Jun
30
Domaine de L’Ecu Invictus 2015
Domaine de L’Ecu makes the best Muscadet in France. It has done so since 1972 under the leadership of Guy Bossard. These are iconographic wines that raised the bar for
Jun
18
Philippe Valette ‘Et Pourtant…’ Vin de France
Philippe Valette makes my favourite wines of the Macon. His farming practices are the best in the region: firstly, farming is organic and free of all chemical sprays. Philippe also
Jun
13
Alain Graillot Crozes-Hermitage 2015
I mostly write about wines of exceptional quality and that I think deserve special notice. I am also usually a significant fan of Alain Graillot – his whole cluster old-vine
Apr
30
Spotlight on the Maconnais Wines of Jean and Gauthier Thevenet: Domaine Émilian Gillet Viré-Clessé 2012
What I love about the Thevenets is their commitment to the idiosyncrasy of the land and the climate of their unique sites in Quintaine. They elevated the Macon before anyone
Apr
21
Spotlight on the Maconnais wines of Jean and Gauthier Thevenet: Domaine de Roally Viré-Clessé 2014
In a region of over 9,000 growers, it is a shame that so few focus on terroir differences. In this lies the greatness of the three Thevent cuvees – they
Apr
17
Spotlight on the Maconnais wines of Jean and Gauthier Thevenet: Domaine de la Bongran Viré-Clessé 2010
The Thevenets are a founding family of modern Macon. Long before Lafon and Leroy purchased vineyards in the region, the Thevenets challenged the co-op, mass-production mentality of the Macon, focusing
Apr
15
Sextant Bourgogne Rouge 2015
There are not many naturalist wines in Burgundy. Currently, only Pacalet has broad notoriety, though his wines are extremely expensive. The region’s harsh climate is one reason, as is the
Apr
11
Ghislaine Barthod Bourgogne Rouge 2013
Ghislaine Barthod is one of my personal favourite producers in all of France and a particular highlight in Burgundy for her virtuosic ability to express terroir and very reasonable pricing
Apr
7
Domaine du Collier “La Charpentrie” Saumur Blanc 2012
Clos Rougeard was justifiably considered one of the greatest estates in France when run by the Foucault brothers (the Domaine has since been sold). Though a decade ago their wines
Feb
7
Bernard Gripa Saint Joseph Blanc 2013
I have a soft spot for Northern Rhone whites. The top examples of Marsanne and Roussanne from Saint Joseph and Hermitage offer a combination of texture, medium acidity, concentration and