2017 Greg Linn Grand Cru Champagne Blanc de Blancs

2017 Greg Linn Grand Cru Champagne Blanc de Blancs

with No Comment $100 and overChampagneChampagne/SparklingFranceKevin Vogt

Greg Linn

Grand Cru Champagne
Blanc de Blancs
Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger
Vintage Ammonite 2017

2017 Greg Linn Grand Cru Champagne Blanc de Blancs

Greg Linn is an unconventional winemaker, a true globetrotter who describes his brand as “a négociant meets world-traveling rock band.” After years of exploring the world’s most revered wine regions, he found his muse in the hallowed soils of Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger. The result? The extraordinary 2017 ‘Vintage Ammonite’ Grand Cru Champagne.

Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger is a legendary village renowned for its chalky terroir, which yields some of the world’s finest Chardonnay. It’s the birthplace of iconic wines like Salon Le Mesnil and Krug Clos du Mesnil—wines that fetch four-figure price tags and stand as benchmarks of luxury. The purity and prestige of this terroir are the foundation of Greg Linn’s 2017 ‘Vintage Ammonite.’

This exceptional Champagne captures the essence of a singular year, showcasing the ethereal brilliance of Le Mesnil’s Grand Cru vineyards. Each sip is a harmonious blend of minerality, precision, and elegance, a testament to the terroir and the vintage.

Greg Linn
Grand Cru Champagne
Blanc de Blancs
Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger
Vintage Ammonite 2017

Your Price: $125

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“The Greg Linn Vintage Ammonite Grand Cru Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2017 begins with a rich nose of baked apples, toasted walnuts, red roses, and toasted brioche. The exquisite, crisp, dry palate is beautifully constructed, with concentrated flavors of citrus, apples, and almond pastry intertwined with a mouth-quenching saline quality, adding even more nuanced characteristics. The incredible finish is as lingering and penetrating as you could ever wish for, making this offering one of the top Champagnes available at any price.” 

98 Points

2020 Galius Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

2020 Galius Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

with No Comment $30-$40BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin VogtSaint Emilion

Galius

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France 2020

2020 Galius Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

In the heart of Saint-Émilion lies Château Galius, named for a legendary Roman soldier who left the battlefield to cultivate the land he received as a war bounty. In this region where Gallo-Roman culture first took root, Galius exchanged his weapons for farming tools, helping to sow the earliest vines that would shape Saint-Émilion’s winemaking legacy. 

Château Galius continues this legacy across eleven hectares of sustainably farmed vineyards. Rooted in the famed clay-limestone soils that have birthed some of the world’s most coveted wines, these half-century-old vines thrive, producing exceptional grapes year after year.

The 2020 vintage, a testament to nature’s balance and the winemaker’s artistry, emerged from a challenging year. Early rains nurtured the vines, preparing them for the intense summer heat. This delicate equilibrium resulted in an extraordinary wine.

A masterful blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this wine offers a harmonious interplay of power and elegance. Rich, concentrated fruit flavors unfold on the palate, balanced by a refreshing acidity that leaves a lasting impression. This impressive Saint-Émilion value is a tribute to Galius’s past, with a promise for the future.

Galius
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France 2020

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“Dark plums, blueberries, violets, loganberries and bay leaves on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins. I like the intense and persistent bitter chocolate and dark berry fruit. Better from 2025.”

92 Points

2023 Jean-Pierre Vacher Sancerre Loire Valley France

2023 Jean-Pierre Vacher Sancerre Loire Valley France

with No Comment $30-$40FranceKevin VogtLoire ValleySancerre

Jean-Pierre Vacher

Sancerre 2023
Loire Valley, France

2023 Jean-Pierre Vacher Sancerre Loire Valley France

Sancerre, a region renowned for its chalky limestone soils and moderate continental climate, has long been a sanctuary for world-class Sauvignon Blanc. This terroir produces wines characterized by a crispness and mineral-driven elegance that are truly distinctive.

Jean-Pierre Vacher, a pioneer in Sancerre winemaking since 1989, established a legacy that continues to thrive today. His son Jérôme and daughter-in-law Karine now oversee the estate, infusing their passion into every bottle, capturing the essence of Sancerre.

The 2023 Sancerre Blanc is a testament to the Vacher family’s dedication. Carefully tended across 25 acres, the vineyard produced grapes that showcase the region’s unique vibrancy.

This wine offers a complex tapestry of flavors: flinty minerality, zesty citrus, and ripe orchard fruit. Its lively acidity provides a crisp, refreshing finish, reflecting the land and the family’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

Jean-Pierre Vacher
Sancerre 2023
Loire Valley, France

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“The Jean-Pierre Vacher 2023 Sancerre Blanc offers a delicate bouquet of white and orange blossoms, laced with a subtle hint of ginger, and orange zest, grapefruit, and green passionfruit. On the palate, ripe citrus notes intertwine with green mango, melon, while a chalky minerality provides a refreshing acidic backbone. The finish is clean and fresh, showcasing a classic example of the esteemed region.”

94 Points

2019 Pauillac de Latour Pauillac Bordeaux France

2019 Pauillac de Latour Pauillac Bordeaux France

with No Comment $100 and overBordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

Pauillac de Latour

Pauillac 2019
Bordeaux, France

2019 Pauillac de Latour Pauillac Bordeaux France

Château Latour, a storied First Growth estate in Bordeaux, has a legacy that stretches back to the mid-14th century. Nestled on a sloping hillside along the Gironde Estuary, the estate benefits from a unique terroir where warm breezes protect the vines from frost. This idyllic setting, combined with centuries of winemaking expertise, has solidified Latour’s position at the pinnacle of Bordeaux’s history.

While many Bordeaux estates produce two wines, Château Latour offers a third: Le Pauillac. Crafted from younger vines that may not quite meet the exacting standards of the Grand Vin, Le Pauillac nevertheless captures the essence of the estate’s character.

Produced with meticulous care, Le Pauillac presents an approachable yet refined expression of the Château Latour legacy. Typically a blend of 45% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Petit Verdot, Le Pauillac offers an inviting introduction to the Latour family of wines—providing luxury and heritage without the Grand Vin’s lofty price tag.

Pauillac de Latour
Pauillac 2019
Bordeaux, France

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“Blackberries and blackcurrants with lead-pencil overtones in the nose and palate. Mint, too. It’s full-bodied with very fine, polished tannins and an extremely long finish. Shows class and refinement. Start drinking after 2027.”

96 Points

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

with No Comment $30-$40BurgandyChablisFranceKevin Vogt

Thierry Laffay

Chablis 2020
Burgundy, France

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

Nestled amidst the serene slopes of the Serein River Valley, the vineyards of Chablis flourish upon a rare and storied terroir: Kimmeridgian marl, a sedimentary clay rich in limestone that imparts the wines with their signature bright, mineral character. This soil, coupled with the valley’s Atlantic-tempered climate, creates a harmonious balance. The cool air slows the ripening of the grapes, preserving the vibrant, racy acidity that defines Chablis wines.

Since 1978, Thierry Laffay has meticulously cultivated this remarkable landscape, nurturing just over 17 acres of Chardonnay. For Laffay, it’s not merely about growing grapes—it’s about embracing simplicity and authenticity and sharing the fruits of his labor. His family-run estate adheres to traditional methods, aging wines exclusively in stainless steel tanks and bottled a year after harvest, ensuring the purity of flavor. The 2020 growing season, marked by ideal weather conditions, yielded wines of exceptional quality with the potential for graceful aging.

The 2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis, a standout in recent tastings, exemplifies the brilliance of the vintage. With its vibrant acidity and elegant minerality, it showcases precisely what makes top-tier Chablis so captivating—an unforgettable expression of both land and craftsmanship.

Thierry Laffay
Chablis 2020
Burgundy, France

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“The Theirry Laffay 2020 Chablis opens with notes of chalky minerality, crushed seashells, chamomile, pears, and quince. On the palate, the wine is lively with a silky mouthfeel and flavors of golden apples, apricots, grapefruit, and lemon custard. The wine has a near-creamy texture balanced by fresh, vibrant acidity and a crisp, stony finish.”

95 Points

2016 Chateau Chantelune Margaux Bordeaux France

2016 Chateau Chantelune Margaux Bordeaux France

with No Comment $40-$50BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

CHÂTEAU CHANTELUNE

MARGAUX 2016
BORDEAUX, FRANCE

2016 Chateau Chantelune Margaux Bordeaux France

Château Chantelune is a small estate with 40-year-old vines grown at the highest elevation within the Margaux AOC. 

José Sanfin, the director of Château Cantenac Brown, is the proprietor of Château Chantelune, and he focuses on producing the most exceptional quality fruit from his small vineyards.

This classic Right Bank Bordeaux centers on Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. Even better, 2016 is considered one of the stand-out vintages of the last decade due to ideal weather conditions.

This vintage produced fruit with incredible structure, depth of flavor, and refined tannins, sculpting a wine that’s drinking beautifully now, with the ability to age.

CHÂTEAU CHANTELUNE
MARGAUX 2016
BORDEAUX, FRANCE

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“Owned by José Sanfins, director of Cantenac Brown, who also owns Haut Médoc property Château du Moulin. Chantelune is a tiny estate, but quality is high. Extremely silky with some lovely caramel and coffee bean notes alongside damson fruit. Here the flavours go all the way through the mid-palate, really making you smile, intense but not overpowering.”

91 Points

2016 Esprit de Pavie Red Bordeaux

2016 Esprit de Pavie Red Bordeaux

with No Comment $30-$40BordeauxBordeauxFranceKevin Vogt

ESPRIT de PAVIE

RED BORDEAUX
BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2016

2016 Esprit de Pavie Red Bordeaux
Esprit de Pavie made its debut in 2008, created by the visionary Gerard Perse, who is also the owner of world-famous estates such as Chateau Pavie, Chateau Monbousquet, Chateau Pavie-Decesse, and Chateau Bellevue-Mondotte. The wine receives the same care and attention as its illustrious sister properties, ensuring a high-quality level for each bottle produced.
 
Esprit de Pavie arose from southern-facing slopes in the valleys of the Dordogne, characterized by sandy and gravelly foothills, clay hillsides, and a clay-limestone plateau. This classic regional blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon came from one of Bordeaux’s best vintages and spent just the right amount of time maturing in the bottle for more complex flavor development and a softer tannin structure. The wine is a “total charmer,” as Jeb Dunnuck writes, and it’s also an incredible value.
 
ESPRIT de PAVIE
RED BORDEAUX
BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2016
 
Your Price: $35
 
 
“Extremely aromatic with kir, cherries and flowers. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins. Juicy fruit. So round and inviting now. Drink and enjoy.”
91 Points
2018 Agnes et Didier Dauvissat Chablis Burgundy France

2018 Agnes et Didier Dauvissat Chablis Burgundy France

with No Comment $30 and underBurgandyChablisChardonnayFranceKevin Vogt

AGNÈS et DIDIER DAUVISSAT

CHABLIS 2018
BURGUNDY, FRANCE

2018 Agnes et Didier Dauvissat Chablis Burgundy France
Agnès and Didier Dauvissat were vineyard workers who dreamed of vinifying wine from vineyards they owned, so they bought and planted their first small plot of vines in 1987. Today they hold just over 30 acres of vineyards spread across Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru Beauroy, Bourgogne Rouge, and Crémant de Bourgogne, producing terroir-distinct wines from each appellation.
 
Dauvissat is a prominent name in the area, and Didier’s cousin, Vincent, of a respected Chablisienne estate nearby, mentored Didier. The stylistic similarities in their wines go beyond the last name. The 2018 Chablis has clean, pure fruit aromatics and a crisp minerality from fermentation in stainless steel, a hallmark of the region that’s created a demand for unoaked Chardonnay worldwide.
 
AGNÈS et DIDIER DAUVISSAT
CHABLIS 2018
BURGUNDY, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“Agnès et Didier Dauvissat 2018 Chablis opens with aromas of honeysuckle, applesauce, cinnamon, quince, and white chalk. On the palate, the wine has concentrated flavors of apple and pear with complementary, secondary characteristics of mascarpone and pastry dough. This wine has an impressive depth of aromas and flavors with mouthwatering acidity with incredible purity.”
95 Points
2020 Domaine De Leyre-Loup Morgon Beaujolais France

2020 Domaine De Leyre-Loup Morgon Beaujolais France

with No Comment $30 and underBurgandyFranceKevin Vogt

DOMAINE DE LEYRE-LOUP

MORGON 2020
BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE

2020 Domaine De Leyre-Loup Morgon Beaujolais France
Domaine de Leyre-Loup is located in Beaujolais and encompasses 25 acres of vines on granitic soils perfectly suited to growing expressive Gamay of rare richness and high quality. The Morgon AOC is the second largest Beaujolais Cru known for powerful wines that are good for laying down and developing delightful earthy, Pinot Noir-like notes over time.
 
The Domaine’s 50-year-old vines in Morgon give fruit with great concentration and structure that get hand-harvested and sorted, partially destemmed before fermentation. The grapes undergo a traditional, regional fermentation with semi-carbonic maceration in stainless steel resulting in a softer tannin extraction and the creation of lively fruit and spice aromatics that the 2020 vintage shows off in a delicate, focused style.
 
DOMAINE DE LEYRE-LOUP
MORGON 2020
BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The 2020 Domaine de Leyre-Loup Beaujolais Morgon begins with aromas of bright red fruits such as cranberry and raspberry with hints of white pepper, dried herbs, and earth. On the palate, the wine has concentrated fruit flavors of ripe strawberry and juicy fruit punch accented by herbal notes of black tea and sweet tobacco leaf. This wine has an impressive flavor intensity that awakens your taste buds and keeps them alive.”
94-95 Points
2019 Armelle Et Bernard Rion Chambolle-Musigny Les Echezeaux

2019 Armelle Et Bernard Rion Chambolle-Musigny Les Echezeaux

with No Comment $90-$100BurgandyFranceKevin VogtPinot Noir

ARMELLE ET BERNARD RION

CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY
LES ECHEZEAUX 2019

2019 Armelle Et Bernard Rion Chambolle-Musigny Les Echezeaux
Domaine Armelle et Bernard Rion was founded in 1896 by Pierre Rion after he acquired vines from Chateau de la Berchere during his years as a dedicated sharecropper. More than a century later, the fifth generation of the Rion family runs the winery. They have vineyard holdings strategically positioned in some of the most recognized Burgundian wine-producing villages, including Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, Nuits-Saint-Georges, and Vougeot.
 
‘Les Echezeaux’ is planted with vines of an average age of 50 years in the southern part of the village of Chambolle-Musigny, receiving ample sunlight and achieving perfect ripeness. The 2019 vintage saw frost, hail, and drought, which lowered yields but produced small but brilliant crops with deep concentration and may be one of the best vintages in the last decade.
 
ARMELLE ET BERNARD RION
CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY
LES ECHEZEAUX 2019
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 
“The Armelle et Bernard Rion Chambolle-Musigny Les Echezeaux 2019 opens with a bright nose of tart red cherry, cardamom, pomegranate, fresh green herbs, saddle leather, cinnamon spice, shoe polish, and freshly harvested French lavender. On the palate, the wine has flavors of Ranier cherries, white raspberries, and clove hints, along with a liquid metal/saline quality that bolsters the fresh acids and medium-grained tannins, leading to a long, elegant finish. It’s enjoyable now due to its pristinely balanced fruit/tannin structure, but it will evolve beautifully over the next decade.”
95 Points