Pascal Biotteau Mary Taylor Selection Anjou 2018
Brilliant, medium golden color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of ripe pear and white peach with supporting notes of slate and lemon curd. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of apricot, honey, and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering with accents of mineral. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet supple texture. Made with 100% Chenin Blanc. $15 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Chateau Lassègue, Lassègue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2011
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and forest floor with supporting notes of five spice, black currant, black tea, and plum. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, leather, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich texture with dried fruits and mineral rising on the finish. Made with a blend of 62% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. A young and beautiful wine from a difficult vintage. $65 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Palmer & Co. Brut Reserve Reims NV
Brilliant, medium golden color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of pear and toasted bread with supporting notes of citrus zest, bees wax, and white peach. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of pear, lemon curd, buttery brioche, and honey. The finish is long and lingering with toasty lees and citrus accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet creamy texture. Roughly half of the blend is Chardonnay supported by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and rested on its lees, in bottle for four years. $60 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Chateau de Nages Buti Nages Costieres De Nimes 2018
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of white peach and raspberry with supporting notes of apricot, watermelon, and strawberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of freshly crushed red berries, citrus, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of Grenache and Syrah. $13 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Aimery Rosé Cremant de Limoux NV
Brilliant, medium crimson color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of red cherry and strawberry with supporting notes of peach and blanched almonds. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry. The finish lingers with subtle toast accents. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. This is a fresh and pleasing Cremant ideal for happy hour. $20 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Jean Biecher Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim Alsace 2016
Brilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of apricot, honeysuckle, and pear with supporting notes of mineral and kumquat. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit. The finish is long and lingering with orange zest and ginger notes. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture and lingering sweet citrus accents. This wonderful off-dry wine has a great future and I can't wait to try it in five and ten years. $35 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Pommery Blanc de Blanc Champagne NV
Brilliant, light gold color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest, jasmine, and wet stones with supporting notes of spring flowers and apricot. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of white peach and toasted bread. The finish is long and lingering with trailing citrus and slate accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Wonderfully crisp in it's youth this lovely blanc de blanc will age beautifully in the cellar over the next five years. $67 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Vallée des Pins Rosé Coteaux d'Aix en Provence 2017
Brilliant, medium pink color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of hibiscus flower and strawberry with supporting notes of raspberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with accents of guava and orange peel. The finish is crisp and clean. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A prefect aperitif rosé. $12 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Château Valade Blanc Entre-Deux-Mers 2016
Brilliant, light pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of grapefruit, and grass with supporting notes of citrus zest, and fresh herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of kiwi, mineral. The finish is dry and crisp. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A lovely aperitif and thirst quenching quaffer. $14 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Clavel Cordélia Chusclan Cotes-du-Rhone, Rouge 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black cherry, raspberry, and dried herbs with supporting notes of black tea, mineral, and pomegranate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of wild berries and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Carignan. A great food wine especially with game. $16 – 4 Stars – 91 points
