Open and intense nose with notes of orange and grapefruit. The attack is fresh and supple. Well-balanced and concentrated wine with good mineral length on the finish.

A mild and very wet winter led to an early and even budbreak. The damp weather lasted all the way through Spring accompanied by some very cool temperatures. Miraculously, full flowering took place between the 7th and the 11th of June which was a 5-day period of lovely weather and relatively hot temperatures. These conditions encouraged a quick and uniform flowering followed by a good return of fruit. The midpoint of the colour change of the berries happened around the 10th of August, with excellent uniformity across all the grape varieties. Despite these unpredictable swings of Nature; the heat and the absence of rain, the vines could maintain a healthy foliage right up to the beginning of the harvest thanks both to the water reserves and to the ploughing of the plots. Harvesting started 8 days late. Light showers at the beginning of September and a lovely Indian summer during the picking meant that all the grape varieties achieved perfect ripeness and a healthy condition placing the 2016 vintage among the great vintages.

Exhibiting pure elegance, Potazzine Rosso di Montalcino unfurls gradually, initially presenting notes of red plum and dusty rose. With some gentle coaxing, it reveals violet florals, cedar, and crushed stone aromas that come to the forefront. The palate is captivated by a dynamic blend of succulent wild berries and contrasting saline mineral undertones, all complemented by a refreshing acidity. A lingering interplay of citrus and cranberry adds a delightful tension, leaving a pleasant pinch on the cheeks and enticing the taste buds for more, while gentle fine tannins slowly emerge, providing a delicate coating. This wine is truly stunning, but it is advisable to decant it or cellar it for the next five to eight years to fully appreciate its beauty.

"Potazzine" refers to colourful and vivacious birds which inhabit the Tuscany countryside. The property is owned by Gigliola Giannetti who created the winery in 1993 upon the birth of her first daughter and further expanded it another 2ha three years later after the birth of her second daughter.  Potazzine is also a term of endearment given to children by parents and grandparents and it was Gigliola’s mother who affectionately gave this nickname to the two girls.  These prestigious wines are made using natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, long macerations and ageing in Slavonian oak for 40 months resulting in wines with smooth tannins. The nose is fruity and floral with notes of red cherry, and violets, defined by savoury tomato leaf, balsamic and spice notes for a beautifully balanced wine.

Philippe and Valerie Bassereau (4th generation) have been managing the Chateau de la Graves estate since 1990 in one of the more unknown appellations of Bordeaux: Cotes de Bourg (on the right bank opposite of Margaux). Here they specialize in the ancient Colombard grape, blended with Semillon for the white wines, and Merlot dominated reds. This gorgeous white wine is a blend of 60% Semillon and 40% Colombard that blends acacia flowers, nutmeg spice and lemony citrus that pairs well with many seafood dishes, both grilled and raw!

The S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and complex with aromas of currants, violets, and dusty cocoa powder. Generous dark fruit flavors dominate the palate and meld with hints of graphite. The tannins are structured but have a soft edge, and the Napa Cabernet finishes with a dark chocolate note.

We don’t often think about Nebbiolo outside of Barolo or Barbaresco, but the northern region of Gattinara is a quality region growing points-worthy Spanna, as it is known here. Elegant with aromas and flavours of dried roses, raspberry jam and hints of toasted nuts and vanilla. If you’ve never tried Nebbiolo from Northern Piemonte, this is a good place to start. 

This wine shows an earthy but fresh nose which evolves into fruity glimpses on the palate. The flavors' weight, from light to medium, contribute to a beautiful balance and length, one of the best in its range.

Aromas of sweet cherries, currants, loamy soil and espresso roast introduce the 2017 Pommard 1er Cru Clos de Verger, a medium to full-bodied, supple and open-knit wine that will drink well out of the gates. The character of the vintage emphasizes the charm that wines from this site often display. -WA

Michel Rey Pouilly Fuisse La Marechaude is a white wine made from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Pouilly-Fuisse subregion of Burgundy. The wine has a bright, golden color and a complex bouquet of ripe fruit, including peach, apricot, and tropical fruit, with hints of vanilla and toast. On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied, with flavors of stone fruit and citrus, balanced by a refreshing acidity and a long, lingering finish. This wine pairs well with seafood, poultry, and creamy sauces.

This Santenay Premier Cru from the Clos Faubard vineyard, on the top of the hillside, has a ruby colour with a pale pink rim. The nose displays a delightful bouquet featuring fresh notes of peony, along with aromas of kirsch and wild strawberry. On the palate, this Santenay Premier Cru is supple with slightly smoky and peppery notes in the finish.

Louis Latour's vineyards cover 50 ha and includes the largest collection of Grand Cru in Burgundy, not to mention a name synonymous with quality. En Chevret vineyard is located in the Volnay appellation; an eastern exposition located close to Mersault. It has a bright ruby color and aromas of red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, as well as floral and spice notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and well-structured, with flavors of ripe fruit, earth, and subtle oak nuances. This is an elegant wine with supple tannins and a round, slightly woody finish.

Domaine Jacques Prieur Beaune-Grèves 1er Cru Blanc is a classic, elegant Chardonnay from Burgundy, offering a blend of ripe orchard fruits (apple, pear, peach), citrus (lemon), and floral notes, with toasty hints of vanilla, almond, and flint from oak aging, featuring a vibrant acidity, good tension, and a long, mineral, refreshing finish, pairing well with rich fish, poultry in creamy sauces, or truffle dishes. 

Bright deep purple colour. On the nose, it develops powerful aromas of red berries, cherry, and raspberry, enhanced by toasted and spicy nuances. Well-balanced, it is powerful and full-bodied with concentrated aromas of fruit and liquorice. Ripe tannins give the wine a velvety texture.

The Derthona of Vigneti Massa is produced exclusively from white grapes that have always been cultivated in the Apennine and pre-Apennine hills of the "marca Obertenga"; with phylloxera has risked extinction, now it is regaining the ancient spaces: from 4 hectares in 2000 to the current 150 hectares cultivated by over forty producers. The Derthona comes from a cold maceration of about 40/45 hours, with subsequent fermentation for about 12 months in stainless steel tanks and periodic "batonnage" of the lees for about 12 months

Appearance : Nice deep ruby robe, limpid and brilliant
Bouquet : Open and pleasant aromas on blackberry and other black berry fruits
so typical from the wines from Côte de Nuits, backed by nice touch of toasted
bread
In the mouth : Full of fruits, powerful and complex at the same time ! Flavours
of undergrowth and blueberry. Tannins are well integrated and the wine is very
elegant and long lasting

After a classic winter, spring settled down with warm températures, but fabulous weather in April slowed down the vines’ evolution. May was rainy and was followed by a warm summer with heat waves. However, a few thunderstorm épisodes brought enough rain to allow the maturation of the grapes to continue. The harvest started in early September with an excellent sanitary level of the grapes. Vinification: whole bunch fermentation for approximately two weeks; the wines are then aged in our XVth century cellar for a period between 14 and 18 months—moderate use of new oak.

Tasting: Dark ruby colour. Delicate floral fragrances (violet) mixed with red berries and plum aromas with a hint of vanilla. Well-balanced and complex. Dense and velvety texture. Well-integrated tannins. Long aftertaste. GUIDE BETTANE & DESSEAUVE 2020 : Score 16/20 - JANCIS ROBINSON : 16/20 - BURGHOUND : Score 88-91/100

Food pairing: Game (pheasant), poultry and all the classic cheeses (Epoisses, Langres).

Located in Nuits-Saint-Georges, the Dufuoleur family has been steeped in Burgundian winemaking and culture for more than 400 years. Their property of 30ha runs from the village of Fixin in the north to Santenay in the south. The Fraîches Eaux Nuits-Saint-Georges is a very small plot planted to Pinot Noir grapes with an average age of 45 years. Aromas of blackthorn, strawberry and cherry dominated with further nuances of tobacco, candied strawberry and forest floor notes on the palate. Nuits-Saint-Georges offers more full-bodied examples of Pinot Noir and this wine is no exception.

Duchesse de Magenta Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Garenne 2018 is a white wine from the Côte de Beaune subregion of Burgundy, France. The wine is made entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Garenne vineyard, which is known for producing wines with a delicate balance of fruit and acidity. On the nose, the wine offers aromas of white flowers, citrus, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with flavors of lemon, green apple, and a subtle minerality. The acidity is crisp and refreshing, providing a long and elegant finish. This wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to a decade to allow its flavors to further develop.

Droin Chablis is a white wine made entirely from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Montée de Tonnerre 1er Cru vineyard in Chablis, Burgundy. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness and purity of fruit.

On the nose, the wine exhibits aromas of green apple, citrus, white flowers, and a hint of minerality. On the palate, the wine is dry, crisp, and refreshing with flavors of lemon, green apple, and a touch of salinity. The wine is well-structured with a medium body and a long and satisfying finish.

Overall, this a classic Chablis with a good balance of fruit and acidity. The Montée de Tonnerre vineyard is known for producing some of the finest Chablis wines, with complex flavors and a distinct mineral character. This wine pairs well with seafood, particularly oysters and shellfish, as well as chicken and light cream sauces.

Domaine Servin Chablis Vieilles Vignes is a white wine made entirely from Chardonnay grapes sourced from old vines in different subregions of Chablis, Burgundy. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness and purity of fruit.

On the nose, the wine exhibits aromas of green apple, lemon zest, white flowers, and a hint of minerality. On the palate, the wine is dry, crisp, and refreshing with flavors of lemon, green apple, and a touch of salinity. The wine is well-structured with a medium body and a long and satisfying finish.

Overall, Domaine Servin Chablis Vieilles Vignes is a classic Chablis with a good balance of fruit and acidity. It pairs well with seafood, particularly oysters and shellfish, as well as chicken and light cream sauces.

Wines from Puligny-Montrachet are typified by aromas and flavors of green apple and lemon and tend to be tauter and firmer on the palate compared to wines from neighboring villages. Aging in a small percentage of new French oak barrels lends accents of toast and vanilla. Structured white wines with high acid and grip, Puligny-Montrachet is destined for long aging.

This elegant and charming rosé wine is a blend of Caladoc (crossing of Grenache and Malbec), Syrah, and Grenache. The summer breezes in this area along with the Mistral preserve the freshness and purity of the fruit. It is a harmony of complex aromas leading into round, pleasant palate.

Michel Chapoutier is known for crafting terroir-driven fine wines that deliver astonishing value at all price points. His entry-level offerings, such as this vibrant, racy blend of Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris and Macabeu, offer some of the greatest values you can find anywhere, and their quality is never in doubt. This example shows ripe orange citrus, peach, mineral, spice, and a gorgeous texture. Perfect for seafood.

92/100, Wine Enthusiast: "This wine offers a full, bright bouquet that is packed with notes of cherry, chocolate, exotic spice, leather, rum cake and a touch of cinnamon. The palate shows smooth, fine tannins and a long, fruit-driven finish."

The Tollot-Beaut family is a based at Chorey-Les-Beaune with vineyards located in Beaune, Savigny, Aloxe-Corton and a small holding in Corton Charlemagne. The 2020 Corton Grand Cru, which comes from Les Combes as usual (though not on the label), has a lovely nose with brambly red fruit, black truffle and subtle pencil box aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, very fine tension and an almost sorbet-fresh, quite mouth-coating finish. It will require time in bottle...but this Corton will be worth the wait.

The Les Rugiens vineyard is one of the most prized vineyards in the Pommard appellation and considered worthy to be named a Grand Cru. The wines here are ageable and muscular due to the iron content in the soil. The aspect is southeast and receives ample sunshine during the day which results in the grapes coming to full phenolic ripeness. This 100% Pinot noir hasclassy black fruit aromas and a spicy, peppery background. Dense, fleshy, and harmonious, the tannins are rich, and the finish is lengthy. This will age for years, so put it away for a few years to mellow.

Domaine Harmand -Geoffroy is a family owned winery dating back to the 19th century. The family owns 22ha of vineyards in the prestigious Gevrey-Chambertin appellation. Most of the vines are over 50-years old, some reaching 85 years. The Lavaux St. Jacques is a Premier Cru vineyard located just west of the village of Gevrey-Chambertin. This 9.5ha vineyard is planted entirely to Pinot Noir and is considered to be one of the best Premier Cru in the region. The resulting wines are rich and lush. Matured in 50% new oak, this 100% pinot noir shows mineral intensity with spicy black fruit overlaying an earthy core. This powerful wine needs time to reveal its inner layers, but an underlying sense of freshness promises that this wine will age for decades.

Similar to its growing season, this wine projects harmony and evenness with an underlying current of something a little thrilling. The 2020 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir is structured and dense, while earth and spice abound with unfolding notes of dark fruits and floral highlights. Fresh acidity lengthens the attack and expands these flavors across the palate.

Attractive, sensual, balanced. A soft and persuasive Barbaresco. Velvety tannins and great body define this wine, that ends with a fruity finish and floral note.

Clean mineral notes, spice, dried flowers, menthol and graphite all run through this potent yet super-refined Barbera that cries for cold weather and bold, lusty food on the table. When I think about what Asti Barbera should be, the Bionzo often comes to mind."

A firm, fine-grained red with plum, mahogany, iron and bark on the nose and palate. It's full-bodied with a dusty texture from the tannins. Flavorful finish. Needs time to soften, but a beautiful young Barolo.

Color: Brilliant golden yellow with green reflections and silver rim.
Nose: The bouquet of the 2020 Chablis Grand Cru Blanchot from Domaine l'Enclos is delicate and mineral, its aroma gaining additional expression with oxygen contact. Fruity hints of apple, lemon, lemon zest, honeydew melon, vineyard peach and a hint of wild strawberry combine with lime blossom, heather and anise as well as freshly churned butter and brioche. Its elegant and multi-layered attack invites you to enjoy it.
Palate: Juicy, playful on the palate, its fine acidity, pronounced fruitiness and fine tannin make you think of grapefruit and lemon peel. A truly great Burgundy that still seems a little shy on the palate, a real long-distance runner with a chalky orientation. The patient connoisseur will be rewarded if he puts a few bottles aside, because the fineness will clearly catapult forward with further maturity. The impatient will best forget it opened for a few days in the fridge before drinking it with classics of French cuisine.
Be sure to decant. Bellied Burgundy glasses let it win additionally.

Violet combines in a most subtle fashion with gentle vanilla on the perfumed nose. A slight cloud of flinty reduction has nothing on them. The palate is supremely elegant, translucent and so subtle that every nuance of red-fruited finesse gets its moment in the light. This is elegance squared. Beautiful, poised, exquisite and lasting.

For six generations, Domaine Noellat has been farming their 20ha of land. With entreprenurial spirit, the family was always looking to adapt to new technologies, while respecting the traditions handed down from one generation to another. The cellar was built in 1980 while in 2007 an ultra modern winery was erected with state of the art stainless tanks and a dedicated tasting space in the cellar. Cousins Sebastien and Sophie work closely together making strategic decisions based on the nature of each harvest. Vosne-Romanee is more of an "elegant" appellation, where you'll find soft red fruit of cherry and strawberry and hints of mint and vanilla-chocolate.

For six generations, Domaine Noellat has been farming their 20ha of land. With entreprenurial spirit, the family was always looking to adapt to new technologies, while respecting the traditions handed down from one generation to another. The cellar was built in 1980 while in 2007 an ultra modern winery was erected with state of the art stainless tanks and a dedicated tasting space in the cellar. Cousins Sebastien and Sophie work closely together making strategic decisions based on the nature of each harvest. The Premier cru of Les Suchots is 1.8ha with 70 years average age of the vines. This 100% Pinot Noir has a delicate nose with notes of cherry, violet and hints of pepper. The palate is full bodied, yet balanced with a touch of floral sweetness. Try in 5 years or keep for the next 5-15 years.

For six generations, Domaine Noellat has been farming their 20ha of land. With entreprenurial spirit, the family was always looking to adapt to new technologies, whilst respecting the traditions handed down from one generation to another. The cellar was built in 1980, then in 2007 an ultra modern winery was erected with state of the art stainless tanks and a dedicated tasting space in the cellar. Cousins Sebastien and Sophie work closely together making strategic decisions based on the nature of each harvest. The pinot noir grapes are all hand harvested and 100% de-stemmed, stainless steel fermentation, then ageing for 16 months in 70% new barrels. The wine shows ripe cherries, red currant and earthy notes with medium body, and silky tannins. Great ageability on this wine; put this away for a few years yet. Drink to 2060.

87/100 Wine Enthusiast

"An attractive, young blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, this fresh wine is also rich with acidity. It has a light zesty character and a creamy aftertaste. Roger Voss"

This family owned Domaine has a prestigious location: they are the only Domaine located inside the walls of Clos Vougeot itself. They are the largest owners of land with 5.5ha, many of these with Pinot Noir vines that were planted in 1910. Although they always farmed organically, they received their certification in 2021. This 2019 Pinot Noirs shows tightly packed black and red fruit accented with notes of violets, mineral, earth and wild herbs. This is powerful and rich, with firm tannins, lots of body, and the ability to age almost indefinitely. Try from 2026

This Chateau in St. Emilion was purchased in 2011 by Clarence Dillon, and renamed to Chateau Quintus. The 'V' as used in Quintus is the Roman numeral 5 that characterises the slopes and plots of the vines facing four cardinal points and bowing before the sky, yet also depicting the 5th winery owned within the Domaine Clarence Dillon family. The dragon statue with a 6-metre wingspan that sits atop the promontory, has become a symbol for the estate and is depicted on all the bottles of Chateau Quintus. The 2015 was warm and sunny and with this ideal weather, has become one of the greatest vintages of the Right Bank. A red wine blend of 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc, the nose has a rich, complex bouquet of blackberries, currants and spicy plums with a touch of graphite. Perfectly balanced with plush tannins, stony minerality and a long finish. Ready to drink, but can be aged for another 10-15 years.