French Wine

Château Fontenil, established in 1986, is the home estate of celebrated Bordeaux oenologists Dany and Michel Rolland. Before purchasing this Right Bank property, the Rollands worked as consultants to numerous producers throughout the region.

Their 11 hectares in Fronsac are planted predominantly to Merlot on a south-facing slope of clay and limestone overlooking the Isle River and the town of Libourne.

The vineyards are sustainably farmed and manually harvested. The average vine age is more than 45 years, and yields are carefully limited.

“Comes on with aromas of warm, ripe plum fruit beginning to show some stewed character, followed by a hint of tobacco. The palate is juicy, with some wood and spice on the finish.”

—Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

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Château Fontenil 2016 is a polished, expressive Right Bank Bordeaux from the Fronsac appellation, produced at the home estate of renowned Bordeaux oenologists Dany and Michel Rolland. The couple acquired the property in 1986 after years of consulting for estates throughout the region, naming it Fontenil after one of the vineyard’s original parcels.

The estate occupies approximately nine hectares in the commune of Saillans, on a south-facing hillside overlooking the Isle River and the town of Libourne. The vineyards are rooted in Fronsac’s distinctive clay-and-limestone soils, which are particularly well suited to Merlot and help produce wines with generous fruit, mineral freshness, and naturally structured tannins. The vines used for the 2016 vintage averaged more than 45 years of age.

Produced from 100% Merlot, Château Fontenil represents the rich yet refined character for which Fronsac is increasingly admired. The grapes were harvested by hand and subjected to double sorting to ensure that only healthy, fully ripe fruit entered the winery. Vinification took place in small temperature-controlled wooden and stainless-steel vats, as well as in new French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation was also carried out in new oak, followed by 15 to 18 months of maturation in French barrels, approximately 40% of which were new.

The 2016 vintage displays a deep ruby-purple color and an expressive bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, plum, currant, and wild blueberry. With air, the wine reveals additional layers of violet, dried flowers, cinnamon, licorice, fine chocolate, tobacco leaf, cedar, subtle toast, and forest floor.

On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, round, and supple, combining ripe dark fruit with bright red-fruit freshness. The tannins are silky and beautifully integrated, providing structure without heaviness. Notes of raspberry, black cherry, pepper, spice, and gently toasted oak carry into a long, harmonious, and savory finish.

The strength of the 2016 vintage lies in its balance. It offers the ripe fruit and velvety texture associated with Michel Rolland’s approach, while retaining the freshness, elegance, and mineral definition of its Fronsac terroir. Published reviews praised the wine for its perfume, vibrancy, purity, and polished tannins. Falstaff awarded the vintage 93 points, describing a fresh, balanced wine with dark berries, cherry, licorice, chocolate, and well-integrated oak.

The Guide Hachette des Vins also highlighted its combination of black fruit, raspberry, pepper, and integrated toasted notes, along with a rounded palate, silky tannins, and a long, flavorful finish.

Now entering a very attractive stage of maturity, Château Fontenil 2016 can be enjoyed today after a brief decant, while still possessing enough fruit and structure for additional cellar development. It is an excellent value for drinkers seeking the plushness and depth of Merlot-based Right Bank Bordeaux without the pricing of neighboring Pomerol or Saint-Émilion.

Appellation: Fronsac
Region: Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2016
Grape Variety: Predominantly Merlot
Vineyard Size: Approximately 9 hectares
Soils: Clay and limestone over Fronsac molasse
Average Vine Age: More than 45 years
Harvest: Hand harvested with double sorting
Vinification: Small temperature-controlled wooden and stainless-steel vats; partial vinification in new French oak
Malolactic Fermentation: In new French oak barrels
Aging: 15–18 months in French oak, approximately 40% new
Alcohol: 13%
Critical Acclaim: 93 Points, Falstaff
Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairings: Roast lamb, grilled steak, duck breast, braised beef, short ribs, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, lentils, and firm aged cheeses.

Serving Recommendation: Serve at approximately 60–65°F. Decant for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the fruit, spice, and mature savory notes to fully open.

Château Pipeau is a fourth-generation estate founded in 1929 in Saint-Émilion, on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, where many of the world’s greatest Merlot-based wines are produced.

Winemaker Jean Mestreguilhem, son of the current owners, worked at Château de Fieuzal in Pessac-Léognan and Screaming Eagle in Napa Valley before returning to his family estate.

The property includes 25 hectares of clay-limestone and deep sandy soils planted to 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, with an average vine age of 40 years.

Grass grows naturally between the vine rows, while careful debudding and green harvesting limit yields and maximize quality. Canopy management and early harvesting help preserve freshness. The grapes are sorted first on the vine and then again on a sorting table.

“This is an intriguingly delicious wine, starting off with a waft of warm nutmeg and cinnamon. The palate is balanced but assertive, with ripe black plum and bramble fruit.”

—Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

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This expressive Saint-Émilion Grand Cru comes from a historic, family-owned estate situated at the foot of the Saint-Émilion hillside on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Founded by Georges Mestreguilhem in 1929, Château Pipeau has remained in the same family for four generations and is now directed by Jean Mestreguilhem with the support of his father, Richard. The estate has grown from its original seven hectares to approximately 25 hectares of vines located just three kilometers from the village of Saint-Émilion.

The vineyard is planted predominantly to Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines average approximately 40 years of age and are rooted in a combination of clay-limestone soils and deep sands. These contrasting soils help produce a wine that combines the generosity and plush fruit of Merlot with freshness, structure, and aromatic complexity.

Château Pipeau follows environmentally conscious vineyard practices and holds Haute Valeur Environnementale certification. Grass is maintained between the vineyard rows to encourage healthy soils and biodiversity, while careful debudding, green harvesting, and leaf removal are used to control yields and promote even ripening. The grapes are harvested both manually and mechanically before undergoing precise optical sorting at the winery.

Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, with gentle macerations lasting approximately three to four weeks and daily pump-overs to extract color, flavor, and tannin without sacrificing finesse. A traditional vertical press is used to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Most of the wine is then matured for 12 to 14 months in new French oak barrels, while a smaller portion remains in stainless steel to retain freshness and vibrant fruit character.

The 2022 vintage opens with generous aromas of ripe black plum, crushed blackcurrant, raspberry, and wild strawberry. Layers of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, tobacco, and subtle toasted oak add depth and complexity. The palate is rich and assertive, yet balanced by freshness, with ripe dark fruit, bramble, warm spice, and polished tannins carrying through the finish. A professional tasting of the vintage also noted its deep, fresh aromatic profile and awarded it 90 points.

Approachable in its youth with decanting, this wine also has the concentration and structure to develop further in the cellar. It is an excellent match for roast lamb, grilled steak, beef tenderloin, duck, braised short ribs, mushroom dishes, and firm aged cheeses.

Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Region: Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2022
Grape Varieties: 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Soils: Clay-limestone and deep sand
Average Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
Farming: Environmentally responsible; HVE certified
Vinification: Temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with gentle maceration
Aging: Approximately 12–14 months, primarily in new French oak
Bottle Size: 750ml

Serving Recommendation: Serve at approximately 60–65°F. Decant for one to two hours when drinking young to allow the fruit, spice, and tannins to fully open.

A classic, mineral-driven Chablis that beautifully reflects the lesser-known Cote de Brechain. A pale, shimmering gold in the glass, the wine opens with aromas of tart green apple, lemon zest, and soft, white flower hints. These notes of apple and citrus carry over to the palate, where they are met by a prominent, yet balanced acidity and the characteristic, oh-so-slightly chalky Chablis minerality that provides for a satisfying, lengthy finish.

DIRLER-CADÉ ALSACE RIESLING 2023 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Riesling | Alsace

A jolt of energy delivered with ease and gentleness. This estate Riesling is harvested across Dirler-Cadé’s holdings, including fruit from the Grand Crus of Saering, Kitterlé, Kessler, Spiegel, Belzbrunnen, and Oberer Spiegel — with 70% of the estate’s Riesling on grand cru sites, this is a village wine with exceptional raw material. The nose is scented and bright, with navel orange peel and a touch of apricot. The palate is immediately vibrant, racy, slender, and crystalline — vivid, light, and bone-dry, with all the freshness and precision that defines great Alsatian Riesling.

All plots at Dirler-Cadé have been farmed biodynamically since 1998, with the goal of expressing the exceptional personality of each terroir. The estate’s four Grand Crus — Kitterlé, Saering, Spiegel, and Kessler — are each associated with one of the four elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. The Saering (“sea ring”) recalls the calcareous sediments deposited in the Oligocene period, producing wines that are juicy, broad, and dense with great power.

92 Points — Vinous
“The palate is immediately vibrant, racy, slender and crystalline. This is so vivid, light and vibrant. The 2023 is a jolt of energy delivered with ease and gentleness despite all its wonderful freshness. Bravo. (Bone-dry)” (Vintage 2023). 

93 Points — Ian d’Agata (Vintage 2023). 

92 Points — RVF
“The simple Riesling is a good introduction to the house style, precise and sapid.” (Vintage 2023). 

Pairs well with: Alsatian choucroute, grilled fish, oysters, soft cheeses, and Asian cuisine.

Grape: Riesling
Region: Alsace, France
Vintage: 2023
Style: Bone-dry
Format: 750ml
Viticulture: Biodynamic since 1998
Scores: 93 pts Ian d’Agata | 92 pts Vinous | 92 pts RVF

Louis Jadot Chassagne-Montrachet 2023

Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy's most respected and enduring négociants, with a history stretching back to 1859. From their base in Beaune, Jadot has long been a benchmark producer across the entire Côte d'Or, combining meticulous sourcing with sensitive, terroir-driven vinification. Their village-level Chassagne-Montrachet is a masterclass in what this historically significant appellation can deliver: a full-bodied, expressive Chardonnay that serves as a key introduction to the great whites of the Côte de Beaune.

Assembled from multiple sites across this large and diverse village appellation, the wine benefits from Jadot's deep expertise and rigorous approach. Careful sorting and gentle vinification are followed by 16–18 months of aging in large oak barrels (30% new), with malolactic fermentation controlled to preserve a lively, fresh sensation on the palate.

The Wine Advocate | The 2023 vintage was shaped by an unusually warm and dry winter and early spring, followed by much-needed rainfall in March that ensured homogenous flowering in May. Stormy weather in June gave way to a mild late summer, capped by an unusual September heat wave. Harvest was completed on September 16th, with picking carried out exclusively in the cool morning hours to preserve freshness and aromatic precision. Pale gold in the glass, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with exotic citrus fruit, ripe pear, and candied floral notes. The palate is generous and layered, with a lively acidity that keeps the wine focused and elegant through a long, mineral finish.

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet AOC, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml | ABV: 13.5%
Aging: 16–18 months in large oak barrels, 30% new oak | Malolactic fermentation: yes

Dom Pérignon Rosé Plénitude 2 (P2) — Champagne 1995

The 1995 Dom Pérignon Rosé P2 is, quite simply, one of the most extraordinary Champagnes in existence. The 1995 vintage was marked by an exceptional summer — a late, rapid flowering offset by heat wave conditions from late June, with minimal rainfall and temperatures above the 30-year seasonal average, producing a harvest of remarkable concentration and ripeness. The wine was first released as a standard P1, then returned to the cellars in Épernay for approximately ten additional years of aging sur latte before disgorgement as P2 — a second Plénitude that transforms the wine entirely. Vinous awarded it 96 points. John Gilman gave it 95+. Jancis Robinson scored it 19/20. This is a bottle for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

The nose is breathtaking: crushed flowers, sweet tobacco, cedar, dried cherry, white cherries, tangerine, chalky soil tones, citrus peel, gentle smokiness, and dried rose petals. On the palate, it is pure, full-bodied, and deceptively primary for a wine of 30 years — with a superb core of fruit, utterly refined mousse, and a very long, focused, energetic finish of extraordinary class. Both mature and timeless, in the way only great Champagne can be.

Vinous 96 — “A totally breathtaking wine… crushed flowers, sweet tobacco, cedar and dried cherry give the 1995 fabulous aromatic complexity and nuance. Both mature and timeless, in the way only Champagne can be.”

John Gilman 95+ — “Remarkably young and vibrant for more than twenty years out from the vintage… pure, full-bodied and still quite primary in personality, with a superb core of fruit, lovely focus and grip, utterly refined mousse and a very long, focused and energetic finish.”

Jancis Robinson 19/20 — “Rich and round. Very slightly toasty with great drive. More like 1996 rosé than it resembles the 1995 and 1996 whites.”

• Producer: Dom Pérignon, Épernay, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 1995
• Cuvee: Rosé Plénitude 2 (P2) — ~10 additional years sur latte after P1 release
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Crushed flowers, sweet tobacco, cedar, dried cherry, white cherry, tangerine, chalky soil, citrus peel, dried rose petals
• Cellar Potential: Fully mature; drink now through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Lobster, langoustine, aged Parmesan, foie gras, roasted squab, black truffle, caviar

A 96-point Champagne 30 years in the making — Dom Pérignon Rosé P2 1995 is the benchmark for what aged prestige Champagne can be.

Dom Pérignon Rosé Plénitude 2 (P2) — Champagne 2000

Dom Pérignon Pénitude 2 is not simply an aged Champagne — it is a fundamentally different wine. After close to 15 years in the darkness of the cellar, the expansion of energy reaches its peak and the wine rises to an apex of essential, radiant vitality that the first release (P1) cannot achieve. The 2000 Rosé P2 is among the most extraordinary expressions of this philosophy: a 70% Pinot Noir-dominant blend with a beefy 20% red wine addition, harvested in a warm, generous vintage and then given nearly a quarter century of cellar aging to reach this moment of perfect maturity. Vinous awarded it 96 points. Wine Advocate and Decanter each gave it 94. This is a bottle for a singular occasion.

The color is a deep, luminous rosé with amber hints that speak to its age. The nose is hauntingly beautiful: kirsch, blood orange, dried white flowers, mint, iodine, oyster shell, and gentle spice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, ample and elegantly textural, with a rich, savory core of distinctly Burgundian character, a fine mousse, and a long, saline finish of extraordinary length and complexity. Fully mature and drinking magnificently today — and will continue to reward over the next decade.

Vinous 96 — “Hauntingly beautiful and ethereal in the way only fine, aged Rosé can be. Kirsch, orange peel, white flowers, mint and gentle touches of spice… beautifully balanced and harmonious. A beguiling, complex Champagne.”

Wine Advocate 94 — “Sapid, gastronomic… ample and elegantly textural, with a rich and open-knit core of distinctly savory fruit, a fine but youthfully boisterous mousse and a long, saline finish. Almost Burgundian-styled.”

Decanter 94 — “An aromatic treat… an autumnal rosé of real interest and subtlety. Jellied plum, poached strawberry, cooked cream and oyster-shell brightness.”

• Producer: Dom Pérignon, Épernay, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2000
• Cuvee: Rosé Plénitude 2 (P2) — ~15 years on lees before disgorgement
• Blend: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay (incl. 20% red wine addition)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Kirsch, blood orange, dried white flowers, mint, iodine, oyster shell, jellied plum, saline finish
• Cellar Potential: Fully mature; drink now through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Lobster, langoustine, aged Parmesan, foie gras, roasted squab, black truffle

A 96-point Champagne 24 years in the making — Dom Pérignon Rosé P2 2000 is the benchmark for what aged prestige Champagne can be.

Château Mondot Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2021

Perched atop a singular hill overlooking the ancient village of Saint-Émilion, Château Mondot has stood as an understated beacon of exceptional terroir since its creation in 1700. The estate — the second wine of the legendary Château Troplong Mondot — occupies a position like no other in the appellation, its lofty elevation and unique soil profile setting it apart from its neighbors on the limestone plateau.

The secret lies beneath the surface: Mondot's hill is one of the only places in Saint-Émilion where ancient Agenais Molasse clays, formed during the region's geological creation, have survived erosion to great depths, overlying the astéries limestone so characteristic of the appellation. This rare clay-over-limestone profile is the defining signature of Mondot's wines — lending them structure, freshness, and a distinctive mineral tension that sets them apart.

The 2021 Mondot holds a special place in the estate's history: it is the last vintage produced exclusively from Merlot grown on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau — a milestone worth cellaring. Bright and vibrant in character, the wine reflects the cool, precise nature of the 2021 vintage with crystalline energy and elegant restraint.

Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with floral wildflower and crushed flower aromas, followed by red cherry, blackberry, currant, orange peel, cola, mint, and white pepper, with a touch of toasted oak and blue fruit. The palate is refined and focused — not plush or heavy — with pure acidity, a gorgeous tannic structure, and a mouthwatering, saline finish with notes of liquorice and wet stone. Drink from 2027.

Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts
"Floral wildflower aromas. Partial wood aging has produced a wine with light toast and pure acidity. Black-currant flavors are dominant with bright acidity as well as structure. Drink from 2027." (Vintage 2021). 

Decanter — 93 pts
"Beautifully delicate and fragrant — a touch of cola, blue fruits and salt with green pepper and toasted oak. Refined and focussed, crisp and mouthwatering, excellent energy and sense of life with a delicious moreish liquorice, wet stone finish. A serious, well-constructed wine with depth but no heaviness." (Vintage 2021). 

James Suckling — 92 pts
"A vivid and bright red with currant, orange peel and some light spices. Medium body and fine tannins that turn dusty in the finish." (Vintage 2021).

Vinous — 91 pts
"A bright, vibrant wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white pepper abound. A wine of crystalline energy and tension — super-impressive." (Vintage 2021).

Wine Advocate — 90 pts
"Charming and expressive, bursting with aromas of blackberries, plums, orange zest and spices. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, seamless and suave, with succulent acids and a mouthwateringly saline finish. The last rendition of Mondot produced exclusively from Merlot growing on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau." (Vintage 2021).

Varietal: 100% Merlot (final vintage)
Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2021
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 WE | 93 Decanter | 92 JS | 91 Vinous | 90 WA

CHÂTEAU FAGE GRAVES DE VAYRES RED 2022 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot | Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux

A juicy, vibrant Bordeaux red from the ultra-confidential Graves de Vayres appellation. Deep dark cherries, blackberries, toasted spices, and walnuts on the nose, with a lifted character and nicely integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with pliant tannins, well-judged acidity, and a smooth, chocolaty finish with gentle grip. A well-crafted wine that drinks beautifully now or rewards short-term cellaring.

Château Fage is an authentic family vineyard estate nestled in the heart of Graves de Vayres — a property where terroir and tradition are taken seriously, and where every vintage reflects the character of this quietly exceptional corner of Bordeaux.

90 Points — James Suckling
“A juicy and vibrant red that goes deep on dark cherries, blackberries, toasted spices and walnuts. Medium-bodied with polished tannins and vivid acidity. The finish is smooth, with a chocolaty character. Drink or hold.” (Vintage 2022). 

90 Points — Vinous Media
“Lifted nose with nicely integrated oak and redcurrant, boysenberry and light violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied and quite fresh, with pliant tannins, well-judged acidity and gentle grip on the finish. A well-crafted Graves de Vayres that comes recommended.” (Vintage 2022). 

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Region: Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml
Scores: 90 pts James Suckling | 90 pts Vinous Media

CHÂTEAU FAGE GRAVES DE VAYRES WHITE 2023 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc | Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux

A beautiful bouquet nuanced between the citrus freshness of Sauvignon Blanc and the expressive richness of Sémillon. Bright aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and fresh herbs lead to a crisp, well-balanced palate with tropical fruit, smooth texture, and a subtle mineral undertone. The finish is clean, refreshing, and inviting — a wine built for the table and ready to drink now.

Crafted from 60% Sémillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc, Château Fage captures the charm of Bordeaux’s Graves de Vayres appellation with genuine food-friendly finesse.

88 Points — Wine Enthusiast
“This is a creamy style of wine. Its tropical aromas and smooth fruit are lifted by a crisper, youthful acidity. It is likely to be ready from later this year.” — Roger Voss, (Vintage 2023). 

88 Points — James Suckling
“A simple wine with aromas of lemon zest, stones and apple peel. Light and fresh, with crisp fruit and an easy finish. Drink now.” (Vintage 2023). 

Pairs well with: Seafood, light salads, goat cheese, and aperitif.

Grapes: 60% Sémillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml
Scores: 88 pts Wine Enthusiast | 88 pts James Suckling

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

Save 20% when you bundle two of Louis Jadot's finest Burgundy Chardonnays. This pairing brings together the bright, unoaked freshness of the Mâcon-Villages with the richer, more structured elegance of the Pouilly-Fuissé — a perfect introduction to the range of styles the Mâconnais has to offer.

• Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages 2024 — Unoaked, crisp, and refreshing. Apple blossom, citrus zest, and limestone minerality. Wine Spectator 88.
• Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé 2024 — Barrel-fermented, rich, and precise. Apple, hazelnut, and a long mineral finish. A "mini-Meursault" at an approachable price.

Both wines are 100% Chardonnay from Burgundy, France, and are ideal for pairing with seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses.

Bundle includes one bottle of each. 20% savings applied automatically.

The Prestige Provence Bundle · Veuve Clicquot ICE JACKET + Les Clans Whispering Angel · 2 Bottles · 10% Off

Two icons of French elegance, together in one gift-ready bundle. Veuve Clicquot’s Yellow Label Brut — one of the world’s most celebrated Champagnes, wrapped in the limited-edition ICE JACKET that keeps it perfectly chilled for up to 60 minutes — paired with Les Clans by Château d’Esclans, the prestige expression from the estate that made Provence rosé a global phenomenon. This is the bundle for the host who wants to arrive with something extraordinary, the gift for the person who has everything, or the celebration that deserves more than the ordinary. 10% off individual bottle prices. Free gift wrapping available upon request — just leave a note at checkout.

• Bottle 1: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut NV · Ice Jacket Edition · 750ml — $69.99
• Bottle 2: Château d’Esclans “Les Clans” Whispering Angel Rosé 2024 · 750ml — $64.99
• Bundle Price: $121.48 (10% off $134.98 combined retail)
• Gift Wrapping: Available free upon request · Leave a note at checkout
• Origin: Champagne & Provence, France
• Style: NV Brut Champagne + Prestige Provençal Rosé
• Perfect for: Gifting · Celebrations · Anniversaries · Hostess gifts · Summer entertaining

About Veuve Clicquot ICE JACKET: The iconic Yellow Label Brut — 93pts Tasting Panel, 92pts James Suckling — wrapped in a Central Saint Martins-designed sleeve made from 100% recycled plastic fibres. Keeps the bottle chilled for up to 60 minutes. Reusable and customizable.

About Les Clans: The prestige expression from Château d’Esclans, sourced from old-vine Grenache and Rolle on Kimmeridgian limestone soils in the heart of Côtes de Provence. Partially barrel-fermented for richness and texture. A rosé that drinks like a fine white Burgundy.

Champagne meets Provence — the most elegant two-bottle gift in the shop.

Domaine Michel Niellon · Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru · Clos de la Maltroie · Burgundy · 2023

Domaine Michel Niellon is one of Chassagne-Montrachet’s most celebrated small estates — a benchmark producer whose premier cru holdings represent some of the finest terroir in the Côte de Beaune. Clos de la Maltroie is one of the appellation’s most distinguished premier cru climats: a walled enclosure with deep limestone soils that consistently produces Chardonnay of impressive weight, precision, and aging potential. Niellon’s approach is classically Burgundian — minimal intervention, terroir-driven, and built for the cellar. The 2023 vintage in Burgundy delivered wines of exceptional freshness and aromatic intensity, and the Clos de la Maltroie is no exception.

Golden lemon in the glass, the wine opens with aromas of tropical fruit, peach, pear, petrol, and hawthorn flowers. On the palate, succulent and concentrated — juicy peach, fresh pear, exotic fruits, and bright citrus lead to a lemon zest finish of real length and precision. Medium to full-bodied, lively, and tightly wound around bright acids and chalky extract. Ready soon but with the capacity to age gracefully for a decade or more.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Allen Meadows 90 Points | A more floral-suffused nose offers up vaguely exotic aromas of white peach, lychee and passion fruit along with just sliced citrus hints. I very much like the sense of underlying tension and caressing mouthfeel the barely middle weight flavors display before culminating in a balanced, long and agreeably dry finale. This too could use better depth but the development potential seems clear.

Expert Reviews — Prior Vintages

“Pale lemon color. The character shows more on the palate, white fruit with a little sucrosity. Ready soon but with capacity to age.”
— Wine Spectator · 92 Points

“Aromas of pear, beeswax, toasted nuts, white flowers and youthful reduction. A medium to full-bodied, lively and tightly wound young wine built around bright acids and chalky extract.”
— Wine Advocate · 91 Points

• Producer: Domaine Michel Niellon, Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru
• Climat: Clos de la Maltroie
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Dry white — concentrated, mineral, chalky
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, peach, pear, petrol, hawthorn, exotic fruit, lemon zest, chalky finish
• Pairings: Lobster, turbot, Dover sole, scallops, roast chicken with cream sauce, aged Comté
• Cellar: Drink now through 2035+

Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru — Clos de la Maltroie from one of Burgundy’s most meticulous small estates. Concentrated, chalky, and built to age.

Château La Nerthe | Les Cassagnes Blanc | Côtes du Rhône | Rhône Valley, France | 2022

One of the Rhône Valley's most storied estates, Château La Nerthe has been producing wines of elegance and precision since 1590 — the only true château in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Les Cassagnes Blanc is their approachable Côtes du Rhône white, a blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne grown within the Massif d'Uchaux territory. The 2022 delivers aromatic intensity and creamy texture, with cooked lemon, nectarine, peach, white pepper, and white flowers. A wine of volume, balance, and vivid finish — exceptional value from a legendary address.

Tasting Notes

Cooked lemons, fresh bay leaves, peaches, white pepper, and white flowers on the nose. Medium body with a harmonious, creamy palate. Concentrated nectarine flavors with a touch of oak spice and a vivid, aromatic finish.

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022

Decanter 92 Points
"There's a touch of oak to the nose and palate, giving a touch of spice and polish to the intense, concentrated nectarine flavours. Plenty of impact and concentration."

James Suckling 92 Points
"An aromatic nose of cooked lemons, fresh bay leaves, peaches, white pepper and white flowers. Medium body with a harmonious and creamy palate. It has volume and balance with an aromatic and vivid finish."

• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône, Rhône Valley
• Blend: Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Château La Nerthe

Domaine Louis Jadot Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuées — Burgundy 2022

Les Fuées is one of Chambolle-Musigny's 24 Premier Cru vineyards, distinguished by chalky soil over hard bedrock and an eastern exposure that imparts a signature mineral precision. Jadot's 2022 is a textbook expression of the site — feminine, elegant, and layered, with fine tannins and a core of red and dark fruit framed by spice, violet, and exotic tea. Fermented in vats for up to four weeks and aged 18–20 months in oak, this is a wine built for the cellar: 15–20 years of development potential. James Suckling awarded it 96 points, calling it “outstanding.”

The nose is fragrant and cool: flowers, ripe plums, blood orange, cinnamon, exotic tea, and peonies. On the palate, medium to full body with velvety, saturated tannins and a succulent core of red and dark currant. The concentration is effortlessly offset by spicy acidity, fanning out on a long, mineral-driven finish of remarkable purity and tension. In a word, classy.

James Suckling 96 • Vinous 94 • Wine Advocate 94 • Burghound 92

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022

James Suckling — 96 Points
"This big and at first subtle wine opens with fragrant flowers, ripe plums and cinnamon, fills the palate with richness on a full body, but then tightens up on the finish to show it has the structure to age well. Outstanding wine to drink now."

Vinous Media — 94 Points
"The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny Les Fuées 1er Cru, which Frédéric Barnier said suffered less during the growing season, is a conspicuous step up in complexity from the Les Baudes: much more mineralé and precision, far more terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, the concentration effortlessly offset by the spice of acidity. It's quite spicy as it fans out on the finish. Excellent."

The Wine Advocate — 94 Points
"The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuées (Domaine Louis Jadot) is excellent, mingling aromas of sweet red berries with notions of blood orange, spices and peonies. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, it's deep and layered, with a succulent core of fruit and attractive purity and tension."

Burghound (Allen Meadows) — 92 Points
"This is aromatically quite cool and fresh as well as appealingly elegant on the mix of red and dark currant, exotic tea and violet-scented nose. The sleek, intense and succulent medium weight flavors aren't particularly concentrated yet the sap still manages to coat the palate on the lingering and balanced bitter pit fruit-inflected finale that is almost aggressively mineral-driven. This is a lovely and well-balanced Fuées with fine development potential, which is just as well as it does need to develop better depth. In a word, classy."

• Producer: Domaine Louis Jadot, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy
• Vineyard: Les Fuées — chalky soil over hard bedrock, eastern exposure
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vinification: Vat fermentation up to 4 weeks, 18–20 months oak aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Flowers, plum, blood orange, cinnamon, tea, peonies, red currant, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 15–20 years
• Best Paired With: Duck breast, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, aged Comté, venison

A 96-point Premier Cru Burgundy from one of the Côte de Nuits’ most trusted addresses — Les Fuées at its most expressive.

Pascal Balland · 'Les Hautes Pierres' Sancerre Blanc · Loire Valley · 2025

"The High Stones" — that's what Les Hautes Pierres means, and it tells you everything about this wine before you even open the bottle. Pascal Balland farms his Sancerre vineyards on the steep, stony hillsides above the village of Boué in the heart of the appellation, where Kimmeridgian limestone and silex (flint) soils define the mineral backbone that makes Sancerre one of the world's great white wine appellations. A family domaine with deep roots in the Loire, Balland brings a precise, uninterventionist hand to his winemaking — letting the terroir speak rather than the cellar. At $39.99, this is Sancerre at a price that respects both the wine and the buyer.

Harvested by hand, the grapes are pneumatically pressed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and aromatic purity. The wine rests on its fine lees before a light filtration and spring bottling. The 2025 shows everything you come to Sancerre for: a luminous pale gold in the glass, with a nose of white grapefruit, lemon zest, fresh-cut grass, and a signature flinty minerality. On the palate: crisp, dry, and laser-focused, with vibrant acidity, flavors of citrus and white peach, and a long, stony finish that lingers. Drink now through 2028.

• Producer: Pascal Balland
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Soils: Kimmeridgian limestone & silex (flint) — Les Hautes Pierres hillside
• Vinification: Hand harvested · Pneumatic press · Stainless steel fermentation · Fine lees aging · Spring bottling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White grapefruit, lemon zest, fresh grass, flint minerality, crisp acidity, long stony finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2028
• Food Pairings: Oysters, chèvre, grilled sole, asparagus, sushi, light summer salads

Kimmeridgian limestone, silex soils, and Pascal Balland's precise hand — Sancerre as it was meant to be.

Domaine Moreau-Naudet Chablis 2024 — Chablis, Burgundy

Domaine Moreau-Naudet is one of Chablis’ most revered estates, with roots stretching back to the 17th century. The domaine as it exists today was born in 1950 from the marriage of Marie Naudet and René Moreau, and was elevated to greatness by Stéphane Moreau — a winemaker of extraordinary talent whose untimely passing in 2016 was a profound loss to the wine world. His family and team have carried on his vision with unwavering dedication: organic treatments only, manual harvesting, natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel, and aging on the lees for depth and texture. Their style draws frequent comparisons to Vincent Dauvissat — extreme purity, intensity, and a distinct sense of place.

The 2024 Chablis is vinified entirely in tank, preserving the appellation’s signature freshness and minerality. The nose offers lemon peel, spring flowers, and a youthful reductive lift. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied and racy, with bright, precise acidity and a long, saline finish that is unmistakably Chablis.

Wine Advocate — “Racy palate framed by bright acids, concluding with a saline finish.”

• Producer: Domaine Moreau-Naudet, Chablis, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chablis AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Farming: Organic treatments, manual harvest, low yields
• Winemaking: Natural yeast, stainless steel, lees aging 10–11 months
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon peel, spring flowers, saline minerality, bright acidity, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled sole, sea bass, lobster, fresh goat cheese, sushi

A benchmark village Chablis at an honest price — Moreau-Naudet is the standard for what Chablis purity and terroir expression can be.

Winemaker Description

Since its 175th anniversary, Pol Roger has decided to offer a very limited range of older vintages from its iconic cuvées. After the original disgorgement, these bottles were then returned to the famously deep and cool Pol Roger cellars for additional extended maturation where they have rested undisturbed until their release. Not only do these bottles have a label, cap and collar based on a historic Pol Roger design, they also have been dressed by hand and arrive in an elegant wooden box.

The Sir Winston Churchill Cuvée was created in 1975 as a tribute to the "Old Lion", using the qualities he appreciated in champagne : robustness, structure and maturity. Whilst its exact composition is a secret guarded by family members, it is undeniable that it is based on a formula of which its dedicatee would have approved : "My tastes are simple, I am easily satisfied with the best". Made exclusively with grapes from the Grands Crus of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay already in production during the Churchill era, this cuvée is only produced in the very best vintages.

The predominance of Pinot Noir unquestionably ensures structure, fullness and robustness, while Chardonnay lends elegance, finesse and freshness. Produced in limited quantities, this cuvée has matured for 10 years prior to disgorgement.

Bottle Size: 750ml | Region: Champagne, France

Bérêche et Fils’ Ambonnay Grand Cru is one of the most coveted single-village expressions in their portfolio — and among the most compelling Blanc de Noirs in all of Champagne. Sourced from a single lieu-dit, “Les Tourets,” in the western part of Ambonnay village, this is Pinot Noir of extraordinary purity and presence. Ambonnay’s signature cashmere-like texture is immediately apparent: open, enveloping, and generous, with a volume and power that never tips into heaviness. Brioche and honey on the attack give way to floral lift and a finish that is invigorating, slightly iodized, and saline — the unmistakable signature of chalk and grand cru terroir. A wine of genuine rarity, with just 2,325 bottles produced.

Critical Review
“A beautiful, enveloping wine; brioche-like on the attack, floral, with notes of honey and ripeness. The finish is invigorating, slightly iodized, and saline.” — Le Rouge et le Blanc

Varietal: Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs)
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Ambonnay Grand Cru, Champagne, France
Lieu-dit: Les Tourets
Style: Extra Brut
Farming: Biodynamic
Production: 2,325 bottles
Bottle Size: 750ml

This 100% Pinot Noir is hand sorted, destemmed, and aged in used oak for 12 months.  This is a friendly red with loads of sunny, delicious red fruit, delicate whispers of smoke, and unmistakable Burgundian minerality.  The tannins are present but fine, making the wine super approachable.  This is the kind of red I would enjoy sipping by a crackling fire, reading a Victorian novel.  This would pair beautifully with rabbit, venison, duck, or anything mushroom.

A classic Côte Chalonnaise Pinot Noir that overdelivers for the price, the 2022 Defaix Rully Rouge shows a beautifully balanced Burgundy style—fresh, vibrant, and quietly structured.

Tasting profile:
• Aromas of ripe red berries, cherry, and plum, layered with subtle earthy notes and a hint of spice
• Medium-bodied with bright acidity and lively freshness, giving it that lifted, elegant feel
• Fine, slightly grippy tannins add structure without heaviness, leading to a clean, gently rustic finish
• Touches of pepper and soft florals bring complexity and classic Burgundian charm

Style:
Elegant, earthy Pinot Noir with a juicy core of red fruit—more about finesse than power, very drinkable but with enough structure to age a few years.

Food pairing:
• Roast chicken, turkey, or duck
• Mushroom dishes, lentils, earthy vegetarian plates
• Charcuterie & soft cheeses (Brie, Reblochon)
• Light pork dishes or grilled salmon

A pure expression of Burgundy Chardonnay grown on clay and limestone soils, offering finesse, balance, and a beautifully structured aromatic profile. Fresh and lively, with subtle orchard fruit and a clean, elegant finish, this is an easy-drinking yet classic “pleasure wine.” 

Food Pairing:
Perfect with soft cheeses, cold cuts, pâté, mixed salads, and light appetizers like gougères or simple poultry dishes.

Our Notes: 

100% Chardonnay from clay and chalk soils of the Cote d'Auxerre.  This is the purest of pure expressions of Chardonnay, offering up enticing aromas of mirabelle plum, and ripe pear.  It is fresh and lively on the palate, making it a perfect companion to soft ripened cheeses, cold cuts,and paté.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | Medium- to full-bodied, this is juicy and succulent with a saline note and dried herbs, the dark fruit well defined and balanced. 70% merlot and 30% cabernet franc. Try after 2028.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Château Saint-André Corbin is a high-value Bordeaux red from Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion, the smallest of the "satellite" appellations of Saint-Émilion. This vintage continues the estate’s reputation for producing "Right Bank" wines that punch well above their price point.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Vinous 90 Points | The 2020 Citran is fortunately showing less reduction on the nose than it did from barrel, revealing blackberry and briary scents, touches of graphite and pressed iris flower. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. Moderate depth, filling out nicely towards the finish. This is a fresh and tensile Citran that should age well over the next 15-20 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Red and black fruits, spice, saddle leather, and tobacco leaf notes all emerge from the 2020 Château Citran, a rock-solid, medium-bodied, balanced Haut-Médoc. It has the pure, focused, nicely structured style of the vintage and is going to evolve for 15 years or more.

James Suckling 89+ Points | A firm, racy wine with crushed-berry, walnut and spice character. Medium body and firm finish. A little austere now.

Memo Summary Notes

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

The 2020 Château Citran is a "rock-solid" representative of the Haut-Médoc, benefiting significantly from what many critics consider a legendary Bordeaux vintage. Historically one of the oldest estates in the Médoc, Citran is known for delivering classic, structured Left Bank profiles without the "Grand Cru" price tag.

Château Citran is currently owned by the Merlaut family (who also own the famed Chasse-Spleen). Their expertise in the Haut-Médoc shows through in the 2020—it offers the "saddle leather" and "cedar wood" complexity usually reserved for much more expensive bottles from nearby Margaux.

Pairing: This is a classic "meat and potatoes" wine. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled steak, lamb chops, or a hearty mushroom stew.

Domaine Faiveley · Bourgogne Blanc · Burgundy · France · 2023 · 750ml

The Faiveley family has been rooted in Burgundy for nearly two centuries — seven generations of winemakers whose values have remained unchanged: a deep attachment to the region, an instinctive passion for terroir, and an innate respect for the land and the people who work it. Today, Domaine Faiveley is one of the largest estate owners in Burgundy, with holdings spanning the Côte de Nuits to the Côte Chalonnaise, producing some of the appellation’s most polished and collectible whites and reds. The Bourgogne Blanc is crafted from a blend of estate-grown Chardonnay and carefully selected fruit from trusted organic growers, matured for 8 to 10 months in the domaine’s cellars in Nuits-Saint-Georges, with a portion aged in oak barrels depending on the vintage. At $39.99, this is classic white Burgundy from one of the region’s most respected houses — exceptional quality for the appellation.

Brilliant pale greenish-yellow in the glass with an expressive, inviting nose of white flowers, ripe citrus, and a subtle mineral thread. On the palate: bold and generous on the attack, with good volume and a beautifully balanced structure — white stone fruit, lemon zest, and a creamy texture from the partial oak aging, finishing with exceptional length and persistence for a Bourgogne Blanc. Drink now through 2028. Pair with roast chicken, grilled sole, scallops, soft-ripened cheeses, or a simple plate of charcuterie.

• Producer: Domaine Faiveley (est. Nuits-Saint-Georges · 7 generations)
• Wine: Bourgogne Blanc AOC
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Burgundy, France
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Aging: 8–10 months · Partial oak barrels · Nuits-Saint-Georges cellars
• Style: Classic, balanced, food-friendly white Burgundy
• Drinking Window: Now–2028
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, ripe citrus, stone fruit, lemon zest, creamy texture, long persistent finish
• Pair With: Roast chicken · Grilled sole · Scallops · Soft cheeses · Charcuterie

Seven generations in Burgundy — Faiveley’s Bourgogne Blanc is classic white Burgundy at its most honest.

About the Wine

The 2021 Vincent Girardin Saint Romain "Les Vieilles Vignes" is a standout example of why Saint Romain is often called Burgundy’s best-kept secret. Sitting at higher elevation than its famous neighbors in Meursault, Saint Romain produces wines with a signature bracing freshness and vivid minerality that set them apart from the richer, more opulent whites of the Côte de Beaune.

The "Vieilles Vignes" (Old Vines) designation indicates grapes from vines averaging 50+ years old — adding a layer of concentration and depth that younger vines simply cannot match. The result is a Chardonnay of real precision: taut, mineral-driven, and built to age.

Tasting Notes

• Bright citrus and green apple on the nose with floral lift
• Crisp, focused palate with chalky minerality and restrained oak
• Long, fresh finish with excellent tension and length

Food Pairings

• Grilled fish, scallops, or lobster
• Roast chicken with herbs
• Aged goat cheese or Comté

Product Details

• Producer: Vincent Girardin
• Appellation: Saint Romain, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Vines: 50+ years old
• Vintage: 2021
• Format: 750ml

Le Marquis de Calon Segur Saint-Estephe 2023 750ml

Explore Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur: a premium Saint-Estèphe wine. This distinguished second wine from Château Calon-Ségur has earned 94 points from James Suckling, 93 points from Wine Advocate, 91 points from Vinous Media, and 91 points from Decanter. The 2023 vintage is a blend of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. The Marquis of Calon-Ségur reflects the unique terroir of the Saint-Estèphe region, known for its exceptional soil and climate that nurture high-quality grapes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling - 94 Points

Graphite and dark fruit come through clearly on the nose and follow through to a medium body with dusty tannins and a juicy finish. Attractive and pure fruit with a hint of chocolate at the end. A solid second wine for Calon Segur. 50% merlot, 48% cabernet sauvignon, 1% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc. Drink after 2027.

Wine Advocate - 93 Points (91-93)

The 2023 Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur is a blend of 50% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, incorporating the estate's finest Merlot plots that generally go into the grand vin but which didn't match with Calon's best Cabernet Sauvignon lots this year. Offering up aromas of cassis, plums, burning embers and spices, framed by a deft touch of new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and structured, with impressive density and muscle, built for the cellar.

Vinous Media - 91 Points

The 2023 Le Marquis de Calon Ségur has a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, clean and precise, classic in style with estuarine/briny scents in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins but there is still a firm backbone to this Deuxième Vin, and it gently fans out on the graphite-tinged finish. One of the best Le Marquis in recent years.

Decanter - 91 Points

Dark fragrance to the nose. A little tight but this also has an ease about it with density to the grippy tannins that have a fruity, fleshy aspect to them as well as a clear wet stone, slate minerality that lingers on the tongue. A little firm on the finish, but structured and polished still with a juicy mouthwatering red cherry centre. Will be nice to taste it calms. Not so long but there's nice character here nonetheless. 3.6pH. Ageing 17 months, 30% new. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Château Calon-Ségur - Legendary Estate

Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur is the second wine of Château Calon-Ségur, one of Bordeaux's most legendary estates. The estate has a rich history and produces wines of exceptional quality.

Second Wine - Solid Quality

A solid second wine for Calon Segur. Second wines offer excellent value while maintaining the estate's quality standards.

One of the Best Le Marquis in Recent Years

One of the best Le Marquis in recent years. The 2023 vintage represents exceptional quality for this second wine.

Saint-Estèphe - Bordeaux, France

From the Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux, France. Saint-Estèphe is known for producing powerful, structured wines with excellent aging potential.

Unique Terroir of Saint-Estèphe

The Marquis of Calon-Ségur reflects the unique terroir of the Saint-Estèphe region, known for its exceptional soil and climate that nurture high-quality grapes.

Gravelly Soils

This wine is crafted from a blend of carefully selected varietals, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in the area's gravelly soils. The terroir imparts distinctive character.

2023 Vintage

The 2023 vintage showcases exceptional quality. This year produced wines of remarkable concentration and balance.

Blend: 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

50% merlot, 48% cabernet sauvignon, 1% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc. This blend is Merlot-dominant, unusual for Saint-Estèphe.

Finest Merlot Plots

Incorporating the estate's finest Merlot plots that generally go into the grand vin but which didn't match with Calon's best Cabernet Sauvignon lots this year. This makes the 2023 Le Marquis particularly special.

Ageing 17 Months, 30% New Oak

Ageing 17 months, 30% new oak. The oak aging is carefully calibrated to complement the fruit without overwhelming it.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep ruby red
Aroma: Graphite and dark fruit. Aromas of cassis, plums, burning embers and spices. Mixture of red and black fruit. Dark fragrance. Bouquet of dark fruits like blackcurrant and plum, intertwined with subtle notes of cedar and spice
Palate: Medium body. Medium to full-bodied. Dusty tannins. Deep and structured. Impressive density and muscle. Pliant tannins with firm backbone. Grippy tannins with fruity, fleshy aspect. Rich blackberry, delicate chocolate, and hints of vanilla. Luxurious mouthfeel
Finish: Juicy finish. Graphite-tinged finish. Wet stone, slate minerality lingers. Juicy mouthwatering red cherry centre. Hint of chocolate at the end. Lingers long

Graphite & Dark Fruit

Graphite and dark fruit come through clearly on the nose and follow through to the palate. The graphite character is distinctive and adds complexity.

Aromas of Cassis, Plums, Burning Embers & Spices

Offering up aromas of cassis, plums, burning embers and spices. The aromatic complexity is exceptional.

Mixture of Red & Black Fruit

Has a mixture of red and black fruit on the nose, clean and precise. The fruit expression is pure and well-defined.

Classic in Style

Classic in style with estuarine/briny scents in the background. The maritime influence is characteristic of Saint-Estèphe.

Dark Fragrance

Dark fragrance to the nose that is inviting and complex. The aromatic profile is rich and layered.

Deft Touch of New Oak

Framed by a deft touch of new oak that enhances without dominating. The oak integration is skillful.

Medium Body

Medium body provides elegance and drinkability. The palate is medium-bodied with excellent balance.

Medium to Full-Bodied

It's medium to full-bodied, offering substance and structure. The wine has presence and weight.

Dusty Tannins

With dusty tannins that provide structure. The tannin texture is fine and well-integrated.

Deep & Structured

Deep and structured, demonstrating serious winemaking. The wine has depth and complexity.

Impressive Density & Muscle

With impressive density and muscle, built for the cellar. The concentration is remarkable.

Pliant Tannins with Firm Backbone

With pliant tannins but there is still a firm backbone to this Deuxième Vin. The structure is excellent.

Grippy Tannins - Fruity & Fleshy

Density to the grippy tannins that have a fruity, fleshy aspect to them. The tannins are substantial yet approachable.

Wet Stone, Slate Minerality

As well as a clear wet stone, slate minerality that lingers on the tongue. The mineral character adds complexity and freshness.

Juicy Finish

And a juicy finish that is refreshing and satisfying. The finish is mouthwatering and appealing.

Graphite-Tinged Finish

And it gently fans out on the graphite-tinged finish. The mineral character persists through the finish.

Juicy Mouthwatering Red Cherry Centre

But structured and polished still with a juicy mouthwatering red cherry centre. The fruit core is vibrant and pure.

Attractive & Pure Fruit

Attractive and pure fruit showcasing quality fruit selection. The fruit character is clean and expressive.

Hint of Chocolate at the End

With a hint of chocolate at the end adding richness. This subtle note adds sophistication.

Robust Structure & Depth

The distinct characteristics of Saint-Estèphe impart a robust structure and depth to the wine. Each sip reveals the essence of the land.

Vibrant & Complex

Offering a taste that is both vibrant and complex, making it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Built for the Cellar

Built for the cellar with excellent aging potential. Drink after 2027 for optimal enjoyment.

Drink After 2027

Drink after 2027 to allow the wine to develop fully. The wine will reward patience.

Harmonious Blend

This harmonious blend creates a luxurious mouthfeel that lingers long after the last sip. Showcasing the winemaker's expertise and commitment to excellence.

Transitions from Casual to Fine Dining

It's a wine that transitions beautifully from casual gatherings to fine dining experiences. The versatility is remarkable.

Versatile Food Pairing

Perfect with:

• Roasted meats (lamb and beef)
• Rich, creamy cheeses
• Chocolate desserts
• Classic French coq au vin
• Hearty beef stew
• Grilled steaks

Complements Savory Roasted Meats

Its bold profile complements a variety of culinary delights, from savory roasted meats like lamb and beef. The wine stands up beautifully to rich foods.

Perfect with Rich, Creamy Cheeses

To rich, creamy cheeses and decadent chocolate desserts. The pairing possibilities are extensive.

Elevates Flavors of the Meal

Consider pairing it with a classic French coq au vin or a hearty beef stew, allowing the wine's rich character to elevate the flavors of the meal.

Enhances Every Culinary Experience

Whether at a dinner party or a special occasion, this exquisite wine enhances every culinary experience. Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur is not just a wine; it's an experience.

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Spectator – 94 Points | “A sleek, smoky, sultry red, with violet high tones gilding a dense, ripe palate of wild berries alongside a woodsy character. Polished tannins give this a solid frame.” Best from 2026–2035.
• Wine Advocate – 94 Points | “A pure, elegant bouquet of flowers, dark berries, and spices with licorice notes. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and refined with velvety tannins, bright acids, and a long, ethereal finish.”
• Jeb Dunnuck – 93+ Points | “Blackberries, cassis, leather, and graphite define this perfumed, complex Hermitage. Medium to full-bodied with tons of sweet fruit, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Give it a few years.”
• James Suckling – 93 Points | “Complex roasted nose with deep red fruit aromas. Fleshy and elegant with restrained tannins. Polished, accessible, yet structured with a stony finish. Drinkable now, best from 2025.”

Tasting Notes

A polished, energy-filled Hermitage with intense aromas of blackberries, cassis, leather, violet, graphite, and roasted spices, accented by licorice and mineral notes. The palate is dense yet lively, with velvety tannins, bright acidity, and a long, ethereal finish. Subtle smoky, woodsy undertones and structured stony notes give it remarkable precision and serious aging potential.

About the Wine

Domaine des Tourettes is the flagship Hermitage of Delas Frères, one of the Northern Rhône’s most respected négociant-éleveurs. The 2022 is sourced from two prized sectors of the legendary Hermitage hill: Les Bessards (7 hectares of granite-rich soils) and Les Grandes Vignes (2 hectares of the highest vines on the hill). Fermented with 80% whole clusters for Les Grandes Vignes, then matured for 15 months in Burgundian oak barrels (25% new). The result is a Hermitage of remarkable elegance, structure, and complexity — approachable now with decanting, but built to shine over the next decade and beyond.

Cellaring

Approachable now with 1 hour decanting; best from 2026 through 2035+.

Food Pairing

Outstanding with roasted lamb, venison, beef short rib, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses.

Product Details

• Appellation: Hermitage AOC, Northern Rhône, France
• Varietal: Syrah 100%
• Vineyards: Les Bessards & Les Grandes Vignes
• Aging: 15 months, Burgundian oak (25% new)
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Delas Frères

Memo Summary Notes

A valuable fruity style wine from Bordeaux, where the Merlot variety is evident. A typical representative of the Graves region, rich and elegant. It has a silky taste with a pleasant spicy touch and a touch of barrel on the finish. 

Château Haut Selve Graves Rouge 2022 is a modern classic from the Graves region of Bordeaux, known for its power and precision. Produced by the Lesgourgues family (Vignobles Lesgourgues), this vintage has benefited from the high concentration typical of the 2022 growing season.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Vinous 93 Points | The pale lemon-gold colored 2019 Coutet is a thrill ride from the get-go, exploding from the glass with fantastically intense scents of tangerine peel, lime blossoms and lemon marmalade over a core of pineapple upside-down cake, candied ginger, ripe apricots and clover honey plus suggestions of chanterelles and musk perfume. The palate is equally electric and exhilarating, prancing around the palate with a whole myriad of candied citrus, stone fruit and citrus flavors, charged by a racy backbone of acidity, finishing beautifully textured and with an epically long firework display of minerals. Apart from all that, it is pretty darn delicious.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A soft-edged and forward-styled version, with lemon meringue, warmed peach and fresh pineapple and mango notes all mixing together. Features a pie crust accent that holds sway on the finish. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Drink now.

Memo Summary Notes

The Château Coutet 2019 is widely considered one of the standout sweet wines of its vintage in Barsac. Known as the "First Growth of Barsac" (Premier Cru Classé), Coutet is famous for its "knife-like" acidity (the name Coutet is derived from the Gascon word for knife), which provides a refreshing counterpoint to its intense sweetness.

Pair with 

Classic: Foie gras terrine or Roquefort blue cheese. 

Savory: Roast chicken with herbs or spicy Asian cuisine (the sweetness tames the heat).

Dessert: Fruit tarts, particularly those with apricot, peach, or lemon curd.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Stuart Pigott of JamesSuckling.com 95 Points | This astonishing white Burgundy squares the circle of excellent ripeness and concentration with great freshness and vitality. Lovely aromas of bergamot and candied lime peel with a creaminess that’s deftly wrapped around the firm mineral core. Very long, focused and polished finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Unfiltered. Drink or hold. 

Bill Nanson of Burgundy Report | Also an airy, modestly floral super-attractive aromatic. Hmm, not a fat or generous wine but one with wonderful airy fruit quality. That’s a gorgeous wine – bravo. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine Boris Champy "Presse Verticale 382" 2022 is a masterclass in high-altitude, biodynamic Burgundy. Boris Champy—former director of legendary estates like Louis Latour and Clos de Lambrays—acquired this estate in 2017 with a mission to prove that the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune is the future of the region due to its cooler climate.

The "382" in the name refers to the 382-meter elevation of the "Montagne de Cras" plot in Nantoux, while "Presse Verticale" highlights his use of a traditional vertical basket press for a gentler extraction.

Pair with

• Seafood: Pan-seared sea bass with fennel, smoked salmon, or lobster risotto.

• Poultry: Roasted farm chicken with tarragon or a classic Gratin Dauphinois.

• Cheese: Pairs beautifully with an 18-month aged Comté or a creamy Brillat-Savarin.

Expert Reviews

~ Rosé made using the saignée method
~ Zero dosage
~ Natural
~ Very low sulphur content
~ Aromas of red fruits, mandarin orange and white pepper
~ Pinot Noir

Vinification of the Brut Nature Rosé cuvée

~ Rosé made using the saignée method with maceration in vats lasting 3 days
~ Only the juices from first pressing are used
~ Minimal use of sulphur
~ No filtering
~ Use of gravity to avoid oxidation
~ Then total and natural malolactic fermentation
~ Zero dosage
~ 100% of the wines are made in vats to preserve freshness
~ After bottling the cuvée is aged for 2 to 3 years sur lattes (on laths)

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir

FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal as an aperitif. Goes perfectly with salmon carpaccio or scallops, sushi, grilled meats. Serve at: 45°F.

TASTING NOTES: On the nose, very evocative of strawberry and raspberry with a floral note of rose petals. The palate recalls red fruits and is augmented by hints of citrus fruit, mandarin orange and a small, very refined touch of white pepper.

Expert Review -  Vintage 2020

The Wine Enthusiast by Roger Voss writes 92 Points | From a specific parcel in the Haut Selve estate, the wine is rich and dense. Its black chocolate aroma gives a hint of the wine's ripeness. On the palate, this is a a powerful, smoothly textured wine, packed with black fruits and tannins. It is worth aging further, to be drunk from 2026.

Winemaker Description 

– Density: 2250 vines/acre
– Pruning: double guyot
– Sun exposed leaf area up to 3.2 acres
– Organic manure (faba beans and oats) and then scraping of the soils
– Limited yield to 38 hl/ha
– Sustainable agriculture

Vinification

– Prefermented cold maceration of 4 days, to extract aromas
– Alcoholic fermentation controlled between 26 and 28°C
– Total maceration between 3 and 4 weeks
– Malolactic fermentation in oak barrels
–  Ageing: 12 months in French oak barrels
– 1/3 of new barrels (Nadalié, Vicard, Sylvain, Mercier, Seguin Moreau, Marques, Garonnaise)

Tasting notes and Pairing | With beautiful cherry tints and orange reflects, this wine offers an intense nose of jammed morello cherry with elegant woody notes. Supple and structured, the palate is well balanced by ripped tannins.

Memo Summary Notes

Tasting Notes

    •    Appearance: Dark garnet red.

    •    Nose: Complex aromas of red and black fruits, spicy and mentholated notes, and subtle empyreumatic (smoky/toasted) woodiness.

    •    Palate: Velvety and dense with fresh fruit flavors; floral notes and violet appear on a long, structured finish with well-coated tannins.

    •    Drinking Window: Best enjoyed from 2024, reaching its peak between 2028 and 2030.

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Bourgogne Rouge — Burgundy 2024

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur is one of Volnay's most respected family estates, and their Bourgogne Rouge is one of the great overachievers in all of Burgundy. Sourced from a single hectare of Pinot Noir planted between 1963 and 1970 in the lieu-dit Petit Près — situated just below the village-level Volnay vineyard Les Pasquiers, near the Meursault border — the wine is aged entirely in used barrels for 12 months to preserve the purity and transparency of the fruit. Allen Meadows of Burghound awarded it an Outstanding Top Value designation, calling it "a lovely Bourgogne."

The nose is cool, fresh, and finely etched: small red berries, cherry, red currant, spice, and a whisper of earth. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with succulent, delicious fruit, ample minerality, and a notable sense of refinement for its appellation level. The finish is persistent and ever-so-slightly rustic in the best Burgundian sense — and the wine has the structure to reward 2–3 years of cellaring.

Allen Meadows (Burghound) — Outstanding Top Value! — "A lovely Bourgogne worth considering."

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2024

Allen Meadows – Burghound | Outstanding Top Value | The slightly more elegant nose of mostly red berries and spice is cool and fresh. There is a bit more volume to the delicious and succulent middleweight flavors that conclude in an ever-so-mildly rustic finish that offers better depth and persistence. This is a lovely Bourgogne and worth considering — plus it has the stuffing to repay 2 to 3 years of keeping.

• Producer: Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur, Volnay, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Bourgogne Rouge AOC
• Vineyard: Lieu-dit Petit Près, below Volnay Les Pasquiers, near Meursault border
• Vines Planted: 1963–1970
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vinification: Aged 12 months in used barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, cherry, red currant, spice, earth, minerality, persistent finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 2–3 years
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, chicken with mushrooms, charcuterie, Comté, pinot-friendly bistro fare

A Burghound Outstanding Top Value — Bitouzet-Prieur's Bourgogne Rouge punches well above its appellation with the soul of a village-level Volnay.