2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

2021 Raoul Gautherin Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Burgundy France

with No Comment $50-$60BurgandyChardonnayFranceKevin Vogt

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

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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

with No Comment $60-$70BurgandyChablisChardonnayKevin VogtUSA

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

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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

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

with No Comment $30-$40ChardonnayKevin VogtSonomaSonoma CoastUSA

Lombardi

Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Coast

2021 Lombardi Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

Lombardi’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay leaves a lasting impression—a glimpse of the exceptional 2021 vintage and the expert farmers who tended the vines. The Lombardi family has been a proud steward of Sonoma County’s winemaking heritage since settling in the region in 1947. With a deep respect for the land and a passion for crafting exceptional wines, Lombardi specializes in small-lot wines that capture the essence of the Sonoma Coast. 

The 2021 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is a shining example of Lombardi’s meticulous approach to winemaking. Sourced from Benovia’s celebrated Martaella Vineyard—renowned for its connection to icons like Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell—this Chardonnay carries the legacy of one of Sonoma’s most coveted sites. 

Barrel-fermented, the wine seamlessly integrates flavors, with the oak serving as a delicate frame rather than a defining feature. The 2021 vintage offers a striking balance of power and finesse, showcasing depth and concentration from an exceptional growing season. Bright acidity and coastal freshness dance harmoniously with its rich texture, delivering a vibrant and compelling Chardonnay.

Lombardi
Chardonnay 2021
Sonoma Coast
Retails at: $52

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“A bright straw/yellow hue, the 2021 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is ripe with aromas of candied apple, lemon candies, and a savory saline. It boasts fantastic brightness on the palate, and it’s ripe and juicy but never feels over-ripe. Its really enjoyable and is going to show its best over the next 6-8 years.”

93 Points

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

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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

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

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

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtNapaSauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

Illumination

Sauvignon Blanc
Napa/Sonoma 2023

2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc Napa-Sonoma

Quintessa, a renowned Rutherford producer, extends its meticulous craftsmanship to Sauvignon Blanc, crafting Illumination, a wine as exquisite as its flagship red. This luminous expression bursts with vibrant notes of passionfruit, white peach, orange blossom, and zesty tangerine, creating a captivating bouquet.

Rooted in a deep commitment to the environment, Quintessa selected specific blocks to cultivate thriving clonal varieties, capturing the essence of Napa and Sonoma’s diverse terroir. With the same precision that defines their renowned reds, Illumination is crafted from vines planted in 2002, resulting in a Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional character and depth.

The 2023 vintage marks a stellar year in Napa Valley. Abundant winter rains and moderate temperatures fostered an ideal growing season, culminating in the 2023 Illumination Sauvignon Blanc. This exceptional wine showcases Napa’s elegance and vitality, making it a true showstopper.

Illumination
Sauvignon Blanc
Napa/Sonoma 2023

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“The Illumination 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Napa Valley and Sonoma County to offer a balanced, vibrant bouquet of citrus and floral notes, including orange blossom, acacia, followed by a burst of lime zest, lemon, and a hint of grapefruit. On the palate, the wine is crisp and refreshing, with a touch of minerality reminiscent of wet stones. The acidity is well-balanced, leading to a lingering finish that reveals subtle notes of peaches and cream, and a delicate pastry dough character.”

95 Points

2022 Zialena Sauvignon Blanc Geyserville

2022 Zialena Sauvignon Blanc Geyserville

with No Comment $30-$40Alexander ValleyKevin VogtSauvignon BlancSonomaUSA

ZIALENA

SAUVIGNON BLANC
GEYSERVILLE 2022

2022 Zialena Sauvignon Blanc Geyserville

Our tasting panel was immediately enamored by this wine and wondered how we’d never heard of it before. The winery sits on a 120-acre property in Alexander Valley that dates back to the early 1900s when Giuseppe Mazzoni immigrated from Carrara, Italy, and became a grape farmer and winemaker after joining the Italian Swiss Colony. 

The vineyards are situated in a prime location with exceptional terroir, including a combination of soil types, microclimates, and elevation changes that contribute to the unique characteristics found in Zialena wines.

The Winery is committed to sustainable farming practices and employs environmentally friendly methods in the vineyards, focusing on handcrafted, small-lot production wines. The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc is the second vintage fermented in custom concrete eggs using the egg’s natural convection to stir the lees and create an elegant structure with a soft texture and ultimate concentrated flavor complexity.

ZIALENA
SAUVIGNON BLANC
GEYSERVILLE 2022

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“The Zialena 2022 Geyserville Sauvignon Blanc opens with beautiful aromatics, including elderflower, gardenia, ripe citrus and tropical fruits, and a creamy lemon custard. On the palate, the wine has zippy acidity balanced with concentrated flavors of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, passion fruit, melon, and wet stone minerality. The wine has a touch of creaminess on the mouthfeel and a long, dynamic finish.”

94 Point

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
NV Bouquin-Dupont Grand Cru Champagne Blanc De Blancs Brut

NV Bouquin-Dupont Grand Cru Champagne Blanc De Blancs Brut

with No Comment $50-$60ChampagneChampagne/SparklingFranceKevin Vogt

BOUQUIN-DUPONT

GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE
BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT NV

NV Bouquin-Dupont Grand Cru Champagne Blanc De Blancs Brut
The Echelle des Crus was established in 1911, ranking Champagne’s wine-producing villages and the vineyards surrounding them on a scale from 80-100%, and out of the 319 villages in the region, just 17 were awarded a 100% rating and given the prestigious Grand Cru status. Bouquin-DuPont’s Grand Cru Champagne is a prime example of classification’s majestic and regal quality.
This wine originates from Bouquin DuPont & Fils’ Grand Cru vineyard in Avize in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, an area home to vineyards owned by famous Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Roederer, and Taittinger. This ‘Blanc de Blancs’ is a 100% Chardonnay blend from the house’s base wines aged four to ten years on the lees, creating a wonderfully developed, complex wine with a superb balance of focused, linear flavors and aromas.
BOUQUIN-DUPONT
GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE
BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT NV
Your Price: $55
“Indescribably brilliant with a freshness and vibrancy that need to be experienced to be believed , this otherworldly Champagne cascades wave after wave of candied citrus, quince, yellow plum and green pear fruit with elements of wet stone/saline-like minerality, toast, white flowers and a hint of ginger. On your palate, it takes over and puts your swallow reflex into overdrive, then the expansive finish grows for a minute plus, leaving you begging for another sip. It’s simply my new favorite Champagne.”
97 Points