Chateau Climens Cypres de Climens Barsac 2016
Brilliant, deep golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of apricot, honey, and chamomile with supporting notes of tropical fruit, orange peel, and peach. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of candied ginger, honeycomb, and lychee. The finish is long and lingering with hints of lemon curd and mineral. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a viscous texture. Made with 100% Semillon. $56.99 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Palmer & Co. Blanc de Blancs Brut Reims NV
Brilliant, light straw color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of white peach and spring flowers with supporting notes of citrus zest, blanched almonds, and wet stones. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of apricot, honeysuckle, nectarine, and subtle toast accents. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet silky texture. $85 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2019
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry and strawberry with supporting notes of hibiscus flower and fleshy red currants. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry and wild red berries. The finish is long and lingering with bright red berry juice. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a surprisingly opulent texture for a nouveau. This is one of the most complex and meaty Nouveau we have tasted. $12.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau Rosé 2019
Brilliant, light salmon color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of red grapefruit and peach with supporting notes of persimmon, apricot stone, and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe and tart orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of raspberry, orange peel, and cranberry. The finish is long and lingering with bright citrus notes. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. $12.99 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
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
