France

Plummy purple in colour with aromas of ripe red and black fruit on the nose. On the palate it is silky and smooth with a hint of spice from the Cabernet grapes. Supple tannins are also present, but not overpowering.

Trois Fonds is one of four properties owned by Vignobles Deffarge and is the base of operations for the Valpromy-Deffarge family, who have been here for five generations. The property, which comprises 45 acres, is located near the northwest boundary of Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux, just a few miles from Entre-Deux-Mers.

From the commune of Savigny-en-Véron, the 2020 Chinon Les Barnabés is sourced from the alluvial soils of the Loire and the gravels from the Vienne. The wine opens pure, clear and fresh, but it's also deep and concentrated, with spicy notes of ripe cherries, black berries, raspberries and violets.

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.

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.

This wine has a beautiful garnet color with purple highlights. The nose reveals scents of violet and blackcurrant. With a beautiful structure, this wine does not lack finesse, nor harmony.

Always a great value, Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Les Vignes De Bila Haut is close to equal parts Grenache and Syrah that was destemmed and brought up in concrete and stainless steel.

Almost entirely Merlot, this wine comes from a vineyard made up of 13 different parcels. Richness comes from the Merlot that dominates, offering generous black fruits, ripe tannins and finishing acidity.

A rare beast, a producer holding back their wines until they enter a prime window. Amazing. Hitting its straps and starting to take on a more tertiary slant, precisely what we want here.

Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc coming mainly from clay soils on the plateau and aged for one year in oak, 65% new, the 2015 Clos du Clocher springs forth with profound notes of crushed blackberries, black cherries and blueberry compote plus touches of iron ore, bouquet garni, beef drippings and black soil.

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.

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.