France

This north-facing limestone site is cool and late ripening. In a warm year like 2019 its quality soars. There is such a fine acidity and outstanding length. I was really blown away by this, and can’t wait to see how the fruit and acidity entwine further with some bottle age. Nervous and tense, this warrants attention.

Calon Château St Georges St Emilion 2019 is a prestigious red wine from the Saint-Émilion wine region in Bordeaux, France. This wine is made predominantly from Merlot grapes, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, carefully selected from the estate's vineyards.

Boxler is widely considered one of the top producers in Alsace, although this small, meticulously run estate is often overshadowed by its larger, more famous neighbors (Trimbach, Humbrecht etc.). But that suits current winemaker/proprietor Jean Boxler just fine.

Very expressive nose of morello cherry and brown tobacco, with sweet notes of licorice candy and peony. A complex palate, expressing violet and fresh blackcurrant, finishing with hints of thyme and a touch of bitter orange zest that gives the finish a gourmet taste.

Des Rocs Pic Saint-Loup Sancto Lupo Domaine 2020 is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache from the prestigious Pic Saint-Loup appellation. Crafted with indigenous fermentation in stainless steel and concrete, it showcases a pure expression of the limestone soil, with no wood aging to maintain its freshness.

Clarendelle Saint-Émilion, Inspired by Haut-Brion, is a subtle blend of three traditional Bordeaux grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine expresses all the mystery of Saint-Émilion, with this unique style. It is a real wine of pleasure and sharing.

Firm, but balanced, this is a wine with many of the virtues of the vintage. It has weight and richness, but also fresh, juicy, fruity acidity all packaged nicely in tannins.

Clos de la Vieille Eglise, the tiny property estate of Jean-Louis and Benoît Trocard, has an opulent bouquet with layers of ripe cassis and blueberry fruit, just showing a little more alcohol than its Pomerol peers. The palate is ripe and generous on the entry. I was expecting it to spill over into something overdone... but no. It is actually very elegant and harmonious with great depth and very fine persistence.

Overlooking the Gironde estuary, the Château Loumelat is ideally located. The vineyards are grown on the slopes and benefit from a privileged location, which makes it possible to create wines of rare finesse. The estate's soils are located 10 km northeast of the historic town of Blaye.

Benjamin de Trintaudon Haut-Médoc is a refined Bordeaux red wine from the prestigious Haut-Médoc appellation. Crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it offers rich aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and subtle oak.

Grown on clay-limestone soils, on the heights of the Ardeche mountains. The aging on fine lees preserve all aromatic intensity of this grape varietal with intense citrus, grapefruit and floral aromas revealed by a nice balance between liveliness and freshness.

This wine is very expressive with aromas of flowers and honey. The palate is fresh with great acidity, displaying clean tropical fruit flavors before the round, satisfying finish. Bottled after 6 months aging on lees in French oak barrels.

Val de Mer Chablis 2022 is crafted from three distinct parcels, including Des Couverts, Prehy, and Lignorelles, each contributing to its unique character. This wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel to maintain its bright and fresh qualities.

Located in the southern part of Rhône, Château Mourgues du Grès spans over 55 hectares planted with Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Vermentino vines, which make up this cuvée. Citrus, white fruits and flowers mark the silky mouth graced with a salty finale.

Intense red color with garnet reflection. Notes of forest fruits and black fruits on the nose, as well as some spicy, peppery and roasted notes.

Soft, creamy attack on the aromas of fruit then wood and roasting. More tense finish on a rich and supple finish.