SAUER GRAPES WINE SHOP WINE DEALS | Sauer Grapes Wine Shop

WINE DEALS 3/10/26

Champagne Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut: $59.99 Tasting Panel 95 pts. Boasting the texture of billowing silk, this Chardonnay-dominant brut cuvee openly appeals with aromas of buttery brioche, lime blossom, and ripe peach—the latter of which Laurent-Perrier forms a bridge on the palate between the creaminess of pear frangipane and lemon sherbet and the freshness of lemongrass and yuzu, edged by a light stroke of chalk. 50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier.
Torii Mor Dundee Hills Select Pinot Noir 2022, Willamette Valley: $50.99 The 2022 Dundee Hills Select has a sweet rich and forward aroma, starting with high toned red fruits including raspberries and red currants followed by floral notes of roses, violets, hibiscus and a touch of dark chocolate and earth paired with that classic Dundee dusty complexity. The flavors are sweet, rich, concentrated with good acidity, leading to juicy, ripe raspberries, and cherries, dry herbs, leather and rich structure, framed by light baking spices and oak-earth complexity. The texture is rich, concentrated, and elegant, with rich, sweet tannins that bring spice and volume to this elegant wine. The finish is long and juicy, with ripe, red and black fruits, light spiciness, rich tannins, and complexity. This wine will benefit from bottle age and can be enjoyed now without decanting. Tasted September 6th 2024.
Schug Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho Salina Vineyard 2021, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma County: $78.99 From 1973 to 1982, Walter Schug crafted some of California’s most memorable Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends as the founding winemaker for Joseph Phelps Vineyards. In this legacy, we craft our Rancho Salina Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon to exhibit the same finesse, intensity, and ability to age that have made his earlier wines valuable collector’s wines. The 2021 growing season gave us exceptional, complex, and vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The fruit was grown exclusively in the volcanic soils of the Rancho Salina Vineyard lying 900 feet above the Sonoma Valley at the southern end of the Mayacamas Mountains. This wine has intense juicy plum, black cherry, cassis, and blueberry aromas. On the palate, it offers layers of dark fruit, wild berries, spicy oak, hints of minerality, and dark chocolate with fine-grained tannins that give it a balanced and elegant texture and finish. Enjoy it on release and paired with rich meats and cheeses, yet will reward cellaring for a decade or more. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 % Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec.
David Arthur Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Napa Valley: $79.99 After nearly forty years of farming grapes on our Pritchard Hill Estate, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Next Generation of David Arthur Vineyards wines ~ DAV. We have created a new, modern wine that represents the bold personality found in each and every bottle of our estate wines. This Bordeaux-style blend allows us to weave together the rich, concentrated elegance and power of our mountain-grown Bordeaux varietals and the best of surrounding vineyards within the Napa Valley. The wine is aged an average of 20 months in French oak barrels, blended with meticulous care and bottled at our vineyard estate. The result is a complex array of aromas and flavors that deliver plush, mouth-filling structure with soft, elegant tannins. We hope you enjoy, as do we, the accessibility and near-term enjoyment this wine offers in its youth and the greater nuance and complexity afforded with cellaring. 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot (25% Estate – Pritchard Hill). WINEMAKER NOTES: Deep garnet in hue, this wine opens with aromas of cassis, baked cherry, and blackberry plum preserves, followed by subtle undertones of toasted oak, floral notes, and layers of herbs de Provence, anise, sandalwood, and earth. The palate is richly layered, framed by fine-grained tannins that provide both tension and breadth. The finish is smooth and persistent, carrying flavors of black cherry, cassis, and a touch of toasted walnut. Best enjoyed between 2025 and 2032. Best from 2024 to 2027. ~ Winemaker, Nile Zacherle.
Rudd Oakville Estate Leslie’s Blend 2020, Napa Valley: $309.99 Grown on a steep hillside above the fog line, this powerful, Bordeaux-style blend is an exceptional example of the magical combination of meticulous farming, a unique mountain site, and principled winemaking. Leslie Rudd had a simple vision in creating our Mt. Veeder vineyard: “The best is good enough.” It’s only fitting to dedicate this exquisite, bold wine to him. One can get lost in the dark, purple color and intense mountain aromatics present in the Rudd Mt. Veeder Estate Leslie’s Blend. Each vintage of this wine opens enthusiastically with dried cherries, black currants, and a familiar Herbs de Provence warmth. This wine is lush, persistent, and powerful in every way. The aromatic fruit notes of cassis and black cherry become more serious on the palate, with a resin-like freshness that is always present from our Mt. Veeder Estate. Texturally bold, the tannins are tight and balanced, extending the length beyond what is expected in such a young, structured wine. Sweet cocoa and baking spices bring a completeness to the final lingering taste. This wine can be enjoyed for years to come and will continue to age gracefully over the next 10-15 years. The 2020 Rudd Mt Veeder Estate Leslie’s Blend is deep ruby and nearly opaque; the first aromatic we noted, and the most prominent upfront is of red cherries (perhaps cherry pie), along with raspberry, blackberry, boysenberry and Persian mulberry. The fruit is a star of the show here with a light note of toast and bakers chocolate from its barrel aging a complementary and supporting character. Perfectly balanced between fruit, acidity and texture. This wine tastes like red cherries, red plums, not fully ripe boysenberry and raspberries. Lingers red fruited and tart. The tannins sport an appreciable and well textured grip which far outruns the fruit on the finish. Juicy. Vivacious and loaded with limitless energy. Deep in the finish is a light note of smoke, representative of the vintage, but at this age 5 years post vintage its is subtly perceptible. This wine is a great representation of what wines from this vintage would have been for lots of wineries in the valley if they were able to bottle. During Rudd’s ownership of Edge Hill Winery, this wine was previously bottled under Edge Hill’s Abel 1833.
Joseph Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches 2023, Cote de Beaune, Cote D’Or: $188.99 #89 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the World 2025 98 pts. James Suckling. The iodine, blackberry and rose-stem character comes through clearly. Plenty of fruit and depth. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that caress the palate and provide endless flavors of Indian spices, flint, nutmeg and light crust. Such refinement and integrity. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.
Domaine Chanson Beaune Premier Cru Les Teurons 2023: $74.99 Bright ruby color. Fragrances of violet mixed with intense aromas of ripe red berries (cherry and raspberry) mixed with licorice. Subtle vanilla note. Well-balanced and complex. Tight and delicate texture. Elegant tannins. Very pure fruit. Long and spicy finish. Bright ruby. Intense aromas of black pinot fruit mixed with spices and violet. Mouth coating and complex. Tight texture. Delicate oak note. Long and spicy aftertaste.
Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Chardonnay 2021, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County: $38.99 As a blend of our best Chardonnay vineyard sites, the Estate bottling is always one of the most compelling illustrations of our Mountain Estate. This wine is blended with discerning precision, balancing aromatic intrigue, texture, and the Mayacamas’ signature structural elements into a pure reflection of the vintage. The 2021 is a fusion of fruit and floral aromas, highlighted by chamomile, lemon meringue, sweet ginger, and poached pear. This wine is acid-driven, with a generous mid-palate and length, and a lingering freshness, including flavors of lemon, spiced almond, and nutmeg.
Del Dotto Cinghiale Vineyard Chardonnay 2022, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast: $79.99 Always expressive, the Estate Chardonnay offers rich aromatics of apricot, toasted hazelnut and blood orange. The classic notes of vanilla bean and river rocks complete the nose, and all aromatics carry through to the palate. Complete and balanced, the mouthfeel is concentrated yet flows elegantly from start to finish. Barrel aged in New French Oak for 15 months.
Brochelle Vineyards Petite Sirah 2023, Paso Robles: $49.99 Posh & Elegant – Inky Dark. Brochelle Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District Meant to be savored, this wine is rich, dense, and highly seductive. Hungarian oak aging grants spicy, toasty flavors and decadent body. The texture is creamy and silky smooth. Floral notes on the nose, accompanied by highly concentrated flavors reminiscent of dark chocolate-covered cherry, blueberry and blackberry. So rich and full bodied – like a meal in a glass. 75 Cases produced. Bottled 4/11/2025. Enjoy now through 2040. Food Pairing: Filet Mignon, sauteed portobello mushrooms, chocolate cheesecake.
Brochelle Vineyards Grenache 2023, Paso Robles: $50.99 This vintage was meticulously crafted from a mere 400 head-pruned Grenache vines grown on our Estate hillside vineyard. Thriving in our warm Paso Robles weather, this stunning varietal infuses an abundance of fresh cherries, strawberries and hints of licorice into your glass.
Joseph Drouhin Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2023: $112.99 An exquisite wine often drunk on its own as an aperitif. Pure and limpid color, with a faint greenish hint. On the nose, fresh aromas of flower and fruit (lemony flavors) and, at times, spicy notes of coriander. On the palate: harmonious aromas bringing character and elegance. The magnitude of its Grand Cru origin and the light salty notes from the Kimmeridgian soil are in evidence. Remarkably long and complex persistence in the aftertaste.
Joseph Drouhin Gevrey-Chambertin 2023, Cote de Nuits, Cote d’Or: $93.99 James Suckling 94 pts. Dark berries and ripe strawberries on the nose, but there’s also freshness and light spice, such as cloves. Violets, as well. Medium-bodied with a beautiful texture and finesse. So creamy and velvety, yet always reserved and pretty. Needs two or three years, but already a joy to taste.
Joseph Drouhin Puligny-Montrachet Clos de la Garenne Premier Cru 2023, Cote de Beaune, Cote d’Or: $214.99 Great finesse and breed in this wine. The color, barely golden, is brilliant. On the nose, refined aromas of hawthorn, fresh almond and apricot, evolving towards candied fruit, hazelnut and grilled dried fruit. On the palate, a beautiful structure harmonizing nicely with fresh and velvety sensations. Long aftertaste, especially in the flavors.
Spring Seed Wine Co. Forget-Me-Not Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2023, McLaren Vale, Australia: $23.99WE 92 pts. Wild herb, nettle, raw beeswax, wool and green melon rind aromas take the lead. Racy acidity, waxy texture and a lovely herb-flecked tang to the finish comprise the palate. Both varieties work together here to form a characterful and refreshing drop that could continue to evolve in bottle another few years.
Spring Seed Wine Co. Scarlet Runner Shiraz 2022, McLaren Vale, Australia: $24.99 The Scarlet Runner is a super example of a mid-weight McLaren Vale Shiraz. It has the right amount of red and blue fruits (red plums and blackberries) on the nose, with a hint of dark chocolate and licorice, plus the merest hint of toast from the limited amount of time the wine spends in oak. These fruit characters follow through onto the palate, which has lovely supple tannins and a pleasing length. It’s a bit like Baby Bear’s porridge—just right!
Cav. Luiginio Balozio Chardonnay Buri 2023, Friuli Colli Orientali: $46.99 Cav. Luigino Balozio’s “Buri” Chardonnay is a refined white wine from the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC. Made from 100% Chardonnay, the wine reflects meticulous vineyard management and expert winemaking. The grapes are hand-harvested and whole-cluster pressed. The must undergoes cold decantation, spontaneous fermentation, and malolactic fermentation in barriques. The wine is then aged in barriques until July to develop complexity. Pale straw yellow in color, it offers aromas of pineapple, jasmine, and candied fruit. On the palate, it is fresh, savory, and persistent. A true expression of Friuli’s winemaking elegance, this Chardonnay has a longevity of 5-10 years, making it enjoyable now or worthy of cellaring.
Le Clos D’Augustin Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023, Cote Chalonnaise: $22.99 This wine offers aromas of red fruits such as blackcurrant, blackberry and red currant with slightly spicy notes (pepper). A finesse wine, with silky and soft tannins. We find aromas of red fruits with a touch of cherry.
Weingut Brundlmayer Grune Veltliner L&T 2024, Austria: $23.99 Our young Grüner Veltliner L & T 2024 is fresh and already very harmonious, with pome fruit notes, citrus and floral scents, juicy on the palate with a hint of apple and citrus, vineyard peach and peppery spice. James Suckling 90 pts. “Sliced green apples, lime peel and gooseberries on the nose of this bright and crunchy white. It’s light-bodied, dry and crisp. From organically grown grapes. Drink now. Screw cap.”
Tenuta di Arceno Arcanum 2013, Toscana: $98.99 Robert Parker’s WineAdvocate. The 2013 Arcanum is a blend of 73% Cabernet Franc with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Franc element is obviously strongest, and you get steely notes of black fruit followed by wild sage and rosemary oil. This is a powerful and thickly layered red wine that pushes the boundaries of extract and intensity, especially for a Tuscan red wine. Off the top of my head, I can count maybe ten wines from the region that take on such a full-bodied and opulent approach. This wine should age forward for many years to come. Rating: 96+. 2013 is a classic cooler vintage from the region with a slightly later harvest. The 2013 vintage will be known for elegant, vibrant wines with well-developed tannins and fresh acidity. The nose exudes ripe berries and sweet vanilla toast, finishing with hints of sweet mint and white pepper. The entrance is firm with lively and vibrant acids. The tannins are classic of Cabernet Franc, long, soft and supple. While not heavy on the palate, there is a potent underlying power, elegance and finesse. Dark fruits like black cherry and plums dominate the floral tones of rose and honeysuckle. The finish is also classic of Cabernet Franc; slightly herbal, sweet oregano, cedar with a fresh, cool harvest, minerality. A structured wine that should age for 20 years. Arcanum is the pinnacle of the estate’s offerings. Based on Cabernet Franc, the true signature of the estate, this remarkable wine is built to age yet is drinkable young, offering aromas of violets, roses and raspberries, with long and delicate spice notes; it is a wine that is seductive yet subtle. Arcanum is sourced primarily from the Apparita and Belvedere blocks of Cabernet Franc. With superb exposure and sandy clay soils, each year these blocks shine to produce the finest expression of the variety, and the leading wine of the estate.
Domaine Alain Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Les 8 Climats 2023, Cote de Beaune, Cote d’Or: $124.99 Alain Chavy is currently making some of the best wines in Puligny-Montrachet. With plots in the village’s greatest vineyards – Folatieres, Pucelles, Clavoillon – he crafts a concise range of fresh, chiseled White Burgundy. This bottling, made from eight parcels around the village, offers an ideal snapshot of the tension and precision that define both the house style and classic Puligny-Montrachet.
Domaine Alain Chavy Puligny-Montrachet Les Charmes 2023, Cote de Beaune, Cote d’Or: $137.99 Vinous 91 pts. The 2023 Puligny-Montrachet Les Charmes is quite pungent on the nose, a little algae-like as green asparagus mixes with pear and flint. It has fine definition and is, again, almost Chablis-like. The palate is well balanced with a delineated lemon-zest and orange-rind entry. The 2023 is not long or deep but remains fresh with a little more cohesion on the finish than the Les 8 Climats. Fine.
Domaine Jomain Puligny-Montrachet 2024, Cote de Beaune, Cote d’Or: $96.99 The Puligny-Montrachet vineyard runs on a gentle slope facing east. Altitude 230 and 390 meters. Terroir of various types and depths of limestone interbedded with marl (Marl loosely defined as calcium carbonate containing variable amounts of clay). 4.9 acres (planted in 1970). All vineyards sustainably farmed (lutte raisonnée). Manual harvest using small bins with strict selection in vineyard. 45 hectoliters/hectare yields on average for Puligny-Montrachet Villages. Pneumatic press. Wines then moved to individually determined combination of new, second and third-year barrels. Never more than 25% new oak. Extensive bâtonnage of lees during period of malo-lactic to enhance texture and reduce use of SO2. Racked, fined and returned to barrel in Spring after harvest and bottled with minimal or no filtration in September. Dry with honey aromas that develop with age. The palate is elegant with minerality and a long finish.
Hubert Bouzereau-Gruere Puligny-Montrachet 2023, Cote de Beaune, Cote d’Or: $122.99 The grapes come from one small, single-vineyard parcel, named “Houilleres” – difficult to pronounce and not so pretty sounding; so they leave the vineyard name off the label. The wine itself is an excellent and always a crowd pleaser. Nicely structured, with aromas and flavors of grilled almond, hazelnut and dried fruit. Good length.
Buoncristiani O.P.C. Proprietary Red Wine 2019, Napa Valley: $79.99 The Buoncristiani O.P.C. is our Napa Valley proprietary red blend. In the quest to create a wine uniquely ours, we discovered the synergy of marrying Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah, while also folding in further complexity of texture and flavor with Napa Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot blenders. Grapes are sourced from some of Napa’s most prestigious vineyards including Hyde, Stagecoach, Hossfeld and Bennett. Just like our winemaking fathers before us, with “Ol’ Pa’s Cuvée” we brothers continue the family tradition of handcrafting blends that help accentuate the enjoyment of life. To ensure our highest standard of quality, the vineyards are managed by growers who adhere to our strict viticultural philosophy and the wines are crafted with our own hands. The components of O.P.C. were harvested and fermented separately in small batches, then carefully blended in several phases during the second year of barrel aging. This 2019 O.P.C. was aged in French oak barrels for 20 months and bottled in June of 2021. We, the Buoncristiani brothers, take pride in performing all aspects of enology, viticulture, wine production, marketing, and package design in order to share with you a true expression of our winemaking passion. 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 18% Syrah, 16% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot.
Henri Dufreres Bourgogne Blanc 2023, Maconnaise: $21.99 Complex yet friendly, the 2022 Bourgogne Blanc comes from several sources: young vines in Saint-Romain from plantings on the valley’s northern side; high-altitude Bourgogne-designated Chardonnay from just outside the appellation; and purchased fruit from their friends at the esteemed Domaine Guillot-Broux in the Maconnais, who have practiced organic viticulture since 1954 and became certified in recent years. Aged for one year without racking in used 228-liter barrels, it combines a lacy white-flower aromatic overlay with dense, ripe, salty fruit; the bright acidity of the high-altitude Bourgogne nicely offsets the luscious generosity of the Maconnais-sourced fruit, and the young Saint-Romain provides a stony anchor.
Luna de Esperanza Barrel Fermented Cabernet Franc 2015, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: $87.99100% Cabernet Franc. The wine is deep ruby in color. On the nose it displays inviting aromas of cassis, raspberry, and black pepper. On the palate, ripe and juicy red fruit combines with peppery spice and subtle oak tones over a firm structure of soft, velvety tannins.
Jean-Luc & Eric Burguet Gevrey-Chambertin Mes Favorites Vieilles Vignes 2021, Cote de Nuits, Cote d’Or: $100.99 Vinous 93 pts. The 2022 Gevrey-Chambertin Mes Favorites Vieilles Vignes opens with gorgeous aromatics. Exotic and yet also quite delicate, the 2022 has so much to offer. Kirsch, sweet red cherry, rose petal, blood orange and spice. In many vintages Mes Favorites can be quite powerful, but judging from this barrel sample, the 2022 looks to be on the delicate side. The last of this fruit, from parcels that are as much as 75 years old, did not come in until 10/15, very late by the standards of the year.
Archery Summit Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2023, Oregon: $61.99 92 points, Wine Spectator. The 2023 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir captures the essence of its celebrated appellation with a seductive bouquet of ripe plum, ocean breeze, warm spices, and a hint of cocoa. On the palate, luscious red fruits are balanced by elegant tannins, with a touch of brininess and mouthwatering acidity. The finish lingers with spiced oak and basalt minerality, reflecting its terroir-driven character. Ready to enjoy now, this Pinot Noir promises to evolve beautifully for years, offering a captivating experience with each bottle.
Hourglass HG III Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Napa Valley: $57.99 New! Hourglass is two vineyards, a winery and a compilation of estate wines: a vision unfolding. The vineyards are located in Napa Valley; the first, named the Hourglass Vineyard, in St. Helena planted to Cabernet Sauvignon; the other is the Blueline Vineyard in Calistoga, planted to the 5 Bordeaux varietals and Sauvignon Blanc. Jeff Smith founded Hourglass in the 1990’s, after replanting the Hourglass Vineyard to Cabernet Sauvignon when the original Zinfandel vines fell to phylloxera. He also took on Bob Foley as winemaker. Their partnership has resulted in some of California’s most expressive and sought-after wines.
Penfolds Bin 28 Shiraz 2022, South Australia: $31.99 James Halliday 95 pts. Quelle surprise! Penfolds impresses with a multi-regional blend. It’s something they do so well; a combination of vineyard resources and masterful blending with such quality and consistency across their ‘Bin’ range of wines. Deep set satsuma plum, blackberry and blueberry fruits with hints of baking spices, charcuterie, violets, fennel tops, dried herbs, nicely-judged American oak and a gentle earthen hue. There’s a lovely, bright fruit presence here; long, flavourful and delicious now with the promise of excellent cellaring potential.
Arnaldo-Caprai Montefalco Rosso Riserva 2021, Umbria: $62.99 WE 95 pts. This red wine delivers profound dark fruit layered with cinnamon and star anise, roasted earth, and fresh sage. This masterfully crafted blend reflects the family’s four decades of perfecting Montefalco’s terroir. Elegant and structured with fine tannins, the palate dances between fresh and preserved red fruits before an iron-tinged finish. Drink Now – 2040. 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino and 15% Merlot.
Colinas de Sao Lourenco Principal Grande Reserva 2013, Bairrada, Portugal: $145.99 Inspired by the greatest blends in the world, this wineshowcases the power of Portuguese Touriga Nacional. The property’s 151 acres are spread over the rich clay-limestone soils that dominate the gentle hills of this property. The entire vineyard is dry farmed. These wines are vinified using gravity flow winemaking. Deep ruby core with aromas of rich black fruit with notes of mint and herbs, wrapped in light spicy notes from the oak. It is a full-bodied, voluminous wine with elegant and smooth tannins. Blend: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Touriga Nacional, 20% Merlot.
Laurea by Accendo Cellars Red Wine 2019, Napa Valley: $124.99 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 93 pts. The 2019 Laurea is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Cabernet Franc. The nose is wonderfully perfumed, offering scents of red roses, Ceylon tea and licorice over a core of warm cassis, blueberry compote and kirsch with a touch of tilled soil. Full-bodied, ripe and juicy in the mouth, it has a velvety texture and a spicy kick to the finish.
Willamette Valley Vineyards White Pinot Noir 2023, Willamette Valley: $29.99 WE 91 pts. If you whipped up an icy peach slushie in your blender and garnished it with lime wedges and gardenia petals, you would have a rough idea of how glorious this white Pinot Noir smells. The wine‘s strawberry and lemon sorbet flavors are no slouch, either. You can expect a creamy texture with just enough acidity to squeeze by.
Champagne Jean Vesselle Rose de Saignee Brut a Bouzy, Montagne de Reims: $68.99 Tom Hyland 94 pts. “100% Pinot Noir from vineyards in and around the village of Bouzy; disgorged July 2023. Beautiful deep cherry color; lovely aromas of black cherry, strawberry, orange rind and a hint of red poppy. Medium-full with excellent concentration. Impressive ripeness, very good acidity, significant persistence and notable harmony. Ultra-delicious, this is one of the finest examples of Rosé de Saignée Champagne I have ever tasted. Pair this with foods ranging from duck breast with cherry sauce or roast pork and enjoy over the next 5-8 years.” Jeb Dunnuck 92 pts. “Pouring a deep ruby/pink color, the NV Champagne Rose De Saignée Brut is initially a bit reserved in its aromatics of rhubarb, wild raspberries, spiced orange peel, and wet stones. The palate opens up more clearly and offers a lively and frothy mousse, with a juicy feel upfront and plenty of mineral-noted undercurrents that lead through the mid-palate and finish. This is a wine for all seasons and would be perfectly suited with Duck a l’Orange, roast pork, and Thanksgiving fare. Drink over the coming 6-8 years. Disgorged April 2023.”
M. & C. Lapierre Raisins Gaulois Red Wine 2024, Beaujolais: $28.99 Every decision Camille and Mathieu Lapierre take in the vineyard and the cellar is aimed at capturing Gamay at its purest, liveliest, and most irresistibly drinkable. They start with fruit from vigorous young vines that produce beyond the strict limits of the Morgon appellation, and finish by aging the wine for just two months in cuve. This amount of time may seem like barely enough for grapes to transform into wine, but that’s the point of Raisins Gaulois: to deliver the freshest Gamay possible. It’s almost as if the fanciful bon vivant who graces this label crushed that grape cluster directly into your mouth rather than his own. Pale crimson in color and couring with energy, the 2024 has an enticing perfume and each sip delivers mouthfuls of cranberry, raspberry, and a minerality that lingers on the palate. A wine as inviting as this one opens itself to endless pairing possibilities, from midweek takeout burritos to a cheese platter at apéro hour to your next picnic. At my house, it provided the perfect conclusion to a long, sun-filled afternoon of gardening. No corkscrew necessary, just a light chill.
Domaine Combier Crozes Hermitage Clos de Grives 2021, Rhone: $68.99 Great price! James Suckling 94 pts. A seductive nose of spiced cherries, forest berries, smoke, graphite and black pepper. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins and bright acidity. Such elegance with ample volume on the palate. It’s creamy at the edges and crisp at the center. Silky and layered with balance, and a charming yet long and precise finish. Drink or hold. A highly refined 100% Syrah, this Crozes-hermitage has aromas of black fruit and violet, spices and licorice. Powerful and concentrated, it has silky, round tannins embellished with a long, spicy and finely woody finish. Clos des Grives is made from an organic Syrah crop which is harvested by hand and destemmed. 25 days of vatting, daily pump-over, malolactic fermentation in barrels and ageing for one year in recent casks make it a wine to be savored with apple pie or lamb chops with prunes.