with a subtle phenolic kick on the focused finish. I can’t wait to taste it from bottle.

Wine Advocate, 94 Points: A pure Grenache Noir planted in the north part of the appellation and vinified with 30% whole bunches, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis has turned out beautifully. Evoking aromas of rose, dark cherries, spices and dark berries, it’s medium- to full-bodied, seamless and satiny with a beautifully ethereal finish.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with herb-roasted lamb, duck breast, braised beef or roasted mushrooms.

Wine Details

• Producer: Famille Ferrando
• Cuvée: Colombis
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• Region: Rhône Valley, France
• Grape: 100% Grenache
• Style: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Offer: Introductory Offer — Pre-Sale

Ver Sacrum · Los Chacayes, Uco Valley · 2024

Ver Sacrum Gloria S is a 100% Garnacha from a single goblet-trained plot within the estate vineyard in Los Chacayes, Uco Valley. Hand-harvested fruit gives a perfumed, layered red with a soft texture and a light tannin backbone.

Producer & Terroir

Eduardo Soler and two friends founded Ver Sacrum in 2012 to grow and vinify Rhône varieties. Their approach favors fresh, lower-alcohol wines, lighter skin contact and native yeasts, with minimal intervention in both vineyard and cellar. All grapes are harvested by hand and most are foot-crushed, without corrections, filtration or pump-overs.

Their small Los Chacayes vineyard is planted to Grenache, Monastrell, Carignan, Roussanne, Marsanne, Mencía, Syrah, Teroldego and Nebbiolo. Soler came to winemaking after returning to Mendoza and reconnecting with adventurous Argentine growers. An avid mountaineer, he has climbed numerous famous peaks, worked ski patrol in Aspen and Mendoza for many years, and operates a small ski resort two hours outside Mendoza.

Eduardo Soler | “When the old sent their young to found new villages, bringing grape vines to start new vineyards, they gave off by a ceremony called the sacred spring or Ver Sacrum. Since then, the Ver Sacrum is a symbol of the new tribe, new art, new vine. We renew this ancient vow, with the audacity create something new. This is our Ver Sacrum”

Tasting Notes

Raspberry and cranberry lead the vibrant nose, with wet clay and a touch of ash adding an earthy dimension. The palate is soft and round, bringing red cherry and baking spices together with gentle tannins and a nuanced, layered character.

Winemaker Description

This wine is 100% hand harvested Garnacha from a single plot that is all planted to goblet within the estate vineyard in the Los Chacayes IG within the Uco Valley. The nose is vibrant and perfumed showing raspberry and cranberry wrapped up in wet clay and a touch of ash. The palate is soft and round with red cherry and baking spices with a light tannin backbone. A very nuanced and layered wine.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast chicken, grilled pork, mushroom dishes or roasted vegetables. Serve slightly cool to highlight the perfumed fruit.

Details

• Producer: Ver Sacrum
• Wine: Gloria S
• Vintage: 2024
• Country: Argentina
• Region: Mendoza, Uco Valley
• Origin: Los Chacayes IG
• Grape: 100% Garnacha
• Type: Red wine
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Sustainable
• Vineyard: Single plot, goblet-trained vines
• Harvest: Hand-harvested

Brotte Bord Élégance · Laudun · 2025

Brotte Bord Élégance Laudun Blanc 2025 is an expressive Southern Rhône white, combining vibrant freshness, aromatic complexity and refined texture. Produced by Maison Brotte, established in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 1931, this distinctive blend captures the character of Laudun’s terroir.

A blend of 70% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 10% Viognier and 5% Roussanne, it comes from carefully selected vineyards with well-drained sandy-clay and gravelly soils. Hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle pressing and temperature-controlled fermentation, followed by seven months of aging on fine lees in stainless steel and concrete tanks to enhance texture while preserving freshness.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant golden-yellow in color, the wine opens with citrus, white peach, ripe orchard fruit, delicate white flowers and subtle mineral notes. The fresh, balanced palate layers juicy stone fruit, lively citrus and gentle spice. Mouthwatering acidity and distinctive saline minerality carry through to a clean, elegant and persistent finish.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast, 94 Points · Vintage Not Specified: Fresh and commanding on the nose, where ripe orchard fruit and minerality are balanced by heady white rose and bergamot in a truly singular expression. The palate is divine, where salinity rides a wave of mouthwatering acidity weaving white peach, white rose, and spice into something captivating. A second bottle alongside lobster armoricaine is strongly advised. — Anna-Christina Cabrales

Recognition

Wine Enthusiast · Vintage Not Specified: #4 Top 100 Best Buys 2026

Food Pairings

Enjoy as an aperitif or alongside grilled fish, shrimp, shellfish, roasted poultry, Mediterranean cuisine and fresh goat cheese.

Details

• Producer: Maison Brotte
• Cuvée: Bord Élégance
• Vintage: 2025
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Rhône
• Appellation: Laudun AOC, Southern Rhône
• Grapes: 70% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 10% Viognier, 5% Roussanne
• Type: White wine
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Aging: Seven months on fine lees in stainless steel and concrete tanks

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

La Vieille Ferme · Luberon · 2025

La Vieille Ferme Blanc 2025 is a fresh, aromatic white from the Perrin family, offered here in a 750ml bottle. Dry and food-friendly, it is an easy choice for an aperitif, a relaxed lunch or a simple supper.

The Perrin family is also behind Château de Beaucastel in the Southern Rhône. Affectionately known as the “Chicken Wine” for its colorful label, La Vieille Ferme Blanc brings together Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino from the Luberon in an approachable white Rhône blend.

Style

A dry white with a fresh, aromatic character, designed to complement food rather than overwhelm it.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pair with roast chicken with lemon and thyme, grilled sea bass, mussels in white wine, shrimp cocktail, goat cheese salads or charcuterie.

Details

• Producer: Perrin Family
• Wine: La Vieille Ferme Blanc
• Vintage: 2025
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Rhône Valley
• Appellation: Luberon
• Grapes: Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Vermentino
• Type: White wine
• Style: Dry, fresh and aromatic
• Closure: Screw top

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

Dark brambly forest fruits intertwined with raw coffee beans, like a trek to the depths of the Balinese mountains. Notes of fresh curry leaves, pine resin, and balsamic notes hint to whole bunches used in the fermentation and completed by a feather-light touch of delicate French oak. Shiraz and Grenache together makes for such a dynamic blend and decadent mouthfeel. Shiraz bringing the mid palate weight and intensity of fruit flavors, while the spicy saffron liveliness of Grenache pulls everything together for a party on your palate. The finish is just like ending your night with smooth electric beats.

Expert Review

Yohan Castaing of the Wine Advociate writes 90 Points | A blend of 41% Grenache, 31% Cinsault, 12% Mourvèdre, 8% Tibouren, 5% Syrah and 3% Carignan, the 2022 Cotes de Provence Rose Lampe de Meduse possesses a fresh, fruit-driven bouquet with aromas of citrus, lemon oil, red berries, wild strawberry and menthol. Crunchy, juicy and perfectly balanced with a medium-bodied palate, it’s long and penetrating with lively acids, an iodine-salty finish and a clean and mouthwatering texture.  Drinking 2023 - 2025. (2022).

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 91 | This has aromas of grapefruit, pomegranates, and biscuits. It's honeyed and sleek with a medium body and supple bubbles. Soft and creamy finish. Majority Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay and Meunier. Around 40% reserve wines.

Decanter 91 | The nose offers yeasty bready aromas topped with fresh citrus, hints of stone fruit and strawberry tart. A palate of fresh croissants, red berries, green apple and lively lemon citrus, with lovely creaminess to the bright finish. A blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier. Up to 45% reserve wines. Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Wine Spectator 90 | This harmonious Champagne boasts a bright streak of tangerine peel–infused acidity, with flavors of ripe green apple, pastry cream and biscuit, plus accents of crystallized honey and candied ginger, all set on the lacy mousse. Drink now.

Jeb Dunnuck 89 | A golden straw hue, ripe with aromas of yeasty bread dough, peaches, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, ripe and juicy with rounded red berried fruit, a supple texture, a pillowy mousse, and a warming finish. Fresh and inviting. Drinking 2023 to 2026.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: NV (Non-Vintage)
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Meunier (20%)
Style: Brut Champagne
Aging: 3 years on the lees

Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine · Lirac · 2023

From the Rhône’s Lirac appellation, this red from Pascal Lafond’s family estate brings dark fruit and spice to the table. The estate describes its farming as practicing organic. A generous, structured wine for roast meats or a slow-cooked supper.

Winemaker Description

A powerful and well built wine, a deep ruby colour with violet tints. Complex nose of vanilla, fruits and griotte-cherries.

The attack is rich and firm; the mouth expresses long lasting nuances of vanilla and pepper. This is a smooth and rich wine with a very good length.

Domaine Lafond · Winemaker Description

Expert Review · 2023 Vintage

A blend of two-thirds Grenache Noir and one-third Syrah, the 2023 Lirac from Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine is a superb effort. It opens with a deep, complex bouquet of dark wild berries, black cherries, violet and licorice, complemented by subtle spice and a discreet touch of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s rich and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit, layered textures and a harmonious mid-palate. Framed by velvety tannins, it concludes with a long, spicy and ethereal finish. This is a serious Lirac that will reward cellaring over the next decade or more.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate · 92 points

About the Estate

Pascal Lafond’s family-run estate is based in Tavel and makes wines from Tavel, Lirac and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Its Lirac reds emphasize concentration and structure while retaining balance.

At a Glance

• Producer: Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Lirac, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: Grenache Noir and Syrah, according to the 2023 Wine Advocate review
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Size: 750ml

Varieties

Winemaking

Château Minuty Prestige Rosé — Provence, France 2025 750ml

Château Minuty is one of Provence’s most celebrated and historic estates, situated on the Saint-Tropez peninsula in the heart of the Côtes de Provence appellation. A family-owned domaine for generations, Minuty has become synonymous with the finest expression of Provençal rosé — elegant, precise, and unmistakably of its place. The Prestige cuvée is the estate’s signature rosé, crafted from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Rolle, and vinified with meticulous attention to freshness and finesse. The 2025 vintage in Provence delivered wines of exceptional aromatic purity and saline tension.

Pale pink with luminous clarity, the 2025 Prestige opens with a very expressive nose of floral notes that give way to aromas of apricot and yellow peach. On the palate, finesse dominates — a subtle hint of citrus and a beautifully saline, mineral finish that is quintessentially Provençal.

“The nose is very expressive, revealing floral notes that give way to aromas of apricot and yellow peach. On the palate, finesse dominates, accompanied by a subtle hint of citrus and a saline finish.” — Château Minuty Winemaker

• Producer: Château Minuty, Saint-Tropez Peninsula, Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Rolle
• Style: Pale, dry, mineral Provençal rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Floral, apricot, yellow peach, citrus, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, shellfish, ceviche, sushi, grilled fish, Provençal vegetable dishes, Italian beach cuisine, Asian cuisine

From the Saint-Tropez peninsula to your table — Château Minuty Prestige 2025 is the definitive expression of Provençal rosé elegance.

La Vieille Ferme · Blanc · Ventoux · Rhône Valley, France · 3.0L Box Wine

La Vieille Ferme is produced by the Perrin family — the same family behind Château de Beaucastel, one of the most revered estates in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Drawing on generations of southern Rhône expertise, the Perrins created La Vieille Ferme as their benchmark everyday wine: genuine Rhône character at a price that makes it a weekly staple. The Blanc is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Ugni Blanc sourced from the Ventoux appellation, with 10% of the Grenache Blanc fermented in small Limousin oak barrels to add just enough texture and roundness. Now in 3.0L bag-in-box format — equivalent to four standard bottles, staying fresh for up to six weeks after opening. At $29.98, this is the white wine you keep on the counter all summer.

Pale gold with a bright, inviting hue. The nose is fresh and aromatic — citrus blossom, ripe pear, and a hint of peach — with a subtle roundness from the oak-fermented Grenache Blanc. On the palate: crisp, dry, and food-friendly, with flavors of green apple, lemon zest, and white stone fruit carried by lively acidity and a clean mineral finish. The bag-in-box format preserves freshness and eliminates waste — pour a glass whenever you want, and the wine stays as fresh as the day you opened it. Pair with grilled fish, roast chicken, light pasta, fresh salads, goat cheese, or charcuterie. The perfect porch, patio, or picnic pour.

• Producer: La Vieille Ferme · Perrin Family (Château de Beaucastel)
• Wine: Blanc · Ventoux AOC
• Origin: Ventoux, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Ugni Blanc
• Oak: 10% Grenache Blanc fermented in Limousin oak
• Style: Crisp, fresh, food-friendly southern Rhône white
• Format: 3.0L Bag-in-Box · Equivalent to 4 standard bottles
• Freshness: Stays fresh up to 6 weeks after opening
• Drinking Window: Now
• Tasting Notes: Citrus blossom, pear, peach, green apple, lemon zest, mineral finish
• Pair With: Grilled fish · Roast chicken · Light pasta · Fresh salads · Goat cheese · Charcuterie

Beaucastel pedigree, Ventoux freshness — four bottles of Rhône white, ready whenever you are.

Producer Description

The Cuvée des Commandeurs faithfully translates "the great terroir and the spirit of the vineyard." Crafted from organically farmed old vines — at least 45 years old — grown at altitude on the clay-limestone soils of Château Peyrassol, one of Provence's most storied estates. The blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache is vinified for pure fruit expression and accessible elegance.

The wine shows a light ruby color with violet tints. The nose opens with fresh strawberry and redcurrant, followed by sweet spice from the well-ripened Syrah. On the palate, it is beautifully mature with good body, soft and mellow tannins, and balanced acidity — an accessible wine with genuine character and depth.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic: Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence or a slow-roasted duck leg.
• Casual: Charcuterie boards, wood-fired pizza, or a hearty Provençal daube.
• Vegetarian: Roasted eggplant with tomato confit or a lentil and root vegetable stew.

Domaine Charvin · Côtes du Rhône · Le Poutet · 2024 · 750ml

The Producer

Founded in 1851, Domaine Charvin is now run by Laurent Charvin, the sixth generation of his family to farm the estate. Soon after taking over from his father, Laurent set aside most modern winemaking technology and converted all 28 hectares, including 10 hectares of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, to organic viticulture. Fermentation is traditional and whole-cluster, stems and all, and the wines are raised entirely in concrete, never barrel. For years Laurent was almost alone in working this way. Now others are following his lead. He's regarded as one of the appellation's top winemakers by Guy Julien of the renowned restaurant La Beaugravière in Mondragon, as well as by leading French sommeliers and wine writers. As of 2023, Domaine Charvin joins only Clos des Papes, Clos du Mont-Olivet, Château Rayas and Le Vieux Donjon as a 3-star Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer in the RVF Green Guide.

The Vineyard

Le Poutet comes from vines averaging 50 years old, some as old as 90, in parcels that border Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Maucoil to the northwest, and Campovin and Boislauzon to the northeast. The soils are sandy clay and limestone scattered with galets, the famous rounded stones of the southern Rhône.

The Wine

Roughly 80% Grenache with Mourvèdre, Syrah and Carignan, the grapes see a 15 to 20-day whole-bunch fermentation with daily pump-overs, then 18 months in concrete vat before bottling unfined and unfiltered. The result stands shoulder to shoulder with many Châteauneuf-du-Pape: complex aromas of garrigue and spiced red fruit, with the structure to evolve for ten to fifteen years.

Pairings & Serving

Made for Provençal cooking: herb-roasted lamb, daube de bœuf, grilled sausages, ratatouille or aged hard cheeses. Serve around 60–64°F, and give it some air in its youth.

Specs

• Producer: Domaine Charvin
• Wine: Le Poutet
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC
• Region: Southern Rhône, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Blend: ~80% Grenache, with Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan
• Vine age: Average 50 years (up to 90)
• Farming: Organic
• Élevage: 18 months in concrete, unfined and unfiltered
• Size: 750ml

Châteauneuf soul at a Côtes du Rhône price, from one of the southern Rhône's great traditionalists.

Troublemaker · Red Blend Lot 14 · Paso Robles, California

Troublemaker Red Blend Lot 14 offers a rich, generous California red-wine profile, bringing black fruit, oak and black pepper together with vanilla, caramel and black cherry notes. This 750ml bottle is a bold choice for a hearty meal.

Origin & Blend

From Paso Robles in California, this red blend brings together Syrah, Petite Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Zinfandel. Its layered fruit and spice character offers plenty to explore alongside food.

Tasting Profile

Black-fruit aromas meet oak and black pepper, followed by a rich palate with vanilla, caramel, fudge and black cherry character.

Expert Review · 

Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points: This is a widely available, nonvintage blend of 54% Syrah, 15% Petite Syrah, 14% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and 7% Zinfandel. Aromas of caramelized black fruit, oak and black pepper lead into an extremely rich palate that's loaded with vanilla, caramel, fudge and black cherry.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Try with grilled steak, barbecue, burgers or hearty mushroom dishes. Serve slightly below room temperature and allow a little time in the glass before enjoying.

Details

• Wine: Troublemaker Red Blend
• Lot: 14
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Appellation: Paso Robles
• Grapes: Syrah, Petite Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Zinfandel
• Type: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml

Domaine Clavel · Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Gervais · 2022

Domaine Clavel Syrius Saint-Gervais 2022 is a richly expressive Southern Rhône red, bringing together generous dark fruit, savory herbs and a silky texture. Produced by the Clavel family in the village of Saint-Gervais, this Grenache blend reflects the estate’s dedication to traditional Rhône grape varieties and terroir-driven winemaking.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color, the wine reveals inviting aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, wild herbs and subtle peppery spice. The generous, beautifully textured palate offers layers of juicy black fruit, plum, licorice and savory Mediterranean herbs. Well-integrated tannins and balanced freshness provide structure, leading to a lingering finish of spice and dark fruit.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points · Vintage Not Specified: Boysenberry, dark cherry, black plum, rose, wild mint, and soft black tea aromas meld into an enticing nose. The midpalate reveals dark cherry, licorice, clove, clay-stone, and saline notes. Youthful tannins melt into a silky layer of red cherry and clove, finishing with granite and light mocha. This wine is delicious and approachable now. — Anna-Christina Cabrales.

Recognition

Wine Enthusiast · Vintage Not Specified: #42 Top 100 Best Buys 2026

Food Pairings

Excellent with grilled lamb, roasted beef, duck, hearty stews, Mediterranean dishes and aged cheeses.

Details

• Producer: Domaine Clavel
• Cuvée: Syrius
• Vintage: 2022
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Rhône Valley
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint-Gervais AOC
• Grape: Grenache blend
• Type: Red wine

Tasting Notes

Limpid purple with violet undertones. The nose reveals a seductive bouquet of blackcurrants, blueberries, leather, and violet. On the palate, vibrant freshness and balance with very ripe fruit, pepper, and elderberries — soft tannins give this wine exceptional drinkability.

About La Vieille Ferme

La Vieille Ferme is produced by the legendary Perrin family, the same family behind the iconic Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A global benchmark for everyday Rhône-style wine, La Vieille Ferme consistently delivers fruit-forward character, honest terroir expression, and remarkable value. The Magnum format is ideal for entertaining — and ages more gracefully than the standard bottle.

Food Pairings

Roasted chicken, grilled lamb chops, hearty pasta with tomato-based sauces, charcuterie, and aged cheeses. Serve slightly cool at 60–65°F.

Product Details

• Producer: La Vieille Ferme (Perrin Family)
• Appellation: Luberon / Southern Rhône, France
• Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault
• Vintage: 2023
• Closure: Screwcap
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward, easy-drinking red
• Serve: 60–65°F
• Format: 1.5L Magnum

Château Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé — Provence 2025

Château Miraval is the benchmark of Provence rosé — a 1,200-acre estate near the village of Correns, just north of Brignoles, in the heart of the appellation. The vineyards sit on clay and limestone soils, partially terraced at an average elevation of 350 meters, with significant day-to-night temperature swings that preserve the natural acidity and aromatic precision that define the Miraval style. Farmed organically, the estate blends Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Rolle into a rosé of exceptional refinement and consistency. The 2025 vintage was shaped by intense summer heat and early maturity — smaller-than-average berries with concentrated, expressive aromatics and the characteristic freshness of Provence. The result is one of the finest Miraval rosés in recent memory.

The color is an elegant, bright pale pink with silvery undertones. The nose is refined and captivating: a superb aromatic bouquet of white flowers, grapefruit, and white peach, with saline and lemony hints that signal the minerality to come. On the palate, it is ample, fresh, and luscious — vibrant white-fleshed fruit punctuated by saline and citrus notes that underscore its freshness and impart a beautiful, stony minerality. The finish is clean, long, and irresistibly Provençal. Serve well-chilled at 44–48°F.

“Beautiful aromatic power combined with the freshness characteristic of Provence wines.” — Château Miraval, 2025 Vintage Notes

• Producer: Château Miraval, Correns, Côtes de Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Rolle
• Farming: Organically Farmed
• Terroir: Clay and limestone, terraced vineyards at 350m elevation
• Style: Elegant, mineral-driven, pale Provence rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, grapefruit, white peach, saline minerality, citrus, long fresh finish
• Serve: Well-chilled at 44–48°F
• Best Paired With: Aperitif, salads, grilled fish, Mediterranean cuisine, sushi, soft cheeses

The icon of Provence rosé — Miraval 2025 is elegance, minerality, and the south of France in every glass.