Mourchon Loubié Rosé 2020 Makes WS List of “8 Captivating Rhône Rosés Under $20”
Domaine de Mourchon Loubié Rosé 2020
“A very pure version, with a light stony edge to the elegant mix of white cherry and white peach flavors, backed by a subtle hint of jasmine at the very end. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now. 2,600 cases made, 1,900 cases imported.” – JM, Wine Spectator
now organic
“No doubting the ambition of the 2018 (Mourchon) Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Grande Reserve”- WA
Domaine de Mourchon, Cotes du Rhone Villages – Seguret, Grande Réserve 2018
90 points – Wine Advocate
“Impressively dark in the glass, there’s no doubting the ambition of the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Grande Reserve. Scents of clove, leather, vanilla and cola emerge on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is intense and tannic, with a long, but dusty, finish. Give it a couple of years to round into shape. Drink 2022-2030.” – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
94 pts. Decanter – “Amazing value (Vouvray) for money!”
Vigneau-Cheavreau Vouvray Petillant
biodynamic
94 points – Decanter
Lovely golden yellow in colour, with the aromas intensely suggesting wet wool, hazlenuts and honeyed apples. In the mouth there’s an oily, viscous quality; the bubbles are very light, almost not there. Very vinous, with high, laser sharp acid. It’s in some ways savoury and in other ways full of sweet baked apples, peaches and apple pie. A pleasant touch of bitter walnut skin tickles the finish. The alcohol is a little noticeable but the richness and intensity keep it in balance. Amazing value for money! Drink 2021-2028.”- Decanter
90 pts. “An excellent (2018) Moulis from Biston-Brillette” – Vinous
Château Briston-Brillette Moulis Bordeaux 2018
90 points – Vinous
“The 2018 Briston-Brillette offers vivid blackberry and tobacco scents on a nose that is almost Pauillac in style. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip, fine-grained tannins and a harmonious, graphite-tinged finish. This is an excellent Moulis from Biston-Brillette. Drink 2023-2038.”- Neal Martin, Vinous
“An exceptional (2019) vintage for Cuminaille. Such a beautiful wine.”- 94 pts. Decanter
Pierre Gaillard, St. Joseph, Clos de Cuminaille 2019
94 points – Decanter
“Beautiful combination of fresh blackberry, bacon fat and cinnamon spice. This is rounded, concentrated and elegant on the palate. No excess weight or alcohol, lovely deep-set acidity and a long finish. An exceptional vintage for Cuminaille. Such a beautiful wine, as good as many Côte-Rôties this year. Smart buy. A 3ha plot in Chavanay grown on granite planted in 1981. All destemmed. Aged for 18 months in barriques, 40% new. Drink 2021-2027.”-Matt Walls, Decanter
“2019 (Vigneau-Chevreau) Cuvée Silex is a …precise offering with laser-like, citrus-driven acidity.” – Vinous
Vigneau-Chevreau, Vouvray, Cuvée Silex 2019
92 points – Vinous
“A taut, focused dry style that’s organically grown and hand-harvested. Hailing from silex soil, as the cuvée name makes clear, the 2019 Cuvée Silex is a compact and precise offering with laser-like, citrus-driven acidity. There’s crisp apple fruit and white flowers on the nose, but this wine is all about the terroir-driven structure. It is uncompromising and sure of itself.” – Rebecca Gibb, MW, Vinous
Just In 90 pts WE – La Font de Notre Dame Gigondas 2018
La Font de Notre Dame, Gigondas le Mas 2018
90 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Peppercorns and wild-berry preserves introduce this easy-drinking, fruit-focused blend of Grenache (80%), Syrah (10%) and Mourvédre (10%). It’s full bodied and plush on the palate, with a juicy, thirst-quenching finish marked by a subtle salty spray. Best now–2025.”- Wine Enthusiast
Burghound Reviews Henri Boillot’s 2019 Red Burgundies
HENRI BOILLOT
2019 Red Burgundies
“As the comments and ratings confirm, I was as usual impressed with the Boillot 2019s. Boillot further noted that the reds were bottled in December 2020 without fining or filtration.” – Allen Meadows, Burghound Issue 82
93 pts “(Gaillard’s) 2018 Saint Joseph Blanc has that “it” factor'” – WA
Pierre Gaillard St. Joseph Blanc 2018
93 points – Wine Advocate
“The orange-scented, truffled, honey-laden 2018 Saint Joseph Blanc has that “it” factor. Full-bodied, rich and silky, it’s harmonious and exotic, with ample concentration and length. It should provide delicious drinking over the next few years, perhaps longer.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
“Beguiling floral notes in this fine Montagny.” – 91 pts. Decanter
Domaine Berthenet, Montagny, Tête de Cuvée 2018 –
91 points – Decanter
“Berthenet’s Tête de Cuvée is a blend from all but one of the domaine’s vineyards. Succulent, ripe and honeyed, the calcareous slopes have added freshness, citrus and saline notes. Unoaked, there are beguiling floral notes in this fine Montagny.”- Andy Howard, MW, Decanter
Philippe Leclerc’s “Classic Gevrey” is “Outstanding”- Burghound
Philippe Leclerc, Gevrey Chambertin, en Champs 2016
(89-91) “Outstanding” – Burghound
“Here there is no reductive funk and instead a nose that reflects notes of plum, earth, the sauvage and a hint of wood. There is both better minerality and a finer mouthfeel to the sleek and beautifully well-detailed flavors that deliver excellent length on the balanced bitter cherry pit-inflected finish. A classic Gevrey.”- Allen Meadows, Burghound
Last Call – Pierre et Jerome Coursodon St Josephs
Pierre et Jerome Coursodon, St. Joseph Silice 2011
90 points – Vinous
“Opaque ruby. Dark berry preserves, licorice and cracked pepper on the highly perfumed nose and in the mouth. Sappy, penetrating and appealingly sweet, with slow-building tannins adding definition to the finish. Jerome told me that although this wine will be enjoyable soon after release, “it has more than enough fruit to let it age well.””- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
90 points – Wine Spectator
“A sanguine, racy style, with a core of red currant, damson plum and bitter cherry fruit, lined with singed mesquite and iron notes. A sanguine accent echoes throughout. 3,500 cases made.” — JM, Wine Spectator
Pierre et Jerome Coursodon, St. Joseph Olivaie 2011
91 points – Vinous
“Bright ruby. Fresh blackberry and floral scents are complemented by deeper-pitched notes of dark chocolate and licorice. Supple and open-knit, offering gently sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors that become spicier with aeration. Closes tangy and quite long, with sneaky tannins adding grip.”- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
91 points – Wine Spectator
“A nicely toasty style, offering dark anise and mocha notes, with ample fleshy blackberry and black currant fruit, energetic acidity and lively bay leaf and tobacco accents for range and balance. 680 cases made.” — JM, Wine Spectator
Pago de los Aubelos Godello Awarded 90 points – WE
Pago de los Abuelos, Bierzo, Vinas Centenarias Godello 2018
90 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Aromas of melon and apple lead to a plump, fleshy feel in this rich Godello. Creamy pear chimes in on the palate alongside schist and honey. “- Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast
Gaillard’s Crozes-Hermitage is “an ample, intensely fruity Syrah”- WE
Jeanne Gaillard, Crozes-Hermitage 2017
90 points – Wine Enthusiast
“Initial notes of earth and smoke on the nose dissipate with time and aeration revealing ripe, luscious black cherry and plum preserves. Medium-bodied but richly textured on the palate, it’s an ample, intensely fruity Syrah anchored by an elegant frame of granite and acidity. Ready now but should hold through 2025.”- Wine Enthusiast
90 points – Vinous
“Opaque bright-rimmed ruby. Smoke-tinged blueberry and cherry on the nose, along with hints of cracked pepper and olive. Round and fleshy but lively as well, offering gently sweet blue fruit and floral pastille flavors supported by a spine of juicy acidity. The smoky note recurs on the gently tannic finish, which hangs on with very good tenacity. Drink 2021-2026.”- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
90 pts “Rich and generously proportioned (Chablis 1er Cru)”- Burghound
Domaine Testut Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons 2019
90 points – Burghound
“(from 70+ year old vines in Beugnons) This is also quite aromatically pretty with its layered array of citrus, white orchard fruit, quinine and a whiff of tidal pool. The rich and generously proportioned medium weight flavors possess a refreshing salinity while exhibiting good length if only average depth on the balanced finale. Drink 2024+.”- Allen Meadows, Burghound
Henri Boillot’s 2019 Red Burgundy Collected Reviews
2019 Red Burgundies
Decanter, Wine Advocate, & Vinous Ratings
Henri Boillot’s 2019 White Burgundy Collected Reviews
2019 White Burgundies
Decanter, Wine Advocate, & Vinous Ratings
NEW 92-point Old Vine Spanish Garnacha
Bodegas Proelio, Rioja, Garnacha Viñedos Viejos 2017
92 points – James Suckling
“Very pretty, old-vine garnacha with dried strawberry, light vanilla and some floral undertones, such as roses. It’s medium-to full-bodied, layered and firm. Fresh finish. Drink now. “- James Suckling
94 pts. “The much-awarded Dame Jeanne (2018)– is always a great buy”- Decanter
Bergerie du Capucin, Jeanne Dame 2018
“Pic Saint Loup Name to Know”
94 points – Decanter
“The much-awarded Dame Jeanne – a zero-oak prestige cuvèe – is always a great buy and a genuinely ageworthy wine from the Pic. The 20120 is drinking superbly. The 2018 is dazzlingly aromatic with classic Pic citrus-grove Syrah notes: the palate is dense and rich yet fresh and aromatic, too. Drink 2021-2028.”- Andrew Jeffords, Decanter
Andrew Jeffords On Bergerie du Capucin -“Pic St Loup Name to Know”
“Guilhem Viau is one of the Pic St-Loup’s most talented winemakers, working with 15ha of vines in Lauret and Valfaunès, the heartland of the zone. He quickly grasped, as many of the Pic’s avant-garde have since done, that too much small-oak aging can suffocate the magnificently scented Syrah notes that are possible here; all of his cuvèes marry aromatic finesse with fine textures and sumptuous fruit.”- Decanter
“Maury (Sec), it’s big, rich and ripe”- WA
Domaine La Toupie, Maury Sec, Sur 1 Fil Rouge 2016
90 points – Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Maury Sec Sur Un Fil is 80% Grenache, 12% Syrah and 8% Mourvèdre, fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel. Coming from the warm terroir of Maury, it’s big, rich and ripe, with notes of black cherries, resinous herbs and dark chocolate on the long, supple finish. Drink 2018-2021.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
“A Top-Notch Fronsac (Bordeaux)”- WA
Château Villars Fronsac (Bordeaux) 2012
90 points – Wine Advocate
“A gorgeous, deep ruby/purple color and sweet blueberry and blackberry fruit. Nice minerality and a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel make for a top-notch Fronsac in this vintage. The color is a healthy ruby/purple and the wine capable of lasting at least 10-15 years.” – Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate
NEW 92-point Bodegas Proelio Rioja
Bodegas Proelio Rioja Reserva 2016 –
92 points – James Suckling
“Attractive, toasty-oak and red-plum and summer-berry aromas here with a very fresh, lithe and juicy feel that delivers a plush, fresh and long feel on the palate. The freshness here is impressive. Drink now.”- James Suckling
“Syrah-dominant blend (with) mouth-filling richness and supple tannins”- WA
Domaine La Toupie, Cotes du Roussillon Villages, Volte-Face 2018
90 points – Wine Advocate
“A Syrah-dominant blend aged entirely in 400-liter barrels, the 2018 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Volte Face deftly combines notes of blueberries, vanilla and peppery spice on the nose. In the mouth, it’s full-bodied and ripe, with mouth-filling richness and supple tannins. It might lack a touch of concentration, but it’s a charming effort to drink over the next five years. Drink 2020-2025.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Bergerie du Capucin 2017 Larmanela Awarded Decanter Gold
Bergerie du Capucin, Pic Saint Loup, Larmanela 2017
96 points
Gold – Decanter World Wine Awards 2020
“Exquisite smoky black fruit, kirsch and sweet vanilla oak interwoven with rosemary and thyme herbal characters; serious and concentrated with ripe tannins and a delightful contrasting freshness.” – Decanter
95% Syrah, 5% Grenache
Another “Outstanding” Gigondas Bottling
La Font de Notre Dame, Gigondas le Mas 2018
(91-93) points – Wine Advocate
“A blend of 80% Grenache and 10% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, the 2018 Gigondas is being matured mostly in concrete tank, with 20% in oak. There’s a hint of green peppercorns on the nose, then bold raspberry fruit in this full-bodied, silky-textured wine. Drink 2020-2028.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
(90-92) points – Vinous
“Limpid ruby-red. Lively, spice-accented red berry and cherry scents are complicated by a hint of pungent flowers. Energetic and focused on the palate, offering sappy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that turn sweeter as the wine unfolds. Juicy and well-focused, displaying bright, spicy thrust on the nervy finish, which features harmonious tannins and a touch of candied red fruits. Drink 2023-2031.”- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
“…a beautiful, possibly outstanding wine. Sappy garrigue, black cherries, garrigue, and peppery notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied barrel sample that has fine tannins, good acidity, and a classic, balanced style. It should drink nicely in its youth yet age well on its balance.”- JebDunnuck.com
NEW Bodegas Proelio Rioja – 91 JS
Bodegas Proelio Rioja Crianza 2016
91 points – James Suckling
“Pomegranate, dark cherries, dragon fruit and candied orange peel are interspersed among vanilla bean and clove character. Quite muscular on the palate, which has a lot of tannins that surround layers of dark cherries.”- James Suckling
90 pts DWWA – Silver for Our Pic Saint Loup
Bergerie du Capucin, Pic Saint Loup, Dame Jeanne 2018-
90 points – Decanter Silver DWWA 2020
“Perfumed mulberry and rich spice with a core of mineral character running throughout; with ripe tannins and a long finish.”- Decanter
Languedoc-Roussillon
70% Syrah, 15% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre
“Food-friendly pour will surely inspire a sense of plenty (this Thanksgiving)” – Boston Globe
Abadia da Cova, Ribeira Sacra, A Fuga White 2018-
“Spark joy at Thanksgiving with these $20-and-under wines”
– Ellen Bhang, Globe Correspondent
“Whether you plan to feast with a quarantine pod, or tuck into a repast for one or two, these food-friendly pours will surely inspire a sense of plenty.
Abadía da Cova “A Fuga” Ribeira Sacra 2018
Ignacio “Nacho” Alvarez, former head winemaker of powerhouse Spanish importer Jorge Ordóñez Selections, is now exercising his formidable talents on a range of projects. That includes Adegas Moure, a family winery in Ribeira Sacra, in Spain’s verdant northwest, which produces Abadía da Cova wines. One particular white — a polished blend of albariño, godello, and treixadura — is waterfall- fresh, with citrus blossoms on the nose. Its palate expresses ripe yellow fruit, bright acid, and a hint of saline. Even the wine’s name is well-suited to our times: “A Fuga” translates to “escape,” conjuring notions of going off the grid to seek a peaceful refuge. 13 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). $18-$20.”
2017 La Toupie QuaTuor “Full-bodied, creamy and rich”- WA
Domaine La Toupie Cotes du Roussillon Villages Quatuor 2017
92 points – Wine Advocate
“The 2017 Quatuor is a blend of 36% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 19% Carignan and 10% Mourvèdre; one-third was aged in (primarily) older oak. It’s juicy and fresh, with raspberries and black cherries joined by riper, richer, chocolaty bass notes to create a complex ensemble. Full-bodied, creamy and rich, it finishes long and velvety. Drink 2019-2025.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
WE “Best Buy”- Cuatro Rayas Organic Verdejo
Cuatro Rayas, Rueda, Organic Verdejo 2019
“BEST BUY”- Wine Enthusiast
“A slightly yeasty aroma melds with apple and citrus on the nose. The plump palate is balanced by zesty acidity, while flavors of melon, apple and pineapple are in charge. Drink now. Best Buy.”- Wine Enthusiast
Vegan friendly Verdejo from Rueda
“Rich, Powerful Palate of Velvet Fruit”- Mourchon Grande Reserve 2017
Domaine de Mourchon, Grande Réserve 2017
90 points – Decanter Silver DWWA 2020
“Elegant and restrained with hints of blackberry compote and damson jam notes, then to a rich, powerful palate of velvet fruit.”- Decanter
Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret
35% Syrah, 65% Grenache
(91-93) points – Wine Advocate
“With a bit more Syrah than the Tradition, the 2017 Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Grande Reserve comes across as slightly peppery and herbal, with baked blackberry fruit accented by baking spices (40% of the assemblage spends two years in demi-muids). It’s full-bodied, rich and supple across the mid-palate, with tangy red berries and softly dusty tannins on the long finish. Drink 2019-2025”- Joe Czerwinksi, Wine Advocate
91 points- “The 2016 Biston-Brillette Bon Vin!”- Vinous
Château Biston-Brillette, Moulis-en-Médoc 2016
91 points – Vinous
“The 2016 Biston-Brillette has a lovely blackberry, cedar and tobacco-scented bouquet that opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very well judged acidity, harmonious, silky and smooth with very well integrated new oak. Bon vin! Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London. Drink 2020-2035.”- Neal Martin, Vinous
90 points – Wine Enthusiast
“This is a smoky, ripe wine with young new-wood flavors that will calm down. Ripe blackberry fruits that balance jammy Merlot and crisper, structured Cabernet Sauvignon are full of dark flavors with spice and considerable acidity to keep freshness at the end. Drink from 2022.” — RV, Wine Enthusiast
Decanter 90 pointer for Domaine Girard Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine
Domaine Girard, Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine,Tradition 2019
90 points
Silver Medal- DWWA 2020
“Attractive and expressive citrus nose with touches of thyme. Fresh and energetic palate with hints of toasted nuts.” –Decanter
“2018 Lirac is open and charming, with hugely attractive fruit”- WA
Domaine La Font de Notre Dame Lirac 2018 –
(89-92) points – Wine Advocate
“Much like the 2017, the 2018 Lirac is open and charming, with hugely attractive fruit. It’s medium to full-bodied, with raspberry, kirsch and stone fruit notes and just enough tannin to provide structure to the finish. It should be approachable upon release and drink well for 5-6 years thereafter. Drink 2020-2026.”- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
“A Good Value Pick Among the St-Josephs”- Decanter
Domaine Pierre Gaillard, St. Joseph (rouge) 2017
91 points – Decanter
“This is made with fruit from the northernmost area: Chavanay and Malleval, on east- and southeast-facing granite slopes. The fruit is hand-harvested, destemmed, fermented, then matured for 18 months in French oak barriques from Allier and Nevers, 10% new. It’s a light-bodied style, with subtle and refined tannins, juicy berry acidity and remarkable length given the lightness of touch. A harmonious, subtle, saline, mineral expression – not for long ageing, but for sheer drinkability this is hard to beat. Should be a good value pick among the St-Josephs.”- Matt Walls, Decanter
Grabbed Gold and 95 Points- Pago de Los Abuelos Mencia
Pago de Los Abuelos, Viñas Centenarias Mencía 2018
95 points – Gold Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2020
“Spicy, peppery notes mingle with dark cherry and boysenberry fruit and subtle macerated herb tones. Very savoury palate showing red liquorice, stony minerality and a hint of dried rose character. Impeccable length.”- Decanter
Bierzo, Spain
100% Mencia
Silver -DWWA 2020 for Domaine Tour Campanets Rosé
Domaine Tour Campanets Rosé 2019
90 points – Decanter World Wine Awards 2020
“Elegant with layers of orange blossom and red berry on the nose, orange citrus and dark cherry on the palate.” – Decanter
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence
60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
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90 pts WE “Best Buy” from Chateau D’Aydie
Château d’Aydie, Madiran, Origine 2017 (in France’s Southwest)
90 points “Best Buy” – Wine Enthusiast
“This structured wine with ripe tannins and blackberry flavors is balanced while still celebrating its youthful fruitiness. Elegant, ripe and perfumed, it will be ready to drink from 2020.”- Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast
Tannat and Cabernet Franc Blend
Eric Suremain’s “Striking Wine…Well Worth Seeking Out”- WA
Eric de Suremain Rully 1er Cru Pillot 2017
biodynamic white burgundy
93 points – Wine Advocate
“Produced from vines planted in 1920 in an east/southeast-facing premier cru, de Suremain’s finest white is the 2017 Rully 1er Cru Pillot L’intemporelle, a striking wine that offers up attractive aromas of confit citrus, crisp green orchard fruit and almond paste. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with racy acids and a promising sense of tension and structural reserve. It’s well worth seeking out. Drink 2020-2035.”- William Kelley, Wine Advocate
94 pts – Couly-Dutheil Clos de l’Echo 2016
Domaine Couly-Dutheil Clos de l’Echo 2016 (from Chinon’s famous walled vineyard)
94 points – Decanter
“Attractive and youthful, with a smoky dark fruit core. All about elegance, freshness, textbook pencil lead, a fine grip of tannin and great freshness.” – Decanter
Testut Chablis VV 2018 Takes SWA Gold Medal 2020
Domaine Testut Chablis Vieilles Vignes 2018 Receives Gold Medal – Sommelier Wine Awards 2020
“The perfect Chablis – creamy with a hint of lemon and crushed oyster shell notes, joined by some green apple and a long, steely finish. A myriad of wonderful flavours, and a perfect match with Thai crab cake.”- Emanuel Pesqueira, Edwardian Hotels London
“This is all I expect from Chablis, with a blend of tropical and citrus fruits, joined by a touch a cream.”- Gary Newborough, The Aristologist
Berthenet A “Top 10 Montagny Name To Know”- Decanter
Domaine Berthenet, Montagny, Tête de Cuvée 2018- Makes Decanter’s Regional Profile: Montagny
“At the same time, smaller domaines are gaining in importance…(Among) Key names are Berthenet”- Decanter
91 points – Decanter
“Berthenet’s Tête de Cuvée is a blend from all but one of the domaine’s vineyards. Succulent, ripe and honeyed, the calcareous slopes have added freshness, citrus and saline notes. Unoaked, there are beguiling floral notes in this fine Montagny. Drink 2020-2022.”- Andy Howard, MW, Decanter
“Domaine Berthenet – Established in 1974, it was in 2001 that Jean-Pierre Berthenet and his son François separated from the Buxy cooperative. With their 15ha in Montagny producing seven premier cru wines, Berthenet is another producer who believes a focus on individual climats is the best way to raise the profile of Montagny. Vinification is mostly in stainless steel to promote freshness.”- Decanter