2023 Domaine De La Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley France

2023 Domaine De La Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley France

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Domaine De La Solitude

Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhone Valley, France 2023

2023 Domaine De La Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley France

The 2023 vintage from Domaine de la Solitude delivers a Châteauneuf-du-Pape that balances its muscular frame with breathtaking nuance. Anchored in deep tradition but lifted by a modern sense of elegance, it’s a wine that leaves a lasting impression: vivid, authentic, and unmistakably alive.

The estate carries a rich legacy that stretches back to the 15th century, through the venerable Barberini-Martin family. The label itself bears witness to this ancestry with three bishops’ hats symbolizing the family’s connection to Pope Urban VIII and his cardinal nephews, a lineage that echoes through every sip.

Their 2023 vintage, built on the classic triumvirate of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, includes trace amounts of all other permitted Rhône varietals, organically farmed and co-fermented, bringing this storied region to life. The wine is opulent without excess, layered yet precise, feeling both rooted and refined. It’s an articulation of place, and a vivid reminder of what makes this corner of the Rhône Valley so enduringly magnetic.

Domaine De La Solitude
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhone Valley, France 2023

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“Very rich and spicy, with impressive concentration and stacks of fine, soft tannins on the full-bodied palate. There’s licorice and meaty intensity in the crescendo finish. A cuvee of 60% grenache, 20% syrah, 10% mourvedre and 5% each counoise and cinsault. From biodynamically grown grapes. A small crop due to hail damage in May. Matured mostly in concrete tanks with a small number of oak casks. Drink or hold.”

95 Points

2023 Pierre Guillemont Bourgogne Cote d'Or Burgundy France

2023 Pierre Guillemont Bourgogne Cote d’Or Burgundy France

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Pierre Guillemot

Bourgogne Côte d’Or
Burgundy, France 2023

2023 Pierre Guillemont Bourgogne Cote d'Or Burgundy France

Domaine Pierre Guillemot’s 2023 Bourgogne Côte d’Or is a luminous expression of Pinot Noir where tradition and terroir converge. The wine presents a striking clarity and purity of fruit, enhanced by a lively brightness that encapsulates the spirit of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. Rich yet light, expressive yet restrained, this wine embodies the character of Pinot Noir perfectly.

The Guillemot family, stewards of their land, practice organic viticulture and holds the prestigious Haute Valeur Environnementale certification. Their commitment ensures each vine flourishes in soils of limestone and clay, imparting complexity, nuance, and a vibrant lift to every grape.

Through partial whole-cluster fermentation, the Guillemot brothers extract exceptional freshness and floral notes from each cluster. These meticulous techniques result in a wine that reflects its terroir and the family’s passion, making Burgundy’s celebrated elegance accessible. The 2023 Domaine Pierre Guillemot Bourgogne Côtes d’Or Red Burgundy is a vivid, unforgettable invitation to experience the true spirit of Burgundy.

Pierre Guillemot
Bourgogne Côte d’Or
Burgundy, France 2023

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“This 2023 Bourgogne Côte d’Or Rouge from Domaine Pierre Guillemot is a vibrant expression of Pinot Noir. The nose is inviting and complex, with bright red cherries, complemented by notes of cola bean and mandarin peel. Subtle hints of fresh mushrooms and English roses add depth, while a touch of crushed flint provides a distinctive mineral edge. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and penetrating, with red fruits and berries that are fresh, concentrated, and beautifully balanced. Liquid minerals add complexity, while the ripe, fleshy fruit ensures a satisfying and mouth-filling texture. The dance of fruit and minerality creates a harmonious whole, making this a delightful and authentic representation of the region.”

93 Points

2013 Chateau Lassegue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

2013 Chateau Lassegue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

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Château Lassègue

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France 2013

2013 Chateau Lassegue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux France

Château Lassègue’s 2013 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a luminous example of how meticulous craftsmanship and patient cellaring can sculpt a wine into a timeless masterpiece. More than a decade after harvest, it remains stunningly vibrant, precise, and impeccably polished—capturing the soul of Saint-Émilion with grace, poise, and authenticity.

Behind this remarkable achievement stands the legendary winemaker Pierre Seillan, whose mastery has earned multiple 100-point scores at Vérité. Pierre’s visionary approach is reflected in the wine’s exceptional quality, earning admiration from connoisseurs worldwide.

Sourced from vines over fifty years old, the 2013 Château Lassègue is a beautifully composed blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc that captures the soul of classic Right Bank Bordeaux. It reveals seductive layers of crushed red berries, laced with subtle spice and a lingering thread of mineral tension that speaks to the limestone-rich soils of Saint-Émilion. Poised and finely textured, this vintage is an eloquent chapter in Lassègue’s rising legacy, and a wine no serious collector should overlook.

Château Lassègue
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France 2013

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2020 Department 66 'D66' Grenache Cotes Catalanes France

2020 Department 66 ‘D66’ Grenache Cotes Catalanes France

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Department 66

‘D66’ Grenache 2020
Côtes Catalanes, France

2020 Department 66 'D66' Grenache Cotes Catalanes France

Dave Phinney’s 2020 Department 66 “D66” Grenache embodies bold creativity, revealing richness, old-vine sophistication, and profound depth. Crafted by visionary winemaker David Phinney, known for audacious, crowd-pleasing wines, D66 is a compelling endeavor rooted in the sun-drenched landscapes of France’s Roussillon region, where French elegance converges with Spanish intensity.

Sourced from the distinguished Côtes Catalanes IGP, the grapes flourish under the Mediterranean’s dynamic climate, where warm days are tempered by cool nights. This pronounced diurnal shift imparts remarkable concentration and lively acidity to the fruit.

The 2020 vintage artfully blends the bold, fruit-driven character of Californian winemaking with the refined finesse of French terroir. Each sip weaves a captivating story, harmonizing robust richness with graceful nuance, delivering an unforgettable experience that bridges two worlds. Treat yourself to a Grenache that defies borders and conventions, poised to enchant your senses.

Department 66
‘D66’ Grenache 2020
Côtes Catalanes, France
Retails at: $40

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“The Orin Swift 2020 Department 66 Grenache open with a rich, complex nose of wild strawberries, blackberries, plums, baking spices, earth, and a hint of wet stony minerality. On the palate, the wine has flavors of ripe black cherries, black currants, fudge brownies, and baking spices. The wine has a solid structure with firm tannins, indicating a suitability for further aging, but also a friendly approachability making it drinkable now.”

94 Points

2023 Roland Lavantureux Premier Cru Chablis Vau de Vey Burgundy

2023 Roland Lavantureux Premier Cru Chablis Vau de Vey Burgundy

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Roland Lavantureux

Premier Cru Chablis
Vau de Vey 2023
Burgundy, France

2023 Roland Lavantureux Premier Cru Chablis Vau de Vey Burgundy

Roland Lavantureux’s 2023 Vau de Vey Premier Cru Chablis is a singular treasure, born from one of Chablis’ most striking terroirs. Nestled on a steep, southeast-facing slope etched into ancient Kimmeridgian marl, Vau de Vey embodies the vivid interplay between stone and vine. The wine radiates clarity, its character shaped by fossil-laden soils and the crisp air of the Serein Valley.

The Lavantureux family has long been immersed in the cadence of Chablis, but it was Roland who, in 1979, chose to bottle wines under their own name. Today, his sons, Arnaud and David, carry forward this vision—Arnaud shaping the wines in the cellar, David broadening the estate’s presence.

Arnaud Lavantureux fermented this wine at low temperatures to preserve its vibrancy and focus, aging it in a balance of stainless steel and seasoned oak. The result is a Chablis of remarkable precision and depth—a vivid, mineral-driven reflection of one of the region’s most captivating Premier Cru sites.

Roland Lavantureux
Premier Cru Chablis
Vau de Vey 2023
Burgundy, France

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“This 2023 Vau de Vey opens with a strikingly concentrated nose, weaving lemon curd, a thread of liquid saline, and delicate white flowers into a clean, elegant bouquet. There’s a purity here that captivates without pretension. On the palate, it unfolds with mandarin, Key lime, and guava, underscored by a flinty minerality that lends focus. The acidity is vibrant, driving a linear, penetrating structure that stretches long across the finish. Exquisite in its clarity and depth, this Chablis is a compelling expression of its terroir, offering immediate pleasure with the promise of further complexity.”

96 Points

2019 Chateau Moulin De La Grangere Saint Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux

2019 Chateau Moulin De La Grangere Saint Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux

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Château Moulin
De La Grangere

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France 2019

2019 Chateau Moulin De La Grangere Saint Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux

The 2019 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from Château Moulin de La Grangère articulately reflects the estate’s deep-rooted legacy, its remarkable terroir, and the meticulous care on full display. Perched on one of Saint-Émilion’s most cherished slopes, this distinguished vineyard shares its prestigious neighborhood with notable properties like Château Laroque and Château Pavie. Here, certified organic Merlot vines sink their roots into the region’s famed clay-limestone soils, drawing forth a vivid purity and character that shine through in every bottle.

Guided by a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Château Moulin de La Grangère captures the unspoiled spirit of this storied landscape. Each vintage crafted within its bounds reflects the quiet splendor of its surroundings, a tribute rendered in liquid form.

Mirroring the revered approach of Château Pétrus, the estate pours its focus entirely into Merlot, a grape perfectly attuned to these water-holding soils. The 2019 season, blessed with near-perfect conditions, produced fruit of striking ripeness and depth. The wine that emerged offers a poised elegance, revealing the captivating charm and remarkable value of its origins with every sip.

Château Moulin
De La Grangere
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Bordeaux, France 2019

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“The Château Moulin de la Grangère 2019 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru opens with an elegant bouquet of earth and potting soil, layered with delicate floral notes of peonies and dried rose petals, a spice rack of savory spices, cloves, and cigar box, and a core of fresh red cherries and juicy blackberries. On the palate, the wine is structured yet refined, with well-integrated tannins and a silky texture. Flavors of black olives, vanilla, and nutmeg add complexity. A beautifully balanced expression of Right Bank terroir, this wine is drinking well now but promises further development with time in the cellar.”

94 Points

2024 La Villaudiere Sancerre Rose Loir Valley

2024 La Villaudiere Sancerre Rose Loir Valley

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La Villaudiere

Sancerre Rosé
Loire Valley 2024

2024 La Villaudiere Sancerre Rose Loir Valley

Domaine Jean-Marie Reverdy’s La Villaudière 2024 Sancerre Rosé glows with the vivid, luminous essence of Loire Valley Pinot Noir, its refined allure reflecting the heartbeat of the Reverdy family. Across four generations, their deep commitment and respect for the land shine through in every bottle. This devotion has yielded a rosé of striking clarity and poise, a wine that gently speaks of its origins, unveiling the soul of its place and the care of those who nurture it.

While Sancerre is widely cherished for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine Jean-Marie Reverdy presents a rarer treasure from its Pinot Noir vineyards. Tucked into the Caillotes soils—strewn with stones and basked in sunlight—the vines thrive in exquisite balance. This distinctive union of terroir and grape lends the 2024 vintage its graceful depth, offering a rosé that flows with precision and resonates with subtle complexity.

Every careful step in shaping this rosé reflects a harmony between nature’s gifts and the craft of winemaking. Fermented in stainless steel to capture its vibrant freshness, the 2024 Rosé resonates with purity and precision—a wine that not only delights the senses but lingers in memory well beyond the final sip.

La Villaudiere
Sancerre Rosé
Loire Valley 2024

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“The La Villaudière 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir opens with inviting aromas of wet stones, white cherries, wild strawberries, and raspberries complemented with subtle hints of lemongrass and ginger. On the palate, the wine strikes a perfect balance between refreshing crispness and smooth elegance, showcasing its naturally bright acidity and a pure, clean profile. Flinty minerality adds depth, while a delicate nuance of passion fruit brings a touch of exotic vibrancy and ends with a light, satisfying finish.”

95 Points

 

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

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Le Clos du Caillou

Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2022

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

Le Clos de Caillou, celebrated for its flawless 100-point Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, reveals that true distinction need not carry an extravagant price. The 2022 Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes (Old Vines) ‘Cuvée Unique’ emerged as the highlight of our recent tasting, a vivid demonstration of this estate’s remarkable skill in crafting wines that surpass all anticipation.

Its tale is as compelling as its character. In 1936, surveyors seeking to include Le Clos de Caillou in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC faced armed opposition, leaving an enigmatic void on the map that persists to this day. Only in the 1950s did vines take root, allowing this singular terroir nestled within the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to flourish under the Côtes-du-Rhône banner.

The 2022 ‘Cuvée Unique’ weaves together 70% Grenache with Syrah, Carignan, and Counoise, drawn from vineyards echoing the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape landscape. This wine unfolds with grace, its focused intensity reflecting the meticulous artistry behind it.

If one Rhône wine deserves your attention this year, let it be this striking and memorable Cuvée Unique.

Le Clos du Caillou
Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2022

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“The Le Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes Cuvée Unique 2022 unfurls with an inviting and nuanced bouquet, where crushed cranberries and ripe red cherries intertwine seamlessly with hints of lavender. A subtle iron note lends complexity, while delicate pie spices round out the aromas. This wine is a vibrant tapestry of mixed juicy red and black berries on the palate, their brightness amplified by a liquid mineral component that elevates each sip. Concentrated yet lively, the flavors penetrate with precision, revealing a black tea character that lingers. It’s a wine of remarkable energy—mouth-wateringly delicious, with a vitality that dances across the tongue, leaving a vivid and refined impression.”

95 Points

2020 Chateau Claud-Bellevue Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

2020 Chateau Claud-Bellevue Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

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Château Claud-Bellevue

Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France 2020

2020 Chateau Claud-Bellevue Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux

The Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux from Château Claud-Bellevue won over our panel with its striking freshness, layered depth, and precise character—qualities that reflect the rising distinction of this appellation. Situated just east of Saint-Émilion, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux benefits from a comparable terroir of limestone and clay, lending its wines a poised structure, vibrant energy, and a refined mineral thread. These attributes deliver exceptional quality at a value that outshines its more renowned neighbor.

Château Claud-Bellevue carries a rich history dating back to 1663, shaped by generations of local visionaries who understood the promise of its land. The estate’s 10-hectare vineyard crowns a limestone plateau, where soils of weathered clay and fractured stone weave finesse and complexity into every vintage. This unique foundation yields a wine that balances vivid fruit, crisp vitality, and subtle, earthy undertones with grace.

Maison Kavaklidere has elevated this legacy further, blending tradition with a forward-thinking pursuit of excellence. Committed to sustainability, the estate adheres to rigorous regenerative practices, earning the prestigious HVE3 environmental certification. With a series of well-earned accolades, the 2020 Château Claud-Bellevue unites heritage, place, and skillful craft in a wine that invites appreciation with every glass.

Château Claud-Bellevue
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France 2020

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“Deep and searching, brimming with youthful exuberance. Earthy cherry blossom and black tea aromatics meet plum preserve and cherry fruit as spiced oak tannins prevail.”

95 Points

2023 Maxence Millet Sancerre Blanc Cuvee Make Sense

2023 Maxence Millet Sancerre Blanc Cuvee Make Sense

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Maxence Millet

Sancerre Blanc 2023
Cuvée Make Sense
Loire Valley, France

2023 Maxence Millet Sancerre Blanc Cuvee Make Sense

Maxence Millet’s ‘Make Sense’ Sancerre offers a compelling story of tradition revitalized by an innovative spirit. Inheriting the legacy of Domaine Jean-Luc Millet, Maxence blends classic techniques with a modern sensibility, crafting a Sauvignon Blanc that reflects the terroir’s inherent character and the dynamism of contemporary winemaking.

The estate’s clay-limestone soils, imbued with history and minerality, nurture the vines, bestowing a refined elegance upon the grapes. The ‘Make-Sense’ label, with its striking design and equally bold philosophy, embodies Maxence’s vision: a confluence of place, passion, and artistic innovation.

Maxence gracefully balances respect for tradition with a touch of the unconventional. This exceptional bottling is designed to showcase Sauvignon Blanc’s pure, expressive nature, resulting in a wine that is both lively and remarkably complex. The 2023 vintage captivates with its vibrant acidity and distinctive flinty minerality—a wine that resonates with clarity and conviction.

Maxence Millet
Sancerre Blanc 2023
Cuvée Make Sense
Loire Valley, France

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“The 2023 Makes Sense Sancerre by Maxence Millet opens with a fresh, inviting bouquet of white blossoms, chamomile, delicate cherry blossoms, ripe lemons, juicy melon, and Honeycrisp apples. On the palate, the wine has bright fruit flavors and a flinty minerality with a touch of salinity that adds precision and depth and balances the wine’s vibrant acidity. The finish is crisp and pleasant, leaving lingering notes of citrus zest and wet stones.”

94 Points