2023 Langtry Sauvignon Blanc Lillie Vineyard Guenoc Valley

2023 Langtry Sauvignon Blanc Lillie Vineyard Guenoc Valley

Langtry

Sauvignon Blanc
Lillie Vineyard 2023
Guenoc Valley

2023 Langtry Sauvignon Blanc Lillie Vineyard Guenoc Valley

Langtry’s 2023 Lillie’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc emerges as a luminous reflection of Guenoc Valley, captivating with its pristine clarity, vibrant energy, and harmonious balance—all offered at a remarkable value. This historic estate, rooted in the vision of British actress Lillie Langtry, began in 1888 when she, enchanted by the wild allure of California’s wine country, claimed the sprawling 4,200-acre property. Her bold embrace of viticulture set the stage for a legacy that continues to define the region’s winemaking character.

The Guenoc Valley terroir is as compelling as its past. An alluvial fan of Arroyo Seco and Conejo Loam soils ensures superb drainage, while the region’s dramatic day-to-night temperature swings lend the grapes uncommon depth and vitality.

Meticulously crafted to retain its vivid freshness, this Sauvignon Blanc spends four months in stainless steel, locking in its bright, fruit-driven essence, followed by four months in neutral barrels to weave in delicate layers of texture and nuance. The result is a wine of radiant finesse—each sip honors Lillie Langtry’s vision, blending a glimpse of history with contemporary brilliance.

Langtry
Sauvignon Blanc
Lillie Vineyard 2023
Guenoc Valley
Retails at: $30

Your Price: $26

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“This wine is fresh, zesty, with aromas of green guava, kiwi, citrus blossom, and notes of white florals on the nose. The flavors on the palate are kaffir lime, white grapefruit, white nectarine, sedimentary rock, interwoven with good acidity, and a long juicy finish. pair with tinned fish, marinated green olive, red bell pepper, herbed olive oil.”

94 Points

2022 Bruliam Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

2022 Bruliam Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Bruliam 

Chardonnay 2022
Heintz Vineyard
Sonoma Coast

2022 Bruliam Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Tucked seven miles from the Pacific Ocean, Bruliam Chardonnay shines as a vivid expression of the Heintz Vineyard, a standout treasure along the Sonoma Coast. Perched at 1,000 feet, this site channels the cool, coastal ocean breeze, locking in the fruit’s vibrant freshness. For more than forty years, the Heintz family has tended this remarkable vineyard, its grapes gracing the cellars of California’s most admired winemakers—names like Williams Selyem, DuMOL, and Littorai among them.

Guiding Bruliam Wines is Kerith Overstreet, a physician who traded medicine for the art of winemaking. Her sharp intellect and precise hand in the cellar bring a lively clarity to every bottle. In this Chardonnay, the Heintz Vineyard speaks with striking purity, leaving a lasting echo that resonates with each sip.

Awarded an impressive 96 points, this Chardonnay captures the Sonoma Coast’s character—bright fruit woven with intricate, alluring layers. It reveals the profound possibilities of the region’s Chardonnays, reaching heights that command attention and invite appreciation.

Bruliam
Chardonnay 2022
Heintz Vineyard
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $65

Your Price: $49.99

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“The 2022 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay slowly unfurls to offer evocative notes of grapefruit, fresh pineapple, white peaches, and chalk dust plus touches of Marcona almonds and nutmeg. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound at this youthful stage, delivering great tension with mineral-laced stone and tropical fruit layers, finishing with great length.”

96 Points

2022 Gro Chardonnay Haspel Vineyard Mount Veeder

2022 Gro Chardonnay Haspel Vineyard Mount Veeder

Gro

Chardonnay
Haspel Vineyard
Mount Veeder 2022

2022 Gro Chardonnay Haspel Vineyard Mount Veeder

The 2022 Haspel Vineyard Chardonnay from GRO Wines captures the wild allure of Mount Veeder, where steep volcanic slopes and the gentle chill of San Pablo Bay shape a wine of striking clarity. Subtle notes of orchard fruits like Meyer lemon and ripe golden apple mingle with a faint trace of crème fraîche, unfolding across the palate with a crisp, mineral edge that lingers beautifully.

GRO Wines is the vision of Lars Bjorkman and Molly Hill, both honed by their UC Davis training and deeply tied to Napa Valley’s legacy. Lars, who refines his craft under Nils Venge at Saddleback Cellars, views GRO as a creative pursuit—a chance to illuminate Napa’s diverse landscapes through small-batch winemaking. Alongside Molly, he seeks out vineyards with distinctive souls, and Haspel Vineyard shines as a rare discovery.

Mount Veeder demands care and finesse in winemaking, yielding wines that balance grace with intensity. At this remarkable price, the 2022 Haspel Vineyard Chardonnay offers a privileged glimpse into the raw elegance of this storied region—a chance to savor Mt. Veeder’s essence in its purest form.

Gro
Chardonnay
Haspel Vineyard
Mount Veeder 2022
Retails at: $44

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“The nose is mineral-driven, with aromas of lemon pith, grapefruit, struck match and river stones. The plate is full-bodied with racy acidity, giving generous notes of lime curd, white chocolate and creme brulee. Flashy and vibrant, with some sophisticated reduction. Drink or hold.”

92 Points

2023 Rochioli Estate Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

2023 Rochioli Estate Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

Rochioli

Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Russian River Valley 2023

2023 Rochioli Estate Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

Rochioli’s Estate Sauvignon Blanc embodies the essence of one of California’s most celebrated vineyards, enticing the palate with its stunning concentration, precise linear focus, and enchanting freshness. Emerging from one of California’s most outstanding vintages, this release is a wine that inspires genuine excitement.

For over 85 years, the Rochioli family has been the proud steward of their cool-climate estate—a site revered as one of California’s Grand Cru vineyards. Rochioli’s pedigree is undeniable; each bottle stands as a testament to the masterful craftsmanship of winemaker Tom Rochioli, whose profound connection with the land resonates through every captivating expression.

Sauvignon Blanc is acclaimed for its luminous character, buoyant acidity, and effortlessly approachable drinkability. The exceptionally high-scoring 2023 release from Rochioli brings these cherished qualities to life with a sculpted clarity that leaves the palate yearning for another sip.

Rochioli
Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Russian River Valley 2023

Your Price: $49.99

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“A bright silver/straw color, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is a single vineyard blend with 64% Old Vine Selection, 23% Clone 376, and the rest Hillside planting. Coming from other-worldly looking old vines, Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t get much better than this in California. Lovely flinty reduction frames this wine with a gorgeous, refined, floral perfume of wet stone, white currants, white pepper, grapefruit, and delicate baking spice. Medium-bodied, it has fantastic concentration, driving, mouthwatering, fresh acidity with a linear feel, and a fantastic, long finish with a chalky mineral texture. Exceptional and age-worthy, it deserves another couple of years in bottle to show its best. Drink 2026-2038.”

96 Points

2023 Maxence Millet Sancerre Blanc Cuvee Make Sense

2023 Maxence Millet Sancerre Blanc Cuvee Make Sense

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

Your Price: $39.99

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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

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Pont Neuf

Pont Royal Chardonnay
Russian River Valley 2023

2023 Pont Neuf Royal Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Pont Neuf’s Pont Royal Chardonnay is a masterful expression of Russian River Valley terroir, seamlessly marrying California’s opulent fruit with the restraint of great Burgundian wines. This Chardonnay doesn’t simply impress—it enchants, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience it.

At the helm of this artistry is Douglas Danielak, a winemaker whose deep reverence for Burgundian tradition shapes every nuance of his craft. A graduate of UC Davis with further training at the Lycée Agricole et Viticole de Beaune, Danielak employs a low-intervention philosophy, allowing the vineyard’s voice to shine. Native yeasts, meticulous bâtonnage, and a slow, deliberate malolactic fermentation yield a wine that is both texturally sumptuous and vibrantly pure.

The 2023 vintage is a radiant testament to this vision. It unfolds in layers of golden-hued complexity, where Meyer lemon, white peach, and toasted hazelnut intertwine with hints of crushed rock and delicate spice. A luminous thread of acidity lends tension and precision, balancing the wine’s sumptuous depth with an elegance that lingers long on the palate. Pont Royal Chardonnay delivers a harmonious interplay of richness and restraint, destined to captivate all who discover it.

Pont Neuf
Pont Royal Chardonnay
Russian River Valley 2023
Retails at: $70

Your Price: $65

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“The Pont Neuf 2023 “Pont Royal” Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley elegantly balances the finesse of French Burgundy with the richness of California fruit. Aromas of ripe apricot and nectarine intertwine with white blossoms, a touch of orange zest, and a refined mineral character reminiscent of wet stones. On the palate, subtle nuances of golden apples, toast, vanilla, chantilly, and crème brûlée add layers of depth. The wine’s concentrated flavors unfold gracefully on the palate, leading to a long, silky finish.”

95 Points

2023 Desconcierto Albarino Rias Baixas Spain

2023 Desconcierto Albarino Rias Baixas Spain

Desconcierto

Albariño 2023
Rias Baixas, Spain

2023 Desconcierto Albarino Rias Baixas Spain

Cambados Urban’s Desconcierto Albariño embodies the Albariño grape’s soul with remarkable vitality and precision. This wine dances on the palate, showcasing intricate detail, vibrant acidity, and a harmonious interplay of fruit and minerality. It exemplifies the pinnacle of Albariño—an expression of pure varietal character, deeply rooted in tradition yet imbued with modern finesse.

Nestled within Galicia’s renowned Rías Baixas region, Cambados Urban Winery crafts wines as a tribute to heritage and innovation. Their artisanal approach draws inspiration from local traditions, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. Their Albariño serves as an ambassador of the region, bringing the essence of Rías Baixas to life in every sip.

The 95-point 2023 vintage continues this legacy, with grapes cultivated on granitic soils near the Arousa Estuary, where the Atlantic Ocean’s salty breezes leave an enduring imprint. Meticulously hand-harvested, the fruit undergoes a vinification process designed to preserve its aromatic brilliance. This wine is as vibrant and captivating as the coastal landscape it hails from, a true testament to the artistry of the dedicated team at Cambados Urban.

Desconcierto
Albariño 2023
Rias Baixas, Spain

Your Price: $29.99

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“Cambados Urban Winery is a very exciting project run by the passionate Antonio Galiñanes. This deftly wooded Albariño uses grapes from different old-vine parcels in the village and handles the hot year well. Kelp, fennel and green herb aromas are an enticing prelude to a palate of subtle vanilla and nutmeg spice, lime and waxed lemon fruit and a bitter twist. 2025-30.”

95 Points

2022 Chateau Haut Bertinerie Bordeaux Blanc Grand Vin Bordeaux France

2022 Chateau Haut Bertinerie Bordeaux Blanc Grand Vin Bordeaux France

Château Haut Bertinerie

Bordeaux Blanc 2022
Grand Vin. Bordeaux, France

2022 Chateau Haut Bertinerie Bordeaux Blanc Grand Vin Bordeaux France

White Bordeaux wines, celebrated for their elegance and layered complexity, have enchanted wine lovers for generations. The Château Haut Bertinerie 2022 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux Blanc Grand Vin exemplifies this timeless appeal, emerging from an estate steeped in over two centuries of family tradition. At Château Haut Bertinerie, a seamless blend of heritage and innovation results in wines of exceptional character.

At the core of their success is the Lyre trellis system, a unique “Y”-“-shaped canopy that maximizes sunlight exposure and enhances airflow around the vines. This method promotes optimal ripeness while significantly reducing the need for herbicides. It’s a testament to the estate’s commitment to sustainability, delivering unparalleled richness and vibrancy to their wines.

Adding to the wine’s remarkable depth is the estate’s diverse terroir, comprising three distinct soil types that impart unique characteristics to the Sauvignon Blanc vines. The 2022 vintage harnesses this diversity, with old vines yielding fruit of extraordinary concentration and complexity. Following nearly a full year aging on lees, the wine emerges with an impeccable balance of richness and freshness. Bright citrus flavors mingle with subtle minerality, all wrapped in an elegant structure that promises a graceful evolution with time.

Château Haut Bertinerie
Bordeaux Blanc 2022
Grand Vin. Bordeaux, France

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“This is showing aromas of smoked almonds, vanilla and baked pears. Rich and smoky expression, medium-bodied, with plenty of flavor and density. 100% sauvignon blanc. Drink now.”

90 Points

2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

Raoul Gautherin

Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Burgundy, France 2021

2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

For centuries, the Gautherin family has been an integral part of Chablis’ winemaking history, their lineage tracing back to 1585. Each bottle of Raoul Gautherin carries this legacy, a testament to generations of expertise. Today, the father-son duo continues this proud tradition, cultivating Chablis’ most prized hillside vineyards with a deep respect for the land and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The Vaillons Premier Cru vineyard is a gem of Chablis, renowned for its limestone-rich soils and exceptional sun exposure. Here, the vines yield wines of remarkable purity, a harmonious blend of vibrant minerality, and delicate white fruit aromas. The Gautherins’ meticulous approach—both in the vineyard and the cellar—allows the true essence of this extraordinary terroir to shine through, creating a wine that reflects its origins and a triumph of craftsmanship.

The 2021 vintage is exceptional, showcasing a seamless balance of tropical fruit richness and crystalline acidity. In this Vaillons 1er Cru, the vintage’s brilliance is fully expressed, capturing the very essence of Chablis—elegant, expressive, and deeply rooted in tradition. This wine not only tells the story of its origins but invites you to become a part of it.

Raoul Gautherin
Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons
Burgundy, France 2021

Your Price: $55

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“This 2021 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons from Raoul Gautherin is a truly exceptional wine. The nose is captivating, with a compelling interplay of steely minerals, a whisper of buttery richness, ripe pear, and a vibrant Meyer lemon zest. A flinty note adds a layer of complexity, hinting at the terroir of the Vaillons vineyard. The wine is focused and linear on the palate, showcasing concentrated fruit with an elegant and refined structure. The balance is exquisite, with pristine harmony between citrus and stone fruit flavors. The finish is remarkably long, leaving a lingering impression of minerality and fruit. This is a Chablis of exceptional quality that will undoubtedly age gracefully.”

95 Points

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

Domaine de Villaine

Les Clous Aimé
Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise
White Burgundy, 2022

2022 Domaine de Villaine Les Clous Aime White Burgundy

Few wines possess the allure of Domaine de Villaine’s 2022 Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Les Clous Aimé. This Chardonnay encapsulates the very essence of Burgundy’s finest white wines, offering a harmonious blend of precision and elegance. Each sip reveals vibrant fruit notes, meticulously layered flavors, and a balanced profile that firmly places it among our top five wines of 2024.

The legacy of Domaine de Villaine is intertwined with the renowned Aubert de Villaine, co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Founded in the 1970s, Domaine de Villaine embodies Aubert’s vision of crafting wines rooted in tradition and terroir. Today, under the guidance of his nephew, Pierre de Benoist, the estate continues to uphold its commitment to organic farming and artisanal viticulture, producing wines of exceptional finesse.

Priced at a remarkable $65, this stunning offering invites you to experience the magic of Burgundy firsthand. It offers a glimpse into the world of one of the world’s most esteemed winemaking families, providing an accessible and unforgettable journey into the heart of Burgundy.

Domaine de Villaine
Les Clous Aimé
Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise
White Burgundy, 2022

Your Price: $65

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“The 2022 Domaine de Villaine Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise Le Clous Aimé is immediately captivating on the nose. Bright citrus notes of lemon curd elegantly swirl with lightly toasted hazelnuts. Hints of white spring flowers add a touch of feminine beauty, while subtle butterscotch promises a touch of richness. On the palate, the wine explodes with concentrated, penetrating fruit flavors. Meyer lemons and touches of Granny Smith apples intertwine in a vibrant dance, their bright freshness balanced by an underlying layer of liquid saline. This sensation lingers on the incredibly long finish, leaving a decadent impression. The wine is undeniably opulent, yet very nimble, styled with remarkable finesse – a testament to the producer’s masterful touch.”

96 Points, #3 WCC Top 5 Wines of 2024