An early drinking cocktail of Pinot Blanc, Gewurz and Riesling, all wrapped in Boxler's trademark elegance and refinement.

Clos Sand is a small lieux-dit, situated near the top of the Grand Cru Steingrübler. Usually marked by great acidity and focus.

The Clos Saint Imer vineyard is a true clos (unlike many so-called in Alsace) within the larger Goldert Grand Cru. Their plot is towards the upper slopes, by the church, after which this cuvee is named. A rare domaine in that their Muscat and Pinot Gris is prized as highly as the Riesling. Ageing of the PG is 15+ years in a typical vintage.

"Tobacco smoke-infused peaches can be discerned in the aromatics of the 1998 Tokay-Pinot Gris Clos St. Imer La Chapelle Goldert. Medium to full-bodied, dense, plump, and rich, it reveals layers of botrytis-infused peaches, apricots, cloves, and fresh herbs. This outstanding Pinot Gris should be at its best between 2003 and 2012." 91 Points Pierre Rovani

One of the best domaines in Alsace without a shadow of a doubt, of their 19 hectares, 5 are in Grand Cru sites. Very rich SGNS like this one. Lots of botryitis character.

The Clos Saint Imer vineyard is a true clos (unlike many so-called in Alsace) within the larger Goldert Grand Cru. Their plot is towards the upper slopes, by the church, after which this cuvee is named. A rare domaine in that their Muscat and Pinot Gris is prized as highly as the Riesling. Ageing of the PG is 15+ years in a typical vintage.

"Ruby-red. Cherry, blackcurrant, red berries and spicy oak on the nose, with hints of cracked pepper and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied, fresh and silky, the red and dark berry fruit flavors joined by cured meat, tobacco and mocha. Finishes on a pronounced note of pomegranate, with fine-grained tannins offering support. While this is drinking well already, I'd hold off on popping a cork for at least another three years. There was no Bin 707 cabernet sauvignon made in 2003, so this wine and the Bin 407 benefited from the addition of higher-quality juice than usual." 89 Points Josh Raynolds

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

Le Pré is parcel with a sandy terroir in Charentais. Approx annual production: 180 cs.

Semi-carbonic style from a producer that is hotly tipped for the future - average vine age 40 years. No added sulphur

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

"Bottled only a week before I tasted it, Alain Coudert's 2019 Fleurie from the Clos de la Roilette is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of rose petals, red cherries, raspberries, spices and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, deep and velvety, it's elegant and fine-boned, with lively acids, refined structuring tannins and a long, perfumed finish. Readers who gravitate toward classical styles of Beaujolais will prefer the 2019 to the richer, more gourmand 2018, but both are lovely vintages for this reference-point address. As I've written before, the Coudert family acquired Fleurie's famous Clos de la Roilette—which neighbors Moulin-à-Vent formerly traded under that name—in 1967, and Alain has been at the helm since 1991. The soils here are rich in clay and manganese, and that, combined with a classical approach to maceration, results in muscular, structured wines that age very well. Vinified largely with whole clusters and the traditional submerged cap, these are typically deeply colored wines with plenty of fruit and tannin. The 2019 vintage has turned out especially well, and it's the most overtly Fleurie-styled vintage—in the sense that this appellation is identified with perfume and finesse—that Coudert has produced in a decade. If the gourmand generosity and wealth of fruit of 2018 will win the domaine new friends, then the fragrant and beautifully balanced 2019 will exercise special appeal over Beaujolais purists." 94 Points William Kelley

Alain Coudert's Clos de la Roilette reminds me of a more Northern Rhone accented style than most - dark cherries, spice and black pepper predominate. The wines age exceptionally well and it is impossible to think of a better, more ageable wine for less money than the Cuvee Tardive

Alain Coudert's Clos de la Roilette reminds me of a more Northern Rhone accented style than most - dark cherries, spice and black pepper predominate. The wines age exceptionally well and it is impossible to think of a better, more ageable wine for less money than the Cuvee Tardive

Alain Coudert's Clos de la Roilette reminds me of a more Northern Rhone accented style than most - dark cherries, spice and black pepper predominate. The wines age exceptionally well and it is impossible to think of a better, more ageable wine for less money than the Cuvee Tardive

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

“The 2017 Moulin-à-Vent Les Trois Roches is superb—and likely the king of the cellar chez Chermette this year—wafting from the glass with a beautiful bouquet of raspberries, potpourri, orange rind and rose petal. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, layered and supple, with the most depth and amplitude of any wine in the portfolio and the most held in reserve, too. This is a fantastic expression of Moulin-à-Vent from one of Beaujolais’s greatest winemakers, and it comes warmly recommended.” 95 Points William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

"Medium red. Aromatic nose of currant, cherry, leather and game. Supple and ripe, with lively inner-mouth flavor. Good depth and intensity. Finishes with suave tannins and some persistence." 86-88 Steven Tanzer

"The 2017 Bourgogne Pressonier has an earthy bouquet, maybe just a little animally for my liking; the leathery notes occlude the terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and fine acidity, and much fresher and more detailed than the aromatics. A hint of oyster shell appears on the finish." 88 Points Neal Martin

"A classic and elegant Clos de Bèze nose is composed of spicy and earthy if restrained red currant and floral aromas that are nuanced by subtle wisps of humus and exotic tea. The sense of elegance is reinforced by the fine-grain of the tannins on the wonderfully pure and intense broad-shouldered flavors that possess a lovely minerality on the hugely long, balanced and harmonious finish. This is good stuff that should amply repay extended cellaring" 93-95 Points Allen Meadows

"Quintessential Charmes-Chambertin, full of exuberance. The palate is ripe and succulent on the entry: a sweet core of macerated dark cherries, mulberry and black plum; a saline notes lining the finish that lingers seductively in the mouth" Allan Meadows 90-93

"Deep ruby. Brooding, profound aromas and flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, black cherry, licorice and animal fur, complicated by smoky soil tones. Wonderfully thick and dense; primary and backward but not at all hard. Most impressive today on the refined back end, finishing with noble, seamless tannins, intense black cherry and violet lift, and terrific pungent stony minerality. Another stunning wine in the making from a vineyard that was planted in 1882. This Charmes is Chambertin-like in its soil complexity, power and grip." 96-98 Points Steven Tanzer

Francois Feuillet is a Burgundy loving magnate who succesfully brought most of the remains of the legendary Raymond Trollat estate. These vines he intrusts to David Duband, who has become stylistically much more inclined towards a more traditional style of vinification, a la Dujac or DRC. Touted as a 'Rising Star' in a recent issue of Noble Rot. This is an estate with a great future and for the moment, very reasonable prices.

"The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Village has a refined bouquet of wild strawberry and raspberry preserve aromas that are neatly entwined with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, crunchy red berry fruit laced with white pepper, and a precise, sustained, spicy finish. Very fine." 90 Points Neal Martin

"The 2011 Volnay “Clos des Chênes” from Domaine Michel Lafarge is again, very uncharacteristically red fruity in personality this year, but shows absolutely superb potential. The deep, pure and refined bouquet is a blend of red plums, cherries, cocoa powder, gamebirds, a touch of fresh nutmeg, a stunningly complex base of soil and a touch of violets in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very refined, with excellent mid-palate depth, very refined tannins, lovely focus and superb length and grip on the youthful and nascently complex finish. A great wine in the making! (Drink between 2025-2075) 94+ John Gilman

"As is the case with several of the 2011s in the Lafarge cellars this year, the Clos du Château des Ducs is a very red fruity rendition of this superb vineyard. The deep and classy nose offers up a reserved and classy mélange of cherries, blood orange, strawberries, raw cocoa, a touch of nutskin, a complex base of soil tones and a complex topnote of fresh herbs primarily redolent of thyme. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure, with a fine core of red fruit, a very soil-driven personality, suave tannins and great length and grip on the vibrant and elegant finish. This will be a dynamite vintage of Clos du Château des Ducs. (Drink between 2022-2060) 93+ John Gilman

"Bright ruby. Blackberry, licorice and violet on the perfumed nose. Fine-grained and suave, but with terrific inner-mouth floral lift giving the middle palate a sense of energy. The wine's finishing sweetness is leavened by saline minerality and noteworthy grip. Really spreads out to saturate the mouth; an outstanding example of this premier cru." 92-94 Points Steven Tanzer

Old vine Vosne next to Clos Vougeot and Grand Echezeaux. 25-30% new oak. From vines planted in the 40s and 50s. 

From 90 year old vines, planted opposite Pommard Vaumarines.

The 3 labels chez Boisson belie the fact the wines are identical. Ceated collaboratively at the family’s Meursault cellars. Pierre Boisson with his dad making the wines, which are amongst insiders - some of the smartest picks of the appellation. This Bourgogne Blanc is sourced from a variety of parcels all in the village of Meursault.

A spectacular QPR from an elite, very traditional Puligny producer whose Bourgogne Blanc holdings are comprised of three beautiful parcels. Two are within Puligny on the Meursault border and planted around 1975. Just a track separates these parcels from AC Puligny vineyards. The other parcel is de-classified fruit from the 1er cru Champ-Canet. As Jasper Morris MW notes: “At present, 80% of Pernot’s wines are sold on to extremely fortunate Negociants in Beaune. However, the 20% that Paul retains and bottles himself is the absolute crème de la crème and quintessentially representative of Puligny at its best.”- He adds: “they could be the outstanding Domaine of that appellation”. “2017 - From Puligny vines on the Meursault border – vinified in stainless steel). Whiffs of pear, apple, citrus and petrol can be found on the fresh and cool nose. The forward, forward and delicious flavors are also on the lighter side while offering an equally refreshing finish that exhibits both saline and bitter lemon characters.” Allan Meadows, Burghound

The 3 labels chez Boisson belie the fact the wines are identical. Ceated collaboratively at the family’s Meursault cellars. Pierre Boisson with his dad making the wines, which are amongst insiders - some of the smartest picks of the appellation. This Bourgogne Blanc is sourced from a variety of parcels all in the village of Meursault.

"(Roulot's vines are in Charmes-Dessous): Bright, light yellow. Aromas and flavors of peach, apple, pear and spices are enlivened by a rocky quality. A step up in intensity and verve from the Poruzots, showing lovely clarity of fruit and inner-mouth aromatic character but a bit tight in the early going. This has the concentration of low-yielding vines on rich soil but without any heaviness. Spreads out to saturate the palate on the back end, finishing with excellent grip and citrussy lift." 92 Points Steven Tanzer

"(these vines were picked on August 28 and 29--"always at the beginning," noted David Croix): Pale yellow. Very tight nose hints at charred oak (this wine was bottled last, on April 10). Rich, tactile and smooth, conveying lovely lemony acidity and spicy freshness for this bottling. Youthfully tight for Bouchères but subtle and refined. Finishes tactile, chewy and long, and not at all overripe." 92 Points Steven Tanzer

"(these vines were picked on August 28 and 29--"always at the beginning," noted David Croix): Pale yellow. Very tight nose hints at charred oak (this wine was bottled last, on April 10). Rich, tactile and smooth, conveying lovely lemony acidity and spicy freshness for this bottling. Youthfully tight for Bouchères but subtle and refined. Finishes tactile, chewy and long, and not at all overripe." 92 Points Steven Tanzer

"Pale, green-tinged yellow. Fruit-driven nose and palate dominated by lime and lemon drop. Thick, fat and ripe but with nicely integrated acidity energizing the middle palate. Should make a rich village wine." 87-89 Steven Tanzer

"Whilst I thought François and Denis Clair’s Dents de Chien was an okay wine at the price, this is on a completely different level, and to be frank, not that much more expensive…" Bill Nanson

A vineyard in the Sutter Creek region of Amador County, which for Steve Edmunds is "One of the finest I've ever seen" producers for this wine, equal parts of Grenache, Tempranillo and Mouvedre.

"My goodness, where has the time gone? Here is a pinot noir from Frances and Terry Leighton that actually has its roots in the twenty-first century! It happens to be from the Demostene Ranch, home to Kalin’s finest pinot bottlings since at least the 1978 vintage (please see below) and it is flat out stunning. The deep, pure and beautifully developed bouquet offers up a complex constellation of red and black cherries, roasted gamebird, forest floor, beautiful spice tones (cinnamon, cardamom and cloves), woodsmoke, an exotic hint of eucalyptus and cedary oak. On the palate the wine is focused, complex and beautifully wide open and refined on the attack, with an excellent core of fruit, superb soil signature, still excellent, tangy acids, ripe tannins and a long, perfectly balanced and complex finish. This is still a relatively young wine on the palate (even at age nineteen!) and could do with a bit more time to relax in the cellar, but with decanting, it is awfully easy to drink today. But, witness the 1978 version listed below, it is still early days for this stunning bottle of pinot. This is one of the best vintages of the Cuvée DD I have ever tasted! 2019-2055+." 95+ John Gilman

"Usually one of the more overt wines in the range, the 2016 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard gives the impression that it needs more time in bottle to be at its most expressive. As always, the Heintz is distinguished by its layered, creamy palate feel. The aromatics and fruit still need to emerge, but all the elements are nicely woven together. Even so, I expect the 2016 will always be a relatively understated Heintz Chardonnay." 93 Points Antonio Galloni

"The new release of Kalin Cellars Cuvée W chardonnay comes in at 13.9 percent octane and offers up a beautifully mature and complex bouquet of fresh apricot, honeyed apples, tangerine, toasted almonds, salty soil tones, brown butter and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, bright and zesty, with a superb core of fruit, great soil signature and superb length and grip on the precise, complex and very classy finish. The octane does show just a bit on the backend, as there is a whisper of warmth, but I can forgive it this in the face of the climate change we have been living in the face of since the late 1980s. I would’ve loved to have seen this wine at 13.2 or 13.3 percent, but it was not to be in 1996, and these old Wente Clones have still turned out a superb wine even at their higher octane level. 2020-2035." 92 Points John Gilman

A blend of Charles Heintz fruit with younger vine from from Porter-Bass. Less destined for the long-haul, this offers superbly elegant drinking on release with the ability to add extra xomplexity if you can restrain.

Nestled high in the hills at 1,800 feet, above the town of Saratoga, lays Peter Martin Ray vineyard. One of two sites Ceritas farm in the Santa Cruz mountains, the vineyard is steeped in history dating back to 1943, when stockbroker-turned-winemaker Martin Ray planted the original Chardonnay vines. When Martin Ray’s son, Peter Martin Ray, took over the farming of this site, he replanted to the Mt. Eden clone of Chardonnay in the early 1980s. What makes this fruit so remarkable is a direct result of the vines’ constant struggle: raw farmed with minimal manmade input; the vines are constantly seeking water, nutrients and sustenance from deep in the hillside.

"The 2017 Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray Vineyard is all precision and class. There is a feeling of translucence to the 2017 that is simply captivating. Even though the 2017 is airy and gracious, it also has plenty of structural underpinning. Lemon confit, almond, dried flowers, tangerine and mint add striking shades of nuances throughout." 94 Points Antonio Galloni

255 cases made. 51% Vermentino and 49% Grenache Blanc from Fenaughty Vineyard. Silky, fresh wine with considerable layers of happiness to unfold.

"Soon to be released, the 2001 Sémillon was produced from vines planted in the 1880s in the Livermore Valley. As it approaches its 17th birthday, the wine is still remarkably youthful, opening in the glass with aromas of lemon oil, beeswax and honeysuckle, subtly framed by new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, textural and bright, with impressive concentration and a vivid, chalky finish. This is quite a bit more reserved than the 2001 Sauvignon Blanc that Kalin Cellars released from the same Livermore Valley site a few years ago." 94 Points John Gilman