Domaine de Chevalier Clos des Lunes 2020
Origin: Sauternes, France
Retail: $22.95 | Sale: $20.66
Starting several years ago, Olivier Bernard and the team at Domaine de Chevalier made a strong commitment to Clos des Lunes, an ancient vineyard in Sauternes, among the finest in Bordeaux. Relying on an intimate relationship with the terroir, the ultimate aim is to create one of the greatest dry white wines on the market. The fine soil and microclimate here are ideally suited to producing very great dry white wines with remarkable freshness. Clos des Lunes “Lune Blanche” is the estate's entry level wine, made for early drinking. The wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and concrete vats for an average of 6 months before bottling and can be aged for up to five years. Intense and generous aromas of citrus, white and exotic fruit, delicate honey and white flowers. Extremely refreshing with a pleasing acidity. 70% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
Château Recougne Bordeaux Supérieur 2020
Origin: Fronsac, France
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.96
Legend has it that the name Recougne came in “recognition” of the quality of its wines by King Henri IV in the early 17th century, and while wine has been made on the site for 400 years, the estate is perhaps more relevant today than ever. As Bordeaux recalibrates towards producing wines of freshness and balance, Recougne stands as an example of a pure, fresh style that has remained steadfast for over half a century. The wines have concentration and energy, with pure red and black fruits and a complex earthiness. Amazingly, examples of Recougne from the 1950s and 1960s are still drinking gorgeously. Today the wines are made by one of the young stars of the right bank, the fourth generation of his family to make wine at Recougne, Marc Milhade. Marc’s philosophy and energy are guided towards more work in the vineyard, and less intervention (in this case, continuing less intervention) in the cellar. A nose of red fruits, a deep and powerful structure, silky tannins: an elegant, complex and rich wine. 78% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Domaine du Père Caboche Cotes-du-Rhone 2022
Origin: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France
Retail: $17.95 | Sale: $16.16
Jean-Pierre Boisson, former long-serving mayor of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, runs Domaine Père Caboche with his children Emily & Nicolas. Members of the Boisson family have been both winemakers and blacksmiths for generations – the family nickname of Caboche actually derives from the old Provençal word for horseshoe nails. Certain parcels have been in the family without sale or exchange since 1772, giving the family a deep, rich history in Rhone Valley. The grapes are harvested at full maturity and carefully sorted, then slightly destemmed and crushed. Fermentation takes place under strict temperature control. After the final blend is determined, the wine is aged in oak and stainless-steel tanks. The nose is intense and complex with spicy notes and red fruit jam with a hint of light tobacco. The mouth is smooth with a tight texture and ripe fruit followed by licorice flavors and a mineral background with silky tannins. Blend of Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah
Domaine du Père Caboche Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022
Origin: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France
Retail: $39.95 | Sale: $35.96
On the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, the Domaine du Père Caboche vineyard is covered with rolled pebbles on 17 hectares, with the greatest density on the famous soil of La Crau. The 4 main terroirs of the appellation are represented in this wine (Limestone, pebbles, sandstone/clays, sand) the most important being the famous plateau of the Crau with its pebbles which are ideal for Grenache. The vineyard is closely watched by the Boisson family, with the support of the Vaucluse Agricultural Chamber, and interventions are decided upon weekly parcel observations. The family is working to lower the use of pesticides by using organic matter in order to respect the environment. The nose expresses an asserted character, with hints of chocolate and red and black fruits with a light, peppery spice. The notes of ginger and menthol offer up a beautiful freshness. On the palate, this wine is expressive and focused on freshness and minerality. 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre