M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc 2017
Once again, M. Chapoutier’s 2017 Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Côtes du Roussillon Blanc exceeds expectations for its modest price point. This approachable blend 50% Grenache Blanc, 20% Marsanne, 20% Macabeo, and, yes, 10% Vermentino is crisp and bright with wafting aromas of d’Anjou pear, yellow apple, and lemon drop, followed by top notes of lemon […]
Department 66 D66 2014
Dave Phinney’s latest project is Department 66, this bottling, a sublime blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan from France’s Maury AOC—a region famous for its fortified Vin Doux Naturel wines, not its still wines. And the D22 did not disappoint—it’s a powerhouse—a deep dive into blueberries, blackberry crumble, charcuterie, baker’s chocolate, anise, and mountain herbs […]
J. de Telmont Cuvée Sans Soufre Ajouté Brut NV
A rarity in the Champagne world, J. de Telmont’s Cuvée Sans Soufre Ajouté Brut is crafted from biodynamically-grown grapes and is made entirely without the addition of sulfur—a practice that makes this former vintner a tad nervous. This bottle made its way back from Reims in my suitcase and weathered the trip well—and offers up […]
Château Puygueraud Francs Côtes de Bordeaux 2015
Owned by George Thienpont—the family also own Vieux Château Certan, as such Puygueraud delivers excellent value. This supple blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Malbec delivers enveloping aromas of blackcurrant, blackberries, Bing cherries, sweet tobacco, leather, and vanilla. It’s round and silky in the mouth with suave tannins that lend structure and […]
Piccini Villa al Cortile Brunello di Montalcino 2010
A classic, the 2010 Piccini Villa al Cortile Brunello di Montalcino unfurls slowly, revealing her bountiful aromatic charm—underbrush and brambly forest berries, tart pie cherries, forest floor, leather, wild mint, and decaying rose petals. It’s nimble on the palate, furnished with soft, fine tannins and a vein of marly limestone running through the center. Sour […]
Maîtres Vignerons de la Presqu’ile de Saint-Tropez Côtes de Provence Fleur de Mer Rosé 2016
A perennial favorite, Fleur de Mer Rosé is salmon-hued in the glass and unsparing in summer fruit—melon and raspberries followed by lilting white flowers and wet stone. In the mouth, it’s lithe, bright, and bedecked in texturally lovely, mineral-laden acidity that plays nicely with pink pomelo pith and subtle hints of the sea. 13.0% ABV […]
Suntory Whiskey Toki
Goldenrod yellow in the glass, Toki is a beguiling blend of whiskeys from Suntory’s Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries. Light on its feet, bright aromas of dried flowers, yellow apple, and lemon peel, blanched almond and delicate smokiness anoint the nose. It’s silky on entry, and refreshing with almost no sensation of heat on the […]
Trimbach Pinot Gris Alsace Réserve 2013
Brimming with aromas of peach pit, apricot, paraffin, pastry cream, and white flowers, Trimbach’s 2013 Pinot Gris Alsace Réserve is full and fleshy on the palate with a gorgeous, driving vein of oyster shell and saline that pulses through the core like a magnetic wave. Highly recommended. 13.5% ABV | Sample Trimbach 89 Points
Château Mauvesin Barton Moulis-en-Médoc 2012
2012 vintage was a bit of a mixed bag for Bordeaux—a year beset by poor fruit set and a notably hot summer. The 2012 Château Mauvesin Barton Moulis-en-Médoc offers up classic aromas of plum, cassis, a touch of leather and a bit of underbrush. In the mouth, the tannins are firm, but velvety, with acidity […]
Jean-Claude et Nicolas Fayolle Crozes-Hermitage La Rochette 2015
This classic 100% Syrah from Jean-Claude et Nicolas Fayolle is infused with aromas of boysenberries, plums, charcuterie, camphor, and violets. In the mouth, it’s medium bodied, with a well-delineated vein of acidity that plays nicely with back-palate flavors of plum skins and green peppercorn. A nice find from Garagiste and one that paired beautifully with a […]