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 | Winemaker Denis Basset of the Domaine Saint Clair in Crozes Hermitage walks the line… More (+) Winemaker Denis Basset of the Domaine Saint Clair in Crozes Hermitage walks the line between tradition and modernity with skill and grace. His punchy, delicious wines are always beautifully crafted, minimally oaked, and bursting with dark fruit, terrific freshness, and friendly prietags.The 2021 Crozes-Hermitage “Fleur Enchantée” is all of 13% alcohol – laser focused, perfectly balanced Syrah. The nose shows clove and blackberry, with black pepper and hints of earth – the oak is barely perceptible. The mouth is young and juicy with dark tannins and plenty of zip. The blackberry/plum fruit joins a fresh minerality and long dusty finish. Less (-) Free US Shipping | |
| | After a near electrocution more than a decade ago, winemaker Denis Basset decided to… More (+) After a near electrocution more than a decade ago, winemaker Denis Basset decided to pursue his personal passion and began making wine from the family’s long-established vineyards.The 2020 Crozes-Hermitage “Fleur Enchantée” is all of 13% alcohol – refreshingly fresh despite its abundant dark fruit. The nose shows clove and blackberry, with black pepper and hints of earth – the oak is barely perceptible. The mouth is young and juicy with dark tannins and plenty of zip. The blackberry/plum fruit joins a fresh minerality and long dusty finish. Less (-) Free US Shipping | |
 | One of our favorite sources in the Northern Rhône for many years has been… More (+) One of our favorite sources in the Northern Rhône for many years has been Denis Basset’s Domaine Saint Clair. Basset’s family has grown grapes (and flowers) in the town of Beaumont-Monteux for generations; but more than a decade ago, after a near-death experience with a high voltage line, he resolved to take over the family’s vines and to create his own domaine.The 2023 vintage was hot and dry for just about everywhere in France, and growing conditions were also exemplary in the Northern Rhône. Basset's 2023 Etincelle has ample freshness and very good ripeness of fruit. Aromatically, there’s a pleasant note of clove mixing with Syrah’s dark fruit and graphite. It's middleweight, fresh, and very clean – perfect for a weeknight glass while you throw together dinner. Less (-) Free US Shipping | |
 | Roquegrave is located in Valeyrac, fully an hour and a half north of Bordeaux… More (+) Roquegrave is located in Valeyrac, fully an hour and a half north of Bordeaux, near the top of the Médoc peninsula and along the banks of the Gironde estuary. They produce humble, unfussy, extremely well-priced red Bordeaux, more at home in a Parisian bistro than a Michelin restaurant.Château Roquegrave 2022 has been a Cru Bourgeous since its founding in 1932, this is still a bargain and a great candidate for an everyday house Bordeaux. Roquegrave is more serious and intense than Haut-Valeyrac, but still would be at home on a bistro table alongside a plate of steak-frites. The nose is dark and pretty, with beautiful deep plum notes alongside cocoa and violets. The mouth is juicier and fuller, with younger fruit and younger tannin – give this a half hour open in a carafe and pair it with lamb chops or shish kabobs. Less (-) Free US Shipping | |
| | We stumbled upon this source last spring during our visit to the area, far… More (+) We stumbled upon this source last spring during our visit to the area, far off the beaten path at the northern end of the Haut-Médoc. Their humble Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend is simply delicious, and has earned Cru Bourgeois status. We tasted several vintages, but the intense, jam-packed 2020 caught our eye.It’s rich and smooth with deep violet, wild cherries, and plums; there’s gentle tannin to keep it in line, well integrated oak, and a clean savory finish. A delicious workhorse Bordeaux that’s unimpressed with itself. Less (-) Free US Shipping | |
 | Roc Breïa is a 10 hectare property in the Maconnais that winemaker Theo Dancer… More (+) Roc Breïa is a 10 hectare property in the Maconnais that winemaker Theo Dancer (of Domaine Vincent Dancer) began farming in 2021. The Pinot Noir vines are 35+ years old, and the Chardonnay averages over 60. The 2022 Roc Breïa Rouge is deep and charming, almost gamay-like in color, with a beautiful intensity that’s not the least bit harsh. William Kelley found it “deep and muscular” with “plumy fruit and sweet spices” and “sweet, powdery tannins.” It’s perfectly balanced – Pinot Noir in pure, unadulterated form.This wine is a chance to taste a superstar young winemaker’s work early on in a groundbreaking new project. Dancer is among the most exciting young winemakers working today, and in only the second vintage of this project he’s off to a terrific start. Less (-) Free US Shipping | |
 | A collaboration with Théo Dancer, winemaker at Domaine Vincent Dancer in Chassagne-Montrachet. Dancer has… More (+) A collaboration with Théo Dancer, winemaker at Domaine Vincent Dancer in Chassagne-Montrachet. Dancer has reached near cult status in Chassagne, and many consider him one of the best white Burgundy domaines operating anywhere. In addition to taking over the family estate, Theo has embarked on a new project in the Maconnais called Roc Breïa. It's a 10 hectare property in the Maconnais that Dancer began farming in 2021. The Pinot Noir vines are 35+ years old, and the Chardonnay averages over 60. The 2022 Roc Breïa Blanc is floral and beautiful, with a sunny Maconnais complexion cut by fresh lemon zest and chalk. William Kelley writes the wine “bursts with aromas of pear, white flowers, bread dough and hazelnuts,” followed by a “fleshy palate with a satiny attack…and a saline finish.” Less (-) Free US Shipping | |
 | The soils of this region are the same Kimmeridgian mixture as nearby Chablis —… More (+) The soils of this region are the same Kimmeridgian mixture as nearby Chablis — a blend of chalk, limestone, and clay, rather than the chalk-limestone of the rest of Champagne. The addition of clay gives the wines a broader mouthfeel than those from northern Champagne, and we found all four Robin wines delightfully rich on the palate.Cuvée Topaze is blanc de blancs (100% chardonnay): refined, elegant, and subtle; the nose is fresh and clean with notes of lemon, chalk, and green apple. The mouth beautifully blends citrus and earth — it calls to mind a white Burgundy with bubbles. Less (-) Free US Shipping |