I took a pause from reviewing wines in January for the first time in over a year. It was much needed. While I only originally took the break to clear my head, I ended up needing sinus surgery, which basically meant I couldn’t drink wine for the entire month anyway (though I made a few exceptions while filming my 300 French Wine Words in 30 Days series). I’ve never done Dry January by choice – and I guess this year was no different. I spent the month of February still mostly on the mend, but by the time the resulting terrible sinus infection finally cleared up, detecting aromas after over a month of issues with my sense of smell and taste was – in a word – incredible. It was like noticing color for the first time. I became extraordinarily grateful for access to all five of my newly unfettered senses. Wine simply tasted better. It was more complex, beautiful, and enchanting than it had been for me in years. I lingered over every glass with a newfound fondness for the liquid. While the industry, its Champagne Police, and obsession with all the wrong things (my God, can we please shut up about glassware and judging people for it?!) drove me crazy, that magical fermented beverage we call wine seduced me, pulling me back into a warm embrace as the last fit of winter raged outside our New York City doors.

Here are the lucky wines that got to be among the first re-tasted – and what I thought of them.

WINE #1: “Tête d’Ange”, Saumur Blanc, Manoir de la Tête Rouge, 2023 (18/20, BottleBarn)

Where I had it: While filming my 300 French Wine Words in 30 Days series.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. I got this for free as a take-home sample after an event with the Loire Valley Wines trade association last year.

How much a bottle would cost you: $24. That’s a pretty insane price for how fantastic this wine is!

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – I’ve had the pleasure of trying, tasting, and revisiting this wine a few times over the years and it never disappoints. There’s very little to critique in this wine, and winemaker Guillaume Reynouard keeps the quality consistent year after year. It’s like taking a sip of spring time: soft, light notes of white pear, lemon, and yellow apple embrace each other and dance together on your tastebuds. Just lovely. Pick up a bottle!
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I didn’t enjoy this delightful wine with food this time, but it will certainly go well with all kinds of dishes. The vibrancy of the acidity, paired well with those pretty tasting notes, are sure to give you a perfect bite – whether a salad with goat cheese, a pasta primavera, or even a heavier dish like a risotto.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – For $24, few wines can compete. This is a crowd-pleasing wine you, your friends, and your family are simply going to love, and at that price you just can’t turn it down!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – A small, family-owned domaine currently helmed by Guillaume Reynouard, the domaine has been certified in organics since 2001 and in biodynamics since 2010. While I wasn’t able to find much about charitable giving or CSR requirements, the consistent, now decades-long commitment to environmental efforts is admirable.

WINE #2: La Combe Pilate “Esteban”, Vin de France, M. Chapoutier, 2022 (15/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: Last year, my husband and I each set five goals for ourselves and for our relationship. We wrote them down on little notecards and taped them to the back of ten wine bottles. It became our “goal bottle” tradition: any time we hit one of those goals, we opened up the bottle assigned to the notecard. We loved it so much last year that we decided to do it again this year. My husband met his first goal early so we popped this one open on a snowy Friday to celebrate.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. This was a sample I received from M. Chapoutier.

How much a bottle would cost you: $48. This price is a little steep for me, but I’ll get into that more below.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 15/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – I found this wine to be quite austere, with aggressive bubbles. Not the most expressive on smell or taste – just a touch of citrus. It’s certainly a unique wine in that it is 100% Viognier and there isn’t too much competition for bubbles in the Northern Rhône, but overall I didn’t find too much to love in this wine. If you’re a big fan of Chapoutier and enjoy more off-the-beaten-path sparkling, give it a try.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – Great with classic pre-dinner snacks. Because the aromas were quite subtle for me, however, this isn’t the first sparkler I’m reaching for when I go for a full meal. But it is light and refreshing – great for an apéro.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3/5 – As much as I appreciate Chapoutier’s projects, I just can’t see the forest through the trees on this one. Without the same rigorous winemaking process as crémant, using a bit of an odd grape variety for sparkling (Viognier), I am personally not sure I could shell out $48 for this wine. Grateful to have tried it but it’s not one I can see myself returning to and enjoying.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – I’ve been drinking and enjoying the wines from M. Chapoutier now for many years and their commitment to sustainability in particular is admirable. I’ve written about it many times, but if you’d like the first X Factor score review, check out the December Wine Reviews!

WINE #3: “Le Peu de la Moriette”, Vouvray Demi Sec, Domaine Pichot, 2022 (17/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: I opened this wine on one of our many chilly winter evenings in early February, and featured it in a few episodes of my 300 French Wine Words in 30 Days series.

How much a bottle cost me (and would cost you): $20. This one punches WAY above its weight! What a bang for your buck.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – What a beautiful wine. It’s lovely and appley and just yummy. It’s not overly floral like so many Vouvrays but it has this lovely tang at the end of it. It’s not just acidity or the fruit or the finish – it’s a unique combination of all three that makes you want to immediately go back for another sip. There’s just that moment of perfection right as the sip ends that’s just captivating. You linger in it before reaching for another sip. A great glass for a great price.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – There is no doubt this wine would pair wonderfully with many dishes. For me, two in particular stand out: a cod or meaty white fish in a cream sauce OR a fantastic balance to an apple pie. Wild, right?! I really don’t know why those two stood out to me as I didn’t even enjoy this with food but the truth is, a lot of wine can pair with so much more than we give them credit for. Wines are food after all!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I mean. $20 for this wine is a little unreal, particularly these days. What a great price for a Vouvray in 2026. Snap up a bottle or two while you can!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – On the record: the vineyard has an HVE certification and the wines are made through vegan practices. Unofficially, though, the website notes that they do not use synthetic chemicals and note that they see their land as a haven for local wildlife. Additionally, a portion of their profits goes to support La Chaîne de l’Espoir, an NGO that provides healthcare to children in need. Overall, this is a great start! More can certainly be done but I appreciate their transparency and efforts.

WINE #4: “Les Dessous”, Coteaux Bourguignons Blanc, Pierre Brisset, 2023 (15/20, Secret Wine Door)

Where I had it: I opened this to film the last batch of my 300 French Wine Words in 30 Days series.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. This was a sample I received directly from Maison Pierre Brisset.

How much a bottle would cost you: $20. I was only able to find it through a European wine shop which notes they ship to the U.S., but wasn’t able to find a U.S. retailer for the moment.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 15/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – She is simple, fresh, and easy to love. This is a Chardonnay that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, no matter where or when you’re opening it. If one thing’s for sure, it’s going to pair amazingly with the first day of spring.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – My favorite pairing for fresh white Burgundy is popcorn. Second favorite? Mixed nuts. Effective, delicious, and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – $20 is excellent for a white Coteaux Bourguignons. The challenge is in finding it, for which I’ve deducted one point.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 2/5 – After scouring the website for an hour, I sadly did not find anything about this producer’s sustainability efforts. That being said, they do have an interesting educational program in their cellars at Château de Bligny: the wine lab. The site claims that the wine lab is the first of its kind in Bourgogne, and facilitates an exchange between young winemakers from around the world to get to know one another, experiment, and hone their craft. I’m all for education, so Brisset earns two points here. But sustainability efforts would certainly raise this score.

WINE #5: “Cuvée Blanche”, Crémant de Bourgogne, Bruno Dangin, NV (16.5/20, Plucky Wines)

Where I had it: At one of New York City’s best French restaurants, Libertine. This meal was easily one of the most memorable I’ve had at a restaurant in a good, long while. Add this place to your hit list!

How much a glass cost me: $21. Woof. Steep for a glass, but as I’ve ranted about so many times, there’s not much that we can do to keep restaurant prices low without overhauling the entire system. (Honestly, I’m so down for that.)

How much a bottle would cost you: $27. Pretty good quality to price ratio in the crémant world these days! I intend to be taking full advantage of that.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – The bubbles here were a little too aggressive right out of the gate for my liking, so it loses a point for that texture miss. That being said, wonderfully flavorful – yellow apple, a little hazelnut, a touch of bitter. Not my favorite sparkling but it was delightfully food-friendly – as noted below!
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – It should come as no surprise that the wine team at Libertine knows their stuff. You’d be hard-pressed to find any wine on their by-the-glass list that wouldn’t pair well with food and this lovely Crémant de Bourgogne is no exception. It was exceptional with their classic oeufs mayo – cut right through the butter in the sauce and matched the acidity and salt in the trout roe. Later, it paired excellently with the halibut and roasted cabbage dish I had as a main. An incredible evening for pairings all around.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I’m deducting a point for being so expensive as a by-the-glass option, but for a retail purchase, $27 for a great crémant is quite solid.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Family-owned, certified organic, and making great strides toward incorporating biodiversity into the vineyards – this is what we hope to see with the X Factor category. The quality of the wine speaks for itself.

See you next month for a (hopefully!) warmer, healthier March. Santé !

Looking for more wine reviews? Check out the December Edition or my methodology post on Unfined + Unfiltered. Enjoy, santé !

When I started this little wine-reviewing experiment in January, I really had no idea where it would take me. Now, wrapping the last one of the year, I admittedly have mixed feelings. Some months, I was so short on time that I actively avoided opening a new-to-me bottle of French wine so that I wouldn’t have to review it. Other months, creative energy came in massive waves to the point where my entire notes app on my phone was nothing but stream-of-consciousness wine reviews (and to-do lists I hadn’t yet gotten to). A lot of PR firms took notice and my tiny wine fridge is bursting at the seams. I accepted far more wine than I could possibly drink in a month – or six. But generally speaking, I feel the experiment paid off. It gave me the drive and commitment I needed to keep posting, to keep reviewing, and to keep going – particularly at times where everything else in my life felt like it was falling apart.

I might write a wrap-up post on my wild year in a separate article or Instagram post, but what I learned more than anything is that the situational context you enjoy a given wine in is – well, pretty much – everything, and that’s where I feel some critics have gotten it wrong. Enjoying a wine at dinner with friends will give you a completely different set of memories linked to taste and smell than in a cold, sterile tasting room because someone’s asked you to taste the wine without food, laughter, or warmth. I don’t think I’m a perfect reviewer or writer by any means, but I do think one of the reasons wine isn’t doing so well is that we have all but removed the fun and the vibe and the je ne sais quoi moments from wine tasting – and people can feel that.

So, santé to all of you who hung on through my weird experiment. I’m still not wholly sure if I’ll be continuing it for another year – but until then, here’s what I drank in December.

WINE #1: Beaujolais-Villages, Louis Jadot, 2024 (16.5/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: With a turkey leftover sandwich after Thanksgiving. Chinon is generally my go-to pairing for a good leftover sandwich but we had a bottle of this already open and gave it a shot. What a great one! So fun and easy.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. This was part of a paid partnership I did this month with @lovejadot on Instagram.

How much a bottle would cost you: $18.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – It’s just simple and I have zero qualms about endorsing a wine that is. Sometimes you just need something easy – and if you’re starting out on your wine journey, Jadot is a great place to go to try different wine styles and explore. Indeed, I have nothing but fond memories of drinking Jadot’s Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages on study abroad in Paris and will always return for the nostalgia factor – if nothing else!
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – So good with pizza. We can talk all day about Chianti being the ideal pizza wine, and I get it, but there really is something about Beaujolais-Villages that hits the spot here. Like pizza, it’s not trying too hard. It’s just damn good. Fruity flavors align easily – especially if you’re pairing with a red sauce or vodka sauce pie. Yum.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – $18 is a great price for Beaujolais-Villages these days. One thing I do enjoy about the entry level Jadot wines is that they remain accessible time after time, store to store. We see you and we appreciate it!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Louis Jadot announced in 2024 that it had gained organic certification for wines made from grapes on their owned parcels, and that they were pushing their growers to adhere to stricter environmental standards moving forward. It’s been tough to be organic and even tougher to be biodynamic in Burgundy, but for Jadot – which is one of the largest producers in the region – this was not a small step. Much more can be done, but it is a good start.

WINE #2: Bordeaux Blanc, Pessac-Léognan, Château Tour Léognan, 2023 (16.5/20, K&L Wine Merchants)

Where I had it: With friends one chilly evening at La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels on Centre Street. La Compagnie has been my go-to wine bar for years and their constantly evolving list keeps things fun and interesting.

How much a glass cost me: $21.

How much a bottle would cost you: $20.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This is a textbook modern white Bordeaux. No oak, fresh and fruit-forward. Made predominantly of Sauvignon Blanc, this one’s got a zesty, citrus attack with ripe pineapple underneath at the finish. Fun and easy and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – I didn’t pair this one with a proper plate of food, but I did get some salted cashews at the bar as I started to finish the glass. Decent. This wine would pair well with all kinds of salads and summer appetizers. Nothing too crazy but I’ll give it 3.5 points for the light versatility.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – $20 for a good bottle of easy drinking white Bordeaux is a pretty good price, particularly when you consider that the pedigree of the house (as the second label of Château Carbonnieux), tariffs and *gestures broadly* everything that happened to Bordeaux and wine in general in 2025. Any easy one to stock up on for the summer months, that’s for sure.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Château Carbonnieux has a number of eco-certifications under its belt, like HVE and the Environmental Management System. The latter covers all that isn’t the vineyard, while the first – coupled with a concentrated plot they’re currently farming organically – is everything that is the vineyard. A lot more can be done here, but what I appreciate most is that they’re not just focused on the vines, but their offices and the humans that work for them, too. Four points is thus awarded, with the hope that more will come.

WINE #3: Connétable, Saint-Julien, Château Talbot, 2020 (16/20, Millésima)

Where I had it: With my husband that same chilly evening at La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels on Centre Street. My friends had to leave after a glass but my husband and I were headed to dinner a little later, so to kill another hour he joined me. We split this little half bottle open together to pass the time.

How much a half-bottle cost me: $50. Ouch. Pricey for a half bottle but this was off the list, and when the somm on duty heard I’d spent the summer in Bordeaux and that my husband loved strong cozy reds, the choice was clear. Still, I wished it was at a better price.

How much a bottle would cost you: $27. Now that one’s not bad for a 4th growth Bordeaux, even if it is their “second” wine. (My God how I abhor this system. Lots of things are changing in Bordeaux and I hope these “second wine” traditions go with it.) That being said, I was only able to find in-stock versions stateside on Millésima in large format – linked above.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – While some of the world’s most popular critics have lauded classic red Bordeaux their entire lifetimes, I know for a fact they are not my favorite. This is one such classic: layered, with notes of blackberries, cigar smoke, and a touch of pepper. It felt heavy on the night we tasted it – like it needed something to lift it up and out of the incoming winter doldrums. While my husband enjoyed it, it wasn’t his favorite either. I’m not sure I can award it more than three and a half points in this category.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Drinkability on its own being noted, I do feel this is a wine that would come alive with food. It needs something grilled or stewed with beef and mushrooms to really bring it to life. I’ll give it four points with the hope that it does.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – While I certainly overpaid for this wine, a half bottle – or even a full bottle of it – is available at a pretty good price. If you’re a fan of classic red Bordeaux and love the traditional houses, this is a wine for you.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – There’s a lot of discussion on Château Talbot’s website about HVE3 certification, bee-friendly certifications, and general preservation of biodiversity, but I firmly believe a lot more can and should be done here (or at the very least, additional transparency might be appreciated). Seems like everyone in Bordeaux has the HVE3 certification as it’s fairly easy to get (versus organic or biodynamic which sometimes take a decade to convert and take an additional 3-5 years for certification). As a leading house in the region, I think they can do a lot more here, so they’ll stay at three and a half.

WINE #4: Les Meysonniers, Crozes-Hermitage, M. Chapoutier, 2023 (17.5/20, Saratoga Wine)

Where I had it: At a private wine dinner put on by my friend Ryan (@cellarboss) in Manhattan. He and his friend, Chef Matt Wasson, have launched a dinner series called “Off the List” where they takeover a small rental space and sell tickets for up to ~25 strangers to sit around a table together and meet, talk, laugh, and enjoy good food and wine. It’s a great idea and we had a lovely time.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $45. For the pretty wine that it is, this is a nice price!

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – I’ll be the first to admit that I often struggle with Rhône reds. They’re often too tannic, too salty, too heavy for my tastes (the same issue I’ve had with classic Bordeaux reds rings true here – to a degree), but Les Meysonniers is a whole new breed of northern Rhône cru. Soft and elegant, with notes of red berries like crunchy cranberry, this was my favorite wine of the night. There was something herbal and green about it in there that was unexpected and added a unique layer to every sip. This is a wine that I’ll be looking for again, that’s for sure.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – It was a pretty little match with the mushroom and cream sauce papardelle but I think what this wine really needs to come alive is a risotto with cruciferous vegetables like roasted broccoli to even out those little green notes. Either way, the pairing opportunities here really are endless. I’ll have to experiment the next time I bring a bottle home.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – While I wish this wine could go for something like $35 instead of $45, I do still think this is a great price for the caliber of the wine you’re getting. Its medium body makes it a crowd-pleaser at a good price for 2025. Equal parts affordable but at just the right price to justify holding for a little occasion as well.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Chapoutier is certified organic and has been applying the principles of biodynamics since the 90s (when it was still somewhat rare in certain areas of France and certainly in the Rhône). A trailblazer in the field for many reasons, Chapoutier’s commitment to doing right by people and terroir at scale is admirable. While this specific wine is not certified biodynamic, it is certified organic, and Chapoutier makes gains every year in the certification area. More good things will certainly be coming here.

WINE #5: Banyuls, M. Chapoutier, 2012 (17.5/20, Spirited Wines)

Where I had it: At that same private wine dinner in Manhattan.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $35.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – On its own, Banyuls can come off a little too sweet, but it’s one of those situational wines. It’s better with food and better in small doses after a long meal. This one was a bit too cloying on its own, but when paired with that dark chocolate dessert with the raspberries it came absolutely alive. Think dark cherries confit with a little bit of tart and a little bit of tannin. Generally, a delight.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – Banyuls is, quite frankly, one of the world’s most unsung heroes of dessert pairing. Anything that contains dark chocolate and raspberries or strawberries is going to change your life. That evening, it was paired with a dark chocolate and raspberry cake with caramel on the side. The caramel threw me off a little bit as I don’t find it works with Banyuls, but it was incredible with the cake. If you’re throwing a dinner party and your dessert contains chocolate and raspberries, pick up a bottle of Banyuls – even if your friends insist they “don’t like sweet wines”. This will rock their world.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Honestly, for what this bottle can offer you at the end of the meal, $35 for some aged Banyuls is a good price. I did have a little trouble finding this stateside, given that sweet wines are not in line with general consumer taste at the moment, but like I said – if you’re planning a dinner party with a dessert, this one is well worth the price.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – Applying the same score here that was applied to the wine just above as they’re from the same house.

WINE #6: Pouilly-Fuissé, Louis Jadot, 2023 (16/20, Empire Wine)

Where I had it: With popcorn on movie night with my husband.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. This was part of a paid partnership I did this month with @lovejadot on Instagram.

How much a bottle would cost you: $27

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – Pouilly-Fuissé is having a moment and Louis Jadot is riding the wave. This one has a lovely combination of hazelnut, dried lemon, and a touch of an oaky, woody aroma.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This, and Jadot’s Mâcon-Villages are the G.O.A.T.s of white cheddar popcorn pairings. They just are. They work every time. It’s my guilty pleasure indulgence and it never disappoints. That being said, it’s a unique flavor profile so it won’t work with every other snack in the world but it’s a winner with that one.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – A bit pricier than the Beaujolais-Villages I reviewed above, but still a good price for an appellation on the up and up.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – As with the first Jadot, more can be done here but they’re doing a great job as a large house.

WINE #7: Anjou Rouge, Domaine du Petit Clocher, 2023 (16/20)

Where I had it: At home on a Friday night to toast to the start of the weekend.

How much a botle cost me: $0. This was a sample I received as a take-home bottle from a press event with Loire Valley Wines a few months back.

How much a bottle would cost you: $15 – but it has proven difficult to source stateside at the moment. I was able to source the 2022 via K&L Wine Merchants, but haven’t been able to find the 2023.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Berries and spice. Cinnamon. A touch of something a little salty. This is a wine that would be great at Christmas dinner. We enjoyed it without food, but it was pretty, complex, and went down a little too easy. For $15, I’d buy at least half a case. Here’s hoping it becomes available stateside soon.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – We didn’t eat it with food and that was our mistake! This one would certainly come alive at a holiday meal or honestly… even with pizza. The layers make it pretty much up for anything while keeping a soft texture that’s delightful to enjoy.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – $15 is pretty unbeatable for a great wine like this one, but the fact it’s not easily available stateside means it loses a point. Here’s hoping someone restocks or starts importing it soon!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – This is an independent winemaker run by a family in its forth generation of winemaking savoir-faire. From what I could glean on their website and tech sheets, they’re generally practicing organic but aren’t certified, and they do have a strong commitment to biodiversity. There’s a lot more that can be done but it is a good start – particularly in a place like Layon, where humidity near the river can easily cause mildew and other diseases.

WINE #8: Héritage, Brut Champagne, Laurent-Perrier NV (14.5/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: I brought this bottle with me to Dileiny Baron‘s Holiday Party at The Creator’s Loft, a lifestyle photoshoot space in Jersey City. If you’re an influencer or content creator based in Jersey City or Hoboken, I can’t remember this space enough! It’s been a great way for me to make content this year and I’m so glad I met Dileiny!

How much a bottle cost me: $0. I received this as a sample.

How much a bottle would cost you: $119.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 14.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This is a textured, layered, complex Champagne. Mineral-driven, with additional notes of lemon and unripe lime. The finish is reminiscent of the last bite of a croissant – a croissant that’s a little overbaked and browned; almost burned. Nutty and unctuous. That being said, I found these bubbles very aggressive (to the point where I actually sneezed when I gave it a whiff – it felt like more than a few jumped up into my nose). I had to wait quite a while for the bubbles to calm down, and only then could I taste the notes underneath. I give it four stars for those endless notes but the texture initially threw me off (and I originally wanted to give it 3.5 here).
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – Champagne’s greatest strength as a category is its endless food pairing possibilities. We drank this one with a wide variety of appetizers and it was lovely with all of them. I have no doubt this Champagne could carry itself well throughout an entire meal and into nightcap territory.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3/5 – Given the bubbles and harsh texture I encountered at first sip, this wine – for me – is not worth $119. I’m not sure I could shell that much out for a Champagne that hasn’t quite won me over, particularly when I know that I could get others I do prefer at a better price point. I know this is a little controversial to say, as Héritage is one of LP’s most “prestige” cuvées, but I’d be hard pressed to spend over $70 for this bottle. If you know you love this cuvée, though, it could be worth it for you.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3/5 – I hold big houses to a higher standard across the board, and I found the messaging on the website pretty vague here, buried on a page you really have to look for to find. Sure, there’s an HVE certification note (it doesn’t mention which level) and there’s a Sustainable Champagne Vineyards Certification note, but there’s nothing on CSR or anything specific about which vineyards have what, nor does it list future goals for the house. I’m not convinced. A lot more can be done.

WINE #9: Le Black Création Brut, Champagne Lanson, NV (17/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: At a family Christmas Eve dinner, paired with our classic tradition of sautéed sea scallops.

How much a bottle cost me and would cost you: $54.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE:

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Steely. Metallic. Lemon. Austere. Long finish with a trademark level of acidity. The mingling of it all made it a delicious wine for Christmas Eve dinner. The bubbles were not as soft and delectable as I prefer, but this is a solid Champagne.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Excellent with sea scallops. Thanks to those beautiful, mineral tasting notes, it was an absolutely lovely pairing that didn’t weigh one to the other down. This one would be great with a variety of seafoods, salads, or cold appetizers.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – A Champagne at this price – particularly one that’s of good quality, and readily available in Publix of all places (it’s the only wine shop within an hour’s radius of my mom’s house) is pretty impressive.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – Champagne Lanson’s transparency on its Corporate Social Responsibility values is among the most impressive I have ever seen from any domaine I’ve reviewed this year. Their website alone provides a to-the-point Gender Equality Index that holds them accountable against their goal of full gender equality, in addition to a landing page that details all their environmental, corporate, and social responsibility engagements. This is what I’ve been looking for from many other large houses and I’m so pleased I’ve found it with Lanson. In addition to all these efforts, Lanson is the owner of one of Champagne’s largest organically grown vineyards (Domaine de la Malmaison), and claims that 100% of its owned vineyards have at least one certification, whether HVE or organic. As always – more can be done. But if anyone is setting the gold standard for what the industry should be striving for, it’s Lanson. Bravo.

This month’s reviews might be shorter than you would originally think, given it was peak the holiday timing! Indeed, I did open a few bottles for Christmas and New Year’s that I’ve already reviewed – like Pierre & Antonin’s Petit Sauvage Rouge first discovered in the May reviews, and Chablis Gueguen as well as Christophe Mignon’s ADN de Meunier from the August reviews.

Looking for more wine reviews? Check out the November Edition or my methodology post on Unfined + Unfiltered. Enjoy, santé !

Every year, I get to November and lose it just a little bit. It feels like everything goes a tiny bit wrong – I accidentally post Carousels with typos, I wake up feeling a little off, my stomach can’t cope with the most random things, my sleep schedules lose their consistency, and I always feel like there’s something in my life I’m forgetting to do. Was it laundry? Dishes? Groceries? Paying that one bill I still haven’t set up to be on auto-pay? My world was off-kilter just enough for me to notice this month – and for everyone around me to feel like they were in a strange mood, too.

As a result, the wines I came across were fewer and farther between than in previous months, but with the holidays around the corner, I’m not complaining about accidental moderation. Here’s what I drank in November.

WINE #1: Bordeaux Blanc, Château du Pin-Franc, 2024 (16/20, The Wine Outlets)

Where I had it: At a business dinner at the Beverly Hills location of Mediterranean hot-spot, Bacari. The food here is fantastic and make sure to get a seat on the patio! Even in chilly weather, it’s cozy with heaters and ambiance.

How much a glass cost me: $16.

How much a bottle would cost you: $18.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – It’s a solid glass of white wine, but there was some weird interplay with the acidity and the minerality that produced a little bitterness at the end for me, which wasn’t very pleasant. Regardless, a nice mouthfeel and a pretty mix of lemon and pineapple both in the nose and on the palate.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This is a great wine to have at a Mediterranean-style restaurant. A good Bordeaux Blanc is perfect with so many types of flavor profiles, but especially balances out so many of the yogurt-based dips and complements the green notes in so many of the sauces on the table. Better with food than without!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I don’t love the cost per glass being as high as it is, but again my gripe is always moreso with the restaurant industry than anyone else. The per bottle price is a great value and it’s something you should plan on keeping around – especially for the warmer months.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – This is a family-owned and run domaine with an HVE certification, so it gets three and a half points. Take it a step further from the environmental or CSG side and they’ll be at four points in no time.

WINE #2: “Le Mont”, Vouvray Sec, Domaine Huet, 2024 (17/20, Astor Wines)

Where I had it: At home with a cheeseboard and some grilled garlic bread on a chilly night.

How much a bottle cost me (and would cost you): $53.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This domaine has been producing textbook Vouvray for decades and I’m pleased to reports its reliability hasn’t changed – particularly for the Le Mont parcel. Bruised yellow apple. A touch of lemon peel. Soft white flowers. It’s layered, complex, and evolving. A standout for the category and one I’ve returned to many, many times.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – Chenin Blanc has got to be one of the underdogs of food pairing. Complex, ever-evolving, and medium-bodied, it’s just one of those wines that makes sense with food – and gets better after a bite. I could even see this pairing well with any number of Thanksgiving dishes or even desserts. This with an apple crisp?! Delicious.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – It’s pricey for a Vouvray, that’s for sure, especially when you consider that there are some more budget-friendly options out there. That being said there is just something about Huet and what they bring to the table, so while I wish this price were closer to $40, I’ll keep them at four points for $53.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – Domaine Huet is a family-owned multigenerational winery that was a pioneer in organics and biodynamics in the Loire Valley. Their continued commitment to producing stellar wines year after year in concert with their significant contributions to bringing agro-ecology and “green” practices into the conversation are almost unmatched. They are a well-respected winemaking group in France and I can’t wait to see where they go next.

WINE #3: Réserve, Côtes du Rhône, Château Mont-Redon, 2022 (15.5/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: At home with a Comté-forward cheese platter on a weekend.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. This was a sample I received from the Comté + Côtes du Rhône campaign, which aimed to increase awareness of the two products and highlight the fact they’re a great pairing. I (annoyingly) took some heat for this one as many followers bemoaned that red wine and cheese aren’t good together. Well, to each their own. I thought it was delicious. We all have different tastebuds.

How much a bottle would cost you: $15.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 15.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – If you’re looking for a solid Côtes du Rhône, look no further. It’s a crowded marketplace with a lot of unfortunately challenging options, but this one is certainly the most drinkable one I’ve had yet. Think dark berries, a dash of spice, and deep florals. It’s a great one to have around – especially if you really love the classic flavor profile in a great Côtes du Rhône.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – It was excellent with the comté but I am convinced that the best pairing for any Côtes du Rhône is grilled meat and BBQ sides. They all just work seamlessly together without overpowering one another for a delicious bite. Still, I often feel the category is a little one-dimensional – outside of being the start at a barbecue – so I give it 3.5 points.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Great price for a bang on Côtes du Rhône. There’s great value to be had in the region in general but I do wish the quality was more consistent. (If you’ve been reading these reviews all year, you know Côtes du Rhône and I have had a bit of a falling out.)
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3/5 – I could find out next to nothing about this producer’s environmental and sustainability commitments; just a whisper of an Haute Valeur Environnementale level announcement in a website link from 2018. It’s a start but my standards are high for this category, so they stay at 3 points.

WINE #4: “Ultradition”, Champagne Extra Brut, Laherte Frères (17.5/20, Flatiron Wines)

Where I had it: At Thanksgiving apéro before the main event. My little sister surprised me and took a last minute flight to join us for the holiday, so we opened the bottle to celebrate her arrival as my husband made the finishing touches on the evening’s feast. Needless to say, it was a hit.

How much a bottle cost me (and would cost you): $62.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Being the perfect bottle of bubbly to celebrate your little sister and whet appetites for the forthcoming feast is a tall order. This one was about as close as one could get to perfection for the occasion. Light and bright and full of soft lemon and apple notes, it was a major crowd-pleaser and was gone way too fast.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – We didn’t pair this with the classic Thanksgiving fare as we enjoyed it before the meal but there’s no doubt it would have made an excellent wine for the repast. While we waited, we paired it with some of my sister’s homemade sourdough bread and a few slices of cheese, which of course paired beautifully with this Champagne. A great wine for lighter dishes especially with enough acidity to cut the fat in something more substantial, too.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – For biodynamic grower Champagne, this price is pretty exceptional. At a time when everything in the region feels like it costs way too much, this one feels just right. It’s not the cheapest wine you’re saving but it’s also not the most expensive. The result keeps it celebratory without breaking the bank. More of this please!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – Laherte Frères ticks all the boxes: family-owned, multi-generational with a modern approach, organic, biodynamic, and committed to the people behind the wine. They practice what they preach and consistently produce solid cuvées from their entire lineup. A great producer to keep on your radar and to search out when you need a good bottle of Champagne.

WINE #5: “Corcelette”, Morgon (Cru Beaujolais), Mee Godard, 2022 (18.5/20, Verve Wine)

Where I had it: At Thanksgiving. It’s a food pairing juggernaut that pairs especially well with stuffing, turkey, and mashed potatoes, but can also hold its own with cranberry sauce and all kinds of other classic dishes. Get a bottle for your next holiday meal and thank me later.

How much a bottle cost me (and would cost you): $50. Cru Beaujolais is starting to get pricy – much to my chagrin, but this one is worth the splurge.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I mean, come on. This wine is among the best of the best – in Beaujolais, and Burgundy, and competitive in France as a whole. I picked the 2021 vintage for my wedding and was not disappointed. Silken and warm, with notes of black cherry and blackberry, this is one of my favorite wines of all time to drink.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Incredible with almost everything at your table. There is really no better red wine for the holidays and that’s why I’ve featured this one in my Holiday Wine box with SocialSomm. Whether we’re talking main character energy like turkey, ham, or even salmon – or side dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes, this wine delivers. It has every single time I’ve opened it for a meal!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – It’s getting harder and harder to buy Beaujolais Cru. Between tariffs and the cost of everything – including land in Burgundy and Beaujolais – going up, I get why the prices have begun to soar, but it is pricey for a bottle of Morgon. The product is exceptional, so it’s worth it for me, but I can’t give five points here.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – I’ve loved Mee Godard’s work for years. Woman owned, small scale, organic and regenerative. When I asked her directly about why she’s gone organic but isn’t interested in biodynamic, her response was telling: the most important thing for any winemaker is to keep in touch with what nature tells us, and that doesn’t always mean going full natural or biodynamic makes sense for everyone. Her measured, precise and evolving approach is what makes her wines so extraordinary.

Looking for more wine reviews? Check out the October Edition or my methodology post on Unfined + Unfiltered. Enjoy, santé !

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers,” wrote L.M. Montgomery in Anne of Green Gables. And really, with fall foliage, pumpkin patches, and apple picking, I agree. But the reality is that October is often more busy than it is beautiful – especially for the wine world in New York. It’s the time of year where one of my least favorite things occurs, drawing thousands of glittering, Champagne-obsessed world travelers to the city for a hedonistic weekend of nonstop bubbly drinking. This year, I wasn’t much able to participate, thanks to a cold-flu combo that knocked me out and kept me bedridden while the rest of the world joined for a glittered set of soirées around the city. The month still had some highlights, though, with stellar jewels shining through everywhere from Savoie to the Loire Valley. Here’s what I drank this October.

WINE #1: “La Croix au Garde”, Sancerre, Domaine Pellé, 2023 (17/20, Astor Wines)

Where I had it: At home at the end of the first week in October, paired with a homemade couscous Mediterranean bowl.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. I received this as a sample through a paid partnership with Vins du Centre Loire.

How much a bottle would cost you: $34. Get to purchasing this one, people. It’s just too good to pass up at this price.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Let me begin by saying that unfortunately, due to nearly a hundred years of high name ID in the U.S., there is a lot of mediocre Sancerre. This one is surely not one of them. It’s tart and luxurious, like a mini lemon curd from a Parisian patisserie, with medium body and a long finish.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – There’s always going to be something about pairing Mediterranean food with Sauvignon Blanc. It just works. The lemon and yogurt flavors in the dressing of the dish go well when there’s a white wine that that speak to those flavors, lift them up, and pull them in. This Sancerre did that perfectly and the combination was a balanced bite I’ll have to have again!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – At a time when Sancerre is getting pricier and pricier, $34 is a steal. I’d love if it were a couple bucks cheaper but I’m not expecting it. Sancerre has the brand name attached and a long history of Franco-American friendship. While you can find its neighbors to the east and west (Reuilly and Menetou-Salon) at a bit of a bargain, I’m not mad about paying $34 here.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Domaine Pellé is entering the fourth-generation of family ownership and converted to organic viticulture in 2020. Their name in the region is synonymous with quality and passion – it was Paul-Henry’s (the current owner) grandfather who advocated for the creation of the Menetou-Salon appellation and the additional terroir designation of “Morogues” on the label. Today, the family has 40 hectares of holdings across both appellations and makes both red and white wines.

WINE #2: “Champs Royaux”, Chablis, William Fèvre, 2023 (15/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: At Bistro Versailles in Greenwich, Connecticut, as part of a Finding French Food partnership with TasteFrance.

How much a glass cost me: $0. We purchased this bottle as part of the meal for the shoot.

How much a bottle would cost you: $37. The 2023 vintage in particular seems to be sold out everywhere, but Wine.com has the 2022 in stock. Honestly, not bad for a good bottle of Chablis.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 15/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3/5 – Textbook Chablis, but to be honest there was nothing to write home about here. It has all the flinty, straight minerality and lemon notes you’d want from a good bottle of Chablis but it finished with some oak notes and felt kind of heavy to me, so it isn’t my favorite from the appellation. Win some, lose some.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – We paired this with with mussels, escargot, and fries (if it sounds extra French, that’s because it was part of a really fun, exciting partnership I did with the French Ministry of Agriculture on a French day trip to Greenwich, Connecticut. It was excellent with all three, and thankfully the salt from the fries tampered down that oak note I wasn’t a huge fan of.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – At $37 – and at a time when prices in Burgundy just refuse to see reason – this is a good price. It kind of has that “bulk” Chablis feeling to it because of that oaky note but if you just need a great bottle of Chablis from a label that people will recognize, it’s not a bad option.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Fèvre is a massive name in the region, with 70 hectares, and it’s one of the largest owners of grand crus in Chablis as well. Yet, they are committed to environmental practices, with a majority of their land committed to organic and biodynamic practices as well as an HVE3 certification (according to the Lafite holding company website). It’s quite the feat given their size, so I give them four points here.

WINE #3: Vin de France, Blanc de Blancs Brut, Fête d’Or (14/20)

Where I had it: At a work happy hour in the Bellevue Hotel’s Pergola.

How much a glass cost me: $16.

How much a bottle would cost you: N/A. I couldn’t find this wine for sale anywhere by anyone, nor could I verify the exact region or location. I think it’s likely a cooperative wine, but the remaining details are fuzzy. It’s a shame, too, because it’s a great wine!

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 14/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – It’s bright and fun, with soft bubbles and notes of green apple. Lovely and lively acidity makes it great to go with any little bar snacks that might be laying around. Very pretty!
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Great with a salty bar snack, like stuffed olives, nuts, or French fries. (Especially the French fries! What a delight.) It might struggle with something heartier but in the moment it was the perfect glass, so I can’t really fault it for delivering on what I hoped.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – $16 is probably the cost of the bottle, so while it’s steep for a glass of bubbly with unknown origins, it’s a pretty great price if you were purchasing this at a wine shop. (And I hope I can find it… the hunt continues.)
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 2/5 – There is absolutely zero information about this wine or its producers on the internet. Having scoured nearly a hundred Google pages from several searches, I was shocked by how little information was publicly available. Some say Vin de France, others insist Jura, more still say Savoie and Côtes du Rhône (the three are relatively close to each other but still – odd indeed).

WINE #4: Apremont, Vin de Savoie Blanc, Romain Chamiot, 2023 (16.5/20, RWM Selections)

Where I had it: During a work dinner at Wilder Restaurant in Philadelphia. I kind of love that Philadelphia seems to be a big fan of Savoie/Jura and Vin de France?! Let’s just say I’m intrigued and I can’t wait to go back to Philly.

How much a glass cost me: $15.

How much a bottle would cost you: $22.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This wine is so lovely that even Eric Asimov of the New York Times posted about it. Made 100% from local grape variety Jacquère, it was wonderfully aromatic with notes of fresh herbs, green grass, and white flowers. It was unique and approachable, yet lightweight. I’m so happy it’s easy to find this wine in shops, too!
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Lovely with food, particularly burrata, ceviche, and light pastas. It was great with everything except the red sauce gnocchi we split and I can’t really blame it for that. Would be a great wine for an apéro or with tapas especially.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – At $22 a bottle, this wine is available at a great price. And honestly, $15 for a glass isn’t too terrible, either (it should be $10 but that’s neither here nor there).
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – With only seven hectares of holdings, this is a small family-owned domaine. Romain Chamiot, the current proprietor and winemaker, is the seventh generation (7/7 – I kind of like the numerical consistency there). I couldn’t find out too much about their sustainability practices, but some sources on the internet insist there is an HVE certification in there somewhere. I’d like to learn more (and perhaps someday I’ll visit!), but for now they get 3.5 points.

WINE #5: Coteaux Bourguignons, Chauvet Frères, 2020 (15/20, Liquor Cave)

Where I had it: At a work dinner at Steak 48 in Philadelphia.

How much a bottle would cost you: $18. Honestly – a steal.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 15/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I wish restaurants had more wines like this on their menus. They’re just crowd-pleasers. Seated among co-workers with varying wine tastes and five different orders, it’s hard to pick a wine that everyone enjoys but this one pleased everyone from the natural wine lover to the California girl. Full of bramble fruit and crunchy, juicy red cherry notes, it’s a wine that doesn’t take itself too seriously and it just fun to drink.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This isn’t the type of wine you’d expect from a steakhouse, but I kind of love that it was on the menu. We had a mix of steak, seafood, and heavy sides at our table, so between the diversity of dishes and palates, picking a winner was no easy feat. It didn’t pair with absolutely everything but it made a good argument for most things. If I could pair this wine again, I’d probably go with risotto or even stuffing at a Thanksgiving table. Yum!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – This price is crazy. The wine itself will be fantastic to have around for the holidays – especially Thanksgiving! Buy yourself half a case and you won’t regret it. At that price, you just can’t go wrong.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 2/5 – I couldn’t find out much about this wine – only that it is still a family-owned domaine in Beaujolais. Here’s hoping they add more information to their tech sheets about their organic practices, but for now I give them two points in good faith.

WINE #6: Côtes de Gascogne, Sud Ouest, Maison Henriette Dubourdieu, 2017 (16.5/20)

Where I had it: While recording a podcast with my friend Marcus Ginyard in Raleigh, North Carolina. Watch this space for updates! We had a great conversation and I can’t wait to share it with you.

How much a glass cost me: $0. Marcus was generous enough to open this bottle up for us to enjoy while recording.

How much a bottle would cost you: I was able to find a few French retailers sell this for about 10-15€, but I unfortunately was not able to find anything stateside.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Lovely, just lovely. Wines from the Sud Ouest often get a bad rap for being too “rustic” or even quirky, but this one was equal parts steely and elegant, lush and rough around the edges. Made from local grape varieties like Fer Servadou and Tannat, it’s a lovely blend of deep red berries and garrigue, with a spicy finish.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Sadly, I didn’t pair this with any food but it’s one of those wines that pairs amazingly with great conversation and the hope for a better world. Have I convinced you to listen to our podcast episode yet?!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – 10-15€ is a great price for this wine, but it loses a point because it isn’t available stateside. Womp womp. I’d love if more wines from the Sud Ouest were imported – I think we have an audience for them here!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – A small, family-owned domaine in the heart of the Adour Valley, Maison Henriette Dubourdieu is currently in conversion to organic agriculture and aims to achieve both that and HVE certification. I can’t wait to see how the domaine evolves in future years with sustainability front and center.

WINE #7: “St-Julien en St-Alban”, Côtes du Rhône, Eric Texier, 2020 (16/20, 67 Wine)

Where I had it: At home on a Friday night, paired with pizza.

How much a bottle cost me (and would cost you): $23. Another reasonably priced mid-level French wine. It’s the sweet spot for me and for almost everyone else and I’m not afraid to admit it.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3/5 – The first note I wrote on this wine was, “Woah, this is a lot.” I ultimately decided it was just too intense, aromatic, and explosive for my palate, but I can certainly see why it would have appeal to those who love more extreme styles. It was juicy dark berries and wild rose and somehow, an hour into opening it, had an animal, almost bacon note to it. High tannin. High alcohol. High acid. I tend to prefer wines that have better balance and elegance, but this could be great at a barbecue. I love Texier’s Chat Fou and Brézème, but this one just wasn’t my favorite.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – It’s a pretty good pizza wine. The cheese and the crust did the most they could to tame it and the tomatoes had a nice interplay with the juiciness on the palate, but I’d probably have a better experience with something from the Languedoc or a Chianti. Still, a fun one to pair.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Great on the wallet, what a steal! This wine is a great transitional sipper, so months like October, November, April or even May could be a great time to pull it out. Buy some now to put away if you know you’re a fan of this style.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – Texier is somewhat of a legend in the organic, biodynamic, and minimal interventionist wine scene. Though his wines are not all certified biodynamic, it’s mostly because his philosophy is experimental by nature and evolves his approach year after year to better reflect the climatic conditions of each vintage. He single-handedly brought the Brézème appellation back to life and set a new standard for winemaking in the Rhône. If anyone deserves a full five points, it’s Texier.

WINE #8: Touraine Chenonceaux, Domaine de la Chaise, 2023 (15/20, Martin Brothers Wines)

Where I had it: At a lovely press dinner thrown by the Vins de Loire trade association.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $18. Another steal! This seems to have been the month for some really great value buys! If you’re on a budget, this is a list to refer back to.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 15/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – As with so many wines I’ve reviewed this month, purity and simplicity reigned supreme. It’s a lemon peach acid bomb that keeps your lips puckered for a good second after the wine is finished. Fun, easy, and great on a boat tour. Or really, any day that you need a refreshing sip.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – There is just something about Loire Sauvignon Blanc that makes it wildly food friendly. Paired with Atlantic Halibut in a Citrus Beurre Blanc and Leek Confit. Cut right through the butter but complemented the delicate texture of the fish perfectly. My type of food and my type of wine, ’nuff said.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – These pricing are giving me hope for the future of French wine in the U.S. – tariffs and trade wars aside. $18 is a great price for quality SB and I love that this little appellation is growing in popularity as its varietal, Sauvignon Blanc is. Go buy some from Chenonceaux! It shares terroir with one of France’s greatest castles, after all.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 2/5 – A couple of whispers on the internet suggest that this domaine has HVE-certified wines, but I wasn’t able to verify that via tech sheets or the back label. For now, they get two points – with the hope that this will evolve as more information about the wine becomes available and/or their environmental commitment grows.

WINE #9: Saumur-Champigny, Vieilles Vignes, Château de Villeneuve, 2022 (18/20, Princeton Corkscrew)

Where I had it: At a lovely press dinner thrown by the Vins de Loire trade association.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $22. Ending with yet another exceptional Loire Valley value. God, I love the Loire.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Bright. Complex. Aromatic. It’s like eating a juicy, luxurious raspberry on the first day of the season. Gripping tannins complement that juiciness and acidity. You can’t help but go back for another sip. A delight.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – My husband swears this paired amazingly well with the short rib bourguignon on offer that evening, but I also enjoyed how it paired with the mushroom pasta I was served. It’s so easy to pair food with Loire valley wines. It just works – almost every time.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – If you take anything away from this month’s blog post, it’s that amazing value is still available in the Loire. Don’t think twice – go get some!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – An organic-certified and family-owned domaine, Château Villeneuve stands out in a crowded space an consistently creates stellar Saumur. In addition to being certified organic, the château uses cover crops to preserve water and strives to create a biodiverse environment. With 25 hectares almost fully devoted to Cabernet Franc, their passion and love for this appellation shines through in every sip.

WINE #10: Extra Brut, Champagne Leclerc-Briant, 2019 (17/20, Maison Mura)

Where I had it: At a private party hosted by Champagne Leclerc-Briant and Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. I still need to visit both the producer and the hotel but you guys know me – I don’t spend a ton of time in the region. Hope to make it out on my next trip!

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $119.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – It’s hard to knock this one. It’s a textbook high-end Champagne: silky bubbles, a mix of mineral and pear notes on the palate, and maybe just a little too easy to drink. I indulged in two glasses and wished I had stayed longer at the party to enjoy a third. Certainly a great Champagne to toast to an exceptional evening.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Someone once told me that a good bottle of Champagne pairs well with everything – and that person hasn’t been wrong yet. This one was great with all the appetizers on offer that evening. From caviar cones to tuna tartare and even the charcuterie board, there’s nothing
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3/5 – Eek. It’s a lovely Champagne but I struggle to even give it three points. For $119, I’d expect a “cru” on the label at the very least. Still, if you’re a big fan of the house and their vintaged style, it’s one to save away for a special occasion.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Along with Champagne Larmandier-Bernier, Leclerc Briant was one of the pioneers of biodynamics in Champagne in the mid-20th century. Not all of its growers are as biodynamic (and this specific wine is made from grapes that were still undergoing organic conversion) but they are making significant strides to challenge all their partners to go the extra mile for sustainability. It’s an admirable quest, so I give them four points.

Looking for more wine reviews? Check out the September Edition or my methodology post on Unfined + Unfiltered. Enjoy, santé !

The term “la rentrée” was initially created to refer to that time of year when the kids go back to school. In France, this is usually early-mid September, depending on the calendar. But in the last couple of decades, its meaning has widened to include anyone returning to work, routine, and schedules in September after a summer of lounging and holidaying. Normally, this doesn’t really describe me, but this year, it did. And boy was it an extreme rentrée. Anyone else feel like there were simultaneously too few hours in the day and too many all at the same time? If exhaustion gripped you like it gripped me, here’s hoping October is kinder to all of us. This month felt so long that, in re-reading it, I asked myself, “Did I really drink that in the same month as I’m writing this intro?!” Yes, really. La rentrée had some crazy energy this year. Here’s what I drank to get through it.

WINE #1: VinoCBlanc, Vin de France, Domaine Vinoceros, 2022 (18/20)

Where I had it: On my last night in Nice at one of the city’s best restaurants (that I happened upon almost entirely by accident), Lavomatique. What an AMAZING place. It’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall that used to be a laundromat and has been transformed into what I am sure is one of the most delicious restaurants in Nice – and perhaps in France entirely. If you’re planning a trip to Nice, make sure you check this one out (and make a reservation beforehand!).

How much a glass cost me: 10€ off the by-the-glass menu.

How much a bottle would cost you: 15€ or so in France. Sadly, I don’t think this wine is currently imported to the U.S.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – What a great, unique wine for a restaurant list! There’s a lot of layers here and while that sometimes means a wine can feel overbearing with a meal, this one had a note to offer for every small plate I ate. As my waiter told me, it’s a “dry dry dry” Muscat. Notes of white peach and yellow pear embrace you on the palate but the thing that sets this wine apart is the texture. Round and a little bitter, it balances out foods with high acidity and enhances cream sauces delightfully. It won’t be a wine for everything or every moment, but paired with some high-quality, modern Mediterranean food? Excellent.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – This is a wine for food, no question. It’s bright, complex, and unique. Because it’s not one-dimensional, it paired with so many things beautifully and could probably even go with dessert if I wanted that, too. A major win!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – It’s a great price for the wine it is, but it does lose a point for not yet being accessible stateside (I get it, and often these reviews turn into wishful thinking).
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – The Vinoceros founder and winemaker had just one goal in mind when he started the brand in 2014: share his love for wine without negatively impacting people and planet. At the moment, the brand doesn’t own its own land but purchases grapes from producers that only farm organically and/or biodynamically and prioritizes paying farmers a good price for their products (which unfortunately, can be rare in the négoce business). It’s the protection of both people and land that gives it a 5/5 score. Here’s hoping they can start to grow their own vines someday and keep the momentum going!

WINE #2: Apanage Brut 1874, Champagne Pommery (17.5/20, Millesima)

Where I had it: At the champagne bar at this year’s New York City Armory Show. Champagne Pommery has been the official bubbly sponsor for a number of years now, but they aren’t just paying lip service to the industry. Every year, they select one artist to receive the Pommery Prize, which includes a $10,000 bursary and an invitation for the artist to install an exhibit at the domaine in Champagne. A beautiful tradition! I love when art and wine come together.

How much a glass cost me: $0. I was invited to this event on behalf of the brand. 

How much a bottle would cost you: $99. It’s steep, but that is sadly the nature of Champagne these days. (I think that prices are going to crash at some point and the region will have to start all over again… but for the moment that seems a ways off.)

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – She’s a beaut. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. It’s like eating a roasted white peach that’s been lightly brushed with salted, melted butter. Fine bubbles and a long finish. Pommery doesn’t mess around.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I unfortunately didn’t get the opportunity to pair food with this wine but there’s no doubt the usual suspects (sushi, caviar on blinis, popcorn, or anything in a cream sauce) would do nicely. Here’s hoping I’ll get to try it again with a nice meal to prove the theory!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – Oy, these prices in Champagne are just getting crazier by the minute. It’s a beautiful cuvée that’s far from entry-level but I wish it were more accessible – particularly because it does not have premier or grand cru status. Even a $75 cap would feel better: sophisticated yet affordable. Oh well. A girl can dream.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – In 2020, Vranken Pommery announced it would be converting all of its vineyards to organic practices. No small feat for a large holding company whose vines span multiple subregions. I’d like to see them take it further because they are so significant in the region, but organic practices are not everything. When coupled with the fact that the aim of the Pommery Prize is to do good, promote artists around the world, and give artists from underrepresented groups a gallery on the world stage, they earn four points here – easily.

WINE #3: Bourgogne Aligoté, Edmond Cornu, 2022 (15/20, CoolVines)

Where I had it: On date night at one of Jersey City’s newest restaurants, Maxwell Alley. It’s a beautifully-designed spot off the beaten track with a good wine list, thanks in part to another Jersey City small business, CoolVines. That being said, the food needs some work and the wines feel like they’re reaching to be “trendy”. Here’s hoping that they’re just ironing out the kinks. We hope to give it a second chance once they’ve done just that.

How much a glass cost me: $18. Steep for a glass of regional Burgundy. Welcome back to NYC restaurant pricing, the bane of my existence.

How much a bottle would cost you: $30. Also a little steep for what this is. I love Aligoté and the fact that regional producers are reinvesting in it, but it should be a lot closer to $20 than $30.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 15/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – It’s a good wine; a solid Aligoté with those classic notes of lemon-lime, a round mouthfeel, and a bitter edge at the end. Do I think it’s good enough quality to justify the price? Not really. Do I think it’s a wine that should be featured on a wine list that was much anticipated for being “cool” and “edgy”? Also not really. Aligoté is underrated and its resurgence on lists lights me up from the inside, but based on the one-dimensional glass I tasted for $18, I don’t think it delivered what the founders of the restaurant were after.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – It’s a solid wine for food, on par with a decent Chablis or Sancerre. A good French white that’s not going to offend anyone and pairs with enough things on the menu that it makes sense at a restaurant. It was a bit of a miss with the pasta dish I ordered, but that’s really only because the watery sauce had split and the pasta was tough. Not expressly the wine’s fault – but disappointing nonetheless.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I’ve already alluded to this one a few times in this review but I do think that by the glass pricing is just off and the by the bottle pricing is a little, too. Land in Burgundy is getting harder to purchase and maintain by the minute and the prices of creating within the appellation system gets steeper – I get it (not to mention the now ongoing trade war). I’d love to see this come down a bit.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – It’s a small, family-owned estate with 16 or so hectares, but outside of an HVE certification (level not listed), there’s very little information about ecological or CSR efforts, so it’s staying at a 3.5.

WINE #4: “Cuvée des Caudalies”, Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Grand Cru, De Sousa (18/20, Vins Rare)

Where I had it: At home on a Friday night. We ordered sushi from Domo Domo and celebrated this “goal bottle” – my last of the year. The goal in question was to spend three weeks in France – normally a pipe dream given the way American PTO is set up – but because I had some time off in between jobs, I was able to achieve it. Unexpected, but a very, very sweet end to this year’s “goal bottle” tradition.

How much a bottle cost me (and would cost you): $95. I bought this particular bottle on site when I was last in Champagne, but there are now a few boutiques that sell it stateside, like Vins Rare and Woodland Hills Wine Company.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Gold like autumn light, this is a complex Champagne created with 50% solera wines and 100% oak ageing. It’s not – in general – the type of Champagne that I go for, but there is something truly, truly special about it. Luscious layers of white flowers, lemon, orange blossom, and wood intermingle on the palate and linger for minutes. If you’re looking for a wine to unwind with, to celebrate, or to pair with an exceptional meal, it’s gotta be this one.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – There’s something dazzling about Champagne and high-end sushi. Having tried multiple combinations of each at this point, I think it’s one of my favorite pairings. There is just something about the way well-made soy or teriyaki sauces speak to Champagne that just work together. I’d love to go to a masterclass that pairs variety of sushi with a wide breadth of Champagne – I’d leave in bliss!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – For a grand cru champagne, created biodynamically and with care from one of Champagne’s leading growers, I give it a 4/5. Could be a touch more affordable, but this is a special occasion Champagne that is absolutely worth the cost.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – It’s no secret that I have a soft spot for Champagne De Sousa. They were one of the first champagnes I tried and loved immediately, thanks in large part to their finesse and elegance. The house has been organic since 2010 and converted to biodynamics shortly thereafter. They famously use horses in the vineyard, hand-riddle their bottles, and have invested in inclusive wine experiences by offering tours with a sign language interpreter so deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers can enjoy the beauty of the world of Champagne. They’re doing everything right.

WINE #5: “Les Pierres Plates”, Reuilly, Domaine de Reuilly, 2024 (18/20, Kermit Lynch)

Where I had it: I opened this originally for a photoshoot for the Centre Loire region, but had another glass later that week, paired with takeout from a new-to-me Chinese spot. Honestly not sure why I never thought of this pairing before but it was gold, so I’ll definitely be returning to it.

How much a bottle cost me (and would cost you): $26. I didn’t realize this but Kermit Lynch has an e-shop which makes purchasing wines from them as a consumer so much easier!

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – A delight. Lemon and stone and crisp acidity. I would probably mistake this for a Chablis if I’d tasted it blind. An absolute steal for the price and what you’re getting. Don’t sleep on those little appellations from the Loire, folks! The words might look crazy but name recognition is hardly the full story of any wine from France, and especially not nowadays!
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This was an unexpected win with my Chinese food, especially the scallion pancakes (my favorite guilty pleasure).
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – $26 for this wine is an insane bargain. Snap it up fast before the price goes up!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – Small, family-owned, biodynamic domaine. This one gets everything right. Additionally fascinated by trees, the estate has entered into permaculture and uses literal French oak from the property to create its wine barrels. Very much a circular, all-in approach that minimizes environmental impact. Love to see it!

In looking back at this month, I’m surprised at myself. Normally by September, I’ve started to crave those transitional reds and darker rosés, but my new love for summer seems to have kept me in a bubbly, white wine state of mind. See you next month for what I’m sure will be a larger, more diverse list of wines.

Looking for more wine reviews? Check out the August Edition or my methodology post on Unfined + Unfiltered. Enjoy, santé !

Maine’s been on my bucket list since the second I moved to New York City in 2017. My husband and I dreamed about a road trip to the northeast’s only National Park, Acadia, from the moment we met. Finally, after eight years in NYC and five years together, we took the trip. And my goodness was it worthy of a spot on our bucket list (and everyone’s!). But the August surprises were just beginning: as I fell in love with our nation’s most underrated park, I landed a new job and unexpectedly found myself “funemployed” for three weeks. So, I did what any Francophile would do: I booked a last minute ticket to the South of France to get away from it all, find inspiration, and explore a wine region I’ve mostly overlooked – Provence.

As I write this from my little hotel in Nice, the sun is just setting over the mountains. There’s a lot more about Provence’s little-known appellations – Bellet and Palette – that I hope to share in the coming weeks and months, but until I do – here’s a roundup of the French wines I enjoyed this month.

WINE #1: “ADN Meunier”, Brut Nature, Champagne, Christophe Mignon (19/20, Astor Wines)

Where I had it: I brought this to a bachelorette with a group of friends (and – long story, my husband) in Philadelphia. We opened it to toast the bride on our first night in the Airbnb. To say it was the hit of the weekend was an understatement! I even got some skeptics to try it. They all asked for another glass the second the first was gone.

How much a bottle cost me (and would cost you): $72.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 19/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – My raw, unfiltered notes for this wine were exactly as follows: “YUM. Acid bomb, but cute about it. Tart with a little body – like a lemon bread.” It was one of those wines that just kept giving and giving and giving, evolving in the glass with time and temperature. Long finish. A beautiful wine – and one of the best Champagnes I’ve had this year.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I could see this pairing with SO many dishes. That night, it was really just a little apéro wine and was stunning with potato chips as a snack, but this would truly shine with seafood, goat cheeses, or basically anything that has a bit of a lemon profile. It’s one of those wines that really can’t go wrong.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I bought this pre-tariff, and while it is an exceptional Champagne, I fully admit it’s at a price point that just won’t be accessible for everyone – and that sucks. It loses a point for that, but I do feel it is still priced well for the high quality of Champagne that it is (and that it’s organic and biodynamic to boot).
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – Organic, biodynamic, small and family owned. This one ticks all the boxes and then some. I can’t recommend it enough – and I definitely need to try more from this producer. Christophe Mignon’s estate is going on my list to visit for my next trip to Champagne.

WINE #2: “Les Vaudevey”, Chablis Premier Cru, Domaine Laroche, 2023 (16.5/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: On our first night in Maine on the outdoor patio at UnderCanvas Acadia, paired with the daily fish special: fresh sea scallops over a bed of mashed potatoes and fire-roasted green beans. It was an exceptional moment I won’t soon forget and the wine made it even more spectacular.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. This was a sample.

How much a bottle would cost you: $74. The 2023 vintage is happily available on Wine.com!

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I mean. It would be kind of insane if a premier cru Chablis didn’t score this high on the drinkability rating. These wines are almost always so wonderful that the fact “drinkability” is a category almost embarrasses them. What an absolutely stunning wine. Full of luscious layers, beautifully balanced acidity, and a finish that continues just as long as the sea breeze. A beautiful wine I certainly intend to return to.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – This with seared local sea scallops? One of the best pairings I’ve had all year. An absolute delight. I could see it pairing with so many types of beautiful East Coast seafood – from lobster to crab and shrimp or even local whitefish. Absolutely exceptional with savory dishes and honestly? It even paired well with the cheesecake we had for dessert. Cannot recommend it enough.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – $74 isn’t too bad for a premier cru from Chablis, but it also isn’t great. Quite the investment. While it’s worth it for a special occasion, I do know there are some similarly excellent premier cru Chablis that are $15-20 cheaper and great buys. If this were closer to $60-65, I’d give it an extra half point.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3/5 – Labels note that the winery is both “vegan-certified” and “sustainable”, but I couldn’t find many details beyond that. Domaine Laroche is a large producer in Chablis with additional holdings in the Languedoc, so I’d like to see them do a bit better than some vague language tucked away on a tech sheet. Still, it’s a start.

WINE #3: “La Vignette”, Touraine Blanc, Thierry Delaunay, (15/20, Golden Eagle Wines)

Where I had it: On our last night glamping at UnderCanvas Acadia. This is a bottle that was on their wine list (versus the Chablis that I brought in myself a couple nights prior). One of the most unexpected things about staying at the UnderCanvas in Acadia was their exceptional wine list! I brought several bottles from our apartment on the trip just in case the selection wasn’t great but I was blown away by their options. Can’t recommend a stay there enough!

How much a glass cost me: $12

How much a bottle would cost you: $18

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 15/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – What a pretty little glass this was! Pure lemon with a mineral edge. Perfectly balanced with acidity and a touch of bitterness. It was pure bliss and not overwrought. The perfect summer Sauvignon, especially if you’re pairing it with seafood or white fish.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – The perfect glass with a local whitefish and mashed potatoes. Honestly, I have no notes. The team at UnderCanvas Acadia knows exactly what they’re doing with their winelist and I loved this sip with dinner. Can I go back and order this combo again please?
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – $18 for a great bottle of Loire Sauvignon Blanc is an absolute steal in the U.S. these days, so there is no denying this is a great deal. I need to buy a case for next year’s summer barbecues – can easily see it being a fast hit!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 2/5 – I wasn’t able to find out much about the organic or sustainable practices at this vineyard, so unfortunately, it earns a low score here. One of the producer websites notes that a certain level of wines from them is certified organic but it doesn’t disclose which one and the tech sheets do not mention it at all! A lot more can be done here, so we’re staying at two points for now.

WINE #4: Chablis, Famille Gueguen, 2023 (18/20, Sherry’s Wine)

Where I had it: On our last night in Maine at Red Sky restaurant in Southwest Harbor. What a gem of a restaurant. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but the food is exceptional from soup to nuts – and don’t get me started on that beautiful wine list. I took almost 20 minutes trying to choose a bottle because there were so many incredible options. Wowza.

How much a half-bottle cost me: $36.

How much a full bottle would cost you: $34. It’s highway robbery. Run, don’t walk. If you can find it near you, it’s worth the purchase by a long shot.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – Flinty, green apple. A mineral, steely edge. Everything you could possibly want from a Chablis and more. It’s just one of those wines that’s a delight to drink, and the fact we enjoyed it on one of our last days of vacation made it even more incredible. I’ll be reaching for this bottle for years to come.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – One thing about those restaurants in Maine? They know how to pair. (Sorry, can you tell I’m literally obsessed with Maine yet?!) This wine was phenomenal with the goat cheese heirloom tomato appetizer, and even better with the lobster risotto, cutting right through the fat and matching the acid in both dishes with ease.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – For a Chablis of this quality, there is nothing better at this price point – period. We are, in some ways, entering the era of bulk Chablis (cc: La Chablisienne), so it can be tough to find amazing producers from this region at a good price point. Obviously, there’s no shortage of them – from my visit to the region in June to the fact I basically spent the first half of August almost exclusively drinking Chablis, there are a lot of fabulous producers who are continuing on in the work. Famille Gueguen is clearly one of them!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – The vineyard is HVE 3 certified and has been farmed organically for years. I also recently discovered that Céline Gueguen, the co-founder of the estate, is actually the daughter of prominent Chablis winemaker, Jean-Marc Brocard, whose domaine I visited when I was in Chablis earlier this year. Birds of a sustainable wine feather stick together.

WINE #5: Monthélie, Domaine Matrot, 2016 (16.5/20, Applejack Wines)

Where I had it: At home on the weekend to celebrate achieving another one of my 2025 goals: getting a new job. (I really didn’t think this one was going to happen for me, so it was a great surprise – like this wine!)

How much a bottle cost me: About $40. I purchased this on-site from a visit to the domaine in 2021.

How much a bottle would cost you: Currently retailing at around $48.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – Monthélie is just one of many smaller appellations in Burgundy that – for me – are severely underrated. Small quantities, situated right next to two of Burgundy’s most famous high-end appellations, Volnay and Meursault, I’ve always enjoyed Monthélie wines for their elegance, value, and age-ability. This one was no exception. Velvety texture, dark berries. A delight to drink.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – A Burg like this really can be enjoyed with or without food, but of course a decent gourmand meal will make it sing. I could see this going well with everything from apéro boards to mushroom risotto and so much more.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – For a really lovely Burgundy in 2025, $48 is a great price. Sure, there’s no cru status to speak of on this one but I do feel it competes with many in the premier cru category. A great buy if you love Burgundy but don’t have a huge, huge budget.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3/5 – Domaine Matrot is in lutte raisonnée across all their parcels, but has not made additional developments toward fully organic or biodynamic agriculture since settling into lutte raisonnée officially in the early 2000s. Much more can – and should – be done. Yet, they remain an independent and family-run domaine, so I give them three points here.

WINE #6: Champagne Delamotte Brut, NV (14/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: At home on a weeknight. We paired it with grilled swordfish, baby potatoes, and zucchini. It was the perfect summer meal and it was a goal bottle to boot! What a whirlwind month it’s been.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. I got this as a sample.

How much a bottle would cost you: $80.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 14/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – Champagne Delamotte is a reliable champagne house that consistently delivers lovely entry-level champagnes. That being said, I found the bubbles in this particular bottle to be a bit too aggressive for my taste. I prefer softer, more supple textures in Champagne so this one was a little outside of what I typically prefer.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – This was a beautiful pairing with our grilled swordfish and it helped to give more depth to our baby potatoes. Despite not being my favorite Champagne to drink, it was still great with food.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3/5 – I’d love for the prices on Champagne in the U.S. to come down a little bit for my own sake, but I’m not naïve. What’s crazy is that it is $8 more expensive than the Christophe Mignon Champagne, rated 19/20. For me, it’s a no. If you’re a big fan of the Delamotte style though, perhaps this would be a good investment for a celebration, but this was just not for me.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3/5 – Delamotte is HVE-certified, but I would like to see a bit more movement here for a higher score, particularly for a house that is so popular.

WINE #7: La Clape, Languedoc, Château l’Hospitalet, 2021 (16/20, Gérard Bertrand)

Where I had it: At home on a little date night the night before I flew to Nice. We made a little bruschetta and cheese platter, put on some music, and made the most of a beautiful summer evening.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. I got this as a sample.

How much a bottle would cost you: $50.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Berries. Spice. Chocolate. This is a great wine to keep around in fall and winter especially, but it isn’t so heavy-handed that you can’t enjoy it in summer, either. A bit rustic with sharper tannins, but I expect that from the Languedoc and don’t mind it too much.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – A great wine to go with food, truly! I’d even venture to say that this could work with a dark chocolate or raspberry dessert in addition to all the usual savory suspects (BBQ, tomato bruschetta, etc.).
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3/5 – I struggle to fork out $50 for a bottle from the Languedoc, and while I understand the appellation (La Clape) and Bertrand’s approach might merit prices like this, I personally would not spend $50 on it. I’m a bit more of a Burgundy/Beaujolais-style red gal myself, so if I’m spending $50 on a wine, I’m looking for something a bit more refined, lighter, and more elegant. That being said, if you’re a fan of Languedoc’s reds, this could be $50 well-spent.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – There’s no doubt that Gérard Betrand is one of the most indomitable names in French wine today, and certainly a juggernaut for the Languedoc. The fact that he’s able to produce so many wines from such vast holdings at a level that is organic and biodynamic to boot is incredibly admirable. While not every wine from his domaines across France bear these labels, the vast majority of them do, and it is fantastic to know that it’s possible to be a big producer while protecting the people and environment that make the wines.

WINE #8: Bellet Blanc, Collet de Bovis, 2024 (17/20)

Where I had it: At a private tasting on site with my friend Steph.

How much a glass cost me: $0. While the Collet de Bovis website notes that tastings are 15€, we got our tasting for free, as it was the start of the off-season and we disclosed that we were both wine professionals. If you end up traveling to Nice, don’t hesitate to stop by! You can take the little navette (shuttle) on the weekends (info here!), drive up, or take an Uber. Bellet is a lovely appellation (and one of France’s smallest!) tucked into the hills above Nice and it has some of the most stunning views I saw during my trip to the Côte d’Azur this month.

How much a bottle would cost you: 21€. (Sadly, it’s not available abroad as the production is so small!)

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I’ll be honest: I didn’t know what to expect from the Bellet appellation. Before visiting, I knew it was a tiny area north of Nice where the quantities were small and that there hadn’t been much chatter about these wines. Boy, was I surprised. Bellet is, after all, a French wine terroir and appellation, run by a small group of passionate winemakers. By and large – the complexity dazzled me. On the nose, local flowers like oleander and mimosa, accompanied by fresh grapefruit and lemon. In the mouth, a stunning combination of it all with a mineral edge and a long finish. I wish I could have brought home several bottles!
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – We didn’t have anything to pair this bottle with at our tasting, but I have no doubt that this one would be stunning with seafood and fish – particularly from the Mediterranean! Those saline, citrus notes really can’t be matched and the complexity of the wine will certainly add to whatever it is you’re eating.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – At 21€, the saddest thing about this wine is that you unfortunately cannot buy it stateside (or really, anywhere outside of Nice). That being said, if you can find it, you can be certain it was made with love and care by a passionate winemaker from one of France’s most overlooked appellations. It’s worth a couple of extra euros to know that the thing you’re consuming represents true French savoir-faire.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Jean Spizzo owns 4.5 hectares of vines around his home in Bellet. He farms all organically (working toward certification) and is minimal interventionist. He’s really the only one on the team (though he enlists some family members and hires the occasional worker to help with the harvest). He’s persisted in making wines this way since 1974. This is as small and family-owned as you can possibly get! When we mentioned his name at wine shops in Nice later on our trip, the wine shop owners all expressed how much they care for Jean and love his wines. He’s clearly doing things the right way and I love that for you, Jean! Keep on truckin’.

WINE #9: Bellet Blanc, Domaine de Toasc, 2022 (16.5/20)

Where I had it: At a private tasting at Château de Crémat with my friend Steph. Of note: Domaine de Toasc is closed to visitors, but you can taste their wines at their partner winery, Château de Crémat (and I highly recommend a visit!). It’s an absolutely stunning estate known for its unique red color and art deco architecture. It was frequented by Coco Chanel in the early 20^th century and today has a museum for art and fashion on site. It is another stop on the little wine shuttle that the city of Nice provides on the weekends.

How much a glass cost me: 10€, as part of a tasting flight we sampled while at Château de Crémat.

How much a bottle would cost you: 21€. As with Le Collet de Bovis, this wine is unfortunately not currently available stateside.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – An absolute delight to drink. Layered and complex, but not so complex that you’re overwhelmed and lost in weightyness. No, this is a fresh, dynamic glass from the hills of Nice that is exceptional for a wide variety of foods, moments, and vibes. At 95% Rolle (Vermentino) and 5% Chardonnay, it’s got a beautiful lemon, mineral acidity that’s well-balanced and integrated with soft, local florals.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Hand me some grilled Mediterranean shrimp or sardines with a squeeze of lemon and this wine will be a wonder. I did manage to bring home a bottle and I can’t wait to open it for a delicious meal!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – For all the beautiful complexity offered here, 21€ feels more than worth it. I only wish these wines were available stateside! With only eight hectares, though, it’s not surprising. You’ll just have to get out to Château de Crémat to buy this bottle!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Domaine de Toasc has eight hectares and is organic-certified. I wasn’t able to find out too much more about the property, besides the fact that it’s currently undergoing renovations to improve the winery. I’ll be watching to see what else they contribute to environmental practices in the coming months and years.

WINE #10: Palette Blanc, Château Henri Bonnaud, 2024 (16/20)

Where I had it: At a private tasting at the château in Palette.

How much a glass cost me: 10€ as part of the tour and tasting I booked.

How much a bottle would cost you: 23€. As of writing this, I was unable to find a wineshop stateside that carries this one.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Château Henri Bonnaud is an absolutely stunning property in Palette. With 14 hectares specifically in Palette, they are among the largest in the appellation, and have a strong portfolio showing which includes wines under the Côtes de Provence appellation as well. My favorite of the ones I tasted was this one – a classic Palette blanc. At 15% Ugni Blanc and 85% Clairette, it’s driven by a unique mineral flavor profile that rounds out with soft florals and a touch of lemon.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I could easily see this going very well with food. Similar to the white wines from Bellet that I tried, this is just a great white to have on hand for all kinds of pairing opps, especially if you’re someone that fell into the Sauvignon Blanc trends hard this summer. You’ll get a bit more roundness from the Clairette than you might in a classic SB, but that makes it even better to pair with food – particularly cheeses.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – A good price for a wine from such a small appellation. I just wish that it were available stateside! Henri Bonnaud does export to a select few states, but I was not able to find this particular wine available at the time of writing this.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Certified organic since 2012, this is a family-run estate that really prioritizes the environment (and looking at the photos of it, it’s easy to see why. Sainte-Victoire stuns in the background – who wouldn’t want to protect her?!).

WINE #11: “Edition S”, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, Château Vignelaure, 2017 (17/20)

Where I had it: At a private tasting at the château.

How much a glass cost me: $0. I was offered this tasting for free.

How much a bottle would cost you: 46€. As of writing this, I was unable to find a wine shop stateside that carries this one.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – Everyone underestimates the reds from Provence and this wine proves that point precisely. Château Vignelaure was a pioneer in the red wines of Provence. Today, they have significant plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon (which – by itself isn’t necessarily a rarity but also isn’t super common, either). A 50/50 combination of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, this would not typically be the red I reach for, but its beautiful, velvety texture and confit prune aromas made it an absolute delight to drink. Edition S as a cuvée is created only in exceptional vintages and the result certainly speaks to the standout year. Only 3,000 bottles of it were made, so if you can snag a bottle, it’ll be well-worth it. It’s like walking into a speakeasy full of velour red couches with low-lighting and fruit-scented candles. A delight.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – This wine was made for the dishes of early-mid fall. Thinking of a ratatouille, a mushroom risotto, a wild rice and sweet potato soup. Even better with a coq au vin or a Provençal daube. Anytime there’s a chill in the air and you’re cooking something with complex flavors, this wine will surely do the trick.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I only wish this wine were easier to find stateside! It is a bit on the pricier side for the French market, but it is a beautiful, unique wine that I really enjoyed discovering. A bottle came home with me and I can’t wait to open it for a special occasion.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – The château has been organic-certified since 2018 (but practicing for much, much longer). The higher score here reflects an X Factor commitment I haven’t talked much about but that is very important to me personally: art. The owners of Château Vignelaure are serious art collectors, so the cellar walls on the property are lined with an eclectic collection of paintings and sculptures from around the world. While the combination of art and wine is not ground-breaking by any means (I was just at the New York City Armory Show, featuring a Champagne bar by Pommery) I love that this opens the property up to a new subset of visitors who may not be wine lovers, but who could in turn appreciate wine in the same way they appreciate art – and ultimately become winelovers. When you combine this with Château Vignelaure’s ground-breaking development of red wines in Provence, I think they deserve four points here. There is something very unique about this property and their wines that makes it well-worth a short drive from Aix-en-Provence.

WINE #12: Palette Blanc, Château des Trois Sautets, 2022 (18/20)

Where I had it: At a private tasting on site.

How much a glass cost me: 10€ as part of a tour and tasting I booked. If you’re near Aix-en-Provence, I cannot recommend a visit to Château des Trois Sautets enough. It was an incredible experience and the winery is unlike any other I’ve ever visited. The château started out as a goat farm and produces an absolutely exceptional AOP goat cheese on site, Brousse du Rove. It was only recently that the three brothers at the head of the estate decided to add winemaking to the family’s portfolio and the results are delicious. This is classic French farming at its best: committed to biodiversity, animal ethics, education, and the creation of some products that are just straight up delicious. This was one of my favorite visits from my time in Provence and I cannot recommend a tour there enough.

How much a bottle would cost you: 27€. Unfortunately, Château des Trois Sautets does not export to the U.S. at the time of writing this blog.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE:  4/5 – Have you ever had a wine that immediately gives you the vision of the place it was created? One sniff of a glass from the Palette Blanc at Château des Trois Sautets did that for me immediately. It was pure grapefruit, little white flowers, and citrus. Closing my eyes, it took my right outside to the mountains where the grapes are grown and the path of the goats as they graze. I could hear the goat bleats, the birds in the trees, the wind in the wild grass. It’s a simple glass of wine but that doesn’t make it any less magnificent.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – It’s a unique and incredible experience to taste wines alongside other agricultural products made on site. Château des Trois Sautets generously offers guests the ability to taste each of their wines with a different style of goat cheese fait maison and the result is next-level delicious. This one was perfect with the fresh Brousse du Rove. The tanginess of the cheese and the citrus aromas of the wine performed the perfect interplay of flavors on my palate. I don’t doubt that this wine is perfect with other light cheeses and even seafood like grilled shrimp and oysters.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – For the French market, 27€ feels a little steep, but Château des Trois Sautets is a small producer and there is a cost to doing things the right way. I think this one is worth it. I just wish it were available in the U.S. I sadly could not fit another bottle in my VinGarde Valise!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – I really should be giving Château des Trois Sautets ten points here for their exceptional commitment to ethical animal agriculture (the nearly 150 goats in the herd really are cared for in absolute luxury and stay their entire lives on property until they pass away naturally – unheard of in animal agriculture), their ongoing and ever expanding interest in organic and biodynamic winemaking, and their passion for polyculture (the estate is also home to olive groves, forests, and wild grasses as well as geese, chickens, and many dogs). I was touched by their commitment to their staff and the kindness with which they treat every visitor and customer. A winery unlike any other.

WINE #13: “Le Pas du Moine” Rosé, Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire, Château Gassier, 2024 (17.5/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: At a private tasting on site.

How much a glass cost me: $0. I was offered a free tasting here and got to experience Château Gassier’s summer party, La Montagne Rose (events schedule here!). Most weekends from May – September, the estate welcomes comedians and musicians from around the region to perform. Open to the public, these events also feature a wide selection of food trucks on site and are typically held outside with a stunning view of Montagne Sainte-Victoire. If you find yourself near Aix-en-Provence in the summer, stop by!

How much a bottle would cost you: $29. It’s available on Wine.com so save this note for next summer as it’s a great one to have on hand.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – One of the things I really enjoy in the wines from Château Gassier is their measured, subtle aromatic profiles. This is true for almost their entire portfolio but especially in Le Pas du Moine. If I tasted this blind, I might mistake it for a white wine given how refined and precise the flavor profile is. Very soft notes of stone and pear with a long finish.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – I enjoyed this wine for a second time later that evening at the comedy show, where I paired it with a Vietnamese vermicelli bowl. It was delicious – the two had some pretty complementary flavor profiles and didn’t overpower one another. Clearly, a great wine with food – and it would work equally as well with a cheeseboard, summer salads, and seafood.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Given the increasing cost of French wine, I’m not mad about the price here. Gassier has significant holdings but is also wonderfully committed to organic practices, so $29 feels fair.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Beyond being certified organic, Château Gassier is heavily invested in the environmental biodiversity of the Sainte-Victoire area and has also committed to regenerative agricultural practices (including the use of cover crops, etc.). This is the type of movement I love to see from a larger producer!

WINE #14: “Pointe du Diable” Rosé, Château Malherbe, 2023 (17.5/20)

Where I had it: At a private tasting at the château, just south of Bormes-les-Mimosas (and east of the town of Hyères).  

How much a glass cost me: $0. I was offered a free tasting here at the end of my trip.

How much a bottle would cost you: 26€. As of writing this, I was unable to find a wine shop stateside that carries this one.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – A blend of Sémillon, Cinsault, and Grenache, this wine was an unexpected aromatic explosion of flavor and tension. Think strawberry jolly rancher, red and pink florals, sea salt, and breathtaking acidity. This is a fantastic rosé that would be perfect with a pre-dinner cheeseboard or snack, especially in the summer.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I didn’t pair this with anything expressly during my tasting, but as I note above, I think it would be fantastic at a summer apéro or barbecue, particularly if fresh cheeses or seafood are at all involved.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I am often tough on rosés, particularly on ones from Provence. More often than not, I find they are over-simplified and over-hyped, and to make matters worse there’s an awkward bitterness at the end of them that turns me off. All this is to say that for 26€ (much less a wine that is not easy to find stateside), I would normally give it a lower score. But it is such a gem of beauty and complexity that I really do think it merits the price. If it were 20€, that would be even better, but I think this is a competitive cost overall.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – Organic, biodynamic, woman-founded, woman-run, family-owned – this exceptional domaine has everything going for it. The vineyard has quite literally never seen an herbicide, and its beautiful forest surroundings are among the most protected natural landscapes in the country. I cannot wait to see what Château Malherbe does in the coming years – it’s only up from here.

WINE #15: “Madame Ferrari”, Vin de France, Château Malherbe, 2022 (18.5/20, Saratoga Wine)

Where I had it: At a private tasting at the château, just south of Bormes-les-Mimosas (and east of the town of Hyères).  

How much a glass cost me: $0. I was offered a free tasting here at the end of my trip.

How much a bottle would cost you: $55. It is the estate’s most expensive wine – with good reason. At first glance, you might not think $55 for a bottle of Vin de France makes much sense, but this cuvée holds a story unlike any other wine I’ve ever tried. Madame Ferrari was the intrepid female founder who created Château Malherbe in 1941, planting several hectares of Grenache and Rolle almost entirely on her own. This wine is a blend of both grape varieties from those parcels – vinified uniquely together at harvest using the same methods that Madame Ferrari would have used when she made this wine in the 40s. It is both modern and traditional, blending both history and the future in a cuvée that will most certainly stand the test of time.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Wow. What a unique and stunning wine this is. Blood orange, wild strawberry, Provence garrigue. Light ruby in color (similar to a Pinot Noir from Burgundy with a bit of age on it), it’s equally tart and saline and the taste continues long after you’ve finished that first sip. An absolute wonder. There is a bit of magic in this cuvée that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time and are sitting across the table from the inimitable Madame Ferrari herself, circa 1945. Unbelievable.  
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – As my guide, Tristan, told me, “Sommeliers and chefs love this wine”. It’s easy to see why. This one has extraordinary gastronomic potential thanks to its complexity, salinity, minerality, and long finish. Pair it with tuna tataki, risotto, salade Niçoise, or any number of refined dishes and you won’t be disappointed. I wish I had been able to purchase a case.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – With only 3,000 bottles made, I can understand the price, but I do with it was a little bit more affordable. That being said, this wine is one-of-a-kind. If you can get your hands on one, it is well worth that price indeed.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – Ibid to the first wine I reviewed from this château as above!

WINE #16: “Petit Salé”, IGP Bouches du Rhône, Château de Roquefort, 2024 (17/20, iDealWine)

Where I had it: I enjoyed this wine at the Lilou Hotel’s fabulous restaurant on my last night in Hyères. I highly recommend a stay there if you’re planning on visiting Château Malherbe. It’s a beautiful seaside town that isn’t too overrun with tourists. The hotel was lovely and centrally located. To make things even more enticing, the restaurant was named one of the best wine lists in France, so it is truly a wine lover’s dream. Fantastic selection from some underrepresented regions and appellations. I spent a good ten minutes just perusing the list!  

How much a glass cost me: 10€, as ordered as part of my meal at the Hotel Lilou’s restaurant.

How much a bottle would cost you: $15.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – You might recognize this producer from their more popular Côtes de Provence rosé cuvée, Corail. (I’ve been seeing it all over wine shops in NYC this summer.) This is one of those wines that comes alive with food but can be a bit awkward to drink on its own. It has a unique, somewhat unctuous, oily texture with notes of peach and salt.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This one needs food! It comes alive with it, and the sky is kind of the limit. While I can’t see it balancing out heavier dishes, it was incredible with my heirloom tomato and mozzarella appetizer and was even better with the tuna tataki main. This is a wine that simply belongs on a restaurant wine list!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – For such a food-friendly, unique, fun wine, you can’t get better than $15. It’s not the kind of grand vin you’d age in a cellar forever but it’s incredible with food and I can easily see this doing well at an apéro with friends.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – Château de Roquefort is an organic-certified domaine that implements biodynamic practices. In 2022, a woman took the helm and has continued to prioritize exceptional winemaking made possible by a profoundly deep respect for nature and the environment. I’d love to see them get that biodynamic certification – but it’s not everything. I’ll need to taste more wines from this domaine!

If you take anything away from this post, I hope it’s that you cannot sleep on the whites and reds from Provence. As the market evolves away from rosé and toward mineral-driven whites and sultry reds, it’s clear that Provence has a bright future – and it’s not salmon-colored. Thanks for reading, and see you next month!

Looking for more wine reviews? Check out the July Edition or my methodology post on Unfined + Unfiltered. Enjoy, santé !

Oh, July. Sticky, sweltering, bipolar July. The weather in New York City couldn’t make up its mind. One day, it was a hundred degrees and 95% humidity followed by torrential rainstorms that paralyzed the region. The next? A beautiful summer day with a soft breeze. Thankfully, my wine picks for the month weren’t half so dramatic as all that. I cut back on tasting following an explosion of wine reviewing in Bordeaux in June, but even so, July had some great juice. Here’s what I loved in my glass this month.

WINE #1: Coteau de la Biche, Vouvray Sec, Domaine Pichot, 2022 (17/20, AOC Selections)

Where I had it: At home with my husband on 4th of July weekend. We were lucky enough to have decent weather, so we popped open this bottle and made the most of it on the patio. It was calm, quiet. Just how we like our 4th of July to be. Reading, talking, no fireworks! (Poor puppy.)

How much a bottle cost me: $0. I received this as a sample from their importer, Vineyard Brands.

How much a bottle would cost you: $20.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – Tart green apple with a mineral, acid edge – this baby is incredibly drinkable. Fantastic on a hot summer’s day with someone you love on a patio (and that’s certainly how I enjoyed it). So many dry Vouvrays these days have a lot of white floral notes but this one doesn’t mess around with flowers and I honestly kind of love it. There’s just enough round fruit to balance the acidity and it’s a mouthwatering sip. You’ll need another immediately.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – Fabulous with seafood, potato chips, or even pretzels – a great one for the high-low pairing trend. At the same time, it could certainly work with a more sophisticated menu, like aged goat cheeses or chicken in a béchamel sauce. It’s just a delightful wine to have on hand.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – $20 for a Vouvray this lovely?! Sign. Me. Up. The catch is that it’s currently a little hard to find – I was only able to link it to one shop based in Texas – but I’m hoping that changes.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3/5 – 60 hectares of family-owned land is excellent, but all I could find was an HVE certification. I think there’s more that can be done, so I’m holding them to it. For now, they earn three points here.

WINE #2: Bandol Rosé, Hecht & Bannier, 2023 (15/20, Solano Cellars)

Where I had it: Paired it with my husband’s veggie tacos on a hot Tuesday night. If you’ve been following along on these reviews since the beginning, you’ll know that I’ve been needing justice for my veggie tacos. They’ve been spoiled many a time by wines that simply haven’t been able to stand up to the eclectic mix of flavors in a Cali-Mex taco. Suffice it to say, they have have met their match!

How much a bottle cost me: $0. This was also a sample I received.

How much a bottle would cost you: $34.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 15/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – Very aromatic with notes of orange peel and ripe strawberry. There’s a kind of bitter aftertaste that I often get with wines from Bandol and Provence and I don’t hate it – it’s sign for me that the wine needs food. And in this case, go with food it did. That being said, I felt like something was missing from this wine that could have made it even better, but it’s a solid summer sipper if all you need is a good wine for a party.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Like I said, what a great match for tacos! There is something juicy about this wine that just pairs wonderfully with the acids and flavors in a classic veggie taco. I could also see this wine doing very well with pulled pork or chicken tacos as well.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – $34 for a bottle of decent Bandol is a pretty good price! The brand is well distributed in the U.S. so you should be able to find it pretty easily. Buy a couple bottles to keep on hand for the summer parties you’re planning and it’ll be a hit.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – B-Corp certified and using organic grapes is good – but I would like to see a bit more movement here from such a larger producer. The bigger you are, the more responsibility you have in ensuring your environmental impact is low, so I would hope to see a fully organic certification in the next couple of years at minimum.

WINE #3: Tradition Royale, Jurançon, Cave de Gan, 2022 (14.5/20)

Where I had it: I filmed a 5 Fast French Wine Facts video about France’s sweet wines that I hope will pique modern interest. These wines were once among France’s most popular but as tastes have changed, they’ve fallen out of favor. Crossing fingers that changes.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. My Airbnb host in Bordeaux gifted this to me as a welcome present, and I was so very touched that I brought it home to make content with.

How much a bottle would cost you: $0. You can’t find it stateside, sadly, but if you were in France, it would cost you around 11€.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 14.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – You know those little plastic fruit cups your mom would pack you for lunch when you were in elementary school? They usually had a combination of canned pineapple, mango, and a little mandarin orange? That’s what this wine tasted like for me. It’s nostalgic Millennial flavor in a bottle. It’s not super syrupy by any means but it has a clear, exotic fruit taste. Well-balanced acidity cuts through the sugar to keep things level.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – I know the French are constantly insisting that sweet wines pair with all kinds of savory dishes, but for me, the jury is still out. I think this would be great with an aged cheese platter or some briny oysters with some lemon but I am not sure I’m sold on much else. Guess I’ll have to keep experimenting with this category to find out for sure.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – Normally, for a wine that you can find for 11€, I’d rate this one much higher, but it’s kind of a bummer that it’s just not available stateside. Since this is a U.S.-based page, I gotta ding it. Still – if you’re in France – worth a buy to see if you like these sweeter styles. Or really even if you want to relive some of that nostalgia.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – You know I love a cooperative, but the most I could find out about this producer from an environmental perspective was that it’s HVE-certified. Womp womp. There seems to be a trend this month: “Let’s all get HVE certification but not disclose any other environmental commitments!” You can do better, Cave de Gan. (And everyone, for that matter.) Appreciate the effort as I know it’s tough as a larger co-op in a vast region, but still, a lot more can be done here.

WINE #4: “Les Picasses”, Chinon, Olga Raffault, 2018 (16.5/20, Astor Wines)

Where I had it: Cozied up on the couch after a long, long, long week. There have been a lot of those this month. Arguably, all four weeks in the month felt this way. And the heat certainly didn’t do much of anything to abate the feeling.

How much a bottle cost me (and how much it would cost you): $31. That’s a great price for a great Chinon from Raffault, and it’ll just get better as it ages.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I can’t explain why, but it tastes like the color purple looks (despite decidedly being more of a medium red in color). Majestic like a retired king who rules a nation from an old, rustic country house so he can get his own hunting in on the weekends. Velvet. Indigo flowers with a meaty, gamey edge. They say Côtes du Rhône is amazing in a BBQ but I kind of think this Chinon has got everyone beat.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – With charcuterie? – Wow. With anything on the grill with a bit of umami? – Wow. This is a particular wine and it won’t pair with everything, but it has quite a range and really outdoes itself with the food pairings. What a beauty to keep around for a meal.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – There is so much value in the Loire – almost everywhere – and you’ll find it almost every time you pick up a bottle. I keep waiting for it to change and it never does. A comfort at a time when inflation and price gouging are commonplace for “prestige” wine appellations. I’m grateful to you, Loire Valley producers, for keeping your prices sustainable (and your vines, too).
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – The estate vineyards at Raffault have been certified organic since around 2013. Where things get tricky is that they use about 50% of négoce fruit for certain cuvées, so not everything is organically certified. Still, I get the sense that they’re moving into a fully certified universe, so they get an extra half point for the effort.

WINE #5: “Les Garants”, Fleurie (Beaujolais Cru), Famille Chermette, 2023 (16/20, Gary’s Wine)

Where I had it: At the dinner following my induction ceremony into les Compagnons du Beaujolais at The Roxy in Jersey City.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. This was one of the featured wines at the induction ceremony dinner.

How much a bottle would cost you: $28. For a cru Beaujolais as stunning as this one, it’s an absolute STEAL!

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I love Fleurie Les Garants. I first discovered the 2021 vintage during a visit to the producers in Southern Beaujolais when I visited in 2023. This little cuvée just gets better and better and the 2023 – while still very young – was drinking well. Think tart blackberries – maybe a little unripe? – matched with a little blueberry and violet. Perfect with a little chill and generally the best Beaujolais we had that evening (and there were quite a few!).
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Unfortunately, the strawberry and balsalmic salad meant to pair with this wine that evening was far too drenched in its dressing to balance out the wine properly. (Such is the scourge of Jersey City restaurants. To my chagrin, they mostly lack finesse, and while I have no doubt they will ultimately compete with some of the best food scenes on the East Coast, they just aren’t there yet.) That being said, I know better – this wine is a delight with cheese, roast salmon and potatoes, or a pasta dish with a creamy red sauce. It just can’t work with a drenched dressing salad.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Major props to Famille Chermette for this one. Getting cru Beaujolais in this day and age for under $30 stateside is kind of insane. I have a funny feeling that this one can age, too, so buy a couple bottles to stash away!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3/5 – Again with the HVE certifications. Argh. It’s not nothing but I have high expectations and I’m not letting anyone off easy this month. For now, they earn three points here.

As we head into August, don’t forget to chill your reds for all those epic last-hurrah BBQs you’re planning! I’ll be heading up to Maine with my husband for a much needed glamping trip to disconnect, and we’ll certainly be bringing some great wines for everything from barbecue to lobster boils. See you next month!

Looking for more wine reviews? Check out the June Edition or my methodology post on Unfined + Unfiltered. Enjoy, santé !

I first explored Bordeaux a decade ago as an English language teaching assistant. I vaguely remembered its stunning Miroir d’Eau, proximity to the beautiful medieval town of Saint-Emilion, and the way the wine trade was woven into the very fabric of the place itself. Beyond that, I couldn’t remember much. So when Barton + Guestier invited me to attend their 300th Anniversary Gala at the Palais de la Bourse, I seized the opportunity and returned to a French city that felt both familiar and completely brand new. What resulted was twelve days of unforgettable adventures, some of my new favorite wines, and renewed hope for an industry a lot of naysayers claim has no future.

Here’s everything I recommend checking out on your next trip to Bordeaux.

GETTING IN + AROUND

Bordeaux has its own airport with lots of connecting flights from the U.S. going through Paris (less than an hour away by air), London, or Frankfurt. But in my opinion, the best way to get there is via train. It’s just about two hours direct from Paris on the TGV, and it’s one of my most favorite train rides in all of France. Less expensive, better for the environment – and book a window seat for the view. I always recommend reserving a ticket as soon as you nail down your plans, and to buy tickets directly from the SNCF (the French national railway) website to avoid scammy sites and non-direct train routes. They have a super convenient app you can download, too, which makes traveling a breeze. Plus – everything is available in English nowadays!

Once you get to Bordeaux, getting around the city center is easy as pie. The famous Bordeaux tramway is cheap and convenient to use. You can buy a pass online or via the app for the duration of your stay and you can activate it on trams, buses, and even use it for bikes. I got an unlimited 7-day pass for my time there and used it multiple times a day to get around. Just make sure you look up the construction they’re doing in advance as they’re constantly improving the tramway so some of the stops or routes get skipped or rerouted during certain times of the year.

DRIVING + PARKING IN BORDEAUX

You don’t need to rent a car in Bordeaux if you want to 1) stay within the city center, and/or 2) explore the wine region exclusively through tour operators/providers. Everyone’s different, though, so if you can find a tour provider that gives you access to the producers you’re most interested in, that’s probably the easiest and safest bet. I’m telling you this because there’s no way around it: driving in Bordeaux is not for the faint of heart. Getting out of the city is challenging and the roads getting into the wine region are both highly trafficked and under construction. There are seemingly endless jams and it often takes several hours to get to a winery from the city center. Leave early and give yourself plenty of time to get places (and I mean plenty of time – I was late to a few appointments despite leaving 15-20 minutes earlier than I planned to!). Plan ahead. You’ll need more time than your Maps app thinks you do.

Parking, too, is unfortunately a bit of a nightmare. There are free parking lots within Bordeaux but, per the Google reviews, they’re not a safe place to leave your car overnight as break-ins are common. I got into a bit of a sticky situation with a public (paid and securized) parking lot where I physically could not get my car out of the lot because the city of Bordeaux decided they were only going to accept coins that day (it’s a story that’s funny now but at the time was one of the most frustrating days I’ve ever spent in France. Ever cried from frustration in a public transit corporate office? Can’t say I recommend it). Ultimately, I ended up parking at the Interparking Cité du Vin which is easily the nicest parking lot in the city. Plus, it’s at the edge of town, so it’s easier to get onto the highway and away from the traffic. You’ll pay a pretty penny for it (it’s about 22€ for 24 hours can add up pretty quickly), but for me it was worth the cost. It’s brand new, has plenty of room, and has 24/7 security so I had no qualms about leaving my rental there overnight. Plus, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for visiting the Cité du Vin! For me, a car was necessary because I wanted flexibility to see some very specific producers. I’m glad I had it but I also wish I had made sure I had more time in between visits to account for traffic!

WHERE TO STAY

I split my time between an Airbnb and a hotel so I could review and recommend a couple of options for you here. The Airbnb I rented won in a landslide and I cannot recommend a stay there enough! Located in Bordeaux’s best neighborhood, Chartrons, Chez Jeanne is a stunning apartment in a 19th century building with incredible natural light, a beautiful kitchen, and a wonderfully soft living room. The original fireplace is magnificent (not that you’ll need it in summer!), the bed is super comfortable, and Jeanne is a kind and welcoming host. She even wrote a full book of recommendations for Bordeaux (containing everything from bakeries to day trips out of the city) for her guests to consult during their stay. I absolutely loved her home and hope someday to return!

The other place where I stayed toward the end of my time in the city was Mama Shelter – Bordeaux. It’s a 3-star hotel so if you’re on a budget, it’s a decent option, but it was pretty bare bones and didn’t have a lot of the essentials I was hoping for (there’s no coffee / tea in the room, no drinking water, minimal amounts of soap in the shower, etc.). The location is right downtown, so while it’s convenient to nightlife, shopping, and restaurants, getting a taxi or an Uber can be challenging. Ubers can’t go down many of the streets in the center of Bordeaux because they’re so narrow and pedestrian-only. As someone who walked 10k steps a day during my time in the city, I loved it, but as a traveler with multiple pieces of luggage – inconvenient. You can ask the hotel to call you a professional taxi that will arrive in front of the hotel but it can be a hassle if you have many suitcases and are on an Uber-level budget.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

There is SO much to do and see just within the city of Bordeaux, much less in its immediate environs! From Saint-Emilion to the Bassin d’Arcachon, life in (and out of!) Bordeaux is incredibly fun. I’m honestly jealous of my friends who live there! They really do have everything – sea, sun, mountains, vineyards, and a vibrant city center. Here’s a shortlist of just a few of the places I explored while there.

MONUMENTS:

Le Palais de la Bourse / Place de la Bourse – You can’t miss this stunning 18th century marvel! Make sure to walk one day into the center of Bordeaux to see it up close. Today, it serves as a meeting and events venue for gatherings from all over the world and I was lucky enough to attend a black tie gala there!

Le Miroir d’Eau – Just in front of the Palais de la Bourse is the magnificent “Water Mirror”. It’s a beautiful, flat water fountain they turn on at night in the summer. If you look directly at the Palais de la Bourse at night, the water mirror will reflect back the stunning façade, making for a beautiful photo or romantic moment.

Porte Cailhau – This beautiful, unique archway was erected in the 15th century to commemorate a French king’s victory in battle. It was later incorporated into the walls of the city of Bordeaux and today you can walk or bike straight through it to get to one of the city’s largest pedestrian plazas.

La Grosse Cloche – One of the largest bells in France, this beauty dates back to the 18th century and today is rung for special and somber occasions. I walked all around and under it, but sadly didn’t get to hear it ring. Guess I’ll have to go back!

Cathédrale Saint-André – Every French city has some version of a gothic cathedral – and Bordeaux is no exception to the rule. Step inside for a lesson in 13th century architecture, to take a break from the crowds, or escape from the heat.

MUSEUMS, PARKS, SHOPS:

La Cité du Vin – this is a MUST VISIT if you love wine (and if you don’t love wine, how on earth did you end up on my blog?!). I was completely blown away by the museum’s sheer size, design, presentation, and modern approach to wine education. From an immersive “dinner table” that walks you through a whole meal as the history of wine through light and sound to a virtual grape-stomping room, this place is extraordinary. Anyone visiting Bordeaux – even for just a few days – should plan to stop by!

Le Bassin des Lumières – An immersive art and history museum that focuses on bringing culture to life with light and sound. When I went, the focus exhibit was on Egypt and I learned a ton! Great place to bring kids, too.

Jardin Public – This beautiful, expansive park in the middle of Bordeaux has been maintained since the 18th century and remains a favorite among residents today. I posted up here after my museum morning with a sandwich from a local boulangerie to people-watch. It was a quiet, sunny afternoon and the park was welcoming and clean. Don’t miss the Belle Epoque style carousel and bridges!

Librairie Mollat – France’s largest independent bookstore. Covering multiple floors and several city blocks in the center of Bordeaux, you can find books here in dozens of languages covering all kinds of genres and subject matter (including a whole room on wine, food, and spirits). I spent an entire morning in here, bought a few books, a journal, and a calendar, and have zero regrets about it.

RESTAURANTS, BAKERIES, AND WINE BARS

Unsurprisingly, the restaurant scene in Bordeaux is pretty incredible. While I generally don’t think it can quite rival Paris or even Lyon in terms of the diversity of food available, there is a distinct southwestern French feel everywhere you go. I had some of the best pizza I’ve ever had in France here, their unique pastries are delicious, and of course – the wine bars are some of the best in France. Here are the places I loved discovering while there.

Peppone – My husband I have have a running argument about Italian food in France. It’s some of my favorite Italian food in the world (outside of perhaps Italy, the source, of course!), with an emphasis on craftsmanship, exceptional ingredients, and French precision. I always look for the best Italian spot in whatever French city I’m in because it’s a treat (and sorry, New York and New Jersey, but yes it’s better than what we have. Time to step up our game). Peppone is the best in Bordeaux, with a few different locations to hit your Italian cravings no matter where your homebase is. Highly recommend the margherita pizza and a classic salad.

Le Michel’s – This place is an institution. Located right smack dab in the center of Bordeaux, it has a bustling terrace that’s the perfect spot for people watching. Here, you’ll find classic French food and a great wine list. Worth a visit for lunch or dinner.

Les Halles de Bacalan – Located just across from the Cité du Vin, les Halles de Bacalan is a new food hall with nearly two dozen stands and plenty of tables (both indoors and outside overlooking the canal). Almost all the food on offer here is sourced locally, so you’re really getting a taste of Southwest France when you grab a drink, a meal, or a snack to go. It’s located in an area of Bordeaux where the locals live, so you’ll hear a lot of French and find yourself immersed in the social scene.

Tchanqué – New restaurant with a stunning rooftop located in the Chartrons district. You’ll find expansive views of the city and the river, great cocktails (especially the spritzes!), and modern, fresh cuisine. The service is pretty terrible (even my French friends commented, so don’t be shocked!) but if you’ve got a free night and nowhere to be, it’s a lovely spot to relax and unwind.

SOUKKA – Cute little Lebanese fast-casual restaurant in Chartrons. A great place to go for make-your-own bowls and homemade sauces. There’s a significant Lebanese diaspora in France so I always try to find a good Lebanese spot during my travels. Soukka was perfect for lunch!

Symbiose – Probably the best meal I had in Bordeaux. This place is small and unassuming but the food packs a punch. It’s hard to be pescatarian in the southwest of France because so much of classic French food relies on meats (especially the duck and charcuterie), but Symbiose embraces an “omnivore” menu, with several vegetarian and fish options in addition to the classics. Local, seasonal, and fresh ingredients are key to everything they do. Plus, it’s right on the water so if you dine outside you’ll get great people watching and and a view.

Le Sobre Chartrons – A classic in Bordeaux, everyone loves this place (multiple people recommended it to me!). You can try nearly 50 wines here from all around France, on offer through an automatic wine dispenser system where you pay per ounce. The staff are friendly, kind, and passionate about wine education (my kind of people!). Don’t forget to buy a couple small plates to go along with your wine for the perfect apéro.

Complanterra – Tucked away on a pedestrian street in the city center, you might miss Complanterra if you’re not looking for it, but a visit here during your stay in Bordeaux is essential. This is my favorite wine bar in Bordeaux. Focused exclusively on organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, they’re more than just a wine bar: they’re an educational space. They host wine tasting workshops downstairs in their intimate stone cellars while customers enjoy wine and food above. The concept is delightful, the wine list is exceptional, and the food is delicious. Don’t miss this spot on your next trip!

Boulangerie “Au Pétrin Moissagais” – This boulangerie’s claim to fame? It’s the oldest continually operating bakery in Bordeaux, with roots dating back to the 1760s (!). To honor their heritage, all their breads are baked in old stone ovens using traditional methods. While you’ll find the classic pastries and baguettes here, the star of the show is the pain Gascon (Gascony bread), a rustic, scrumptious loaf with an extra thick exterior crust. It certainly won’t last long, especially when topped with some classic French salted butter for breakfast in the morning. Yum.

La P’tite Boulangerie de Notre Dame – A tiny little bakery located just opposite a magnificent gothic church, this place has all the classics, and they’re done so well there’s always a line down the block. They’re part of a larger network of “p’tite boulangeries” that champions the work of passionate, artisanal bakers. Buy the cannelés and you won’t regret it.

THE WINE REGION

SAINT-EMILION

The closest wine region to the city of Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion is a stunning medieval gem of a city that is literally surrounded on all sides by vines. Home to some of the most storied Merlot-dominant vineyards in the world, you should make sure you spend at least 1-2 days exploring the old city and the wineries around it. One of the best ways to do so is to book an experience through Bordeaux Wine Trails. These small, intimate bike tours are offered in both French and English and led by wine experts. They offer a wide variety of tours throughout the Bordeaux region, but I booked the full-day Saint-Emilion option and had a blast. It ended up just being me and another young woman my age who was delightful to hang out with (you meet the best people while traveling!). It included a full day in the Saint-Emilion region, complete with transport to and from the city of Bordeaux in a small van, e-bike rental, two châteaux visits (we visited Château Rol Valentin and Château Grangey), and a little picnic lunch in between. We also rode our bikes into the medieval city of Saint-Emilion to see it up close and had enough time for a languorous wander through the village. (To read my thoughts about the wines we tasted at these two châteaux, check out the June Wine Reviews!)

I returned to Saint-Emilion the next day for a tasting at La Maison Cardinale. This is a must visit for anyone going to Bordeaux. If you only have a couple of days for visits, I cannot recommend Cardinale enough. The wines and property would be impressive on their own, but La Maison Cardinale has recently invested in its enotourism efforts and offers some fun, off-the-beaten track experiences, like a Polaroid scavenger hunt and a wine & music tasting that features the founders’ proprietary tasting mat. It’s a vibrant, modern way to learn about wine and I’m obsessed with their approach. Read more about my time there and how you can book your own experience in my latest piece for The Vintner Project: Reimagining Enotourism at La Maison Cardinale.

THE MEDOC, PAUILLAC, AND SAINT-JULIEN

I’m grouping all three of these appellations together because they make up a large percentage of what is generally referred to as the northern side of Left Bank Bordeaux. I visited quite a few châteaux in this subregion from all different levels of the classification system. From the crus bourgeois du Médoc to the grands crus classés, here’s where I recommend a visit.

Château Lagrange – 3ème grand cru classé – An absolutely stunning property in Saint-Julien, Château Lagrange was one of my favorite visits of the trip. They offer unique, upscale wine experiences, like a private vineyard tour in a refurbished Méhari and a personalized blending workshop. The grounds are among the most beautiful in Bordeaux thanks to a tranquil lake at the center with a view of the vines and the gorgeous, imposing façade.

Château Haut-Bages Libéral – 5ème grand cru classé – This was the farthest north I ventured during my time in Bordeaux, and while it is a bit of a trek to get all the way up to Pauillac, it’s a beautiful drive and this visit was well worth it. Haut-Bages Libéral essentially pioneered biodynamics in Bordeaux. Today, they continue to push boundaries and their wines are complex, aromatic, and truly alive. Book the agroecology tour for an inside look at what makes Haut-Bages Libéral so unique.

Château Léoville Poyferré – 2ème grand cru classé – I stopped by Château Léoville-Poyferré on a sunny afternoon for a light lunch in between visits. Their property is located within the town of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, so you won’t get a direct view of the vines during your visit, but the terrace is lovely and the wines are stellar.

Château Magnol – cru bourgeois supérieur – Château Magnol is the official home of global importer and wine producer Barton & Guestier. They only open their doors for food & wine workshops, the Médoc’s portes ouvertes program every spring, and for professionals, but if you’re lucky enough to visit, you’ll be blown away by your time there. In the 1940s, the Château was taken over by the Nazis, who built the bunker now used as a wine cellar. I won’t give away too much of its history, but it is a hauntingly beautiful place that pays hommage to the sacrifices made by the French Resistance and the British Army in their fight to liberate Bordeaux from the Germans. It was one of the most memorable experiences I had in Bordeaux, and the cellars are home to some of France’s oldest wine bottles (there are a few in there from the mid 19th century!). If you can score a visit, it’s well worth the trip.

LEOGNAN, SAUTERNES, AND BARSAC

Almost no one in the wine world is talking about Sauternes or Barsac right now, and it’s a big mistake. Home to some of the most exceptional dessert wine producers in the world, winemakers here are noticing the cultural shift toward dry white wines and are leading the charge to change the way the region operates. A trip to Sauternes is a must in 2025 – you’ll be amazed at how much the region has evolved. Here are three producers I recommend between Sauternes and Pessac-Léognan.

Château Climens – 1er grand cru classé – Climens can trace its history back to the 16th century, but it was more recently acquired by Jérôme Moitry, a passionate propriétaire. All 30 hectares of Sémillon are now certified organic and biodynamic, and the result is some of the most aromatic, mineral-driven, dry white wines in the region. A few years ago, they stopped making what’s known in Bordeaux as the seconde vin – the “second wine” – a sweet wine that doesn’t hold the same prestige and ageworthy potential as the ranked premier vin – and replaced it with a suite of incredible age-worthy white wines. Their Lilium leads the charge and has quickly become one of my most favorite white wines from the region. Book their Climens Know-How tour for an incredible look at their biodynamic preparations (the room has the most incredible aromas you’ll ever smell).

Château Guiraud – 1er grand cru classé – Château Guiraud and Château Haut-Bages Libéral share something in common: they were among the first in their respective subregions to push for and become passionate about biodynamic winemaking. Guiraud was the first premier grand cru classé in Sauternes to receive organic certification in 2011 and have been pushing the envelope ever since, expanding into permaculture, native insect and animal ecosystem promotion, and more. I booked the bike tour and absolutely loved it. You connect your phone to a unique website and it guides you through the Guiraud vineyards, the town of Sauternes, and the surrounding fields. It was an incredible, rustic adventure.

Château Malartic-Lagravière – grand cru classé – I think Malartic-Lagravière is one of Bordeaux’s best-kept secrets. An exceptional family-run estate, the owners have expanded their holdings with a new world project in Argentina to complement their Bordeaux savoir-faire. It’s a stunning property that was recently renovated to run almost entirely by gravity (I wrote about my adoration for this tactic in my New Zealand Travel Guide too!). The vines and winery are somewhat hidden from the road but are an absolutely beautiful sight to behold once you emerge from the cool, modern cellars. But one of my favorite things about Château Malartic-Lagravière is its endless maritime motifs, all of which reference its storied history and connection to the French Navy. The winery room is a circle, with a separate chamber reminiscent of a ship’s cabin to regulate temperature right in the middle. I loved how unique it was and can’t recommend a visit here enough.

If you’re planning a trip to Bordeaux, be prepared to fall absolutely head over heels in love with it. This blog doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the adventures you could get up to if you have ample time to spend (I wanted to get over to the Bassin d’Arcachon to visit some of France’s most beautiful beaches but sadly didn’t have the time). A lively, friendly town full of some of the kindest people I’ve met in France, it would honestly be impossible to visit Bordeaux and have a bad time. The food is exceptional, the views are endless, and the wine region really surprised me – in the best way. Have an amazing trip!

Looking for more French wine region travel guides? Check out my Travel Guide to Beaujolais, plus posts on Bandol and the Champagne! Enjoy, santé!

A week before leaving for France, I had a mental breakdown. I felt like a total imposter. I could feel parts of my French language skills slipping away, I felt alone and uninspired, I was going through a phase of burnout, and I didn’t know where my page was heading. Since coming back full force on the blog and my Instagram page from my impromptu break last fall, something has felt off. I didn’t know how to fix it, and I was nervous about coming back to France in such a state – much less to a wine region that I hadn’t been to in a decade. To make things more complicated, I’ve historically never been a fan of the wines from Bordeaux. I’m not a Robert Parker-style hoo-ra-ra big, bold red type of gal (indeed this is one of my main frustrations with the American wine scene as a whole), so Bordeaux was never on my radar. Before going to the region, I even asked friends of mine, “What’s going on in Bordeaux? What are you drinking? Who is making waves?” And I was met by almost total and complete silence. Somehow, nobody I was close with was reaching for Bordeaux. Generations and trends change. As a result, I had few expectations going into this trip and kept a very open mind. The region, it turns out, is pure magic – arguably more so than any other I have visited in the last six years I’ve worked on French Wine Tutor. I don’t know if it’s the sun, the city’s proximity to the beach, or what, but the general vibe of Bordeaux is simply: joie de vivre.

I leaned into it. I let it overtake me. I had long, busy days but I filled them with lengthy drives in the sun with the windows rolled down, unmapped bike rides through random vineyards, five-hour dinners with friends I hadn’t seen in years, and getting all turned around on foot in storied villages like Sauternes and Saint-Emilion. It was the respite I needed and it gave me the creative reset I’ve been craving. Read on for this month’s wine reviews – from Bordeaux to New York and beyond.

WINE #1: Menetou-Salon, Domaine de Champarlan, 2023 (15.5/20, Astor Wines)

Where I had it: At home with my husband for date night. It finally got warm enough to eat a meal in our backyard, so we made the most of it. June weather in NYC was bonkers! One day: 100 degrees. The next: 60 degrees. You never know what you’re going to get nowadays.

How much a bottle cost me: $0. This was a sample I received as part of a partnership with the Vins du Centre Loire.

How much a bottle would cost you: $27. This is a STEAL for the quality that you’re getting in this bottle! Just goes to show you that the wines from this little subregion in the Centre Loire still offer incredibly good value!

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 15.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – If I could pair this wine with a piece of music, it would be P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) by Michael Jackson. It’s all citrus and wet stone and soft – while still managing that straight-edge I love so much in the wines from the Centre Loire. Buy a couple bottles and you won’t be disappointed – especially if you’re throwing a party in the summer.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Really just outstanding with food, which should come as no surprise. We had a little smorgasbord of apéro-inspired plates, like bruschetta, a spinach strawberry salad, and of course, a plateau de fromage. It was excellent with all of them but I gotta say the spinach strawberry combo was a real treat.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Like I said, $27 is a steal for the beautiful quality of wine you get in this bottle. Menetou-Salon remains a massively underrated appellation. Its next-door neighbor, Sancerre, gets all the glory, but the value is always in Menetou-Salon. Go get a bottle already!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 2.5/5 – This winery practices lutte raisonnée, but apart from that I couldn’t find much information about their environmental or social responsibility commitments. They get points for that and for remaining small and family-owned, but I would love to see some more work on sustainability at large for this score to improve.

WINE #2: La Grande Dame, Champagne, Veuve Clicquot 2018 (14.5/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: At Decanter’s Fine Wine Encounter masterclass tasting, The Art of Aging: A Journey with La Grande Dame.

How much a glass cost me: $0. I was offered a ticket to attend this masterclass for free – and I’m so grateful because it isn’t quite the masterclass I’d normally go for. More on that below.

How much a bottle would cost you: $200. Phew. If the prices in Champagne keep going up like this, they’re going to have a couple decades of Champagne-bashing on their hands. I don’t mind paying a premium for an excellent bottle of wine, but I’m not entirely sure this price makes sense from a large house.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 14.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I have a weird history with Veuve Clicquot. For the longest time, their entry-level cuvées were served at nearly every corporate happy hour I went to in the early days of my career and I was never yellow label’s biggest fan. But I’d never before tried La Grande Dame. It is a completely different ball game. Not even reminiscent for me of yellow label – in the best way. Soft, tamed bubbles. Mineral-driven acidity. Layers of notes like bright summer lemon, light butter like the first bite of a croissant, and even a tertiary aroma at the end of golden raisin confit. It’s an exceptional wine that I clearly need to return to. We tasted quite a few vintages of La Grande Dame during the masterclass, but this one was my favorite. The freshness and the elegance combined made it stand above the rest.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – As I enjoyed this wine in a masterclass setting, I didn’t pair this wine directly with food but I have no doubt it would pair with almost everything on the table – from appetizers to a light dessert. Many years ago, someone told me that a good Champagne really can pair with everything at a meal and it’s something that’s proved true time and time again.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 2.5/5 – There are some Champagnes out there that really do merit a $200 price tag. Is this wine one of them? The jury is still out. It is a lovely Champagne, but if I was in charge of pricing, I’d probably cap it at $125.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3/5 – Veuve Clicquot practices lutte raisonnée. While I would like to see them go much farther, I also understand it is difficult to do so given their size and reliance on fruit from multiple growers. They have an additional sustainability certification in Champagne, which is appreciated, too. But if they want to be seen as true leaders in the region among the trade, we’re going to need to see some more commitment here.

WINE #3: L’argile, Collioure, Domaine de la Rectorie, 2023 (16/20, iDealWine)

Where I had it: On my little patio in Paris one night after a long day of content creation with friends.

How much a bottle cost me (and would cost you): $27. (Or rather, 27€ for me!) You can find a few different vintages of this bottle stateside, or the 2023 on iDealWine.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – When it comes to the perfect white wine for a summer apéro, the Loire gets all the glory – but don’t sleep on wines from the south. (Little did I know, that sentence would come to define my entire stay in Bordeaux – but I’m getting ahead of myself.) This is a solid white wine with a captivating combination of freshness, depth, and persistence. Think pears, apricot, and a mineral-driven edge.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I paired this with some Vietnamese takeout and absolutely loved it (don’t sleep on Vietnamese cuisine the next time you are in Paris – there are some amazing restaurants like Chi’s Vietfood that I love!). It strikes the right balance with fresh summer rolls, stew, and even the coconut-lime pudding I had for dessert. Yum.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Great price for this wine stateside! I just wish it were a bit better distributed, but this is always the problem with those underrated gems. Here’s hoping an importer reads this and changes that!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – When you read about Domaine de la Rectorie, one thing stands out: care for the environment and the human beings that work the land. There is a beautiful sense of solidarity and care for each other baked into all their communications. From an environmental perspective, they are passionate about using native grape varieties, planting vines in specific micro-plots that are less susceptible to drought, and – perhaps most importantly – are in the middle of a conversion to biodynamics. No easy feat in a rugged, unrelenting landscape like the Roussillon. This is a producer to watch.

WINE #4: “Les Cinq Parcelles”, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Château Grangey, 2020 (16/20, Oenocar)

Where I had it: At a tour and tasting with Bordeaux Wine Trails in Saint-Emilion.

How much a glass cost me: $0. The cost of two tastings is included when you book a tour with Bordeaux Wine Trails.

How much a bottle would cost you: $40. I wasn’t able to find this exact vintage available stateside but it looks like there is an international wine broker of sorts (Oenocar) that has the 2019 vintage at the moment for sale online.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE:

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This was the first bottle I purchased in Bordeaux and I’m happily saving it for the perfect moment. A soft, elegant red wine with a captivating combination of herbaceous notes (thanks, Cabernet Franc!) and bright red fruit. The mouthfeel is what won me over, though. It’s decadent, luxurious, and begging for another sip. As the name might suggest, this wine is a blend from the five parcels at Château Grangey. The result is the house’s best-integrated cuvée.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – The first thing that comes to mind? Handmade pasta with a red bell pepper sauce. I’m drawn to the pepper because I can feel the green bell pepper from the Cabernet Franc shining through. Yet, I don’t doubt that it could pair with a wide variety of flavors. That silky mouthfeel can do nothing but add to a good dish.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – This is a great price for a solid wine from Saint-Emilion. Really lovely and well-worth the cost. Unfortunate that not many retailers carry it stateside, though. I’ll be on the lookout to hope that changes soon.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3/5 – The winery practices lutte raisonnée but sustainability was not a major topic of discussion during my visit. I think more can be done here, but I also get the sense that the owners want to do more. It’s a step in the right direction.

WINE #5: Bordeaux Blanc, Maison Fleur Cardinale, 2023 (19/20)

Where I had it: At a private tasting with Caroline Decoster, who runs the estate with her husband. They’re the second generation in the family to do so and they’re not afraid to try new things. (I’ll be writing up so much more about this visit, so stay tuned!)

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: It looks like it’ll shake out to $30-40. This is definitely a white wine you will want to keep in the back of your mind.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 19/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I absolutely adore this wine. It was one of the best white wines I had in Bordeaux – bar none. It can compete blind with some of the best Sancerres around. And it makes sense – Caroline is from the Loire and holds a particular fondness for those styles of Sauvignon Blanc (who doesn’t?1), so it was her aim to create a white wine from Bordeaux that could compete. No small thing – but it succeeds marvelously. There is tension here between saline notes from Bordeaux’s maritime terroir and a fresh green-ness from the forest a few feet from the vines. It’s 43% Sauvignon Gris, which gives it a unique, herbaceous texture.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – As you probably know by now, I am a white wine fanatic and as a pescatarian, I fully believe a white wine will pair with basically anything I would eat. What comes to mind here is a fresh spinach salad, a goat cheese platter, shrimp scampi, or even whole roasted branzino. The sky is the limit with this wine.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – At the moment, this wine is not available stateside BUT before you turn completely off, I’ll give you the inside scoop: it will soon be available at Total Wine. Just a matter of getting the bottles physically across the ocean, by the sound of it.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – La Maison Cardinale in Saint-Emilion is doing everything right. They are now fully certified organic in addition to HVE. Their absolutely breathtaking property is complete with rows and rows of trees, hedges, and cover crops interspersed within the vines. It’s an exciting time for the house and the energy is palpable. Caroline and Ludovic have big plans and endless ambition. This is just the start.

WINE #6: Intuition de Fleur Cardinale, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Château Fleur Cardinale, 2019 (18/20, Wine Library)

Where I had it: At that same private tasting with Caroline Decoster.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $34. This is an insane price for the quality of wine you’re getting in this bottle. If you can swing it, buy at least half a case.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Very elegant. Unlike some wines I tasted from Saint-Emilion, the tannins are very well-integrated and the finish is long. The palate dances with blackcurrant jam and black pepper. As Caroline said, it’s like a rock song. Jam out to U2 while you’re drinking this one for a fully integrated experience.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This would be epic with charcuterie but could also pair equally well with a dark chocolate dessert. Maybe not the best option for the summer, but on a chilly fall night it would be exquisite with a red-sauce pasta.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I did a double take when I saw the price on Wine Library. Ridiculous value for money here and I can’t even begin to imagine how well it will age. Go get some!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – The same as the previous wine – for full notes, see above!

WINE #7: Pauillac, Château Haut-Bages Liberal, 2000 (19/20, WineBid)

Where I had it: At a private tasting at the Château.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $70. Now that is a bargain. More why below!

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 19/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Years ago, a friend of mine told me that my opinion on Bordeaux reds would change significantly if I only tried vintages that were over 20 years old. At first, I scoffed at him – but he was right. There is magic as Bordeaux ages and my time in the region was clearly punctuated by this discovery. What a stunning wine. Forest floor and ripe dark cherry and a warm dark-roasted mocha are all present and ever evolving. My first note? “Wow, it just keeps going.” And boy, does it ever. One of the best wines I had in Bordeaux.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Because of its complexity and long finish, I don’t think this wine will pair with everything. That being said, I think it could be perfect with coffee-rubbed grilled beef, a dark-roast tiramisu, a deep chocolate torte, and so much more. Now I’m going to have to buy a few bottles just to test things out for sure.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I don’t know why people are not buying these aged Bordeaux wines but my God so many of them are at an insane bargain. I’m about to go hunting just for the more mature vintages I’ve reviewed in this post and I know for a fact I will not be disappointed. WineBid’s auction for this wine currently starts at $70, so while it could go up, that starting cost is exceptional. Bid on it (or maybe don’t… so I can have it for myself!).
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a real pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture in Pauillac. They were among the first to go all-in for these certifications and they’re still adding layers onto their approach to make the winery as sustainable and ecologically sound as possible. They are today the largest certified biodynamic vineyard in Bordeaux. All their holdings and projects (which include Château Durfort Vivens, Château Ferriere, and Château La Gurgue) have been certified organic since 2012.

WINE #8: “Petit Guiraud”, Sauternes, Château Guiraud, 2022 (18/20, Vine Republic)

Where I had it: At a tasting at the winery following a bike tour in the vines. It’s a leisurely 2-hour tour that you do completely on your own (so not with a group or even a guide). Château Guiraud has an app you download on your phone that geolocates you, maps your journey as you ride, and explains various parts of the vineyard, the town of Sauternes, and the geography of the region. It was a fun, leisurely morning that I cannot recommend enough.

How much a glass cost me: $0. A tasting is included when you book the bike tour.

How much a bottle would cost you: $20. That is a great price for a wine from this estate!

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I am not a sweet wine aficionado by any means. In general, I tend to stay away from dessert wines, but there is something special in this one. Beautifully balanced and not cloyingly sweet. Notes of candied raisins and peaches are balanced with sparkling acidity and wet stone. I loved this wine on its own but I also think it would be impeccable in a spritz or a cocktail (and Château Guiraud agrees – they created a free cocktail recipe guide!).
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – This wine would go well with anything slightly spicy as the sweetness will easily balance it out. I’m thinking my husband’s Cali tacos, spicy barbecued shrimp, or even a green Thai curry with a bit of a kick. It won’t go with everything but man the things it does pair with will be stellar – hence that 4/5 score!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – $20 for a top Sauternes, are you joking?! It’s not the “premier vin” but who exactly is drinking Sauternes with 100+ grams of residual sugar these days?! Not I. As noted, this is a much lighter, fresher Sauternes that goes great in a cocktail or alone as an apéritif before your next summer party, and the fact it comes from Château Guiraud means this price is kind of unbelievable. Grab a bottle and don’t look back!
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – Château Guiraud’s environmental commitments are among the best in Bordeaux and certainly the best in Sauternes. They were the first ranked château in the region to go biodynamic in the 2010s and since then, they’ve built on their passion for it by creating a diverse ecosystem of insects, plants, flowers, and trees throughout the property. The result is a magnificent thing to behold and something I wish more of the big houses would take note of and adopt. Bravo, Guiraud. No notes.

WINE #9: “Lilium”, Barsac, Château Climens, 2022 (17.5/20)

Where I had it: At a private tasting with Jérôme Moitry, the Managing Director of Château Climens.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: This exact vintage is not available stateside yet, but it looks like it will retail for around $65 once it makes it in.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – If you would have told me a few years ago that some of my favorite white wines from Bordeaux would be 100% Sémillon from a 1st growth house that used to specialize in sweet wines, I would have thought you bonkers. But Château Climens is a special place in the middle of a revolution and the wines made there are all exceptional. Lilium is a true grand vin blanc sec that is layered, complex, and aromatic. Notes of white flowers greet you on the nose and are complimented by minerality, white pepper, fennel, a little chamomile, and a touch of citrus on the palate. A beautiful wine I hope to return to again and again.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – All that complexity might prove tricky to pair, but a good, complex main course of fish or chicken will be delightful with this wine.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – The prices on the wines I’ve tasted this month are over-the-top! I love complex white wines (arguably more than reds these days) but I am not sure $65-70 makes sense here for a wine that features a grape we don’t know too well stateside. I could see $55 working but too much more feels like a bit of a stretch.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – Organic, biodynamic, small and family-owned. I was lucky enough to even see the room where the biodynamic preparations were being dried – and oh my my, what a glorious and beautiful perfume. Great care is taken in every step of the process. Biodiversity in the vineyard is paramount. This is one of those wineries where you can truly taste the effects of biodynamics in every sip (that chamomile – wow).

WINE #10: “Le Comte de Malartic” Blanc, Pessac-Léognan, Château Malartic-Lagravière, 2020 (17.5/20, Millesima)

Where I had it: At a private tasting with Véronique Bonnie, the President of the house. I’ve been lucky enough to meet Véronique a few times and have always loved and appreciated her vibrant energy and warmth. I now call her a friend.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $25.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17.5/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – What a pretty little wine this is! Super aromatic with notes of mango, banana, and even pineapple. It’s fun, fresh, and doesn’t take itself too seriously. I could see this being super refreshing at a BBQ when it’s 100 degrees.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – My mind immediately goes to oysters and grilled shrimp, but a wide variety of lighter summer fare could certainly work here easily.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – At the moment, this wine is not available in the U.S. but should be arriving to shores soon. You can buy a case on Millesima, but the cost of the individual bottle shakes out to $25. Pretty good for a fun, easy summer wine that’s great with anything, anyone, anywhere.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – Like so many great houses in Bordeaux, there is a clear and sustained ecological commitment at Château Malartic-Lagravière that stretches back to the 90s. Today, the property is home to over 500 trees, 10,000 hedges, and dozens of animals (including goats, chickens, sheep, and horses). The winery is run almost entirely by gravity to minimize needless energy output. Certified HVE 3, they are also members of various social responsibility initiatives within the region. There is so much to love about everything they are doing and I have no doubt their approach will continue to evolve as the years pass.

WINE #11: Pessac-Léognan Blanc, Château Malartic-Lagravière, 2021 (18/20, Saratoga Wine Exchange)

Where I had it: At that same private tasting with Véronique Bonnie, the President of the house.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $80. It’s a high price point when the competition for it even within France is arguably half that cost, but it is a very good bottle of white wine.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – One of my favorite white wines from Bordeaux. Long, complex – less expressive than its little sister, “Le Comte de Malartic”, but more refined and elegant. Mineral-driven, with notes of just ripe lemon and green apple. A beautiful wine that I’d open for just about anything.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Due to that mineral edge and the softness of the aromas, this wine is very food-friendly. I didn’t have it at a meal with food (sadly!) but I have no doubt it would be excellent with a wide variety of dishes. Pair it with like (light appetizers, fresh veggies, or cheeses) and you’ll get complementary flavors. Pair it with the opposite (roasted chicken or fish in a cream sauce) and the acid will cut right through it for a balanced mouth-feel. You can’t go wrong with this one.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – $80 is steep for a white wine from Bordeaux. Granted, it’s a delicious white wine and my new favorite, but it’s still on the pricey side so it loses half a point here. Bring it down to even $60 and I could see it making a little more sense.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – The same as the previous wine – for full notes, see above!

WINE #12: Saint-Julien, Château Lagrange, 1990 (16.5/20, WineBid)

Where I had it: At a dinner with the winemaker on my trip to Bordeaux. It was the conclusion of a beautiful day on property that included a personalized blending workshop, an incredible lunch by the lake with live piano music, and some of the best conversation I’ve ever had with top Anglophone journalists around the world. I had to pinch myself – an invite to the table alone was a privilege I will always be grateful for.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $135.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – For many at the table, this wine didn’t compare to the 1959 vintage we tasted right after this one. But that’s the thing about wine – every palate is different. This was my favorite wine of the night. It was spiced like old leather and my father’s cologne. It was like wearing a velvet blanket that wraps you up in muted blackberry and dried violet flowers. Soft and warm, you take a sip and forget what’s happening in this chaotic world we share. A respite from the woe. This wine is peaking now. Buy it and drink it – at the right occasion.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Excellent timing with the cheese plate at the end of the meal. This was beautiful with aged comté and even a few older goat cheeses on the table. Due to its age and floral notes, I’m not sure this would pair with a full meal, but it could certainly complement a main course like duck or dry-aged beef. The comté is really what made it sing, though.
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – For an aged Bordeaux from a third growth drinking this well, $135 is not bad by a long shot (particularly when you consider the prices of some of the Champagnes I’ve reviewed on this post!).
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – My experience at Château Lagrange was captivating, but I do still hold them accountable to a very high standard of sustainability. The house does not use herbicides, uses sheep to graze the fields, is working on enhancing biodiversity in the vines with beehives and bird boxes, and uses solar panels as a key energy source. It’s a valiant effort, and change at a large house is slow. I hope to see this environmental commitment continue in the coming years and can’t wait to see what they do next.

WINE #13: Grand Siècle, Itération No. 26, Champagne, Laurent-Perrier (16.5/20, Wine.com)

Where I had it: At an intimate, women-led media dinner in NYC at Café Boulud on the Upper East Side. The room was full of incredible women I admire from around the wine & spirits influencing world, like Natalie Migliarini of @beautifulbooze and Nicole Muscari of @grapechic. The warmth and vibrance of the room contributed to a very special evening I’m so grateful to have been a part of.

How much a glass cost me: $0.

How much a bottle would cost you: $250. Woof. Let me preface this by saying that I don’t typically ask for the prices of the wines I taste when I taste them. I don’t like for it to color my experience of a wine until after I’ve formed my opinions. I knew this wine was part of the house’s prestige cuvées, thus fetching a higher price, but I do worry that pricing in Champagne has really gotten out of hand.

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20. I wish I could give it a higher score as it is an absolutely stunning Champagne but my “wallet-ability” section is a part of these reviews for a reason.

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – This wine is arguably why Laurent-Perrier has a reputation today as being among one of the great Champagne houses of our time. Spoken of with reverence across the industry and admired by consumers from here to Mumbai, it is – bar none – a stunner. It’s soft, supple, round, and even silky in the mouth. Comforting notes of roasted hazelnut and almond are complemented with bright citrus. It’s a beautiful Champagne, no question.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – A Champagne this good could probably pair with just about anything, but on that particular evening, it was stunning with caviar crème fraîche blinis and a spring asparagus risotto. You’d struggle to find a pairing that wouldn’t work here (maybe dessert? But even then, thinking a lemon tart probably wouldn’t be too far off…).
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3/5 – Yes, good wine – great wine – should fetch a higher price. It’s a crowded marketplace and in 2025, it’s an unstable one. That being said, this is the most expensive wine I’ve reviewed to date – even putting to shame that aged 3ème grand cru from Château Lagrange, which you can get for half this cost. It is worth a higher price for sure. Is it worth $250? I’m not quite sure. I do feel there is more value here than there was with the other captivating Champagne I reviewed this month, but I would love to see prices come down so it is more accessible.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Laurent-Perrier is aware of the fact that it is a leader in the industry – and is acting like it. The house has multiple sustainability certifications under their belt (HVE, SVC) but doesn’t stop there. They are also adding biodiversity in their vineyards with other plants, and have taken many steps to reduce waste in their production process. The house also partners with various environmental charities like PlantLife to support the conservation of threatened plant species. As always, I would love to see more of this – but they get points for a sustained commitment that I hope continues to evolve.

WINE #14: Le Blanc, Vin de France, Souleil Wines (16/20, Saratoga Wine)

Where I had it: At home with my husband after a long day (week? month? It’s all starting to blend together…) at work.

How much a glass cost me: $0. This was a sample I received.

How much a bottle would cost you: $9. (No, that’s not a typo!)

OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20

• DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Zippy, fresh, delightful. This is a wine that doesn’t take itself too seriously and really – who needs that when it’s literally 100 degrees outside?! I love the combination of Piquepoul and Ugni Blanc. It’s easy like a warm summer night when you’ve got nothing to do but talk, breathe, and relax.
• PAIRABILITY SCORE: 3/5 – Not my favorite wine to pair with from the month, but it still held its own. I’d keep it to lighter seafood and crisp salads with easy, lemon-based dressings. Can’t go wrong with those in the summertime anyway!
• WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – It’s pretty insane that a wine this cheap from France exists on the U.S. market at all – and that it’s not just drinkable, but delicious. An absolutely insane price that makes it attainable for anyone interested – and not in a bad way.
• THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – All the Souleil Wines are organic and vegan, but the high score here refers to their corporate sustainability efforts. They are partnered with some of the world’s leading organizations for ocean conservation, like Project Rescue Ocean, the Rockaway Parks Conservancy, and the 5 Minute Foundation. As someone who used to work in ocean conservation (a lifetime ago!), this is exactly the commitment I hope to see more of from the wine industry in today’s world.

If you’ve learned anything from my reviews this month let it be this: there is much more to Bordeaux than meets the eye. I cannot wait to see where they take the momentum they’re building and I can’t wait to keep writing about their efforts to revolutionize the wine world. Go buy some Bordeaux wines and thank me later!

Looking for more wine reviews? Check out the May Edition or my methodology post on Unfined + Unfiltered. Enjoy, santé !

Chablis might possibly be French wine country’s best-kept secret. Tucked away next to a sleepy town just south of Paris, most people don’t know that you can get to Chablis from the City of Lights in under two hours, making it a fantastic place for a quick day trip. Champagne gets all the glory when it comes to day trips from Paris, but Chablis is more than deserving, too. Its stunning vineyards, small towns, and warm hospitality make it the perfect subregion to visit – especially if you love their incredible white wines.

Here’s my itinerary for a perfect day in Chablis.

GETTING THERE

One of the reasons that Chablis is not as well-visited as Champagne is that it (very sadly, at the time of writing this) does not have a train station in the central town of Chablis itself. That being said, there are a few options. If you prefer to drive the full way from Paris (or Charles de Gaulle airport if you’re coming directly from the plane), that’s probably the least complicated, but personally I can’t deal with Paris traffic! If you’re anything like me, you can take public transit (the TER train leaves from Paris Bercy – I always recommend you book directly through the SNCF {the French national railway} website or app to ensure you are getting the best price and not being scammed) to Auxerre-Saint-Gervais, or to Troyes, where you can pick up a rental car and drive around easily. Uber exists in France but can be tough to find in the small villages, so I do recommend taking a car or doing a train + car combo.

MY ITINERARY

After arriving at the Auxerre-Saint-Gervais train station around 10:30 a.m., I was met by a representative of the BIVB in Chablis, who graciously offered to drive me around during the day. From there, we went directly to Domaine Brocard for a tour and tasting. A leading organic and biodynamic domaine in Chablis, Domaine Brocard is situated on top of one of Chablis’ most picturesque hills (the photos I’ve added to this post don’t even do it justice!). Domaine Brocard has over 60 hectares of vines and is a family-owned and operated domaine that produces exceptional Chablis across the board: from Petit Chablis to grand crus like Blanchot and beyond. (I reviewed their Petit Chablis in my May Wine Reviews, in case you’re curious) Their modern facilities are housed right next door to an absolutely iconic 16th century church that saved many French Catholics from Huguenot invasions in the 1600s. And while all of that should be more than enough to warrant a visit here, my favorite part of the domaine was underground. Brocard has an additional private tasting room with a real feature wall of untouched, natural Kimmgeridgian terroir. It is a must see and was one of my favorite parts of the day!

After a lovely tour, Julien Brocard was kind enough to drive me back down the hill and into the city of Chablis for lunch, where I enjoyed a light lunch al fresco at the Cité des Climats & Vins – Chablis. It’s a brand new museum and educational space that also houses a small restaurant, offices, and a couple of tasting rooms. The Cité has only been around for a couple of years but it is very well-done. The museum is small but mighty and driven by interactive exhibits, like touchscreen displays, immersive visual films, and my personal favorite: the Aroma Cellar (La Cave des Arômes). It’s an entire subterranean room dedicated to the aromas that you might detect when swirling and sniffing wines from northern Bourgogne, divided into two separate sections for white and red wines. If you’re in the wine world, this idea might not be so ground-breaking, but the Aroma Cellar at the Cité des Climats & Vins in Chablis has a marked difference from many other wine museums in that none of the tasting notes on display use chemical or artificial ingredients. They only use fresh herbs, flowers, and fruits, and change them out daily to maintain the highest quality of scent for every visitor. I spent over a half hour alone in this room breathing in the aromas from everything from Irancy red wines to Chablis premier cru. This is a great place to visit if you are working on improving your olfactory skills!

To close out the afternoon, we embarked on a languorous scenic photo walk of the town of Chablis. The village is quiet, calm, and full of French small-town beauty like antique shops, old churches, traditional bakeries, old stone bridges, and quiet parks by the river Serein. Buildings are covered in flowers, ivy, and wrought iron balustrades. Talk about eye candy! It’s a beautiful village and it’s the perfect end to the day. Take a quick drive down to the Lac de Berein, a man-made lake near the vines, to go in for a dip, fishing, or picnic with a snack on the lakeside in the shade.

You could probably spend a week in Chablis and not get bored, but if you can only spend a day, this itinerary will give you the perfect sampler of all the region can offer. Safe travels!

Disclaimer: my trip to Chablis was partially subsidized by Vins de Chablis and the BIVB. By reading this post, you are supporting the work of French Wine Tutor so that I can bring you even more French wine education and travel guidance. Merci beaucoup !

Looking for more French travel advice? Check out my Travel Guide to the Beaujolais Wine Region or 48 Hours in Champagne. Enjoy, santé !