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96 points Wine Spectator
Hello. Take textbook St.-Julien warmed fig, blueberry compote and blackberry reduction notes along with ample graphite, bramble and tobacco flavors, then dial it up a notch. This has terrific energy to offset the admirable depth and length, and hasn't even started a second phase yet. One of the stars of the vintage.—Blind 2000 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2015). Best from 2018 through 2033. 20,000 cases made.

95+ points Wine Advocate
I found this to be one of the more backward wines of the 2000 vintage and gave it a window of maturity of 2015-2040 when I reviewed it in 2003. In my two recent tastings of it, I changed that window to 2018-2050, which probably says more than the following tasting note could say. This is a behemoth – dense, highly extracted, very tannic, broodingly backward, with a dense purple color and very little evolution since it was bottled 8 years ago. Wonderfully sweet cedar and fruitcake notes are intermixed with hints of creme de cassis, licorice, and earthy forest floor. It is full-bodied and tannic, with everything in place, but like so many wines that come from Leoville Barton, it makes a mockery of many modern-day consumers wanting a wine for immediate gratification. Those who bought it should continue to exercise patience and be proud to own a wonderful classic with five decades of longevity ahead of it. Drink Window 2018 - 2050 (6/10)

94 points Vinous
Full medium ruby. Knockout superripe nose combines black cherry, licorice and exotic spices. Compellingly sweet, lush and complete, with harmonious acids giving the wine lovely vinosity and extending the flavors. Finishes with lush, dusty tannins and superb persistence. A great vintage for Leoville Barton. (ST 5/03)

Organic / Biodynamic / Natural

This superb Pineau des Charentes was made from grapes grown in the Cognac region of France, following a 400 years old tradition. Rich and fruity, it should be served well-chilled as an aperitif or dessert wine.

Cuvee 2020. For those who like their cider a bit on the drier side, the pear cuvee from Eric Bordelet is perfect. Lots of fruit but a cleaner finish. Although apple is the traditional drink in the region, as well as the traditional accompaniment to crepes, the pear has a vibrancy we connect with. Why not grab both and decide for yourself? - PJ

#29 on The Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines Of 2025

90 points Wine Spectator
A fragrant, floral rosé, with a burst of watermelon and strawberry lemonade notes. Maintains vibrant energy from start to finish, with a saline mineral foundation offsetting the creamy fruit. Balanced and delicious, showing a waft of smoke on the well-meshed finish. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Rolle. Drink now.

Organic

94 points James Suckling
Very well structured, yet restrained and elegant with a cool and delicate personality for the warm vintage, this is a really striking Fleurie. I love the interplay of sour cherry fruit with fine tannins on the concentrated, yet sleek and focused palate. Slowly expands in the glass as it aerates. Very long, seriously elegant finish. Drink or hold.

93 points Wine Advocate
A particular success, the 2020 Fleurie Clos de la Chapelle des Bois wafts from the glass with aromas of sweet berries, cherries, rose petals, orange oil and spices. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and fine-boned, it's elegant and seamless, with bright acids and a long, saline finish.

92 points Wine Enthusiast
A single-vineyard wine, this is well balanced. It is full of juicy black fruits, with acidity and a solid backdrop. The taut texture indicates aging potential. Drink from 2024.

Château de la Chaize is one of the oldest, most historic estates in Burgundy's Beaujolais region. Boasting over 250 acres of land, it is also one of the largest. This stunning property – designated an Historic Monument in 1972 – was designed by Mansard, with gardens by Lenotre, designers of the Palace of Versailles, just outside of Paris.

Aromas of cherry, strawberry and a hint of toffee are present on the nose. In the mouth, the wine has a delicate floral and berry palate which is nuanced by supple oak and vanilla characteristics.

After strict pruning and a mid-season green harvest to control yields, the grapes are hand-picked in small boxes with hand-sorting at the vineyard and the winery to ensure only the finest grapes. Prefermentation cold maceration is followed by alcoholic fermentation at 82°F, with malolactic fermentation in barrels for 21 to 28 days. Aged 50% in three year old French oak barrels and 50% in steel tanks for 10–12 months.

With 18 wonderfully diverse appellations across the region, 12 of which are Premier and Grand crus, Bertagna is among the top ranking Domaines in Burgundy. A desire for perfection and emphasis on quality, coupled with significant investments in technology and vineyard management, result in some of the region’s most compelling wines.

Past vintages have been featured in The New York Times. Eric Asimov once wrote:

"Domaine du Bel Air, run by a father-and-son team, makes fine, age-worthy wines from organic cabernet franc. Jour de Soif is their entry-level bottle, made from younger vines, which are nonetheless still 20 years old. Yet this is no mere vin de soif. You can sense the structure of the other cuv??es in the fine tannins that give shape to this otherwise fresh and juicy wine. Not shy at 14.3 percent alcohol, it, too, would be great for grilled meats."

The 2023 Bourgueil Jour de Soif reveals a fruity, delicate bouquet of spices, dark wild berries, green bell pepper and pepper. Medium-bodied, gourmand and juicy, it has a delicate, tannic frame with powdery tannins and a long, mouthwatering finish. It is produced from vines that are planted in gravelly soils (60%) and in clay soils (40%). - Wine Advocate

Organic / Natural

Predominently grown on gravely clay-limestone on marl soils, these 30 year old vines are undergo selective harvesting at the end of August and beginning of September. Whole-clusters are macerated for four weeks in stainless steel followed by spontaneous fermentation that lasts four weeks with temperature control. Aged for five months before release.

The estate has its roots beginning in 1919 when Xavier Richard purchased the adjacent properties from his neighbors, but it wasn't until his son Jean Richard took over did they begin concentrating on wine. In fact, by 1947 the domaine cultivated a local reputation in the area for its wines and by 1976, Pierre Richard continued the family tradition extending the property to Mantry where a former hill of vines has been reclaimed. Situated in the heart of the Jura, between Seille River and Lons le Saunier, the soils are perfect for white wine making and the vineyard plots have names that reflect on their past uses: "Les Charmes", "La Croix du Gyps" ... etc. But the domaine is small, encompassing only 9 hectares between the communes of Le Vernois, Voiteur and Mantry. After studying viticulture and oenology at Beaune, taking jobs in vineyards of St. Emilion and Cotes de Provence, Vincent returned to take over the family domaine in 2009 and follows in a long tradition of organic practices in the making of his wines.

"(50% pinot noir and 25% each of chardonnay and pinot meunier): Pale, bright pink. A wild, pungent bouquet evokes redcurrant, cherry and licorice, with a suave floral quality in the background. Juicy, penetrating red fruit flavors are braced by a note of blood orange and show impressive intensity. Finishes brisk and incisive, with excellent length." 91pts Vinous

Pierre Ferrand Renegade Barrel is a rare example of double-matured Cognac. Aged in a combination of classic oak casks and chestnut-wood barrels, this is rich with a hint of sweetness.
A limited edition for 2017, 'Renegade Barrel No.2' is made with Pierre Ferrand Cognac that's first aged in oak barrels and then matured in a barrel made from the wood of chestnut tree. Surprisingly, the practice of using chestnut barrels for cognac has been neglected since 1945, and was not included in subsequent Cognac AOC regulation - hence this nectar must be classed as an eau-de-vie de vin and not a cognac.
The unique method of maturation in Chesnut wood barrel marvelously enhances the honeyed, candied fruits and floral notes present in this eau-de-vie. At 47% abv, its is complex, rich, flavourful and intense.

99 points Vinous
The 2022 La Gaffeliere is fantastic, but it has also closed down considerably post-bottling. Supremely elegant and perfumed, the 2022 is an absolutely stunning wine. Blood orange, pomegranate, spice, white pepper, dried herbs and all sorts of floral overtones soar from the glass. The Franc is so impressive here. I don't expect this magical Saint-Emilion to be ready any time soon. Today, it is a wine of dazzling complexity and purity for the cellar.

97 points James Suckling
This shows crushed stones, chalk, salt and blueberries. Violets. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s firm and crunchy with lovely and precise tannins that are long and focused. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc. 10% whole-bunch fermentation.

97 points Wine Advocate
The 2022 La Gaffelière, one of the finest wines I’ve encountered at this address, is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Crafted primarily from the prime hillside vineyards beneath Ausone, this wine exudes violet, dark berries, licorice, cherries and smoke, with subtly integrated oak influences. It's medium to full-bodied, deep and powerful, with a multidimensional, fleshy core of fruit and youthful yet powdery tannins framed by a tense, energetic mid-palate, typical of the limestone soils. Concluding with a long, saline and complex finish that marries tension and charming to pleasing effect, it was matured for 19 months in 50% new barrels. Drinking Window: 2030-2042

Organic

In 1974, Jean Mourat founded Vignobles Mourat when he purchased Chateau Marie de Fou in Mareuil. Jean's son, Jeremie, took over J. Mourat in 2000, and has been working diligently to raise the profile of his region, the Fiefs Vendeens. Fiefs Vendeens is the westernmost region of the Loire Valley, only 20 km from the Atlantic Ocean and an hour south of Nantes. Because of its proximity to the ocean, the Atlantic is the dominant climactic influence, providing for cold, wet winters, cool and cloudy spring, and warm, humid, sunny summers. J. Mourat's vineyards are located on hillsides overlooking the Lay Valley grown on volcanic and schist soils. Since taking over in 2000, Jeremie has converted to organic farming and working naturally in the cellar while championing the traditions of this ancient winemaking region.

The J. Mourat Blanc Collection is a blend of 50% Chenin Blanc and 50% Chardonnay from 20 year old vines. The grapes are gently pressed, cold settled and the wine is fermented and aged all in stainless steel tanks. Light gold in color, the Blanc Collection displays aromas of green orchard fruits, lanolin and white flowers. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine has a sharp, broad acidity that delivers incredible freshness

Organic

Located in the Cotes des blancs, it is a micro domaine of 3 ha, certified organic, inaugural release in 2022. He was recommended by Vincent Couche and the quality of his champagnes is just terrific. They age in barrels and sandstone tanks making champagnes that are extremely pure and precise. All 100% chardonnay. Aged 12 months in barrel then 15 months on the lees. Unfiltered & unfined. Only 4 gromas dosage. 500 cases produced.

93 pts Vinous Media
A totally sexy, voluptuous wine, the 2015 Fonbadet is terrific. A rush of dark cherry jam, wild flowers, mint, espresso and licorice gives the 2015 its decidedly exotic, voluptuous personality. Silky tannins and plush fruit add to the wine's sumptuousness. There is a presence to the 2015 that is hard to describe but that has been present each of the three times I have tasted it so far. Simply put, Fonbadet is gorgeous in 2015.

Organic / Biodynamic

95 points Wine Spectator
This voluptuous, full-bodied, off-dry white shows a lot of power, offering round pear, mango and honeycomb flavors that take a salty turn on the palate, with notes of brine, crushed flint and bitter almond skin, backed by a subtle hint of brioche on the finish. Opening up in the glass, this gorgeous wine offers loads of immediate charm, but should have a long life ahead in the cellar as well. Drink now through 2035.

This is their oldest vineyard.

Organic / Biodynamic / Natural

100% Carignan.
The grapes are hand harvested and destemmed before they are direct pressed to tank. The wine ferments for 2-3 weeks and is then transferred to grolsch-top bottles to finish fermentation in bottle as a rosé pet-nat. The wine is not disgorged and zero sulfur is added.

Being biodynamic, the winery is a diverse farm with many different animals, including of course, donkeys, but also sheep and many other animals. The donkeys are allowed to wonder amongst the vines, where they eat the garrigue and other herbs growing everywhere on this property. When Magali begins to prune in the spring, she often discovers that the donkeys have done a “pre-pruning,” having eaten some of the shoots and canes along with the garrigue. - Jenny & Francois Importer

Organic

Light-bodied, bright, pale yellow with depth and a gold hue, even colour throughout. The nose is appealing and pure, with aromas of honeysuckle, tropical fruit and stonefruit.

92 points Wine Spectator
This has racy acidity driving flavors of ripe green apple, lemon blossoms, biscuit and white cherry as they ride the finely detailed mousse. Mouthwatering and elegant, with a chalky finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

This has become the house Champagne for a number of PJ staffers, and for good reason. It's a grower Champagne that blows away almost everything in its price range. Here, you're not paying for ad campaigns, marketing hype, or labels, but just stellar Champagne. This leans more towards the Pinot Noir side of the Champagne spectrum, and there are delightful hints of the red fruit on the nose, followed by refined, tight bubbles on the tongue. Not yeasty or bread-y; more of a drink-now electricity that inspires us to keep our fridges well-stocked with its hand remuaged delights. - PJ

The Gautier family has been making cognac since 1755. The VSOP has a bouquet of caramel, oak with notes of raison. The palate has cinnamon, vanilla, mild oak and more hints of raison. Overall, the palate is round and modestly assertive. A good cocktail Cognac.

This Bordeaux blanc is definitely past its prime but wine drinkers with an interest and enthusiasm for whites with age may find it enjoyable. The wine has turned golden in color and has a mild nose of burnt caramel. The palate coats and is textural with nuttiness and more caramel. It finishes like a dry sherry. It might be good with aged Gouda. With this forewarning we will only sell the bottle on a no return basis.

Embraced for its distinctive apple flavor and softness, this versatile spirit adds panache to fine cuisine and creative cocktails. A perfect complement for poultry or pork recipes, the spirit also enhances apple and pear desserts, Enjoy alone or with ginger ale or tonic on the rocks, this fine spirit is sure to add a delicious new twist to your classic cocktail.

France- 2011 Gold Medal Winner of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Lillet Rose has light aromas of berries, orange blossom, and grapefruit while the taste is fresh, lively, and fruity.