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 | Salomon Undhof is a centuries-old winery in Krems, Austria overlooking the Danube River. Today… More (+) Salomon Undhof is a centuries-old winery in Krems, Austria overlooking the Danube River. Today 7th and 8th generation winemakers Bert and Bert Salomon run the estate, and they’re among the best respected sources in the region. They’ve become favorites of many readers (as well as our own family) and we’re delighted to bring them back by popular demand.Salmon’s more serious cuvée of Grüner Veltliner comes from the 1ÖTW Wachtberg vineyard, and the domaine has held some of the 2017 for a delayed release. They sent us a sample, and it’s terrific – an entirely different take on the grape from the Hochterrassen. Now with nine years under its belt, this is fully mature but remarkably youthful. There’s no hint of oxidation – the nose shows dried pears and with woodsy notes you might confuse with white Burgundy. The mouth is mellow and very long, with notes of chalk, citrus peel, white pepper, and just a whisper of salinity at the end. A dry, delicate, delightful cuvée that calls for sushi. Less (-) | |
 | You already know how exceptional we find Vessigaud’s white Burgundies, but it turns out… More (+) You already know how exceptional we find Vessigaud’s white Burgundies, but it turns out their lone red — a cru Beaujolais — is just as tasty. This St-Amour comes from the northernmost Beaujolais Cru, at the border between the Maconnais and Beaujolais. Fresh, uncomplicated and simply delicious, it is an irresistible low-alcohol red for summer.The nose is crisp, fruit forward, and very clean, with notes of redcurrant and honeysuckle. The mouth is mid/low tannin, with delicate acidity and a clean fresh finish. It’s dying to be paired with a burger off the grill or a summer corn salad. Less (-) | |
 | We’ve been fans of Picamelot for years now, but we were pleased to see… More (+) We’ve been fans of Picamelot for years now, but we were pleased to see the Wine Advocate’s resident Champagne expert William Kelley visit last year. After tasting Kelley wrote that “Picamelot produces some of the best sparkling wines in Burgundy,” calling them “elegant,” “excellent,” and “superb.”This nose is clean and elegant, with notes of almond, pineapple, and cream. The mouth is very dry, quite lively, and crisply refreshing, with apple fruit and a long vinous finish. At under $30 this continues to be a steal; pair this with a warm Friday afternoon. Less (-) | |
 | Considering the tiny yields achieved from these shriveled grapes, the low price of this… More (+) Considering the tiny yields achieved from these shriveled grapes, the low price of this wine is remarkable. Voigny’s nose and mouth are full of the classic honeysuckle, apricots and peaches, but it’s the acidity that keeps this wine lively. Many sweet wines lack acidity and fall flat – Voigny is bursting with freshness to balance out its sweetness..There may be no more perfect food-wine pairing than Sauternes with seared foie gras. If your stomach (or conscience) is too sensitive, serve blue cheese as a salty foil instead. Or serve a small glass in place of dessert at the end of the meal. A favorite wine of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, this iconic wine will round out any cellar with style. Less (-) | |
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 | Vincent Boyer is among the small group of vignerons who watched the region warming… More (+) Vincent Boyer is among the small group of vignerons who watched the region warming and recognized its potential to elevate the quality of Aligoté, Chardonnay’s poor relation. Les Aligoteurs, as they are known, have brought Aligoté light years beyond its skinny, acidic past. Vincent raises his Aligoté in older versions of the same barrels he uses for his famous wines from Meursault and Puligny, which gives the wine a roundness and weight that we wouldn’t have thought possible from this modest grape. Burghound praised the 2021’s “exceptionally fresh aromas includ[ing] those of lemon rind, green apple and spice,” and its “very fine persistence on the clean and agreeably dry finish.” Less (-) | |
 | Sisters Dany and Carole Chastan are third generation vigneronnes practicing old-school winemaking -- whole… More (+) Sisters Dany and Carole Chastan are third generation vigneronnes practicing old-school winemaking -- whole clusters, limited sulfur, all wild yeasts. They use no new oak, and neither fine nor filter. Their wines are juicy and deep and very expressive, with gorgeous fruit. Writer Jon Bonné has named them a benchmark producer of the region, “essential defenders of grenache’s good name.”Their just-arrived 2022 Vacqueyras is delicious, and a terrific value. From an appellation just south of Gigondas, this is nearly all Grenache (85%). The nose is extraordinary, bursting with dark wild strawberry fruit, plums, lavender, bay leaf and earth – a splash of Mourvedre adds complexity and backbone. It’s a crowd-pleasing everyday red that will offer immediate pleasure. Less (-) | |
 | Paget’s Chinon blanc 2021 is pure Chenin blanc, this one raised in large barrels… More (+) Paget’s Chinon blanc 2021 is pure Chenin blanc, this one raised in large barrels (none new). The oak is deftly handled, and you might not even notice it if you didn’t know what to look for – it adds a bit of depth and white pepper to the clean orchard fruit. It’s deeper in the nose than the most dry Chenin Blanc – think gardenia and rose – but with the same pretty pear fruit.The 2021 is drier than last year’s, and we think more sophisticated and impressive. There’s a savory grape-skin minerality to the wine that gives a mouthwatering texture reminiscent of Chablis. It’s a classy wine that should pair well with a range of springtime foods – a lobster roll, crab cakes, or raclette grilled cheese. Less (-) |