France

L'Ancien comes from Jean Paul's oldest vines--hence the name of the wine--in his home village of Charnay in the southern Beaujolais. They range in age from 40 to 60 years old and are planted on slopes sporting the area's signature sandy clay-limestone soils, featuring the particular local "dorée" or "golden" limestone that is laden with iron.

From his vines planted in limestone (Boland and Heimbourg crus of Turckheim), Boxler’s Réserve bottling always has great acidity and an ethereal quality that makes it one of the most noble bottlings of this grape in the world.

Pale pink color. The nose is very elegant, with white fruits notes. In the mouth the roundness dominates with
aromas of fresh apricot and orange zest. Freshness at the finish is very pleasant.

Virginie de Valandraud Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 is the exceptional second wine of Château Valandraud, created in 1992 and named after the daughter of Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud.

From a region known for creating sometimes burly wines, this lower-alcohol, fruit-driven cuvée from declassified Bandol vines is a refreshingly vibrant wine from Provence. Blooming with fresh berry fruits and mild tannin, it’s a beacon of hope that fresh wines are still possible in this increasingly hot region.

One of the oldest domaines in Marsannay, dating back to the 17th century. 30-40 year old vines from three vineyards, all organic. Flowers on the nose lead to brooding dark cherry and raspberry on the palate, joined by compost, dried herbs and crisp minerality. Round body, ripe tannins. Soft and approachable.

René Rostaing has been producing high-quality Syrah and Viognier in the Northern Rhone for over 25 years. The property is comprised of 14 lieux-dits, scattered over 20+ hectares, with vines ranging in age from 60-100 years.

Tasted at the château, the 2005 Chateau d’Yquem delivers a similar performance as last year. Lucid in colour, the bouquet is detailed with very pure honey, vanilla and almond scents, still a little new oak to be fully assimilated but demonstrating superb focus.

The 2018 Domaine Huet Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux is a captivating Chenin Blanc with a clear, deep, and flinty aroma that exudes pure minerality. On the palate, it balances lush intensity with vibrant tension, delivering elegance and vitality in every sip.

Great concentration and a previously unseen quantity of tannins characterized the wines, which possessed extraordinary aromatic intensity, freshness and precision.

The 2009 Haut-Brion is deep garnet colored and slightly closed and shy to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal sensuous notions of warm blackberries, plum preserves, mulberries and blackcurrant cordial with touches of star anise, mocha and damp soil.

One of the region's most charming yet least understood villages, Chénas in the hands of Dutraive comes off as a Morgon-Fleurie hybrid, with ample structure and gravitas supporting its inherently elegant fruit and tannin profile.

Domaine Follin-Arbelet Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru is an exquisite white Burgundy, showcasing the elegance of Chardonnay from one of the most prestigious terroirs. With layered aromas of citrus, white flowers, and toasted almonds, it offers a rich, complex palate with vibrant minerality and a long, refined finish.

This single vineyard Burgundy is a stunning example of the unique terroir found in this village. The wine is light and feminine but will age beautifully over time.

The generic Santenay is made from old vines – 50 years of average age – is a good start. It’s quite forward – 70% whole cluster – with a lovely organic fruit spiced with cinnamon and allspice.