The pinnacle of Sauvignon Blanc production comes from the iconic Loire Valley in France, and inside the Loire, the regions of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are foremost. Both Sancerre Blanc and Pouilly-Fumé are composed of 100% Sauvignon Blanc, but on the palate, Pouilly-Fumé can be more lush than Sancerre, and one hallmark is a subtle smoky, gunflint note, which is less common in Sancerre. One of the best examples of classic Pouilly-Fume is from Nicholas Gaudry, whose 2019 is ridiculously good.
The Gaudry family has been making wine in Pouilly-sur-Loire for generations, and the wines offer a pure expression of Sauvignon Blanc. They vinify each plot separately and ferment them in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness.
The wine team made the 2019 vintage in a bright, clean, energetic style that’s both dynamic and perfectly balanced. If you love Sauvignon Blanc, I highly recommend securing a case of brilliant Pouilly-Fumé.
DOMAINE NICOLAS GAUDRY
2019 POUILLY-FUME
LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
(100% SAUVIGNON BLANC)
“Pale yellow robe. The bouquet fresh, with notes of white flowers and citrus fruit. The mouth dynamic, with crisp acidity and stone fruit. A pleasant finish.”
2014 Monthelie-Douhairet-Porcheret Burgundy
MONTHELIE-DOUHAIRET-PORCHERET
2014 LES DURESSES
PREMIER CRU RED BURGUNDY
As hard as it is to find Premier Cru Red Burgundies at an affordable price, finding one made by one of Burgundy’s most renowned winemakers is a lot more difficult… Monthelie-Douhairet-Porcheret is made by André Porcheret, former winemaker at Domaine Leroy from 1988-1993. Leroy is one of the greatest producers in the world, and some would consider them in the same class as Domaine Romanee Conti. At our price, Monthelie’s Les Duresses is absolutely stunning.
The area of Monthelie is known for producing some of Burgundy’s most stunning values, and it neighbors Volnay to the North. The top producer in Monthelie is Monthelie Douhairet Porcheret, and their wines offer sensational levels of pure yet expressive fruit, notable elegance, and sense of place.
Arising from a solid vintage in the Cote de Beaune, and one the Wine Spectator details as the third consecutive year of hail, resulting in low yields, yet the best are complex, juicy and age-worthy. This is an exceptional example of the vintage, which produced powerful, complex wines.
MONTHELIE-DOUHAIRET-PORCHERET
2014 LES DURESSES
PREMIER CRU RED BURGUNDY
“The Monthelie Douhairet Porcheret Monthelie Les Duresses 2014 begins with an alluring nose combining tart cherries, asian spices, pomegranate, French lavender, crushed rock and hints of cola. The palate is bright with tart red berries, earthy minerals, exotic spices and a saline quality. It has a medium finish with fine grained tannins that promise a decade of cellaring or more.” 92 Points
2019 Chateau Des Garcinieres Provence Rose Cotes De Provence
CHÂTEAU DES GARCINIÈRES
2019 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE
There are many reasons why Rosé sales in the US are climbing by double digits year-after-year. Many high-quality Rosés are affordable, and the best offer a laser-like focus, remarkable clarity, and freshness of fruit that’s simply irresistible. The level of value is immense, and when you’re looking for a refreshing white that’s not heavy or overbearing and can pair with a multitude of foods, Rosé stands tall. One of the best in our shop is Château des Garcinières, and the new 2019 release is brilliant.
This jewel comes from Provence, a region in Southeastern France, and an area revered for producing delicate, yet focused Rosé wines. Château des Garcinières has been family owned and operated since 1898, and they’ve been caring for these grapes for four generations.
The 2019 Garcinières Rosé deliciously combines Grenache and Cinsault grapes. On the palate, the wine is concentrated and focused, with bright orchard fruits, veins of minerals, bright acidity, and delicate sea-like nuances that bring a smile to my face every time I taste it.
CHÂTEAU DES GARCINIÈRES
2019 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CÔTES DE PROVENCE
Retails at: $26
“This elegant Rosé is vibrant and fresh; aromas of white peach and nectarine emerge from the glass with a bit of bubble gum that provides a touch of sweetness. Beautiful floral notes of scented jasmine expand into the glass as it opens. The lovely soft peach color is reminiscent of previous vintages, and Provence in general, which gives clear evidence of the wine we’ve come to love. Mouth filling orchard fruit and lemon peel notes give way to bracing acidity, wild strawberry, sea shell minerality and a hint of lavender to remind us of its home by the sea.”
2018 Domiane Ott Chateau de Selle Provence Rosé
DOMAINE OTT
2018 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CHATEAU DE SELLE
Every different kind of wine has at least one brand that sets a prescience of quality, and act as a reference-standard for the category. When it comes to dry Rosé from Southern France, Domaine Ott reigns supreme. They’re one of the most iconic producers of Rosé wines, and they’re consistently high-scoring, and they always sell out. Château de Selle was the first estate acquired by Marcel Ott in 1912 and they’ve continued to create some of the most detailed and intellectually profound Rosé on the market. Emerging from Provence, France where greater than 50% of the wine output is Rosé, Domaines Ott’s Chateau de Selle will win you over with detailed mandarine orange, lime peal, striking minerality and crystalline structure. This is simply one of the best Rosés in the world and with Labor Day weekend coming up fast, now is the time to stock up.
With attention to every minute detail under consideration, beginning with the terroir, and finishing with the stunning perfume bottle like packaging, Domaines Ott is the epitome of classic Provençal Rosé. While there might be a lot of Rosés available in the $20-$30 range that are easy to love, Domaines Ott will have you infatuated from the moment it touches your lips. Rosé simply doesn’t get any better…
DOMAINE OTT
2018 PROVENCE ROSÉ
CHATEAU DE SELLE
Retails at: $54.00/btl
Your Price: $49.99/btl
From Wine & Spirits: “De Selle was Marcel Ott’s first estate, an imposingly rocky slope of gypsum, red clay, dolomite, gravel and sandstone in Taradeau that he purchased in 1912. The rosé it produced in 2018-a blend of grenache with cinsault, syrah and mourvèdre-is more open than the Clos Mireille: De Selle is immediately inviting in its fresh, floral scents of melon and rosemary. The urge to drink it becomes only more immediate when the tangy wine hits the palate, delivering seashell minerality like a jolt of electricity. Bright and energetic, it would make short work of a dozen oysters.“ 93 Points
Customers who enjoy Domaines Ott Chateau de Selle Rosé, may also enjoy these two outstanding Provence Rosés…
2013 Delas Domaine Des Genets Vacqueyras
DELAS
2013 VACQUEYRAS
DOMAINE DES GENETS
As much as I love the innovative and forward styles of New World GSM blends (Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre), I’m equally drawn to the complexity, depth and character found in Old World GSM’s, which originated in the Rhone region in Southern France as early as 600BC. With trials and tribulations spanning hundreds of years, many of the best wines in the Old World give you that feeling of antiquity and historical relevance when you taste them. Vacqueyras is located in the Southern Rhone Valley of France, just a few kilometers from Gigondas. Many consider it to be the younger and more affordable brother to the iconic region of Chateanuef-du-Pape. The wines from Vacqueryas are revered for their power and when you find one that’s been perfectly cellared and is ready to drink like this one, they can offer some of the greatest value in the Rhone Valley.
The region shares similar soils and climate to neighboring Gigondas, and like Gigondas their reds are often built around a core of Grenache. Winemakers in Vacqueyras tend to use more Syrah than in Gigondas, and in turn the wines can be deeper, richer and even more powerful. The 2013 Delas Domaine Des Genets is a prime example and with a few extra years of bottle age, the 2013 is absolutely stunning. In fact, we bought every bottle available before our glasses were emptied… It’s that good and at $23, this could go fast…
DELAS
2013 VACQUEYRAS
DOMAINE DES GENETS
Your Price: $23/btl
From Vinous: “Vivid ruby. Lively red berry and cherry aromas pick up hints of lavender and peppery spices with air. Silky, gently sweet and focused on the palate, offering juicy raspberry and spicecake flavors and a touch of smokiness. Dusty tannins come up slowly, adding shape to a long, fruit-driven finish.” 90 Points
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From Richard Jennings: “Bricking dark red violet color; mature, ginger cake, dried berry, licorice, dried fig nose; tasty, black fig, licorice, ginger cake palate with good balancing acidity; medium-plus finish (blend of Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre)” 93+ points
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Customers that enjoy a beautiful Vacqueyras may also enjoy these two terrific Rhone Wines…
2017 Domaine Barat Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons
DOMAINE BARAT
PREMIER CRU CHABLIS
2017 VAILLONS
While there’s never a bad time for a glass of White Burgundy, I begin to crave Chablis even more as the weather warms up. A classically styled Chablis is clean and linear with bright citrus fruits, minerals, refreshing acidity and little to no buttery or oaky characteristics. One of my favorites is Domaine Barat’s Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons. The Estate dates back to 1795, and has a reputation for producing some of the most compelling, absolutely brilliant Chablis, and fortunately for us, they do so at a wonderfully realistic price. The only problem is with the minuscule number of cases imported into the US, there’s simply never enough of this wonderful White Burgundy to satisfy demand.
Chablis suffered greatly from frost in 2017 which resulted in lower grape yields, however those that survived were of extraordinary quality. Domaine Barat’s 2017 Premier Cru Vaillons was carved from half-century old Chardonnay vines, grown in soils rich in clay and limestone and the wine is stunningly brilliant. I strongly recommend securing your case, before it’s too late.
Tasting Notes: “This flashy Chablis is linear and focused with penetrating flavors that cut a swath across your tongue. The palate has beautiful key lime tart, ripe peach and dried apricot flavors. It has beautiful complexity with a flinty minerality and hints of crushed oyster shells. The brilliant acidity carries the balanced flavors through a very long, concentrated finish.”
Customers that enjoy Domaine Barat Chablis may also enjoy these two terrific White Burgundies…
2016 Château Moulin De La Grangère Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux
CHÂTEAU MOULIN DE LA GRANGÈRE
2016 BORDEAUX
SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU
In many ways, wine is like a puzzle, and each piece would be factors such as vintage, winemaker, location, and price. Based upon these, Château Moulin De Grangère is a masterpiece. Each sip is as satisfying as placing the last piece firmly in place, because finding a Grand Cru Bordeaux that drinks as well as this one and at this price level is incredibly rare. The winery’s consulting winemaker is Michel Rolland who many would argue is THE top winemaker in the world, with customers spanning 13 countries. The winery neighbors Château Pavie, one of Saint-Émilion’s most revered wineries that earns regular 100 point scores and goes for many hundreds of dollars per bottle… And the Vintage? The Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage 94 Points, noting “a very homogenous vintage”, and under $40 this wine needs to be experienced.
Saint Émilion is the oldest active wine producing region in Bordeaux, officially formed in 1199. The Château Moulin La Grangère sits at the foot of the finest slopes of Saint-Émilion and the certified organic vines are planted in clay-limestone soils. The 2016 is 100% Merlot and like many 2016’s, it’s profoundly structured, with great depth, penetrating fruit, beautifully integrated tannins, and perfectly balanced acidity. I strongly recommend a case of this remarkable Grand Cru.
CHÂTEAU MOULIN DE LA GRANGERE
2016 BORDEAUX
SAINT-EMILION GRAND CRU
Your Price: $33/btl
Tasting Notes: “This Saint Emilion Grand Cru is made from 100% Merlot grapes and aged in oak barrels. The elegant red wine exudes a spicy-fruity bouquet with aromas of red and black berries. The palate is characterized by ripe red fruits with fine tannins. The taste is rounded off by subtle woody notes with vanilla and some licorice.”
Customers that enjoy Château Moulin De La Grangere Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, may also enjoy these two terrific Bordeauxs…
2014 Château De Haute-Serre Malbec
CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE
2014 MALBEC
CAHORS, FRANCE
Did you know the Malbec grape originates in France, and thrives in the Cahors region in the South of France, but today, around 70% of the Malbec planted worldwide is in Argentina… However, Château de Haute-Serre’s Vineyards in Cahors, France date back to middle ages… In 2009, Haute-Serre got a little help from the Master of Malbec Paul Hobbs, who’s been pushing the boundaries of Malbec on multiple continents for decades. With Paul as consulting winemaker, their 2010 went on to earn a place on the Spectator Top 100. Most are familiar with the style of Argentine Malbecs, which are known for their fruit-forward, plummy/blackberry and velvety texture. For those looking for a more densely packed, concentrated Malbec with savory undertones, firm tannins and meaty character, Old-World Malbec from Cahors may be just what they’re looking for.
Malbec is a thick-skinned grape that needs more sun than Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to mature and Château de Haute-Serre’s parcel has excellent Southwest and Southeast exposure allowing the grapes to reach optimum maturity. They’ve been making news long before earning a spot on the WS Top 100 list… Back in 1889 their Malbec was honored by being placed on a Gala menu in line with the famous Château Margaux and Pommard wines. I strongly recommend trying a case… you’ll be really glad you did.
CHÂTEAU DE HAUTE-SERRE
2014 MALBEC
CAHORS, FRANCE
Your Price: $25/btl
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“On some of the highest vineyards in Cahors, this estate has a history reaching back to the Middle Ages. This latest vintage from this major estate has a firm structure and cool texture. Allied to acidity and dark tannins, the rich black fruits are going to need time to mature. Drink from 2020.” 90 Points
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“A concentrated red, building ripe cherry, plum pudding and licorice drop flavors that are detailed with floral, cocoa powder and raspberry accents. Fresh acidity and mineral elements give focus through the orange peel-tinged finish. Drink now through 2022...” 90 Points
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Customers who enjoy Chateau De Haute-Serre Malbec may also enjoy these two outstanding Reds…
2016 Clos Du Caillou ‘Cotes du Rhone’ Cuvee Unique VV
CLOS Du CAILLOU
2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV
When searching for the greatest value in wine, it pays to look at any winery that’s capable of producing 100 Point scores. Le Clos du Caillou is a paragon producer of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and they make hundred-pointers look easy. Their Old Vine Cotes-du-Rhone is a stunning value and comes from a parcel that’s completely walled by renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards. It’s predominantly old-vine Grenache, accentuated with Syrah and Carignon and the 2016 leaps from the glass with a palate energizing perfume of sweet raspberries, dried cherry, lavender and a touch of spices… At under thirty per bottle, it’s one of the highest quality, complex gems out there…
It’s created from vines averaging over 45 years old, which are grown in quartz river stones, clay and sand. If you love classic Cotes du Rhone wines, or would like to experience a wonderful expression from this renowned region, this is one of the best, at a fantastic price. The 2016 is bright, loaded with minerals and offers vivid red fruits, toasted spices, and wild rose. Robert Parker’s review below is on their lower tier Cotes du Rhone, not the VV (old vines) which is even better… Trust me on this one… You’ll be glad you did.
CLOS Du CAILLOU
2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV
Your Price: $29.99/btl
Robert Parker’s Review on the Regular Cotes to Rhone (The VV is Even Better)… “The estate’s entry-level wine, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Le Caillou is a stunning value, offering gluggable cherry and blueberry fruit, ample weight and a velvety texture. This Grenache-dominated blend should drink well for the next 5 years.” 90 Points
Customers that enjoy Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone VV may also enjoy these two terrific French Reds…
2015 Pavillon De Taillefer Saint Emilion Grand Cru Bordeaux
PAVILLON DE TAILLEFER
2015 SAINT EMILION
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX
Across the world, critics are raving about the 2015 vintage in Bordeaux. The vintage set a record for perfect 100 Point wines from Wine Enthusiast, and around half of those were from Saint Emilion. The Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage 97 Points, noting Saint Emilion was the sweet spot, and this was the appellation’s highest rated vintage since 2010. Saint Emilion is the oldest active wine producing region in Bordeaux, officially formed in 1199. This stunning representation of a Grand Cru Saint-Emilion was created by Catherine Cohen, who interned with the legendary Jean-Claude Berrouet at Château Petrus. Jean-Claude immediately recognized her talents and installed Catherine at the famous La Fleur Petrus where she made the wines from 1995 to 2001. At $45/btl, this wine had our entire panel in awe…
Created from half-century old vines, and revealing textbook Saint Emilion crushed red fruits, shaved rock and plush black plum, this wine leaves your taste buds yearning for another sip. Catherine and her husband Phillippe purchased the Estate in 2006 after it was personally recommended by Jean-Claude Berrouet. This Estate is now clearly on a positive trajectory and this is one journey that you don’t want to miss.
PAVILLON DE TAILLEFER
2015 SAINT EMILION
GRAND CRU BORDEAUX
Your Price: $44.99/btl
Tasting Notes: “The 2015 vintage of Pavillon de Taillefer has enticing aromas of black cherry, red plum, licorice, and spice, with hints of smoke, fine herbs, glove leather, cocoa powder, violets and dried tobacco. The elegant, velvety palate begins with plush Bing cherry, dried blueberry, baker’s chocolate, wet slate and crushed minerals.“
93+ Points, Kevin M Vogt, Master Sommelier
Customers that enjoy Chateau Pontete Bellegrave, may also enjoy these two terrific French Reds…