{"title":"France","description":"\u003cp\u003eExceptional wines hand selected from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and Rhône curated for timeless French elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"somm2406-mtnvbdb-750","title":"MV Michel Turgy, Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs “Réserve Selection”","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe winemaker\/proprietor at this six-hectare estate is Jean-Michel Turgy, who created this Réserve Selection specifically for his West Coast importer, North Berkeley Imports; it includes a whopping 30% reserve wine in the cuvée, a significantly higher percentage than what is found in his regular NV Brut release. The specialty here is crystalline, focused Blanc de Blancs from Chardonnay grown almost exclusively in Les Mesnil-sur-Oger. As Champagne geeks know, this village is effectively 100% devoted to Chardonnay, all of it Grand Cru, and by no means is Krug’s famed “Clos de Mesnil” the only distinguished vineyard site here: The village’s east-facing slopes, sheltered by thick woodland on the hills above, are perfect for ripening Chardonnay that maintains racy acidity and beautiful, high-toned aromatics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA category-defining Blanc de Blancs that must not be missed! The refinement, energy, and star-bright personality is evident from the first sip. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eIn the glass, it’s a brilliant straw-gold with flecks of silver, with aromas of fresh-cut green apple, quince, lemon curd, hay, honeysuckle, sea salt, and fresh brioche dough.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere’s great depth to the minerality and terrific focus and lift on the palate—it’s airy and refined, but substantial, in the manner of the best Blanc de Blancs. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow To Serve It: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eServe it at 45-50 degrees in elegant all-purpose white stems.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile it is plenty structure for main-course seafood dishes, this wine as an ultra-sophisticated apéritif:  with some fresh, lemony crab toasts for a kick-off to a great meal.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780114133046,"sku":"SOMM2406-MTNVBDB-750","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/MichelTurgy_GrandCruBlancdeBlancs_ReserveSelection__MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1716473519"},{"product_id":"somm2304-lgmvterecu-750","title":"MV Champagne Lacourte Godbillon, Premier Cru “Terroirs d’Ecueil”","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Story\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Lacourte family has been farming the unique terroir around the village of Ecueil for generations, but like many of their neighbors, sold mostly to the local co-op until Geraldine Lacourte’s parents started bottling some wine under their own label in 1968. When Geraldine and her husband Richard decided to come aboard in 2006, they set about learning as much as they could about farming and winemaking. They had the good fortune to connect with Eric Rodez (former chef du cave at Krug), and, with his help, they zeroed in on the art of blending micro-parcels to achieve the utmost balance, textural complexity, and pure drink-it-up deliciousness. They converted all their vineyards to organic farming and began using the marketing and business savvy from their previous careers to get their wines in front of the right people. Fast-forward 16 years and all that work is really paying off. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Terroirs d’Ecueil” is exactly that: a Champagne that showcases the terroir of Ecueil, their Premier Cru home village on the famed Montagne de Reims. The soils here have a healthy dose of sand mixed in with the clay and limestone, something that is not common in the Montagne de Reims. This adds extra elegance and a textural lift to the richness of Pinot Noir (85% of the blend) which reigns supreme in this region. Some aging of the base wines in neutral oak barrels, a healthy 35% of reserve wines, and a small amount of Chardonnay in the blend all contribute to a sense of precision and pedigree that you would expect to cost twice as much. After 30 months of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esur lie\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e maturation, the wine was disgorged and topped off with a modest five-gram \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003edosage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine displays a brilliant straw-yellow core with light gold and green reflections on the rim. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eRich and creamy aromas of red and yellow apple, quince, lemon blossom, white mushroom, honeysuckle, hazelnut, and delicate purple flowers are woven around a strong core of mineral notes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA “ground floor” opportunity to get in on something big—or perhaps, just stock up on delicious grower Champagne at an exceedingly reasonable price! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-b7409bd1-7fff-a026-447c-1a855af7bf79\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow To Serve It:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChill to 50 degrees and enjoy in all purpose stems\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent on its own, the Terroirs d’Ecueil has lots of structure and a palpable Pinot Noir character, making it a great candidate for pairing a wide range of dishes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnjoy with smoked salmon, prosciutto and melon, soft creamy cheeses like camembert or brie and\/or most excellent with roasted chicken and pommes frites\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/Geraldine_Lacourte_85ff0ed0-fd43-4636-9c18-416c2f6d7295.jpg?v=1774894183\" alt=\"Godbillon Champagne\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40780149162038,"sku":"SOMM2304-LGMVTERECU-750","price":69.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/products\/eb395c83503d94903cf231da60034312.jpg?v=1686589089"},{"product_id":"somm2402-dlr22rengc-750","title":"Domaine Etienne Delarche, Corton \"Les Renardes\" Grand Cru","description":"\u003cp\u003eDomaine Marius Delarche’s winery is in the foothills above Pernand-Vergelesses, where the family has been crafting wines from Corton since the 1940s. Philippe Delarche and his son, Etienne, jointly tended the vineyards and crafted the wine as a team until Philippe lost a long battle with cancer in 2007. Since then, Etienne has carried on, implementing the wisdom of his father and his own experiences around the world to produce beautiful wine one vintage after the next. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelarche’s holdings in “Les Renardes,” a prized lieu-dit of Grand Cru Corton, approaches 1,000 feet in elevation and enjoy prime southeastern sun exposure. In 2022 the perfectly ripe and balanced berries were hand-harvested and fully de-stemmed. A native-yeast fermentation occurred in stainless steel before the resulting wine was gently transferred into French barrels, 30% new, for one year of maturation. It was bottled without fining or filtration to capture every nuance this storied terroir has to offer. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServed at 60 degrees, this superb Grand Cru doles out lush swells of red cherry, roasted plum, black raspberry, blood orange, underbrush, iron, baking spice, damp violet, wet stone, and muddled strawberry. t’s a delight to drink right now (over the course of two evenings) with supple berry fruit and profound minerality wrapped in a firm tannic frame. Decant it 30 minutes before serving at 60 degrees in Burgundy stems, and save a few others for revisiting in 5-7 years’ time. Enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41773731282998,"sku":"SOMM2402-DLR22RENGC-750","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2022DomineEtienneDelarche_CortonLesRenardesGrandCru_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1704815333"},{"product_id":"the-explore-4-march-2025","title":"The Explore 4 - The Loire Valley Revisited","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Loire Valley Revisited\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStretching from the Atlantic coast to the eastern border with Burgundy, the Loire Valley\u003cbr\u003eencompasses the lion’s share of the fertile hills and valleys that drain into the eponymous river, France’s longest. Long nicknamed “The Garden of France,” this region is home to pristinely preserved Châteaux (castles) that are surrounded by vineyards. Though “only” the third largest in French wine production, the proximity to Paris and its countless cafés and bistros have made Loire Valley wines mainstays of French culture for centuries. It’s been a few years since we’ve checked in with this historic region–let’s dive in!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollection includes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2023 Gadais Père et Fils, Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine \"Domaine de la Tourmaline\u003cbr\u003e2023 Clos Roussely, Touraine Sauvignon Blanc \"L'Escale\"\u003cbr\u003e2022 Domaine Sauvète, Touraine Rouge \"Les Gravouilles\"\u003cbr\u003e2022 Domaine de Pallus, Chinon \"Messanges Rouge\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Tasting Notes\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/Explore4_March25_229cc656-7bb5-452f-87b9-b81dd74c1a41.pdf?v=1770226065\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSomm Booklet\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore 4 is for the curious connoisseur and the adventurous novice alike. Whether it’s an in-depth examination of a particular region, grape variety, or concept, each four-bottle shipment is its own unique adventure—and each shipment comes with an expertly prepared info packet describing the theme and the wines in rich detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterested in a recurring Explore 4 subscription? \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/products\/copy-of-the-explore-4-membership?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=47f358098\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eExplore More\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41975651237942,"sku":"SOMM2503-EXPLORE4-750","price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/LoireCastle.png?v=1769534961"},{"product_id":"the-explore-4-april-2025","title":"The Explore 4 - Pretty in Provence","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePretty in Provence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you’ve had the privilege of strolling the streets of Saint-Tropez, Cannes, or Nice then you know what modern day Provence can offer in terms of beauty, culture, and charm. But what the Côte d’Azure offers in glitzy packaging today has been in the works for thousands of years. The natural, rugged beauty of this region– both coastal and Alpine–has long been coveted for its wealth of medicinal herbs, olive oil, sheep (first domesticated here!), and of course wine. Yes, Provençal rosé reigns supreme now, and we have two incredible examples, but the hearty reds and salty whites are what have endured over millennia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollection includes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2023 Mas de Valériole \"Charmentin - Terre de Camargue\", IGP Bouches-du-Rhône\u003cbr\u003e2023 Domaine Turenne “Camille”, Côtes de Provence Rosé\u003cbr\u003e2023 Domaine le Galantin, Bandol Rosé\u003cbr\u003e2021 Mas de Gourgonnier, Baux de Provence Rouge\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-72c55564-7fff-ae75-fe26-ab3f9af3c3d5\"\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore 4 is for the curious connoisseur and the adventurous novice alike. Whether it’s an in-depth examination of a particular region, grape variety, or concept, each four-bottle shipment is its own unique adventure—and each shipment comes with an expertly prepared info packet describing the theme and the wines in rich detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterested in a recurring Explore 4 subscription? \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/products\/copy-of-the-explore-4-membership?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=47f358098\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eExplore More\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41975651336246,"sku":"SOMM2504-EXPLORE4-750","price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/pretty_in_Provence.jpg?v=1763861076"},{"product_id":"the-explore-4-august-2025","title":"The Explore 4 - Burgundy Basics","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBurgundy Basics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBurgundy, one of the world’s most iconic and diverse wine regions, is located in eastern France and spans several notable subregions. Chablis, furthest north, is famed for its crisp, mineral- driven Chardonnay, thanks to its cool climate and Kimmeridgian soils. Moving south, Côte Chalonnaise is where you’ll find Pinot Noirs of structure, complexity, and aging potential. The Mâconnais, benefitting from a warmer, southern climate offers light, fruit-driven Pinot Noirs- exceptional values for everyday drinking. Farthest south (and yes, technically still part of Burgundy), we have Beaujolais, known for Gamay-based reds in fresh, vibrant styles distinct from the Pinot Noir dominating the rest of Burgundy. These regions are just a glimpse of the complex terroir and grape diversity that Burgundy has to offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollection includes:\u003cbr\u003e2023 Domaine Ventoura, Petit Chablis\u003cbr\u003e2023 Jean Paul Dubost, Beaujolais-Lantignie\u003cbr\u003e2023 Thevenet \u0026amp; Fils Bourgogne \"Les Clos\"\u003cbr\u003e2023 Domaine Pellatier Hibon Givry Vieilles Vignes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Tasting Notes\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/Explore4_August_2025.pdf?v=1770230397\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSomm Booklet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore 4 is for the curious connoisseur and the adventurous novice alike. Whether it’s an in-depth examination of a particular region, grape variety, or concept, each four-bottle shipment is its own unique adventure—and each shipment comes with an expertly prepared info packet describing the theme and the wines in rich detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInterested in a recurring Explore 4 subscription? \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/products\/copy-of-the-explore-4-membership?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=47f358098\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eExplore More\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41975785848886,"sku":"SOMM2508-EXPLORE4-750","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/burgundy_basics.jpg?v=1763861236"},{"product_id":"2021-domaine-musset-roullier-anjou-rouge-le-neuf-vingtsomm2405-mroul21anjou-750","title":"2021 Domaine Musset-Roullier, Anjou Rouge \"Le Neuf Vingt\"","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGilles Musset and Serge Roullier first met about 60 years ago, at primary school in the Anjou village of La Pommeraye. Serge later helmed his father’s estate (Domaine du Pélican) while Gilles founded Domaine du Chaumier with his mother. After both experiencing devastating crop losses during an infamous frost event in 1991, they decided to merge their estates: When their parents retired, Gilles and Serge, along with Gilles’ wife, formed Vignoble Musset-Roullier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTheir vineyards extend along a fault line of the Armorican Massif. This immense geological series of compact faults creates an assortment of soil types in Anjou: green and blue schists; gray and blue limestones; gravels. “Les Neuf-Vignt” translates as “nine-twenty,” expressed as a fraction. This is a reference to the traditional practice of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emétayage \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e(sharecropping), wherein peasants would farm vineyards for large landowners and pay rent with a portion of their crop. Hand-harvested grapes are destemmed, briefly cold macerated, then fermented on indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks. Aging is in tank only, for 15 months.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis ’21 is a deep ruby-purple moving to magenta\/pink at the rim, with perfumed aromas of black plum, Bing cherry, currants, cranberry, rosemary, sage, black pepper, and violets. Medium-bodied, juicy, and tangy, it’s pure joy at 60 degrees in Burgundy stems. Splash-decant it about 15 minutes before serving with a bistro-inspired dinner of steak \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eau poivre,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e roasted chicken, maybe a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003epâte de campagne\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e if you really want to get in the French country spirit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42264001118262,"sku":"SOMM2405-MROUL21ANJOU-750","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2021DomaineMusset-Roullier_AnjouRougeLeNeufVingt_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1718912811"},{"product_id":"somm2405-dlb21-gignds-750","title":"2021 Domaine la Bouïssiere, Gigondas","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt doesn’t suffice to describe Domaine la Bouïssiere as the premier producer of Gigondas: This is one of the reference-point domaines of the entire Southern Rhône Valley. Perched high in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the jagged mountain range that dominates France’s Vaucluse region, this pioneering property discovered something important about the Southern Rhône terroir—altitude matters. In the 1960s, Antonin Faravel became a local legend in Gigondas when he climbed higher than anyone else would dare, carving his vineyards from dramatically steep limestone cliffs reaching to elevations of 500+ meters. He knew instinctively that he’d get the plushness and ample body Southern Rhône reds are known for, but also the acid balance and tension so few of them achieve (especially these days). I’ll repeat the key word here: tension. The greatest reds of Châteauneuf-du-Pape manage it, and so does this 2021 from Thierry and Gilles Faravel, Antonin’s sons. It’s another showstopper that must not be missed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs we’ve seen vintage after vintage, this wine lands at the perfect point on the Rhône Grenache ripeness scale, right in its red-fruited, brightly perfumed sweet spot, right before more maturity would bring darker notes of liqueur and black licorice. A dollop of 25% Syrah adds backbone and spice to a wine that caresses the palate rather than bludgeoning it. It is as dramatic and memorable as the iconic mountain range that graces its label.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat label, in fact, really says it all: Rather than put a picture of their winery on the bottle, the Faravels want you to know where the character of their wine really comes from—and there is indeed a mineral underpinning to this wine that is often missing in the ultra-ripe modern-day produce of the Southern Rhône. There is also that rare look at what might be called the “Pinot side” of the Grenache grape: the more perfumed expression found most famously in the wines of Château Rayas. Ultimately, the inclusion of Syrah in this Gigondas takes it in a different direction, but there’s no question that Bouïssiere’s high-elevation vineyards—and old vines—produce fruit of exceptional balance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe western foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail are where most of the key villages of the southern Rhône are located, including Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Beaumes-de-Venise. Antonin Faravel worked at the legendary Domaine Pierre Amadieu in Gigondas for more than 30 years, passing along his incomparable knowledge of the local terroir to Thierry and Giles. Their pioneering “Grand Bouïssiere” vineyard in Gigondas was planted between 1963 and 1966, much of it on terraces to combat the steep pitches of the slopes. In addition to being one of the highest-elevation sites in Gigondas, it has a northwestern aspect, which mitigates some of the sunlight intensity. So, while there is no shortage of ripeness and intensity in the Bouïssiere Gigondas, it is all in balance. It has energy, enough to “carry” its elevated alcohol with ease.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThen there’s the texture, which evokes sunny, sultry, “Mediterranean” France: This ’21 is voluptuous and ready to drink, but should continue to evolve over the next 5-7 years if kept well. Decant it for 30 minutes before serving in Bordeaux stems and you’ll see a wine with a deep ruby-black core moving to magenta and pink at the rim, with perfumed aromas of wild red and black berries, kirsch, raspberry, dates, licorice, lavender, mint, warm spice, scrub-brush, and dusty earth. It is powerful and nimble at once, an amazing feat that only a few southern Rhône reds manage to pull off consistently. Keep it on the cool side (60 degrees) and serve it with something that speaks to its southern French origins. We’re attaching an oft-shared lamb recipe to pair with this bottle, because why mess with perfection? Enjoy!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42407269826614,"sku":"SOMM2405-DLB21-GIGNDS-750","price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2021DomainelaBouissiere_Gigondas_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1716473474"},{"product_id":"mv-christian-diligent-champagne-cuv-e-extra-brut-100-pinot-blancsomm2406-cdlgmvxbrut-750","title":"MV Christian Diligent, Champagne Cuvée Extra-Brut (100% Pinot Blanc)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOver 99% of all the planted grapes in the most iconic region of Champagne are Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay, however, we managed to find a 100% Pinot Blanc cuvée from a small family farm on the edge of Champagne.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe sleepy hamlet of Buxeuil sits on the southern edge of the Champagne region, in the Côte des Bar. This is definitely the country and it's geographically (and culturally) very far from the glitz and glamor of Reims. This is where we discovered the small domaine of Christian Diligent, sitting just a few hundred feet away from the banks of the Seine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is no tasting room here. All of their wines are excellent–clean, transparent, elegant and yet also pleasingly rustic yet it was their very rare bottling of 100% Pinot Blanc that stood out. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis special cuvée of 100% Pinot Blanc is primarily comprised of the 2019 vintage, and was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks for several months before being bottled and undergoing second fermentation. It was then aged for an additional 36 months on the fine lees before disgorgement and a very judicious dosage of four grams per liter–hence the “Extra-Brut” designation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Diligent clan has stood by their small parcel of Pinot Blanc for generations. This family has been living, farming, and tending vines in Buxeuil since 1637, so they have close to four centuries of generational knowledge when it comes to the local terroir. It was Christian’s grandfather, Georges, who began making his own wine, and labeling it with the family name back in 1958. Today they bottle almost the entire production themselves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIncredibly small production and an extremely rare 100% Pinot Blanc Champagne\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA brilliant, golden hue that is a bit deeper thanks to the Pinot Blanc\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAromatics are a unique combination of Bosc pear, white peach, apricot, lemon curd, peanut shell, elderflower, citrus blossom, and wet stones.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn elegant, medium-bodied palate with a very fine, soft mousse and a long, saline finish. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow To Serve It: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eServe it chilled, though not ice cold, in an all-purpose stem\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis is such a rare treat: Serve it with some fine passed canapes, or some high quality washed rind cheeses. It would also be a deliciously unique pairing with sushi.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42620630073398,"sku":"SOMM2406-CDLGMVXBRUT-750","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/MVChristianDiligent_ChampagneCuveeExtra-Brut_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1723485031"},{"product_id":"mv-bonnet-gilmert-champagne-la-r-serve-brut-blanc-de-blancs-grand-cru-2021-basesomm2406-bgilmvbdbgc-750","title":"MV Bonnet-Gilmert Champagne \"La Réserve\" Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmile Gilmert started bottling his own wine in 1910 when most growers just sold grapes. His son Marcel expanded production. By the 1950s, Colette Gilmert and Robert Bonnet were bottling everything. Today, fifth-generation Aude Vauban runs the show with her family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey survive—thrive, actually—surrounded by luxury houses like Salon, Krug, and Pierre Peters because they make exceptional wine and sell it for honest prices. No marketing budget. No American importer. Just 2,000 cases that disappear into Swiss car trunks and a handful of European restaurants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe “La Réserve” comes from prime Grand Cru parcels. The chalk here runs deep—300 feet of pure Cretaceous limestone that gives Côte des Blancs Chardonnay its signature: laser precision, saline minerality, and the kind of tension that makes sommeliers weak in the knees.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOak aging before secondary fermentation adds texture without masking terroir. Extended lees contact (36 months) builds complexity. This is serious winemaking hiding behind a modest label.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHY YOU'LL LOVE IT \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLe Mesnil Pedigree: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis village produces Champagne's most coveted Blanc de Blancs. Every major house wants fruit from here. You're drinking an artisan product for $175 less than the mega-production Krug Grande Cuvée.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKaleidoscopic aromas: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYellow apple, white peach, Meyer lemon, marzipan, Madagascar vanilla, white flowers, fresh cream, and loads of chalky, wet rock. The fruit and spice lead the charge, the mid-palate is exquisitely textured and just the right amount of rich, while the finish is long, taut, and loaded with saline minerals. Exquisite stuff!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTiny Production, Insider’s Farmer Fizz: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot a négociant or co-op project. A five-generation Récoltant-Manipulant. This is from one proud family, with total production that wouldn't fill a living room, let alone a small warehouse.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrue discovery: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYour Champagne-obsessed friends haven't heard of Bonnet-Gilmert. This is a special new name you can introduce to them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOW TO SERVE IT \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrinking window: Perfect now, but the structure suggests at least another 5 years of positive evolution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe at 48°F in white wine glasses or even Burgundy bowls. You want to smell what these Grand Cru-rated villages can do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFood matches: Fresh oysters, grilled Dover sole, triple-cream cheese. Or drink it alone and understand why people spend so much for this corner of Champagne.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42621006184502,"sku":"SOMM2406-BGILMVBDBGC-750","price":72.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/BlancdeblancsLareserve_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1723210771"},{"product_id":"somm2406-mdb21cdrvllge-750","title":"2021 Mas de Boislauzon, Côtes du Rhône Villages","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan\u003eWe’re like a broken record when it comes to Southern Rhône Valley red wines: There’s a lot of wine labeled “Côtes du Rhône Villages,” most of it not very distinguished, but once in a while, you come across a banger with all the bona fides—and when you do, you’re essentially drinking Châteauneuf-du-Pape without the price tag. This is very much the case with Mas de Boislauzon, an estate headquartered right on the outskirts on Châteauneuf that has delivered an outstanding value here: This powerful yet surprisingly fresh and nimble red avoids the syrupy fate that bedevils many reds from this part of the world. It’s a big red, but not a bruising one, and the value-for-dollar is about as good as it gets. This is a lot—a whole lot—of wine for the money!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC is applied to an assortment of Southern Rhône Valley villages clustered around the town of Orange—which is where the cellar and offices of Mas de Boislauzon are located. The estate’s vineyards in the Côtes du Rhône Villages catchment area are situated just to the north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in soils very similar to those found in Châteauneuf: reddish clay mixed with the large, rounded river stones known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003egalets roulés\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The farming here has been Certified Organic since 2012, and it really does show in the wine: For all its concentration and polish, there’s a very palpable mineral component to the wine as well.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMas de Boislauzon is a family-run estate going back six generations, with the sister-brother team of Christine Chaussy-Leget and Daniel Chaussy heading up operations. Their sons, Quentin, Joris, and Arnaud, also help out at this historic family winery while also working on their own label on the side. They farm 34 hectares of vines in total, 12 of which are in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the remainder in Côtes du Rhône Villages.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFruit for this wine is sourced from nearly 70-year-old vines that hug Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s northern border—and feature the same cobblestone-rich soils. The grapes are 100% destemmed and fermented in concrete tanks. Aging is also carried out in concrete tanks, which has a noticeable effect on the texture: the tannins are gentle, without any of the dryness imparted by wood barrels. There’s also a surprising amount of freshness for a wine of 15% a.b.v.—we all marveled at its balance and lift, and you will, too.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRich and powerful, with a relatively dark, brackish cast to the color thanks to the Syrah component. There’s lots of black and purple fruit on the nose, but there’s also a pleasingly rustic, slightly herbal note that calls to mind old-school Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Notes of black raspberry, cherry kirsch, dried strawberry, violets, licorice, warm spices, wild herbs, and dusty earth linger on the medium-plus-bodied palate, culminating in a long, aromatic, sweet\/savory finish. Decant and serve cool (55-60 degrees, which will tamp down some of the alcohol heat) with a rack of lamb or braised short ribs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42717592682550,"sku":"SOMM2406-MDB21CDRVLLGE-750","price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2021MasdeBoislauzon_CotesduRhoneVillages_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1717519591"},{"product_id":"2022-daniel-et-julien-barraud-m-con-vergisson-la-rochesomm2407-brd22mcnlr-750","title":"2022 Daniel et Julien Barraud, Mâcon-Vergisson \"La Roche\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Barrauds have been instrumental in elevating the wines of Mâcon to Côte de Beaune levels of quality—all that’s missing are the Côte de Beaune-level prices!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFermented and aged in French oak barrels and bottled unfined and unfiltered, this 2017 from Barraud is an explosive, wonderfully pure white Burgundy; it drinks beautifully right now after a 30-minute decant but it sure to improve over the next 3-5 years as well. In the glass, it shines a deep yellow-gold with flecks of green at the rim, unleashing aromas of ripe yellow apple, white peach, lemon curd, crushed oyster shells (of which many are found in the Barraud vineyards), raw hazelnut, citrus blossoms, and wet stones. The wine is a lithe middleweight, with good concentration on the mid-palate followed by a zesty, fresh finish. Pair it with a roast chicken slathered with lots of herbs for a prime spot in the white Burgundy comfort zone. An unbeatable pairing and an incomparable value! Enjoy!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42742535258166,"sku":"SOMM2407-BRD22MCNLR-750","price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2022DanieletJulienBarraud_Macon-VergissonLaRoche_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1727203170"},{"product_id":"somm2408-guylarmvbzero-750","title":"MV Guy Larmandier, Champagne Brut Zero Grand Cru Cramant Blanc de Blancs","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen it comes to sparkling wine, we fall very very hard for mineral, incisive Blanc des Blancs. The chalkiness, the electrifying acidity, the sense that you’re practically drinking the region’s limestone soil. We can’t get enough of it. With their Cramant Grand Cru Blanc des Blancs, the Larmandier family ratchets those qualities up to 11. This stunning bottle–from one of the most important villages in the world for Chardonnay, unimpeded by even a drop of dosage–may just be Champagne in its most thrilling form. And as an added bonus, it’s proof positive of one of the unspoken rules among Champagne aficionados: that a great bottle really only starts to strut its stuff a year after disgorging. Now two years out from its disgorgement, there’s textural richness and more fruit-backed depth to round out the mineral core, and it's all the better for it. It’s the most exciting form of Champagne just entering its most exciting drinking window. So don’t hesitate; go deep!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt’s not really a surprise that a bottle of Chardonnay as deft as this comes from Maison Guy Larmandier. After all, the family’s nine hectares of holdings are composed almost entirely of the variety. They’ve got a stable of vineyards to make any grower blush with envy, based entirely in Champagne’s Côte des Blancs, and composed exclusively of Premier and Grand Cru holdings. For their Brut Zero Blanc des Blancs, they zero in on Cramant, their most cherished village. Here, the region’s iconic Kimmeridgian limestone soil dominates, imbuing Chardonnay grown on its gentle slopes with electric tension. Whereas neighboring villages like Avize and Mesnil are famed for the power they impart to Chardonnay grown there, Cramant is like Champagne’s Puligny, emphasizing elegance and purity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGuy Larmandier founded his eponymous estate in 1976. That places him firmly at the beginning of the grower Champagne movement, one of the first to stop selling his fruit to the major houses and begin bottling under his own name. From the beginning, precision and a deft touch marked his wines out, with fermentations taking place in stainless steel tanks and malolactic blocked to retain freshness. If you wanted to experience the lightning thrill of great Côte des Blancs bubbles, Guy’s address was one of the first you had to look to. Guy sadly passed in 2000, but his wife Colette and daughter Marie-Helene continue the business to this day. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis edition of the Guy Larmandier Grand Cru Cramant Blanc des Blancs Brut Zero takes 2017 as its base vintage, and it aged five years \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esur latte\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e before disgorgement in 2022. While two years in bottle isn’t significant age per se, it’s just enough time to allow such a tightly coiled beast to unwind and impress with an even broader range of flavors. Definitely pour this into all-purpose white wine glasses to fully appreciate the aromatic spectrum on display here–pulverized chalk, seaspray, gunflint, lemon zest, white flowers, and oyster shells. Creamy orchard fruit and raw almond nuttiness round out the piercing minerality. On the palate, it’s all about incisive cut, the rocky tension carrying things through to a minutes-long finish. It’s tense and electric, but never punishing, just enough concentration and fruit to keep things refreshing instead of austere. Alongside some oysters or simple seafood, a bottle is liable to disappear far more quickly than you anticipated. Better stock up to be safe!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42947924328502,"sku":"SOMM2408-GUYLARMVBZERO-750","price":67.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/MVGuyLarmandier_ChampagneBrutZeroGrandCruBlancdeBlancs_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1722965669"},{"product_id":"somm2409-pbmvpromise-750","title":"MV Petit \u0026 Bajan, Champagne Brut Grand Cru \"Promise\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePetit \u0026amp; Bajan is one of those small, family-run Champagne houses that exemplifies the beauty of grower Champagne. Founded in 2008 by Richard Petit and Véronique Bajan, this estate draws on the rich traditions of two grand cru terroirs. Richard’s family has long cultivated Chardonnay in the chalky soils of Avize, while Véronique’s roots lie in Verzenay, a bastion of Pinot Noir in the Montagne de Reims. Together, they farm just over 3 hectares of grand cru vineyards with a commitment to sustainable viticulture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWhat makes their approach so compelling is the meticulous care lavished upon each grape. Hand-harvesting at perfect ripeness, often daringly late, upright wooden pressing, the gentle malolactic fermentation, and the extended aging lend \"Promise\" a finesse that is both modern and timeless. With a dosage so restrained it barely whispers (3 grams per liter), this Champagne stands as an ode to purity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"mb-xs mt-5 text-base font-[525] first:mt-3\"\u003eWhy You’ll Love It:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"my-0\"\u003eThis is Champagne at its most honest and expressive\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"my-0\"\u003eThe grand cru origins are evident in every sip: Chardonnay from Avize lends precision and minerality, while the Pinot Noir from Verzenay adds structure and depth\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"my-0\"\u003eA refreshing and complex harmonious blend of citrus zest, orchard fruits, and subtle floral notes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Serve It:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eServe slightly chilled between 46–50°F in a tulip-shaped glass\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThis is not a Champagne to relegate to mere aperitif status; \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePair it with oysters or scallops for a maritime duet, or let it dance alongside creamy cheeses for a richer harmony.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42998342582326,"sku":"SOMM2409-PBMVPROMISE-750","price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/MVPetit_Bajan_ChampagneBrutGrandCruPromise_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1724966153"},{"product_id":"mv-champagne-francis-orban-ros-extra-brutsomm2409-orbmvrosebrut-750","title":"MV Champagne Francis Orban, Rosé Extra Brut","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43003496169526,"sku":"SOMM2409-ORBMVROSEBRUT-750","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/Screenshot2025-07-02at2.37.43PM.png?v=1751492299"},{"product_id":"mv-jean-vesselle-champagne-brut-blanc-de-noirs-oeil-de-perdixsomm2410jvslbdnpx-750","title":"MV Jean Vesselle, Champagne Brut Blanc de Noirs \"Oeil de Perdrix\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnyone who loves great Champagne, and Pinot Noir, recognizes Bouzy as ground zero for the region’s most profound expressions of the variety. Amongst a star-bright constellation of producers within the region, Delphine and David Vesselle have already distinguished themselves from the pack. The family’s 15 hectares are planted to 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, and across the entire Vesselle lineup, Pinot Noir is the luminous, irrepressible star. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirst established in the 1800s, the Vesselles are also deeply entrenched in Champagne viticulture, and today they work tirelessly in the vineyard to adhere to organic practices. Come harvest, the ripe Pinot Noir clusters (from Grand Cru Bouzy and select holdings in the Aube) are picked by hand and sent to their cellar for a brief maceration. The “Oeil de Perdrix” is a true rosé de saignée, made from start to finish with a single set of skin contact juice as opposed to the more popular method of adding still, red wine to the tanks before bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the first pour to the last sip, Vesselle’s “Oeil de Perdrix” is a breathtakingly unique and refreshing take on conventional Blanc de Noirs. Thanks to the brief skin contact, the wine pours a beautiful, pale, salmon-pink core with vibrant copper-orange hues, the mousse is vigorous and fine, and just like all of Vesselle’s Champagnes, an aromatic tour de force reveals itself on the nose. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBursting with high-toned wild raspberry, green strawberry, Rainier cherry, redcurrant, rose stem, white pepper, blood orange zest, chalk, crushed red apple, thyme, and dried flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe mouthfeel is full, soft, and generous but pulsing with electric jolts of acidity and lip-smacking minerality before the vinous signature of Vesselle’s ripe, bold Pinot Noir steals the show. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow To Serve It:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChilled in serve in all purpose stems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e The versatility and texture of this wine allows delightful pairings with a multitude of dishes, from tuna sashimi to chicken karaage. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur favorite pairing? A bottle with roast chicken and Pommes Frites. \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43131662893110,"sku":"SOMM2410JVSLBDNPX-750","price":64.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/MVJeanVesselle_ChampagneBrutBlancdeNoirsOeildePerdix_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1729114465"},{"product_id":"2023-domaine-michel-sarrazin-et-fils-bourgogne-pinot-noir-les-vieilles-vignessomm2411-srzn23pnt-750","title":"2023 Domaine Michel Sarrazin et Fils, Bourgogne Pinot Noir \"Les Vieilles Vignes\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday’s discovery is hands-down one of the best red Burgundy values you’ll ever see—a wine that drinks so far above its station you’d be hard-pressed not to guess Premier Cru in a blind tasting. Yes, we’ve featured previous vintages because it always, always delivers, and yes, they do tell you that it comes from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003evieilles vignes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (“old vines”), but they don’t tell you that those vines exceed 50 years of age and cling to a steep slope at about 1,000 feet, right at the edge of both the Givry boundary and the forest line. This wine speaks of its woodsy, rustic surroundings in a clear, resonant voice. You will not find a more thoroughly “Burgundian” Pinot Noir, and, as “entry level” wines go, this is as good as it gets. If you love red Burgundy as much as we do, stock up on this—it has no peer at this price!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Sarrazin name is an important one to know in the Côte Chalonnaise, the region just to the south of the Côte de Beaune that includes Maranges (which is just a click south from Santenay), Mercurey, and Givry. Headquartered in the tiny hamlet of Jamblès, within the Givry AOC, the domaine includes about 35 hectares of vineyards across a number of appellations (Givry, Rully, Mercurey, Maranges), all farmed according to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003elutte raisonnée\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (“reasoned struggle”) principles; this means that herbicides, pesticides, and any other non-organic inputs are prohibited except in serious emergencies. Brothers Guy and Jean-Yves Sarrazin have run the domaine since the mid-1990s, and in that time, they have raised their own profile along with those of the lesser-known villages they showcase. We have come to rely on Sarrazin for red (and white) Burgundies of uncommon depth and clarity at the lower end of the price spectrum, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe cuvée “Les Vieilles Vignes” isn’t messing around in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003evieilles\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e department: The wine is sourced from 50+-year-old vines on a family plot in Jamblès, which, at about 1,000 feet in altitude, is just outside the Givry AOC boundary. Hand-harvested grapes are fermented on indigenous yeasts in open-topped wooden vats, after which the wine is aged partly in large, wooden casks (80%) and partly in stainless steel (20%). It is bottled unfined and unfiltered.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the glass, the 2023 “Les Vieilles Vignes” is a medium ruby moving to pink and magenta at the rim, with perfumed aromas of black and red cherry, red plums, cranberry, damp roses and violets, black tea, crushed stones, underbrush, and a hint of leather. It’s juicy and nicely concentrated but also tangy and spicy, with that inimitable wave of freshness that gives it lift and lilt. It glides gracefully across the palate, without too much tartness or twang, and ends with a floral flourish. I’ll bet it would improve with a few years of cellar age—and make you feel even better about what you paid for it—but it is also approachable now. Decant it about 30-45 minutes before serving in Burgundy stems at around 60 degrees (the cooler temp here designed to highlight fruit over acid). Perhaps the best word for this wine is “surprising”—considering everything that went into it, I’m surprised it doesn’t cost more. It offers great versatility at the table as well, with enough finesse for some seafood preparations but is ultimately better-suited to chicken, pork, game meats, or even beef. Try the below for an easy and delicious weeknight pairing during the busy holiday season!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43162199916598,"sku":"SOMM2411-SRZN23PNT-750","price":37.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2023DomaineMichelSarrazinetFils_BourgognePinotNoirLesVieillesVignes_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1730922575"},{"product_id":"2018-domaine-de-beausejour-chinon-half-bottle2412demi4-bsj18chn-375","title":"2018 Domaine de Beausejour, Chinon Half Bottle","description":"","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43165555261494,"sku":"2412DEMI4-BSJ18CHN-375","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/BeausejourChinonStoreImage_1.png?v=1743532245"},{"product_id":"2023-ch-teau-massiac-pays-doc-viognier2412b6-msc23viog-750","title":"2023 Château Massiac, Pays d'Oc Viognier","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf there’s a single word that captures the 2023 Château Massiac, Pays d’Oc Viognier, it’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eradiance\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This wine, grown in the sun-drenched foothills near the Mediterranean, is a testament to the Boudouresques family’s commitment to organic viticulture and their reverence for the land’s ancient history—one that stretches back to Roman times. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Viognier grapes are harvested in the cool, early morning, preserving their delicate aromatics. Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel tanks, with the wine resting on its fine lees and receiving gentle batonnage. The result is a Viognier that is both vibrant and textured, with yields kept moderate (about 50 hectoliters per hectare) to ensure concentration and purity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn interplay of freshness and opulence—apricot, white peach, and honeysuckle, yet crisp and dry on the palate is crisp,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA subtle mineral thread of the limestone and clay soils, that gives the wine a sense of place and poise. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eA wine that feels both ancient and modern: evoking the wild herbs and sun-baked stones of the Languedoc, yet crafted with a precision\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow To Serve It:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServe chilled in a white wine stem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eA natural match for dishes featuring fruit components, such as roasted chicken with apricot glaze or duck with figs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43198160863286,"sku":"2412B6-MSC23VIOG-750","price":19.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/Screenshot2025-04-14at1.07.58PM.png?v=1744661305"},{"product_id":"2002-vincent-couche-champagne-sensation-brut-naturesomm2412-vche02senstn-750","title":"2002 Vincent Couche, Champagne \"Sensation\" Brut Nature","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis is almost certainly your last chance to try this revelatory, rarefied Champagne. Don’t miss it!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-5920af56-7fff-5322-0934-94005ae548db\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2002 vintage is universally touted as one of the greatest Champagne vintages of the 21st century, producing exceedingly age-worthy wines with both power and finesse. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVincent Couche’s fruit comes from two choice villages, Buxeuil (Pinot Noir) and Montgueux (Chardonnay). Vines in Montgueux, made famous by Champagne icon Jacques Lassaigne, are perched on an expansive chalky rise that looks down at the farmland below. The wonderfully ripe grapes grown here add immense texture and vibrancy in the final wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCouche has led the charge in both the organic and grower Champagne movements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e He was the first producer in Champagne to be certified Biodynamic in both the vineyard and cellar. His “Sensation” bottling is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eequal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonna\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ey that has been naturally farmed, vinified in old French barrels, and left to mature on the lees for over two decades. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is non-intervention in it's truest sense. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCouche picks late so that his grapes are properly ripe, no chaptalization is required and the dosage is kept to an absolute minimum. He ferments his wines with natural yeasts in large neutral barrels and then allows the malolactic fermentation to occur naturally. No pumps are to be found in the winery—everything is by gravity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eOne of the great Champagnes from One of the Greatest vintages of the 21st century. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstoundingly energetic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIt’s a dynamic sensory experience that seems to shape shift every 15 minutes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe palate is brimming with high tones of honeysuckle, white peach, green apple, pineapple core, Rainier cherry, and acacia alongside crackling notes of toasted nuts and candied lemon\/lime peel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSavory earth and mineral: wild herbs, lees, smoke, crushed white stones, button mushroom, fino sherry, cheese rind, nougat.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBuoyant layers of acidity highlight the wine’s beautiful citrus- and orchard-fruit flavors. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIt’s a mind-blowing wine to be enjoyed now and over the next 5-8 years.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow To Serve It:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eServing in an all-purpose stem will preserve the delicate \u003ci\u003eperlage\u003c\/i\u003e a bit longer, but your best Burgundy bowl will really accentuate the monumental complexity and vinous depth that Couche has achieved.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eServed just cool, around 50-55 degrees, ideally out of the cellar or wine fridge instead of a regular refrigerator.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePerfect with a simple plate of aged cheeses, or make it a truly romantic meal with roast chicken and truffles. \u003ci\u003eBon appétit! \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43344057499702,"sku":"SOMM2412-VCHE02SENSTN-750","price":159.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2002VincentCouche_ChampagneSensationBrutNature_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1753221811"},{"product_id":"2022-domaine-de-la-bou-ssiere-c-tes-du-rh-nesomm2501-bssr22cdr-750","title":"2022 Domaine de la Bouïssiere, Côtes du Rhône","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe key to elevating Côtes du Rhône from good to great is balance. Only the best producers are able to match the ample fruit and plush body Southern Rhône blends are famous for with a brilliant sense of tension and vivacity. The Faravel brothers behind Domaine la Bouïssiere pull off that rare trick deftly. When he founded the family winery in the 1960s, their father Antonin staked out vineyards higher than any other in the Gigondas appellation. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow, with ever-warmer vintages, the Bouïssiere address is one of the few we look to for true elegance in the Southern Rhône. The vineyards that go into the Faravel’s Côtes du Rhône are technically in Beaumes-de-Venise, right next door to Gigondas, but the story is the same here. Elevations over 1,000 feet mean this cuvée hits the ripeness bullseye with shimmering, fresh fruits rather than the stewed or cooked aromatics\/flavors we so often see down here. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Antonin Faravel began planting his vineyard in 1963, he chose some of the most forbidding terroir in the appellation. The Bouïssiere vines are planted more or less directly into the cliffs of the Dentelles de Montmirail, on slopes so steep Antonin was forced to build terraces for them. The neighbors thought he was crazy, but he knew what he was doing; Antonin had worked at the famous Domaine Pierre Amadieu for more than three decades before he struck out on his own, and knew the lay of Gigondas’ land like few others. He’s now passed that knowledge to his sons who take every step to preserve the noble refinement their father sought. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter hand harvesting the sustainably farmed fruit—80% Grenache and 20% Syrah—for their Côtes du Rhône cuvée, the Faravel brothers ferment it with 50% whole clusters and age the wine entirely in cement. Served in Bordeaux stems, the deep ruby wine offers up a nose of cherry liqueur, wild blackberries, crushed raspberries, violets, scorched black rock, sandalwood, anise seed, Mediterranean scrub brush, and baked earth. It’s certainly powerful and deep on the palate, but it’s also lithe and refreshing, with waves of scintillating acids and just-there tannin making for a vibrant, rather than plodding, drinking experience. I’d even wager that unlike most wines in this category, Bouïssiere’s Côtes du Rhône will improve with a couple years in your cellar. Good luck keeping your hands off of it in the meantime!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43350936223798,"sku":"SOMM2501-BSSR22CDR-750","price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"2021-domaine-andr-mathieu-c-tes-du-rhonesomm2502-amth21cdr-750","title":"2021 Domaine André Mathieu, Côtes du Rhone \"Seriziers\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDomaine André Mathieu is a historic property in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape that makes über traditional wine from a treasure trove of very old vines of Grenache planted among all 13 allowable grape varieties. As such we’ve always focused on their “Cuvée Centanaire,” and we will continue to do so (look out for a bonus offer this afternoon!), but when André’s local importer offered us a crazy good deal on his elegant, extra-drinkable yet sneakily complex Côtes-du-Rhone I just couldn’t pass it up. All the same history, farming, and winemaking prowess go into this wine from vines just outside the Châteauneuf zone, but the vines are a bit younger, and the price is much lower! This is the perfect house wine for winter stews, and will transition perfectly into spring pic-nics and barbeques. We’ve passed our savings along, take advantage and stock up!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen winemakers talk about generational knowledge, they are referring to a sort of sixth sense that can develop as a young vigneron in training moves about the family farm where they grew up, and where their ancestors have lived and worked for many generations. Well, André Mathieu has some generational knowledge in droves. His domaine, at the heart of the Southern Rhône’s most famous appellation, Cháteauneuf du Pape, has been passed down from parents to children in a continuous line since 1600. To say that farming grapes here is in his blood would be an understatement; it kind of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e his blood. But generational knowledge still needs good raw materials, and here André is also blessed: His estate includes some parcels of vines that were planted between 1890 and 1914, so 110 to 130 years old. We think that counts as “old vines.” These beauties produced powerfully robust, long-lived wines that will impress wine lovers of every taste and experience. However, those vines produce precious little fruit, and the family needs something to sell more regularly, and quite frankly something to drink on Monday or Tuesday evening like the rest of us. That’s where their four hectares of vines in the Côtes-du-Rhône (CDR) appellation come into play! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow, the CDR is a giant region, and they make lakes of wine–but much of that is simple, quaffable red at best, and insipid or overwrought commercial plonk at worst. André’s version, not surprisingly, is none of the above. The vines here aren’t as old (more like 30-40 instead of 130), and the aging in large vats is shorter, but otherwise everything is done just like they do with their top tier Châteaunuefs. Most importantly they farm meticulously, and limit yields so there is loads of depth and concentration, just with a bit more freshness and less need for aging. The 2021 is now at peak drinking, and will stay there for the next two to three years; just the right amount of time to tide us all over while we wait for the Châteauneuf!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThough you could certainly decant this 2021, I found it ready to rock almost immediately after the cork was pulled. Poured into a Burgundy stem the color is a deep garnet, with hints of magenta and brick orange at the rim. The nose is a rush of brambly, sappy fruits–blackberries, raspberries, cherry liqueur–that is quickly followed by spicy\/savory notes of cracked peppercorn, fennel, sage, rosemary, clove, and a touch of meat. It’s perfect with hearty stews, but will also go great with anything you throw on the grill when the weather starts to warm. Buy a case, and if it lasts a couple years the wine might be even better, but I doubt it will make it past the summer!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43440533078070,"sku":"SOMM2502-AMTH21CDR-750","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2021DomaineAndreMathieu_CotesduRhone_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1738095822"},{"product_id":"2022-domaine-de-montille-bourgogne-clos-du-ch-teausomm2502-dmnt22closbl-750","title":"2022 Domaine de Montille, Bourgogne Blanc \"Le Clos du Château\"","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"erp-sidecar:h-fit erp-sidecar:pb-0 mx-auto h-full\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"relative border-subtlest ring-subtlest divide-subtlest bg-base\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"erp-sidecar:min-h-[var(--sidecar-content-height)] erp-mobile-sidecar:min-h-[var(--mobile-sidecar-content-height)] min-h-[var(--page-content-height)]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pt-[var(--thread-visual-spacing)] md:pt-lg pb-[var(--thread-visual-spacing)] px-[var(--thread-visual-spacing)] border-subtlest ring-subtlest divide-subtlest bg-transparent\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"isolate mx-auto flex flex-col max-w-threadContentWidth\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-state=\"active\" data-orientation=\"horizontal\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"radix-:r6g:-trigger-default\" id=\"radix-:r6g:-content-default\" class=\"focus:outline-none\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex flex-col gap-y-lg\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gap-y-lg flex flex-col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\" data-orientation=\"horizontal\" class=\"grid w-full min-w-0 grid-cols-[minmax(0,1fr)]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col-start-1 row-start-2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-state=\"active\" data-orientation=\"horizontal\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"radix-:r43n:-trigger-thread\" id=\"radix-:r43n:-content-thread\" class=\"focus:outline-none\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"border-subtlest ring-subtlest divide-subtlest bg-transparent\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gap-y-md flex flex-col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"relative font-sans text-base text-foreground selection:bg-super\/50 selection:text-foreground dark:selection:bg-super\/10 dark:selection:text-super\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"min-w-0 break-words [word-break:break-word]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" id=\"markdown-content-32\" class=\"gap-y-md after:clear-both after:block after:content-['']\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-2 first:mt-0 [\u0026amp;:has([data-inline-type=image])+\u0026amp;:has([data-inline-type=image])_[data-inline-type=image]]:hidden [\u0026amp;:has(table)_[data-inline-type=image]]:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"relative\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"prose dark:prose-invert inline leading-relaxed break-words min-w-0 [word-break:break-word] prose-strong:font-medium visRefresh2026Fonts:prose-strong:font-bold [\u0026amp;_\u0026gt;*:first-child]:mt-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eDomaine de Montille’s Bourgogne Blanc “Le Clos du Château” offers Puligny-Montrachet quality at Bourgogne pricing from a rare, walled 4.9-hectare clos encircling the historic Château de Puligny-Montrachet, purchased by Étienne de Montille in 2012. Though AOC boundaries drawn a century ago exclude it from village status—despite surrounding Puligny vines—this biodynamic site on silty-clay over limestone delivers supple, forward Chardonnay with unmistakable pedigree from the de Montille family, whose 17th-century Volnay roots and exacting style (via Hubert, then Étienne) have defined Burgundy royalty across domaine and négociant labels.[conversation_history:previous Burgundy de Montille details]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eÉtienne, after law school and a very brief bartending stint at \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eChez Panisse in Berkeley, CA, returned to master his father’s legacy, slashing yields 20% post-château acquisition to hone elite bottlings treated like Premier Crus: 30+ year-old vines, native yeast in mostly used 228–600L Allier barrels for a year, then six months in steel. The result marries Puligny’s precision—yellow apple, quince, lime blossom, crushed stone—with accessible creaminess, defying its generic label while aging gracefully 4–6 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-sans font-semimedium visRefresh2026Fonts:font-bold text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"why-youll-love-it\"\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-quiet list-disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003ePuligny heart without the price: biodynamic clos rivals village Puligny (and some 1ers) via de Montille mastery—tension, depth, minerality at Bourgogne value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eÉtienne’s “chou-chou” (favorite): supple clay soils + elite élevage yield forward, creamy Chardonnay that drinks young yet evolves elegantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eHistoric pedigree: 17th-century roots, reduced yields, native yeasts—every drop screams quality over classification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"mb-2 mt-4 font-sans font-semimedium visRefresh2026Fonts:font-bold text-base first:mt-0 md:text-lg [hr+\u0026amp;]:mt-4\" id=\"how-to-serve-it\"\u003eHow to Serve It\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"marker:text-quiet list-disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eDecant 45 minutes, serve 50–55°F in Burgundy stems to unfurl apple-quince florals against saline spine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003ePair with sole meunière, lobster risotto, or Comté—its pithy acids and chalky grip elevate richness without drowning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:pt-0 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:mb-2 [\u0026amp;\u0026gt;p]:my-0\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"my-2 [\u0026amp;+p]:mt-4 [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [\u0026amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\"\u003eDrink now through 2030; cellar cool\/horizontal for mushroomy tertiary notes to bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"absolute z-[5]\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex items-center justify-between\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gap-x-xs flex flex-shrink-0 items-center\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"erp-sidecar:fixed erp-sidecar:w-full bottom-safeAreaInsetBottom p-md pointer-events-none z-10 absolute border-subtlest ring-subtlest divide-subtlest bg-transparent\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"max-w-threadContentWidth mx-auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"pointer-events-auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"w-full\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"relative\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bg-base rounded-2xl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"shadow-[0_1px_8px_2px_oklch(var(--foreground-color)\/0.1),0_36px_16px_36px_oklch(var(--background-base-color))] dark:shadow-[0_4px_12px_rgba(0,0,0,0.12),0_32px_16px_36px_oklch(var(--dark-background-base-color))] relative rounded-2xl border-subtlest ring-subtlest divide-subtlest bg-subtler\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"relative rounded-2xl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bg-raised w-full outline-none flex items-center border rounded-2xl dark:bg-offset duration-75 transition-all border-subtler shadow-sm dark:shadow-md shadow-super\/10 dark:shadow-black\/10 px-0 pt-3 pb-3 gap-y-md grid items-center\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"px-3.5 grid-rows-1fr-auto grid grid-cols-3\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-hidden relative flex h-full w-full col-start-1 col-end-4 pb-3\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"w-full\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-auto max-h-[45vh] lg:max-h-[40vh] sm:max-h-[25vh] outline-none font-sans resize-none caret-super selection:bg-super\/30 selection:text-foreground dark:selection:bg-super\/10 dark:selection:text-super text-foreground bg-transparent placeholder-quieter placeholder:select-none scrollbar-subtle size-full\" id=\"ask-input\" role=\"textbox\" spellcheck=\"true\" aria-placeholder=\"Ask a follow-up\" data-lexical-editor=\"true\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gap-sm flex col-start-1 row-start-2 -ml-two\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43492738924598,"sku":"SOMM2502-DMNT22CLOSBL-750","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/874d0def73e77beaaf70a994281d7ea7.jpg?v=1740180141"},{"product_id":"2023-clos-roussely-touraine-savignon-blanc-lescale2503e4-crsy23esc-750","title":"2023 Clos Roussely, Touraine Sauvignon Blanc \"L'Escale\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA zippy, mineral focused Sauvignon Blanc from a small estate with thick stone walls (the “clos”). The best Touraine whites like this give Sancerre some serious value competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis small estate is located in Angé, a town on the banks of an important Loire tributary, the Cher, in the eastern Touraine. The winery is built into an outbuilding, which acts as an enormous wall guarding the vineyards inside and above it. Classic geology of limestone and clay contributes to the mineral complexity of the wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe transition from outbuilding to winery began in 1917, when Anatole Roussely purchased it with the intention of converting it into a winemaking facility. He was the first of four generations to pour his life's work into the Clos, and today his great-grandson, Vincent Roussely, carries on the tradition with the same meticulous attention to detail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVincent uses only organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyards, and he harvests the Sauvignon Blanc when it obtains peak balance between sugar and acid. The bunches are fermented slowly and gently in steel tanks with native yeasts, and then aged sur lie in the same tanks for several months before bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThough unmistakably Sauvignon Blanc on the nose, with aromas of white peach, quince, lime zest, white flowers, and jalepeño, the aromatics are more subtle and nuanced, owing to the use of native yeasts most likely. This is a super fresh, crisply styled wine that is more about minerality than big fruits and cloying texture. Enjoy with fresh and aged goat cheeses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43494246187062,"sku":"2503E4-CRSY23ESC-750","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/L_escaleStore.png?v=1741199923"},{"product_id":"2022-domaine-sauv-te-touraine-rouge-les-gravouilles2503e4-svt22grav-750","title":"2022 Domaine Sauvète, Touraine Rouge \"Les Gravouilles\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood Loire Gamay like this organic beauty is classically exuberant and fresh, but with a bit more richness of texture than its siblings in Beaujolais.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom 20-40 year old Gamay vines that are growing near the Cher river, a key Loire tributary, in the eastern Touraine. The soils here are gravelly, with marls of limestone and clay, as well as some flintstone (called \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esilex\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e here) that combines with warmer summers to produce a different take on Gamay than what you usually find in Beaujolais.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDomaine Sauvèvete is the work of  four generations, including husband\/wife team Jérôme and Dominique, who have spent decades converting their vineyards to organic practices (now certified) and making humble, yet excellent wines from those vines. And now their daughter Mathilde has taken the helm while her semi-retired parents continue to keep an eye on everything.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe organic, and now biodynamically grown fruit is hand-harvested and then the whole clusters are fermented in stainless steel tanks, undergoing full to partial carbonic maceration, before the juice is gently pressed off and then aged in the same steel tanks for several months before bottling with a minimal addition of sulphur dioxide. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe cool in Burgundy stems and the classic Gamay spread of red fruits–cherries, plums, strawberries–mingle with savory notes of violets, lavender, cocoa, red pepper, and wet rock. The body is medium, with a silky texture and long, gravelly and mineral laced finish. Pair with classic French Bistro dishes, or just a good old-fashioned cheeseburger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43494248808502,"sku":"2503E4-SVT22GRAV-750","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/SauveteStore.png?v=1741199997"},{"product_id":"2022-domaine-de-pallus-chinon-messanges-rouge2503e4-pls22chnon-750","title":"2022 Domaine de Pallus, Chinon \"Messanges Rouge\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA fresh, silky, eminently drinkable “bistro” styled Chinon that has a bit of extra depth and complexity thanks to the prodigious talents of winemaker Bertrand Sourdais.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Chinon appellation sits just south of the Loire River, in the center of the larger valley, and along with Saumur and Bourgueil forms the Cabernet Franc triangle, producing the Loires most prestigious red wines. Soils here change from sand and sedimentary gravel in low elevations to limestone\/clay marls on the slopes and plateaus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore his “return” to Chinon, and Cabernet Franc, in 2003, Bertrand Sourdais picked up valuable winemaking insight in some far-flung locales—especially Spain, where he made his name in Ribera del Duero at Dominio de Atauta. He also did stints with Spanish maestro Alvaro Palacios and at Château Mouton-Rothschild before turning his attention to old-vine Cabernet Franc from his family’s heirloom vineyards in Chinon.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Messanges” is the word in an ancient Loire dialect for Cabernet Franc. This is Bertrand’s “everyday” red, sourced from a sandy, gravelly vineyard near the Vienne river. The fruit is de-stemmed and fermented slowly in cool, concrete tanks. It is then aged in a combination of concrete and neutral, 600 liter barrels for six months before bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnother textbook example of a fresh, “bistro” styled Chinon. Serve it with a slight chill in Burgundy stems after a splash decant and the combination of red and black cherries with notes of green peppercorn, graphite, dried roses, mint, and smoked meat will rush up to greet you. Thanks to Bertrand’s skill, everything is in perfect balance and the finish is surprisingly complex and long.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43494250971190,"sku":"2503E4-PLS22CHNON-750","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/MessangesStore.png?v=1741200065"},{"product_id":"2023-clos-des-rocs-m-con-loch-en-pr-s-for-tsomm2502-cdr23mcnfrt-750","title":"2023 Clos des Rocs, Mâcon-Loché \"En Près Forêt\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt the far edge of where white Burgundy can be made, a small vineyard planted to Chardonnay is carving its own path in this universe of world-class wine. Here the soils are sandy and rocky, and sit on a bed of schist instead of the famous vein of limestone that runs through the region. It’s not dissimilar to soils in parts of California, and indeed we’ve tasted a few top-tier Chardonnays from the Golden State that compare very favorably. The rub is that they all cost four to five times more than this stunningly deep, delicious gem from the tiny village of Mâcon-Loché. The unique terroir of this micro-parcel of vines combines perfectly with the talents of rising star Olivier Giroux to craft a wine that shows an almost perfect balance of lush, ripe fruit and zippy, laser-like precision. It’s a bottle of 18 karat gold for fools gold pricing, stock up!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Mâcon is the southernmost sub-region in Burgundy, bordering Beaujolais to the south and the Côte Chalonnaise to the north. A century ago the Chardonnays of this area were as popular as Meursault and Puligny, but post war industrialization made quantity, not quality, the goal. That has changed with new talent being infused here over the past two decades, and the Mâcon is again producing top tier white Burgundy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the very talented, early pioneers that joined in the Mâcon renaissance was Olivier Giroux. He was no newcomer, having grown up in the area, and indeed his family has been involved in the wine industry here for seven generations. But after spending several years at the helm of a winery in Southern France, Olivier returned to the Mâcon and was able to purchase a small, historic estate, formerly known as Domaine Saint-Philibert, in 2002.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOlivier’s first order of business was to convert all the vineyards to organic farming, and in 2014 he received official certification. In the cellar, the work is best described as “clean-natural,” using only indigenous yeasts for fermentation and adding nothing but small amounts of SO2 if needed. The “En Prés Foréts” is aged mostly in steel tanks to maintain a vibrancy of fruit and acidity, but 10% does go into 500-liter barrels for a bit of added texture and depth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe this sunny gem of a wine cool, between 48 and 50 degrees, in a Burgundy stem and you’ll be dazzled by yellow peaches, nectarines, white flowers, lemon zest, key lime, raw almond, and loads of wet rocks and saline minerals. It’s a lovely pairing for a good cheese spread—be sure to include some Époisses, and something Alpine, too—or any \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efruits de mer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, but for a killer appetizer we recommend a creamy cauliflower soup topped with fresh crab.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43496102166582,"sku":"SOMM2502-CDR23MCNFRT-750","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2023ClosdesRocs_Macon-LocheEnPresForet_13.5___MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1740173926"},{"product_id":"2023-domaine-raffaintin-planchon-sancerresomm2502-raf23sanc-750","title":"2023 Domaine Raffaitin-Planchon, Sancerre","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSancerre has an almost magical ability to produce a wine that is universally adored all over the world. Small wonder why: at their best these wines combine a crisp, energetic structure with crowd pleasing fruit and loads of mouth watering, saline minerality. Today’s discovery from the tiny domaine of Raffaitin-Planchon hits all those notes and then some: it’s like a greatest hits album for Sancerre. There’s always a lull for these iconic wines during the holidays and winter months, as stocks run low and thoughts turn to warming reds, but spring is just around the corner and this lovely and electric bottle crossed our tasting table at exactly the right time. Stock up and get ready for all the warm weather fun!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDomaine Raffaitin-Planchon has been growing grapes and making wine in Sancerre for at least five generations, and today control about 15 hectares of vines spread out over a large collection of micro parcels. When discussing vineyards in Sancerre it’s good to have a lay of the land, or in this case the terroir, of which there are three key types in this famous little region: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esilex\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which is clay flecked with a healthy amount of flint, leading to very chiseled and age-worthy wines; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eterres blanches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which is Kimmeridgian limestone and clay–same stuff as you find in Chablis–that produces elegant, balanced wines with lots of oyster shell minerality; \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecaillottes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which is essentially a limestone dominant gravel, leading to charming, fruit forward and aromatic expressions of Sancerre. The Raffaitin clan has all three, though it is the latter two that dominate, and seek to use the best of each terroir to produce their village wine. The goal is a perfect snapshot of a particular vintage and the appellation writ large. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJean-Claude and his wife Marie are now joined by their son Antoine, and together they farm their small (by Sancerre metrics) estate according to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003elutte raisonée\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (a.k.a. sustainable) and organic practices. After harvesting when the fruit reaches an optimal balance of sugar and acidity, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged on the lees for an additional four to six months before being bottled with a light filtration. Antoine is increasingly pursuing a “non-interventionist” strategy in the cellar, including reducing sulfur additions, but without sacrificing the snappy, energetic texture and refreshing drinkability that is the calling card for all great, village level Sancerre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2023 vintage is fresh, zippy, draped with a lovely texture, and ready to go right out of the bottle. That said, a quick splash decant wouldn’t hurt, but be sure to serve the wine cool, not ice cold, in an all-purpose stem. The pale, straw yellow color with hints of translucent green at the rim opens up with a classic nose of apricot, lemon-lime zest, fresh hay, thyme, orange blossom, and honeysuckle over layers of stone fruits, Meyer lemon, and oyster shell minerality. The bright, medium-light body makes this wine enjoyable on its own, but it really shines with a salad of citrus and goat cheese or a fresh, flakey fish like sole. Good Sancerre like this is incredibly hard to keep in stock, so be sure to grab as much as you can before it is all gone!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43506819334198,"sku":"SOMM2502-RAF23SANC-750","price":32.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2023DomaineRaffaintinPlanchon_Sancerre_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1740514381"},{"product_id":"2022-pascal-arnoux-savigny-l-s-beaune2503s6r-arnx22svb-750","title":"2022 Domaine Pascal Arnoux, Savigny-Lès-Beaune","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2022 Pascal Arnoux Savigny-Lès-Beaune is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grown on 4 hectares of south-east facing vineyards, planted between 1965 and 2002 on stony clay and reddish-brown limestone soils. The estate practices manual harvesting and traditional viticulture, with careful vineyard management to preserve fruit quality. Vinification includes a three-week vatting period and aging in oak barrels (about 10% new) to enhance complexity while maintaining finesse. The wine displays a deep ruby hue, with aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant, accented by black pepper spice. On the palate, it is discreetly tannic, round, and harmonious, offering elegant fruit and structure with great finesse\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43513529696310,"sku":"2503S6R-ARNX22SVB-750","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2022PascalArnoux_Savigny-Les-Beaune.png?v=1749145932"},{"product_id":"2016-lancelot-royer-champagne-grand-cru-brut-blanc-de-blancs-mill-simesomm2503-lryr16bdbgc-750","title":"2016 Lancelot-Royer, Champagne Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs \"Millésime\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe level of craftsmanship and history you can get from Champagne in the sub-$100 range is simply astounding: Take Lancelot-Royer, for example: If ever a producer embodied “artisanal” production, it’s this one. With proprietor Michel Chauvet at the helm, Lancelot-Royer has dedicated itself to the manual labor of wine: from harvest to riddling to disgorgement to bottling, Chauvet literally has his hands on everything. His flagship “Cuvée des Chevaliers,” is in regular rotation in our offers, but it’s been many years since we got our hands on the rare vintage bottling. Sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côtes des Blancs village of Cramant, this soaring 2016 challenges one’s perceptions as to what a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eblanc de blancs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e wine is capable of; if you’re thinking “light and lemony,” think again—this is a powerful, laser-focused expression of Chardonnay, and soil, that happens to be sparkling. Just, wow!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot only is this wine 100% Chardonnay but its home village, Cramant, is nearly 100% planted to the variety. This is the heart of the Côte des Blancs sub-zone of Champagne, and one of its Grand Cru-designated vineyard areas. Lancelot-Royer farms 12 hectares of vineyards here, all of it Chardonnay and 100% Grand Cru, with an average vine age of 30-40 years. The property, one of Cramant’s smallest, was founded in 1960 by Pierre Lancelot, who turned over management to his daughter, Sylvie, and her husband Michel Chauvet, in 1996. Working in their rustic, hand-excavated caves, their \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eonly allowance to modernity are his stainless steel fermentation vessels, which line the damp, chisel-marked walls. The hand-harvested fruit is pressed by hand in an upright, wooden press, then fermented using only indigenous yeasts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll of Pierre Lancelot’s cuvées are aged longer on the lees than what is typical for their categories, and this is 100% the case for his tiny production, top-of-the-line “Millésime.” For the powerhouse 2016 vintage the wine was bottled in the early winter of 2017 and was disgorged in May of 2023; that’s a whopping six years plus a few months of lees aging, which adds incredible depth, complexity and an elegance of texture that is off the charts. Oh, and the perlage (that’s the thin bead of bubbles) is super tiny and super persistent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the glass, the 2016 Millésime is a bright yellow-gold extending to the rim, with heady aromas of green apple, pear, peach, citrus pith, cream, brioche dough, dried white flowers, and a pile of crushed stones. It has the creaminess you’d expect from such long lees aging, but also a very full-fruited personality and a strong, balancing saline mineral component. It’s one of the more mouth-filling blanc de blancs Champagnes I’ve had in some time, with a beautifully refreshing blast of ripe green apple fruit on the palate. It has plenty of backbone and heft for extended aging, but at this price I’ll be popping a few soon; serve this in large Burgundy stems at 50-55 degrees and pair it with a rich grilled oyster preparation as in the attached recipe. It will be so, so good. I can’t wait to try it myself. A toast to great vintage grower Champagne!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43526665044022,"sku":"SOMM2503-LRYR16BDBGC-750","price":92.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2016Lancelot-Royer_ChampagneGrandCruBrutBlancdeBlancsMillesime_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1741706392"},{"product_id":"2022-domaine-julie-belland-santenay-rouge-1er-cru-les-3-terroirssomm2505-blnd22snty-750","title":"2022 Domaine Julie Belland, Santenay Rouge 1er Cru \"Les 3 Terroirs\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bellands have been making wine in Santenay since 1839, for six generations. Julie Belland took over from her father Roger, inheriting not just vines but a philosophy: sustainable farming, hand-harvesting, meticulous sorting in the vineyard. The kind of old-school Burgundy winemaking that's becoming increasingly rare.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“This is one of the most important domaines in this sector of the Côte,” wrote Jasper Morris MW. The late Clive Coates MW once called the Bellands “one of the best sources in the village.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2022 vintage saw 30% whole bunches, cold maceration for complexity, and aging in French oak (20% new) for 12 months. The result? It’s ruby-purple in the glass, with generous red fruit framed by delicate minerality and silky, refined tannins that make this approachable now but built to age beautifully through 2032.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Sum Greater than Its Parts: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMost producers bottle their Premier Crus separately and charge accordingly. Julie Belland blends three to create something greater than the sum of its parts: Beauregard (top-slope minerality and focus), La Comme (midslope complexity), and Gravières (juicy, sappy fruit), capturing the full expression of Santenay's terroir in one bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOld Vines in a LEGENDARY Vintage:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 50-70 year old vines don't just mean lower yields. They mean roots that dive deep into limestone, finding complexity and balance that younger vines can't match. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd at 96 points, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWine Spectator \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehas NEVER rated a Côte de Beaune vintage higher.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Smart Money Play:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e While collectors chase trophy bottles from Gevrey and Vosne, savvy drinkers know that villages like Santenay—especially from producers like Belland—deliver 90% of the pleasure at half the price. This is even a killer value \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewithin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Santenay: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecompare it to Pousse d’Or’s 2022 Santenay 1er Cru Clos Tavannes for $78-$125!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Serve It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe at 58-61°F in Burgundy stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrink now through 2032, but this has such a sunny and juicy personality, it’s so hard to resist now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerfect with roasted duck, wild mushroom risotto, or a simple roast chicken. This is thoroughly delicious Sunday dinner Burgundy! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43531810504758,"sku":"SOMM2505-BLND22SNTY-750","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2022DomaineJulieBelland_SantenayRouge1erCruLes3Terroirs_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1750370041"},{"product_id":"2023-domaine-pellatier-hibon-givry-vieilles-vignessomm2505-hbn23givry-750","title":"2023 Domaine Pellatier Hibon Givry Vieilles Vignes","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen Luc Hibon married Karine Pelletier, daughter of a fourth-generation Givry \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003evigneron\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, he was selling paint for the construction industry—”without much enthusiasm,” as he tells it. But love has a way of changing everything. At 25, he enrolled at the viticultural high school in Beaune, then studied oenology at the University of Dijon, and finally apprenticed with a producer in nearby Montagny.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2001, he partnered with his father-in-law Henri Pelletier, creating Domaine Pelletier-Hibon. When Henri retired in 2005, Luc and Karine took the reins of this century-old family estate. Their approach? Sustainable viticulture using organic methods (though not certified), hand-harvesting, and minimal intervention in the cellar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2023 vintage comes from vines planted in 1963—gnarled, low-yielding plants that produce intensely concentrated fruit. Fermentation happens in open concrete tanks, the old-fashioned way, followed by aging in French oak barrels (1-3 years old) that add complexity without overwhelming the pure Pinot character. The result is a wine that captures everything we love about great Burgundy: silky texture, vibrant, sweet red fruit, and the earthy underbrush that this stretch of Burgundy is famous for. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJuicy Drinkability: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJust a few years ago Jancis Robinson wrote “You could argue the case for a second coming of the Côte Chalonnaise now,” adding “the Côte Chalonnaise is on the rise.” Wines like this are why: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGorgeous, crystalline red fruit like red cherry and cranberry, contrasted with soulful, earthy barrel spice and minerality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDirect Import VALUE: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe negotiated directly with the producer on our last trip through Burgundy. This wine was marked up \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eonce\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, not three times. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is how a $50 Burgundy value becomes a $35 giveaway.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOld Vines in a GREAT year:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e “The 2023 vintage was one of the best I've ever experienced,” Luc told us. “The weather was beautiful, with a few rainy spells that allowed the grapes to reach perfect ripeness (14.5%) on average.” 60-year-old vines in colder appellations like Givry thrive in hot vintages like 2023. Their deep roots found water and balance where younger plants struggled, delivering concentration with freshness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Serve It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe at cellar temperature, 58-62°F, in Burgundy stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrink now through 2033—this has the structure to evolve beautifully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharcuterie like duck rillettes and pâté de campagne are natural pairings for this excellent farmhouse Burgundy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43531819024438,"sku":"SOMM2505-HBN23GIVRY-750","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2023DomainePellatierHibonGivryVieillesVignes_MainImage-1800x1800_dbfb09b4-71e9-46bf-9153-190a1fce6603.jpg?v=1750780820"},{"product_id":"2023-domaine-du-gueret-moulin-a-ventsomm2505-grt23mlnvt-750","title":"2023 Domaine du Gueret, Moulin-a-Vent","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHERE IT GROWS\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocated in Moulin-à-Vent, in the village of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLa Bruyère\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Domaine Du Gueret grows their Gamay on approximately 10 hectares of steep sloping, southern facing vineyards. With exceptional terroir, soils here are composed of granite and are rich in manganese and iron, resulting in smaller, more concentrated berries that produce powerful wines with remarkable tannic structure and supreme aging potential. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHO MADE IT\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocated in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChénas, in Northern Beaujolais, the GUÉRET estate has been stewarded by the Favre-Curtelin family for several generations. Their vineyards spread over 13 hectares: 3.4 hectares in Saint-Germain-sur-l'Arbresle and approximately 10 hectares in the Moulin-à-Vent, both within the Beaujolais appellation. In 2005, Catherine Delaunay-Favre took over the wine making process and more recently, has been managing the entire Domaine. Under her watchful eye, the wines have tremendously increased in quality and local acclaim with rich, velvety wines that authentically express the classic Moulin-à-Vent terroir: Profound, with flavors robust dark fruit, aromas of iris and violet, hints of liquorice and well structured, elegant tannins that provide wonderful ageing potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOW IT’S MADE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLimited yields are exclusively harvested by hand, with a rigorous grape selection and brought into their 18th century cellar for Vinification. Long macerations and whole bunch fermentations, lasting approximately 10-15 days, which allows the glories of Gamay to be extracted at its fullest potential. Partial aging in large, neutral oak barrels adds depth and complexity to the wines before bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWHAT IT TASTES LIKE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep ruby in color with intense aromas of black current and black cherry with notes of violet, and spice. The palate is ripe, youthful and full bodied with layers of black current, spice and subtle notes of black licorice and woody nuance. The finish is fresh and lengthy, etched with a touch of minerality that reflects its vineyard's granitic soils. Extremely delicious and approachable now but will undoubtedly continue to develop in its complexity with a few years in the cellar. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e S\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eerve with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea slight twist on veal Piccata using Preserved Lemon or enjoy with slow cooked veal with preserved lemons and black olives\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevelatory Complexity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: This isn't your typical Beaujolais. The wine reveals GORGEOUS layers of black raspberry, black cherry, violet, and iris, with hints of licorice and exotic spices and a ferrous (OK, manganous) note from the manganese-rich soils. The sandy pink granite terroir adds a distinctive mineral tension that lifts the entire palate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuilt to age like fine Burgundy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: While most Beaujolais is meant for immediate drinking, this Moulin-à-Vent develops beautifully over 5+ years. The combination of old hillside vines in La Bruyère, its granite soils, and Catherine's precise winemaking, creates a wine with the structure and elegance to evolve magnificently in your cellar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe three-tier system’s loss is your gain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Because Domaine du Gueret produces so little wine, nationwide importers can’t be bothered. We’ve got the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUS exclusive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e,  which means we can bring you a $40+ wine for just $30—or $24 when you buy six. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Serve It\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Serve at 58-62°F in Burgundy glasses to showcase its aromatic complexity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecanting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e: Young bottles benefit from 30 minutes of air. You can also age this wine for up to 10 years or more, and decanting will become less critical.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-41089c5a-7fff-2154-f6b8-2c8799cf3f9c\"\u003eClassic pairings: \u003c\/b\u003eRoasted duck breast with cherry gastrique, salade Lyonnaise with bacon, egg, and frisée. Or enjoy it with a big hunk of pâté and a hot baguette. \u003cstrong\u003eThis is living.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-41089c5a-7fff-2154-f6b8-2c8799cf3f9c\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43531830427702,"sku":"SOMM2505-GRT23MLNVT-750","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/gueret_moulin_a_vent.png?v=1750459843"},{"product_id":"2023-domaine-christophe-pichon-condrieusomm2505-pchn23cond-750","title":"2023 Domaine Christophe Pichon, Condrieu","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 1961, when Philippe Pichon started farming, wine wasn't fashionable—fruit and vegetables paid the bills. But Philippe remembered running through his grandfather's vine rows as a child, and when the government expropriated riverside farmland in the 1970s, he saw opportunity where others saw only abandoned hillsides.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArmed with shovels and picks, Philippe cleared overgrown terraces around Condrieu, rebuilt centuries-old dry-stone walls, and planted vines on slopes everyone else had written off. His son Christophe—who used to call in sick from school to help with harvest—joined the estate in 1987 and took over in 2000.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday, Christophe and his son Corentin craft wines that honor this hard-won terroir. Their Condrieu comes from 45-year old vines on south and southeast-facing terraces. The soil here is incredibly scant: 20-30 inches deep, overlaying fractured granite, so the vines truly struggle to find water in the summer. They hand-harvest these tiny, gorgeous golden Viognier bunches, age them in tank and neutral barrels between 9 and 10 months, and then release the wine. The 2023 vintage bowled us over when we tasted it on our swing through the Rhône last year. Pichon's meticulous viticulture—including massive draft horses that he uses to plow rows that could never fit a tractor—made for a Viognier that fully delivers on this AOC’s promise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMICROSCOPIC Production: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLess than 500 cases were produced, a tinier fraction still ever leaves France. We direct-imported our allocation to save you \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e money on this collectible Condrieu. Condrieu is one of France’s greatest appellations for white wine, and most of them sell for over $80. This microproduction, artisan Condrieu is just over half that, thanks to our direct import  program.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3 Generations of WORK:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e From Philippe's pioneering restoration of abandoned hillsides to Christophe's sustainable farming, to Corentin's precision winemaking, this bottle contains 60+ years of family dedication.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2023 Vintage: Galloni called this vintage “lively, fresh, and expressive.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis harvest delivered everything you want to experience the aromatic abandon that Viognier achieves in Condrieu: lively, herby, fresh stone fruit aromas dominate, overlaying a full body and rich, unctuous texture. This is a wine for gastronomes. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Serve It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe at 55-59°F in large white wine stems to let this wine unfurl its gorgeous stone fruit, verbena, and rose aromas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrink now through next year. Capture the beauty of Condrieu in its youth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eScallop crudo, gulf shrimp fritto misto, or even a composed salad of dungeness crab, avocado, and smoked steelhead would be heaven with this wine. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43531833606198,"sku":"SOMM2505-PCHN23COND-750","price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2023DomaineChristophePichon_Condrieu_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1750954181"},{"product_id":"2021-domaine-christophe-pichon-cornas-all-goriesomm2505-phcn21crns-750","title":"2021 Domaine Christophe Pichon, Cornas \"Allégorie\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 1961, when Philippe Pichon started farming, wine wasn't fashionable—fruit and vegetables paid the bills. But Philippe remembered running through his grandfather's vine rows as a child, and when the government expropriated riverside farmland in the 1970s, he saw opportunity where others saw only abandoned hillsides.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArmed with shovels and picks, Philippe cleared overgrown terraces around Condrieu, rebuilt centuries-old dry-stone walls, and planted vines on slopes everyone else had written off. His son Christophe—who used to call in sick from school to help with harvest—joined the estate in 1987 and took over in 2000.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday, Christophe and his son Corentin craft wines that honor this hard-won terroir. The Cornas “Allégorie” comes from a single hectare of 15-to-70-year-old Syrah vines on decomposed granite soils at 400 meters altitude. Hand-harvested, fermented with native yeasts, aged 14 months in mostly neutral French oak, this is Cornas at its most authentic: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esauvage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e but not funky, structured, yet \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003efull of deep black fruit\u003c\/strong\u003e pleasure \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2021 vintage caught our attention immediately. In a year that produced concentrated, age-worthy wines across the Northern Rhône, Pichon's meticulous viticulture, including massive draft horses that he uses to plow rows that could never fit a tractor, made for a Syrah of exceptional depth and complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMICROSCOPIC Production: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e400 cases total. Most of it never leaves France. We direct-imported our allocation to save you \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e money on this collectible red.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3 Generations of WORK:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e From Philippe's pioneering restoration of abandoned hillsides to Christophe's sustainable farming, to Corentin's precision winemaking, this bottle contains 60+ years of family dedication.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2021 Vintage: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis harvest delivered everything you want in cellar-worthy Northern Rhône: concentration, structure, and that magical balance between power and finesse. Hermitage intensity at Crozes-Hermitage (or even St. Joseph) prices.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Serve It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe at 58-62°F in large Bordeaux stems to let this wine breathe and open up.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrink now through 2035—this has the bones to age magnificently.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBegging for braised short ribs, grilled lamb with herbes de Provence, or, if you can get it, a saddle of venison.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43531842060342,"sku":"SOMM2505-PHCN21CRNS-750","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2021DomaineChristophePichon_CornasAllegorie_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1750092739"},{"product_id":"2021-ch-teau-vanni-res-mont-caume-rouge-h-ritagesomm2503-vann21hrtg-750","title":"2021 Château Vannières, Mont Caume Rouge \"Héritage\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith a mountainous backdrop forming a natural amphitheater, quaint hilltop villages, and the glistening sea always on the horizon, Provence is among Europe’s most breathtaking regions. It’s also the perfect place to grow Mourvèdre, a grape that can produce complex, yet refreshing rosé–perfect for the resorts of Saint-Tropez and Cannes–or deep, sultry, powerful yet elegant reds who can age seemingly forever. And though it is the former that now enjoys global popularity, it is the red wines that date back to pre-Roman times and that have been at the heart of Provençal culture for millennia. Indeed, this lovely “baby Bandol” could very well be a window deep into the past of western civilization, but even if not it’s downright delicious. Oh, and the price hearkens to past times and less expensive wines too!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBandol is a quaint seaside town in Provence, a few miles southeast of Marseille and to the west of the famous resort towns of the Côte d’Azure. The ancient vineyards here are planted on steep hills of limestone and clay that rise above the beaches, and are therefore heavily influenced by the Mediterranean. Mourvèdre has long been the dominant grape as it seems perfectly suited to the hot, dry summer days and cool, windy nights. It ripens very slowly and so harvests are relatively late–especially compared to the other varieties grown here. And though it is now most famous for rosés that fit the Provençal seaside aesthetic, it is the long-lived reds that have captured hearts for centuries, likely dating back some 3000 years or more–long before the Romans arrived and named the area “Provencia Romana!”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChâteau Vannières, which was first built in 1547 and is nestled in picturesque hills above the village of Bandol, was purchased by Gaston Boisseaux in 1957 and today his son Eric, and grandson Charles-Eric, are at the helm. The Boisseaux clan are actually Burgundians, and they bring a sense of devotion to terroir transparency to the beautifully rugged landscape of Bandol. Indeed the soils here are very similar to the famous vineyards of Burgundy, with a high percentage of limestone mixed with clay marls. The difference of course is in the grapes, but over decades these former Burgundians have grown to love and appreciate the secret powers of  Mourvèdre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe IGP of Mont Caume is a small geographical area that surrounds Bandol. The Boisseaux team uses a portion of declassified Bandol fruit, generally from younger vines, as well as a few vines that are outside the AOC to craft this younger drinking, fresher “baby Bandol.” Fermentation and aging is exclusively in concrete and steel tanks, and there’s a higher percentage of Grenache (35%) than their Bandol. But there’s no holding back the deep, spicy, brooding personality of Mourvèdre . . . it shines right through!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe at cellar temperature in large Bordeaux stems and you’ll get a rush of spice and fruit–blackberries, red currants, kirsch, dried thyme, lavender, cracked pepper, smoked paprika–that is followed by savory undercurrents of pencil lead, leather, and rare meat. Mourvèdre is a famously tannic variety, but here those tannins are kept in check by gentle winemaking and the silky, low tanning addition of Grenache. That said, this gem has plenty of stuffing to age gracefully for several years. Serve with a classic \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thecafesucrefarine.com\/provencal-beef-stew\/\" title=\"Provencal Stew\"\u003eProvençal stew\u003c\/a\u003e, or during warmer weather it’s damn near perfect for a grilled skirt steak or cheeseburger!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43561660284982,"sku":"SOMM2503-VANN21HRTG-750","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2021ChateauVannieres_MontCaumeRougeHeritage_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1742847155"},{"product_id":"2009-closerie-du-pelan-francs-c-tes-de-bordeaux-rougesomm2503-clpln09frnc-750","title":"2009 Closerie du Pelan, Francs-Côtes-de-Bordeaux Rouge","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 16 year old Bordeaux with perfect provenance from the greatest vintage of the decade for under $60?! Yes, you read that correctly. It almost sounds too good to be true!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith organic and biodynamic farming by a family with more than 400 years of winemaking experience, the 2009 Closerie du Pelan is a Bordeaux lover’s dream.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDon’t just ask us. Our friends at Vinous had this to say: \u003cstrong\u003e\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBordeaux 2009: The best ever? The hallmark of this outstanding vintage, which many experts have gone on record as describing as the greatest of all time, is the unique combination of fine ripe tannins and sweet creamy flesh offset by lively acidity.\" \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDon't miss your chance to snag possibly the best Bordeaux deal of the year! Whether you're a seasoned collector or just want to secure a few bottles of spectacular wine, you don't want to pass this up. Grab yours before they're gone!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43561844408374,"sku":"SOMM2503-CLPLN09FRNC-750","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2009CloserieduPelan_Francs-Cotes-de-BordeauxRouge_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1742847839"},{"product_id":"2018-domaine-meix-foulot-mercurey-1er-crusomm2503-mflt18merc-750","title":"2018 Domaine Meix-Foulot, Mercurey 1er Cru","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeix-Foulot is the top of its class from one of the greatest value appellations in all of Burgundy. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWith 42 vintages of excellence supreme, longevity like this is nearly unheard of, and it happens for a reason.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeix-Foulot Mercurey 1er Cru has had a quiet cult following for those in the know along the east coast since their 1979 vintage. Since 1996, \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAgnes de Launay has been at the helm, farming the vines naturally, without herbicides, in what is one of the Côte Chalonnaise’s finest domaines. Hailing from the crus of Byots and Montaigus, the wines are raised in just 20% new wood, keeping the focus on drinkability. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThat’s the key. This is one to buy by the case.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy you'll love it:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e- \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAt age 6, the fruit, oak, tannin, and acidity are all perfectly integrated and ready to go\u003cbr\u003e-\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ePerfectly juicy, spicy, cranberry-scented Pinot Noir\u003cbr\u003e- Value at its finest, this wine punches way above its weight. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Enjoy It:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e- Serve between 60-64 degrees in red burgundy glassware. Decant 30-60 minutes\u003cbr\u003e- Sip with Pâté de Campagne and Salade Lyonnaise in lusty draughts\u003cbr\u003e- Pair with Roasted Duck in Cherry Sauce, Coq au Vin or Mushroom Risotto\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43561988390966,"sku":"SOMM2503-MFLT18MERC-750","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2018DomaineMeix-Foulot_Mercurey1erCru_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1742848414"},{"product_id":"2020-remoissenet-pere-et-fils-chablis-grand-cru-bougrossomm2503-remo20chbgrs-750","title":"2020 Remoissenet Père et Fils, Chablis Grand Cru \"Bougros\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemoissenet is the contemporary king of limited-production, devastatingly opulent white Burgundy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Their Chardonnays from Chablis are racy and rich at the same time. We locked in on the last of their “Bougros” Grand Cru stateside so you’ll be hard-pressed to find this hedonistic gem in the marketplace. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb id=\"docs-internal-guid-230314e3-7fff-dc63-fe20-4ebbc7c0e17d\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e It’s a deal when you compare it to currently released Grand Cru White Burgundies that easily start at $150.00 to $500.00 per bottle. To be candid, most newly released 1er Cru Burgundy from Chassagne-Montrachet, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet are priced above today’s offering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemoissenet is a historic landmark in the Burgundy “hub” town of Beaune\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, known for its labyrinth of caves snaking beneath the cobblestone streets. But Beaune is merely base camp for this itinerant négociant house, which has left no stone unturned in its search for the greatest—and most sustainably farmed—raw material for its expansive range of wines. So, while you might immediately associate Remoissenet with Meursault and Chassagne-Montrachet and the like, Chablis is by no means off-limits, and they do it exceptionally well. This \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrand Cru “Bougros,” is a brilliant testament to Remoissenet’s ever-rising star\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This is\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e chiseled, radiant Burgundian Chardonnay \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewith a finish that seems to go on forever. This is the blue-chip white you need in your cellar. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the glass, it’s a shimmering yellow-gold moving to green highlights at the rim, with perfumed aromas of white peach, green and yellow apple, lemon blossom, yogurt, chopped almonds, white flowers, and rain-soaked stones. Medium-plus in body, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003egood concentration on the mid-palate, it pulses with the kind of energy and tension Chablis is famous for. It is delicious to drink now, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eespecially if you decant it 30 minutes before serving, but its Grand Cru pedigree shines through—feel free to lay one down for 10 years or more and it will deliver. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSanté!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43567449767990,"sku":"SOMM2503-REMO20CHBGRS-750","price":125.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/Bougros_Store_Image.png?v=1743531303"},{"product_id":"2008-ch-teau-potensac-m-docsomm2504-pnt08medoc-750","title":"2008 Château Potensac, Médoc","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNestled in a “mini-Saint-Estèphe” in Bordeaux’s Médoc, blessed with 80-year old vines on gravelly, limestone-laden soils, Château Potensac is part of a group called “Les Exceptionnels”—the very best of the unclassified growths on the Left Bank, like Chasse-Spleen and Ormes de Pez. The secret weapon behind this wine is Eric Boissenot, who consults for ALL the greatest addresses in Bordeaux. He took over from his father Jacques.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrinking beautifully today, from a late, cool harvest that allowed for incredible flavor development, this wine is primed and ready for you to open for a special meal this spring and summer, aged perfectly thanks to château-direct provenance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You’ll Love It:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOptimally mature red Bordeaux at age 16, boasting classic aromas of cassis, mulberry, and cedar pencil, married with savory sanguine notes. Bring on the roast lamb\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFantastic QPR in Left Bank Bordeaux, from a domain that deliberately creates wines to age, cellared by the winery on your behalf.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChâteau-direct provenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Serve it:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrink now or hold another 2 years tops; closing in on age 17, this wine is perfectly mature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo decant needed; stand upright for at least a day, and serve at 58℉ in Bordeaux stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePair with roast rack of lamb with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esalsa verde\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or chimichurri.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43568681844790,"sku":"SOMM2504-PNT08MEDOC-750","price":59.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2008ChateauPotensac_Medoc_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1743016124"},{"product_id":"2021-domaine-des-deux-fleches-saint-amoursomm2504-dflch21stamr-750","title":"2021 Domaine des Deux Fleches, Saint-Amour","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Deux Flèches,” (Two Arrows) are responsible for this rising star of Beaujolais: Nicolas Chaffurin and Jeremy Pourrey, two buddies who—in between gastronomic adventures and fits of laughter—also teach winemaking at Lycée Lucie-Aubrac, a high school in Davayé, just north of Beaujolais. They’re beekeepers, committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture, and use a draught horse to plow their vineyards. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis wine comes from 80+ year old vines in “La Creuse Périlleuse,” or the spookily-named “Perilous Hollow,” in Saint-Amour, flecked with pink granite that is prevalent in Moulin-à-Vent and Fleurie but otherwise scarce in Saint-Amour. These old vines naturally have low yields that make for intense fruit flavors and fabulous concentration. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You’ll Love It:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn electric magenta in color, the wine boasts liqueur-like, flamboyant red fruit, full of life: look for red cherries, brambly jellied raspberry, and baking spices, all in an elegant and incredibly easy-to-drink package.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe comfort of a natural product: the wine is AB Certified Organic, with biodynamic practices. Their tractor has ears and a beating heart, and they only use sulfur in minimal amounts at bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Serve it:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrink now or in 3 years at 55°F in Burgundy bowls. Drink \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eallegro, con brio.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClassic pairings: Pâté de Campagne, or Salade Lyonnaise with duck confit, bacon, frisée, and a runny egg.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43568692035638,"sku":"SOMM2504-DFLCH21STAMR-750","price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2021DomainedesDeuxFleches_Saint-Amour_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1743528968"},{"product_id":"2023-domaine-les-gryphees-beaujolais-cuvee-les-balmes2504s6r-gry23beauj-750","title":"2023 Domaine Les Gryphées, Beaujolais “Cuvée Les Balmes”","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeaujolais is a magnet for elite winemaking talent, a treasure trove of heirloom vineyards, and one of the world’s epicenters for red-wine value, but when “Cuvée Les Balmes” is the center of discussion, it becomes the incomparable, Black Friday-equivalent deal of the year. In fact, for two consecutive vintages, this cuvée has occupied the highest throne of value Burgundy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s no fluke, either: This certifiable classic Gamay hails from low-yielding, 100-year-old vines that are harvested by hand before spontaneous fermentation, maturation in old French barrels, and bottling without fining\/filtration. If Domaine Les Gryphées’ chart-busting Burgundy value doesn’t already have you lurching towards checkout, I’m at a loss for words because their specialty (aside from delivering mouthwatering, gorgeously pure reds) is rediscovering sites with old raw material and restoring them to their former glory. If your lifeblood is classic French wine that provides an unmistakable sense of place and typicity alongside unabashed enjoyment, then here you go—this is the peak value of ultra-fine, polished, thirst-quenching Beaujolais.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStationed in Moulin-à-Vent, the father-son team of Pierre and Guillaume Durdilly currently farm about 35 acres of vineyards throughout the sprawling region of Beaujolais. The name of the domaine, “Les Gryphées,” is derived from the ancient marine fossils (gryphées) found in some of their vineyards, where the family first started crafting estate-bottled wines in the 1970s. What stands out about these wines is their incredible detail and purity—these truly are wines that are “grown” rather than made, with fermentations carried out in stainless steel or cement and aging done in large, neutral oak foudres. It’s really all about viticulture for these guys, who plant beneficial herbs between the vine rows to combat erosion and pests and eschew chemical treatments in favor of organic ones. From start to finish, they ooze authenticity. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“Cuvée des Balmes” hails from a small, steep plot home to century-old Gamay vines that burrow deep into clay-limestone and the region’s signature pierres dorées soils, “golden stones” that date back tens of millions of years. As mentioned, all work is über-traditional: hand-harvesting, fermentation via ambient yeasts, aging in old foudres, and bottling without removing anything. In the glass, the 2023 reveals a deep and reflective ruby core mixed with soft purple hues. Lush, almost intoxicating, aromas of black cherry, ripe strawberry, wild raspberry, spiced plum, and blueberry soar out of the glass and that generosity of fruit carries over onto the deeply layered palate. Keep swirling the glass and savory goodness shines through the frontline of plush berries in the form of grape stem, candied violets, crushed stones, and underbrush. It’s always worth mentioning that Durdilly expertly avoids the blowsy, chunky styles that many producers have fallen victim to in recent vintages—the balance and perfume in their wines is always impeccable. Flash decant before serving in Burgundy stems at 55-60 degrees and let the good times roll.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43577404719158,"sku":"2504S6R-GRY23BEAUJ-750","price":27.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/Screenshot2025-07-02at4.11.34PM.png?v=1751497920"},{"product_id":"2024-mas-de-valeriole-igp-bouches-du-rhone-charmentin-terre-de-camargue-april-25-explore-42504e4-mdv24chrm-750","title":"2024 Mas de Valériole, IGP Bouches-du-Rhône \"Charmentin - Terre de Camargue\"","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe windswept Camargue isn’t the first place most wine lovers look for white wine brilliance—but that’s exactly why \u003cem\u003eCharmentin\u003c\/em\u003e is such a thrill. Mas de Valériole farms organically in this wild, salt‑kissed corner of Provence, where sandy, limestone‑rich soils and Mediterranean breezes shape a white blend that feels tailor‑made for SommSelect drinkers. Their 2024 “Charmentin – Terre de Camargue” marries \u003cstrong\u003e70% Rolle (Vermentino)\u003c\/strong\u003e with \u003cstrong\u003e30% Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e, delivering a vibrant, sun‑lit profile that balances coastal freshness with just the right amount of texture. At \u003cstrong\u003e12.5% ABV\u003c\/strong\u003e, it’s crisp, clean, and effortlessly drinkable—the kind of bottle that disappears faster than you expect.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat makes this wine irresistible is its purity. Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, it captures the Camargue’s natural energy without a hint of oak to weigh it down. Expect bright citrus, white peach, and wild herbs, all wrapped in a saline snap that screams for seafood, fresh cheeses, or a simple afternoon on the patio. At \u003cstrong\u003e$25\u003c\/strong\u003e, this is the kind of over‑performing French white we love to champion: organically grown, beautifully made, and wildly versatile. Stock up—this is your new house white.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43580062433334,"sku":"2504E4-MDV24CHRM-750","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"2022-domaine-fevre-chablis-les-preuses-grand-crusomm2503-fev22chpr-750","title":"2022 Domaine Fevre, Chablis \"Les Preuses\" Grand Cru","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLegendary producers are essential to building any great collection, and when it comes to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrand Cru Chablis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, few are as consistent and iconic as\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Domaine Fèvre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Among the White Grand Crus of Burgundy, Chablis continues to offer unparalleled value for its quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo put it into perspective, a Grand Cru Chevalier-Montrachet or Bâtard-Montrachet of similar caliber from a top-tier producer would cost at least four times as much.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e For those who crave a mineral-driven Chablis, Domaine Fèvre’s “Les Preuses” Grand Cru is an unmissable gem.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis stunning wine exceeds even the lofty expectations of Grand Cru Chablis. Enticing aromas of orchard fruits and pineapple give way to a beautifully layered palate of acacia, white peach, lemon zest, crushed oyster shell, and wet chalk. Its mouthwatering freshness and precise minerality create a seamless harmony, making it a true standout. Over the next three to five years, this exceptional wine is poised to evolve and reach even greater heights.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43596618268726,"sku":"SOMM2503-FEV22CHPR-750","price":120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/FevreChablisStoreImage.png?v=1743462163"},{"product_id":"2023-domaine-etienne-delarche-corton-les-renardes-grand-crusomm2504-drl23crnds-750","title":"2023 Domaine Etienne Delarche, Corton \"Les Renardes\" Grand Cru","description":"\u003cp\u003eDomaine Marius Delarche’s winery is in the foothills above Pernand-Vergelesses, where the family has been crafting wines from Corton since the 1940s. Philippe Delarche and his son, Etienne, jointly tended the vineyards and crafted the wine as a team until Philippe lost a long battle with cancer in 2007. Since then, Etienne has carried on, implementing the wisdom of his father and his own experiences around the world to produce beautiful wine one vintage after the next. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelarche’s holdings in “Les Renardes,” a prized lieu-dit of Grand Cru Corton, approaches 1,000 feet in elevation and enjoy prime southeastern sun exposure. In 2022 the perfectly ripe and balanced berries were hand-harvested and fully de-stemmed. A native-yeast fermentation occurred in stainless steel before the resulting wine was gently transferred into French barrels, 30% new, for one year of maturation. It was bottled without fining or filtration to capture every nuance this storied terroir has to offer. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServed at 60 degrees, this superb Grand Cru doles out lush swells of red cherry, roasted plum, black raspberry, blood orange, underbrush, iron, baking spice, damp violet, wet stone, and muddled strawberry. It’s a delight to drink right now (over the course of two evenings) with supple berry fruit and profound minerality wrapped in a firm tannic frame. Decant it 30 minutes before serving at 60 degrees in Burgundy stems, and save a few others for revisiting in 5-7 years’ time. Enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43599737356342,"sku":"SOMM2504-DRL23CRNDS-750","price":112.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2022DomineEtienneDelarche_CortonLesRenardesGrandCru_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1704815333"},{"product_id":"2019-le-galouchey-vin-de-jardins-rouge-mmxixsomm2504-gal19jrdn-750","title":"2019 Le Galouchey, Vin de Jardins Rouge \"MMXIX\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe tiny Domaine de Galouchey is headquartered in the town of Beychac-et-Caillau, just west of Libourne on the south bank of the Dordogne River. There’s just a single hectare of vines, planted by hand in 2002 on a “virgin” piece of land. In addition to usual suspects like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, there’s also Carmenère, Petit Verdot, and an assortment of whites—all of which (nine varieties in total) are used in the “Le Galouchey” cuvée.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarco Pelletier is a Master Sommelier and restaurateur whose past gigs included stints at major wine meccas like Taillevent and Epicure at Le Bristol. He has a long history with Bordeaux wines, but for this wine, he and his partners (old friends Jean Terrade, and Gérard Pantanacce) aim to produce what they call a “garden wine”—a hand-farmed, handmade wine of deliberately modest, “drink everyday” ambitions. They’ve accomplished a lot more than that with this wine, but you’d never know it from the price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You’ll Love it:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach of the nine varieties are separately harvested by hand, manually de-stemmed (berry by berry) and separately fermented in stainless steel over indigenous yeasts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlush, silky, and opulent but with a mineral with aromas and flavors of violets, black plum, and blueberry mixed with cocoa powder, leather, crushed gravel, and tobacco.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAged in three- and four-year-old Bordeaux and Burgundy barrels for 30 months. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow To Serve It: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecant it about 30 minutes before enjoying \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe at about 60 degrees in large Bordeaux stems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli aria-level=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp role=\"presentation\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe with Grilled Lambchops, Boeuf Bourguignon, Wild Mushroom risotto and\/or authoritative cheeses like Roquefort and aged Comté\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43633298145334,"sku":"SOMM2504-GAL19JRDN-750","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2019LeGalouchey_VindeJardinsRouge_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1711549177"},{"product_id":"2012-domaine-de-la-charbonni-re-chateauneuf-du-pape-rouge-cuvee-hautesomm2504-chrb12cdpbrsq-750s-brusquieres-94-wa","title":"2012 Domaine de la Charbonnière, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge “Cuvée Hautes Brusquieres” (JS95, WA94)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eA trusted importer alerted us to an opportunity to access a back-vintage 2012 Charbonnière, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge “Cuvée Hautes Brusquières” directly from the property, following a tasting at Wine Paris back in February. We secured as much as possible of this special cuvée after learning that the 2012 release is the favorite vintage of owner and winemaker Véronique Maret.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDomaine de la Charbonnière is a beloved property that consistently garners mid-90-point reviews from major U.S. publications, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewith eleven 94+ point reviews from Wine Advocate for this bottling alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rhône reviewer Jeb Dunnuck’s nine-year-old Advocate review remains relevant today \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(Review below)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.  While most Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines lose their charm after five years,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Charbonnière’s traditional style ensures they age gracefully.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFortunately for us, the wine has just arrived. We couldn’t wait to sample a bottle—pour it, let it sit for 20 minutes in the glass, and enjoy the show! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2012 doesn’t come off as a blowsy, high-octane effort where the fruit fades after all these years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Instead, it offers layers of elegance and that unmistakable textbook garrigue perfume, accented by dried strawberry, cassis, plum, green olive, white pepper, worked leather, and balsamic. Boo-ya!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a perfectly domaine-cellared bottle in impeccable condition, delivered straight to you. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance reigns supreme here.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Rhône collectors may find a 10+ year-old “Cuvée Hautes Brusquières” at cellar auctions starting at $50.00, plus a 15%-20% buyer’s premium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e94 Points, Wine Advocate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (This 9-year-old review still holds relevance.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2012s show beautifully, and while I’ve had these wines numerous times, this was the best showing to date. The 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape les Hautes Brusquières Cuvee Spéciale is full-bodied, textured and downright sexy, with tons of cassis, black raspberry, garrigue and licorice aromas and flavors. I love its purity of fruit, and it’s impeccably balanced. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.- Jeb Dunnuck 10\/16\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43647700107318,"sku":"SOMM2504-CHRB12CDPBRSQ-750","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/SOMM2504-CHRB12CDPBRSQ-750.png?v=1745599424"},{"product_id":"2022-les-carri-res-de-m-zy-sancerre-rouge-cuv-e-de-la-reservesomm2504-mzy22sanc-750","title":"2022 Les Carrières de Mézy, Sancerre Rouge \"Cuvée de La Reserve\"","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJust like Napa Valley, even the best producers in Sancerre have more wine than they can sell. That’s where \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enégociants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e come in. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA top producer just outside of Sancerre in the town of Verdigny\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, famed for its “terres blanches” limestone soils, sold a few barrels of this old-vine Pinot Noir to a savvy \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enégoce\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in Burgundy who immediately saw a ridiculous value opportunity: to create \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea “Vieilles Vignes” cuvée that is not otherwise bottled\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e under the producer’s brand name! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe hills around Sancerre are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ea collection of green and white trapezoids that look like they were painted by Diebenkorn\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Their magic lies in their Kimmeridgian limestone. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne barrel of this wine is from these hillside “terres blanches” that the locals sometimes liken to grazing sheep. The other barrel is from rocky, pebbly limestone scree known as “caillottes.” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir synergy gives this wine its truffly, chalky appeal that you also see in irresistible bottles from Santenay or Maranges in the Côte de Beaune. Don’t sleep on this one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epretty, lilting cranberry fruit,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e fresh herbs, and chalky, limestone-inflected finesse of a fetching bottle of Côte de Beaune Red Burgundy for half the price. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGreat vintage!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A warm ripe vintage with refreshing mid-August rains that produced concentrated wines and great acidity. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Serve it\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDecant for 30 minutes to drink now, or keep through 2032.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eServe in Red Burgundy bowls at 58°F.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePair with a big hunk of pâté, buttered baguette, and Camembert. This wine needs food as a foil to come alive; it’s not a cocktail wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43649049264182,"sku":"SOMM2504-MZY22SANC-750","price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2022LesCarrieresdeMezyCuveedeLaReserveSancerreRougeLoire_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1744733876"},{"product_id":"2023-domaine-vacheron-sancerre-blanc-paradissomm2504-vch23sncprd-750","title":"2023 Domaine Vacheron, Sancerre Blanc \"Paradis\"","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCousins Jean-Laurent and Jean-Dominique Vacheron have crafted an estate synonymous with world-class Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e, championing organic and biodynamic viticulture. These wines aren’t mere bistro-friendly Sancerres—they transcend the appellation, standing among the world's finest whites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe legendary \u003cstrong\u003e“Chambrates,” “Paradis,” and “Les Romains” deliver the depth and complexity to rival Grand Cru Chablis\u003c\/strong\u003e and the best sites in the Côte de Beaune—for a fraction of the price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e“Les Paradis” sits on a bedrock of almost pure chalk, aka caillottes, with just a touch of silex and almost no clay. It is therefore drenched in saline minerality and is perhaps the most “Sancerre-esque” of all the single vineyards. This is a wine that captures the Vacheron cousins’ essence in all its glory. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuilt to age, these high-impact wines will reward your patience.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43661936066614,"sku":"SOMM2504-VCH23SNCPRD-750","price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2022DomaineVacheron_SancerreLeParadis_MainImage-1800x1800pic1.jpg?v=1744751013"},{"product_id":"2022-j-l-chave-selection-saint-joseph-offerussomm2504-chv23off-750","title":"2022 JL Chave Saint-Joseph “Offerus”","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are precious few names in the Northern Rhône that have the same prestige, history, and current esteem as that of Jean-Louis Chave. His domaine Hermitage and Saint-Joseph bottlings are some of the most collectable wines from this region; they are the bluest of blue chips. However, the secret value that lies in today’s “Offerus” is not well understood or appreciated. The JL Chave Selection project began in the mid 1990s with purchased fruit, but today the Saint-Joseph is over 60% estate fruit, planted on ancient terraces that have been in the Chave family for generations. This is now clearly top tier Syrah, and yet the price is comparable, even less than many of the more average offerings from this appellation. I can’t overstate how much pure, unadulterated, Northern Rhône terroir magnificence you get in this bottle for well under $50. It’s astounding. We have the last tranche of cases from the excellent 2022 vintage, but they won’t last long!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJean-Louis Chave is the 16th consecutive generation of his family to farm Syrah in France’s northern Rhône Valley. He is a quiet and understated man who, unlike many of his peers, prefers to spend his time in the vineyard, rather than jet setting around to rub elbows with critics and wealthy collectors. The Chave estate’s reputation is built entirely on centuries of manual labor and legendary wine. There are no vanity projects on the side, and little if any effort is paid to marketing, PR, or building “hype” around the wines—a google search reveals that the estate doesn’t even have a website! But it is obvious when drinking Jean-Louis’ wines that he has devoted all resources to what matters most—his terroir.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe family’s involvement in viticulture originated in the present day Saint-Joseph appellation before proceeding north to the hill of Hermitage. Despite the prestige and stratospheric prices of the Jean-Louis’ Hermitage reds, the family cellar remains across the river in Saint-Joseph. A visit to the estate often leaves one with the impression that this appellation may be Jean-Louis’ true passion. Saint-Joseph is a dramatically steep and rocky AOC that towers above the villages of Mauves and Tournon-sur-Rhône. There is not “soil” here so much as a near vertical 1,000-foot high wall of granite terraces. Jean-Louis works daily with a small army of workers to continually rebuild and strengthen the stone terraces as they continuously erode down the steep mountainside. Jean-Louis reclaimed and replanted much of these vineyards in the 1990s, and at the same time launched the JL Chave Selections project which allowed him to purchase top tier fruit from his neighbors. However, those replanted vines are now approaching 30 years of age and every vintage they make up a higher percentage (over 60% now) of the “Offerus” bottling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis work in the cellar mimics his straightforward personal manner; there is no complicated technique or space-aged wine making equipment. Harvesting is all done by hand and juice is simply pressed into stainless steel fermenters before extended aging in a variety of young and older french oak barrels. That’s it. And as with many of my favorite estates in Europe, the majority of work that goes into each bottle of Chave occurs in vines, and the single intent of each cuvée is to express its terroir or origin; not to follow trends or appeal to a given audience. If nothing else, Jean-Louis’ wines are about one thing—purity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the glass, the 2022 JL Chave Saint-Joseph “Offerus” is incredibly concentrated with a deep purple core that extends to the rim. On the palate, it is everything I seek in Saint-Joseph—pure granite minerality, tart plummy fruit and meaty, smoky spices all tied together by densely layered structure. The wine’s tannins are chewy, and slightly ornery—proof that the wine will easily evolve in the cellar for another decade. As with all great expressions of Syrah in the northern Rhône valley, the take home message here is aromas: black fruit, smoked meat, violets, turkish coffee, kalamata olives and of course, the wild herbs that blanket the hillsides around Saint-Joseph. This is a soulful wine that is impossible to separate from its place of origin. I recommend decanting this wine for 1 hour and serving in a large Bordeaux stem. The wine is just entering its prime and will shine brightly if served alongside a simple and rustic Pot-au-Feu. As one final note, I want to stress that all Chave reds are built for extended aging, and this wine is no exception. For a relatively modest price, it is an ideal addition to the “do not touch” corner of your cellar. I drink older vintages of this cuvée whenever I see them on restaurant lists and I have never once been disappointed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SommSelect","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43679734628406,"sku":"SOMM2504-CHV23OFF-750","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/files\/2023J.L.Chave_OfferusSaint-Joseph_MainImage-1800x1800.jpg?v=1745598563"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0551\/3628\/8822\/collections\/SommSelect-Champagne-Vilmart--Cie_-Emotion-Brut-Ros-product-image_05-8815-large_1.jpg?v=1759899174","url":"https:\/\/sommselect.com\/collections\/france.oembed?page=5","provider":"SommSelect","version":"1.0","type":"link"}