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…
2016 Chavy-Chouet Les Narvaux Vineyard Meursault
CHAVY-CHOUET
2016 MEURSAULT
LES NARVAUX VINEYARD
What makes the village of Meursault and the wines produced there so special? You might argue it’s the location in the heart of the Côte de Beaune between Volnay and Puligny-Montrachet. Others would opine that Meursault is one of the oldest and most celebrated places in the world producing Chardonnay. For me, it’s the hallmark characteristics of Meursault that I find profound… Classic Meursault should have deep complexity, citrus fruits and fresh floral notes coupled with rich, nutty flavors of toasted almonds and roasted hazelnut, subtle stone and liquid mineral qualities. Chavy-Chouet’s single vineyard Meursault Les Narvaux has everything that I look for in a great bottle of Meursault and at under $100/btl you’ll think you are dreaming the moment you taste it.
Even the most devout Burgundy aficionado probably hasn’t heard of Chavy-Chouet’s Meursault Les Narvaux and with a mere 50 cases imported into the US, I’m not at all surprised. The wine comes from a hillside parcel, perched right above Premier Cru vineyards Poruzots and Genévrières, where the soft, chalky, clay soils are shallow and gravelly, with bare rocks and marl that produce exceptional fruit. With the price of Meursault often reaching hundreds of dollars per bottle, this is the perfect introduction to superior quality white Burgundy at a relative value.
CHAVY-CHOUET
2016 MEURSAULT
LES NARVAUX VINEYARD
Your Price: $69.99/btl
Winery Notes: “Nose of honeysuckle, white fruits, and crushed rocks. Rich, creamy, clean and pure in the mouth, with flavors of tangerine, white peach, melon and honey. Incredibly vibrant, fresh and delicious. Only 50 cases imported.”
Customers that enjoy Chavy-Chouet Meursault may also enjoy these two terrific White Burgundies…
2014 Lavau Gigondas Rhone Valley France
LAVAU
2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE
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 blends, which originated in the Rhone region in Southern France as early as 600BC. With trials and tribulations that 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. That feeling rushed over me the moment I tasted Lavau’s 2014 Gigondas. After all the family has been making wine for in the Rhone Valley for 5 generations… At $29.99/btl this is a wonderful introduction into the magic of Gigondas.
The 2014 Lavau combines 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre co-fermented and aged in French Oak and vats for a full year before bottling. Many consider Gigondas to be the little brother to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and the wines offer incredible value. I highly recommend a case of Lavau…
LAVAU
2014 GIGONDAS
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE
Your Price: $29.99/btl
“Youthful violet. Aromas of fresh black and blue fruits are complemented by suggestions of peppery spices and pungent flowers. Sweet and open-knit, offering jammy blueberry and cherry compote flavors that tighten up slowly in the glass. Finishes smoky and long, with harmonious tannins coming in late.” 90 Points
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“A ripe, polished style, with rounded raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry confiture flavors that stay fresh and focused, picking up light violet, lavender and anise notes through the finish. Drink now through 2024.” 90 Points
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Customers that enjoy Lavau Gigondas may also enjoy these two terrific Blends…
SANS LIEGE
Made in a magnetic style that draws you in with lavish aromas that become increasingly compelling with aeration, Sans Liege’s Southern Rhone inspired blend The Offering is wine that I simply love. A remarkable fusion of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2015 saturates your taste buds with a velvety texture, intermixed with vibrant red fruits, crème de cassis, juicy blackberries, and savory spices that you coming back for more.
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PAUL JABOULET AINÉ
2013 GIGONDAS
PIERRE AIGUILLE
Retails at: $35.00/btl
Your Price: $27.99/btl
From Vinous, “Limpid ruby. Perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, peppery spices and potpourri, complicated by a woodsmoke nuance. Silky, expansive and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors and an allspice quality that builds on the back half. Finishes sweet, sappy and persistent, with firming fine-grained tannins adding grip.”
90 Points
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2017 Domaine du Grand Pre Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes
DOMAINE du GRAND PRE
2017 MÂCON-LUGNY
LES CHARMES (CHARDONNAY)
With the price of Burgundy climbing to new heights, sometimes it pays to look just outside the expensive Cote D’Or region… One of my favorites is the Mâconnais which is well-known for producing extraordinary values in Chardonnay, including Pouilly-Fuisse which is found in a sub-region of the Mâconnais. The 2017 Domaine de Grand Pre Macon-Lugny Les Charmes is vivid, precise and energetic. Upon aeration the wine unwinds layers of white peach, caramelized pear, lemon drop, and minerals. The wine effortless caresses your palate with beautiful weight and lovely acidity. With a mere 50 cases imported into the US, this truly rare Mâcon will certainly leave a long lasting impression for those lucky enough to taste it.
Perched on a plateau made of clay, limestone and chalky soils, the Les Charmes vineyard produces fruit of remarkable qualities. The nearly 1/2 century old vines yield a stunning expression of Mâcon Chardonnay. The quality is transparent from the first sip and a keen line of acidity perfectly compliments the mineral-core, tropical fruits and honeyed ginger. With the limited number of cases imported into the US, and the excitement surrounding the 2017 vintage in Burgundy… don’t wait to secure your case of this gorgeous white Burgundy.
DOMAINE du GRAND PRE
2017 MÂCON-LUGNY
LES CHARMES (CHARDONNAY)
Your Price: $29.99/btl
Winery Notes: “Great nose of minerals and white flowers. Nice richness, balance, acidity and structure in the mouth, with flavors of honeydew, pear, spice and a cleansing salinity on the finish. A harmonious, vibrant wine. ‘Les Charmes’, an 11 hectare vineyard with vines averaging 35 years of age, is located in the prime growing area of Mâcon on clay and limestone soils on east facing slopes, farmed organically. Fermented with native yeasts, aged 8 months in stainless steel tanks. 50 cases imported.”
Customers that enjoy Domaine du Grand Pre Macon-Lugny Les Charmes may also enjoy these two terrific Chardonnays…