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Rhone Valley Legends: 90-95pt Gems

______________________ 1. Tunnel Cornas 2017 Wine Advocate 91-94 “rich, velvety texture,” “crushed stone, Christmas spices, violets and cassis” Vinous 92 “ Juicy and broad in the mouth, showing very good depth,” “supple tannins build on the finish” Ansonia Retail: $59 2. Tunnel Cornas 2016 Wine Advocate 92 “Can a Cornas be too easy to drink?” […]

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The Rosé Primer

Rosé has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Open a well chilled bottle on a muggy August afternoon, and its appeal isn’t hard to find. With the market continuing to grow at 30-40% year over year, consumers around the world have imposed higher standards, and the quality of rosé has risen.

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Oyster Pairing

Oysters are a common sight at French markets. Huitres are a natural pairing for wine, in both the gustatory and philosophical senses. Just like wine, they’re an expression of terroir (or merrior, if you like) whose character changes with their origin. And in matters gustatory, well, it’s a match made in heaven.

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Delicious New 2015 Saint-Emilion. $25

Bordeaux is best known for its expensive, ageworthy red wines. Some carry 3- and 4-figure price tags; the best age for half a century or more. But not all Bordeaux reds are so prestigious. At ten times the size of Burgundy, there’s an ocean of Bordeaux beyond the famous names. Much is mediocre and uninteresting. But some is genuinely delicious,…

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Shimmering White Burgundy in its Purest Form

Of all the white Burgundy we import, none is a purer expression of Chardonnay than Nicolas Maillet’s classic Maconnais cuvées. They’re cool, round, unadulterated Chardonnay with excellent balance and no oak. If the Côte d’Or offers Burgundies of pedigree and refinement, then the Maconnais offers Burgundies of vibrancy and joy.