Pressing pause on the monthly wine reviews.
In June, a great debate around me raged. “What’s the point of wine reviews?” asked many in my vicinity. “There is none.” The resounding negative chorus was led by some of the wine industry’s best, and while I do think reviewing wines is important, the noise led me to do some soul-searching.
I started reviewing wines in January 2025–mostly out of boredom. I wasn’t able to travel to France or attend events as much as I wanted to (those pesky full time jobs do seem to get in the way of such things) and I felt I was losing momentum on French Wine Tutor. I didn’t want to just be that-one-girl-who-can-parrot-French-wine-words-with-a-perfect-accent. I wanted to do and be more. Wine reviewing felt like an obvious answer, particularly considering that so much of the industry’s reviewing process is–quite frankly–terrible. But now, nearly 18 months into the experiment, I’m starting to wonder: what is the point of all of this? I set out to change the way the wine industry functions in its reviews, and while I’ve been grateful to be able to keep the blog consistent month over month, they’ve not served much of an other purpose than to tell Google, “Hey, this website should rank kind of OK and bring in new visitors but only like 10 or so at a time!” Thanks, Google.
It’s with this in mind that, unfortunately, I’ve decided I will be taking a hiatus from monthly wine reviewing for the foreseeable future. It’s been fun but I’ve ventured quite far from my original revolutionary mission. The founding title for these reviews was “Unfined and Unfiltered” – but is anything I wrote at all in that style? Did I really deviate and try new, unfettered, and truly unfiltered tasting notes? Or did I fall into the same habits us wine nerds always fall into? I’m proud of the reviewing system I created and I hope that the creation of an X Factor score that depends on sustainability and CSR efforts will push reviewers and winemakers alike to do better. But beyond that, I think these reviews fell short of their goal. I am, after all, a part of the wine trade. And I’m a white woman from a Western country, which that means that my review notes have tended to be more “traditional” and wine jargon-y than I originally intended. Shame on me. It turns out that talking about wine in a new way is a lot harder than I initially thought it would be. Especially when you have to describe five categories per wine and often taste over a hundred in a month. Oy.
So, here is June, my last month of wine reviews. While I won’t be continuing a monthly cadence, I will continue to review wines as a one-off and am considering moving to a quarterly basis instead. In the meantime, make of these what you will.
WINE #1: Itération 27, Grand Siècle, Grand Cru Champagne, Laurent-Perrier, NV (16/20, Millesima)
Where I had it: At the cuvée’s U.S. market unveiling, during a tasting at Millesima.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $249.
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – My first indication on whether I’m going to like a champagne or not? The bubbles. These were soft and delicate, making them far too easy to drink. It was steely. Nutty. Notes of licorice and lavender and wet chalk. A very lovely sip indeed.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – It’s one of those wines that could pair well with basically everything, but at the same time, that licorice and lavender note might be tricky with dishes that have complex spice or floral components already.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – $220++ seems to be the going market rate for grand cru champagne these days, and while I’m not surprised at the cost, I do wish it were a little more affordable so more folks could try and appreciate it. At the same time, however, I loved the texture and complexity of this cuvée a lot more than other LP cuvées I’ve tasted, so I’m giving it a 3.5 to account for that. It still feels overpriced, but it’s justifiable to the extent that this wine is exceptional. If you’ve got the budget or are celebrating a special occasion, this one’s the ticket.
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3/5 – I’ve been lucky enough to review a few different cuvées from Laurent-Perrier over the past year. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been an improvement in either significant sustainability commitments or transparency around them, so this score stays the same as the one I gave the house in the 2025 December Wine Reviews.
WINE #2: Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Delamotte, 2018 (16/20, Millesima)
Where I had it: At a tasting hosted by Delamotte at Millesima.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $139.
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Round, velvet bubbles give way to an almond-lemon brioche and a touch of smoke. Absolutely delicious. For some reason, its non-vintaged cousin was sorely lacking in the texture department, but this one was perfectly soft. I’ll be looking for this vintage the next time I go to the wine shop.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I didn’t taste this wine directly with food but there is no doubt it would be great with food. From appetizers through to even a handful of desserts, there’s a good texture and balance here that would be perfect with all kinds of things.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – $139 for a beautifully aged Champagne like this one is a good deal. While it’s not officially “grand cru” status, it does tend to give that impression with the complexity of aromas. Not my favorite price but certainly not the worst QPR I’ve had recently.
- 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. It’s a shame that they aren’t doing more.
WINE #3: “Le Mesnil”, Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Salon, 2015 (16.5/20, Millesima)
Where I had it: At that same tasting hosted by Delamotte at Millesima.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $1,300.00. No, I didn’t add an extra zero! This price is a little wild.
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I once had a ballet teacher whose primary correction during class was to “Make yourself expensive.” What he meant by that was that he wanted everyone in the room to be generous with the quality of movement they were creating with every exercise. It’s hard to watch a ballerina who jerks around; as an audience member, you’re enticed to watch a classical dancer when they’re some combination of silky, powerful, flowing, and emotional. It’s the combination of these things (in addition to technical precision) that make a great dancer great. Well, Salon is a great dancer. There is a push and a pull and a tension that’s hard to describe. But it doesn’t yell. It doesn’t goad. It invites. Subtly complex, whispering from the stage. Taking a sip was like hearing the soft brush of a ballerina’s fingertips as they collide with the air. There is a lot to this wine. Calling out the tasting notes almost does it a disservice. It’s like watching a danseuse étoile float around in lemon-yellow silk.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Champagne aficionados will tell you that champagne pairs well with everything. Well, it doesn’t. At least not every champagne. That’d be like saying New Yorkers only ever wear black. We can’t use broad brush strokes like this in the wine industry, but what we can say is that certain unicorns do indeed prove the rule. If you open a bottle of this, there’s no doubt it’ll find a way to wrap itself around your tastebuds in a way that pairs perfectly with whatever is on the table. For $1300, it damn well should. And if it doesn’t, well, I guess I’ll have to eat these words.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3/5 –At $1.3k, a bottle of this particular Salon is just out of reach for nearly everyone (myself included – after nearly 10 years in the wine industry, this tasting was the first time I’d tried anything from Salon). But if you’re one of the lucky ones with money to burn in this insane K-shaped economy, you won’t be disappointed with this investment. Don’t expect it to be a loud, tap-dancing Champagne, though. She’ll be subtle and refined, and if it were me, I’d make sure to age it for a hot minute to save for the most special of occasions.
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – It hurts to give a wine this great such a low score, but–like all the other cuvées from Delamotte–the only environmental commitment to speak of here is an HVE certification. It’s devastating. So much more can and should be done. The project is notoriously small (only one hectare of grapes are used to make the Salon) and going organic would be risky, but one would think that risk is part of the Salon vocabulary. Here’s hoping they truly embrace that spirit at some point in the future.
WINE #4: “Clos de la Chaize”, Brouilly, Château de la Chaize, 2020 (17.5/20)
Where I had it: At this year’s Decanter Fine Wine Encounter.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $40–but it’s hard to find.
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Château de la Chaize is a winery that’s been on my radar for seven years. Seven years! They are one to watch in Beaujolais. So many of their cuvées are excellent, and I would quite frankly buy almost anything they make, but this one was the standout. You’ve got those beautiful classic notes of roasted strawberry and black cherry that you usually get in a good cru Beaujolais but it’s more reserved, restrained, and complex, with notes of wet granite and crushed flowers, too. Great salinity with a long finish. I loved this wine.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I didn’t try this with food but honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if it paired well with.. almost everything. The first thing that comes to mind? Summer pasta. I feel like anything with fresh tomatoes would be great with this wine and don’t even get me started on the cheese pairing possibilities!
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – $40 for such a beautiful cru Beaujolais is a steal. Snap it up –if you can find it. She loses a half of a point for being challenging that way.
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – The estate is working toward formal organic certification but has been producing organic wines since 2022 (and likely from a little before that vintage as well). It’s a good start for a classic Beaujolais giant, but I would like to see more movement in terms of biodiversity and CSR commitments for this score to move.
WINE #5: “Les Parcelles XXI”, Bouzy Grand Cru, Champagne Pierre Paillard (17/20), Leon & Son
Where I had it: At this year’s Decanter Fine Wine Encounter. Paillard was a featured producer at the iDealWine stand.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $65. This is a great prize for grand cru grower champagne!
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – There is a lot going on in this wine–in the best way. It’s a wine that epitomizes balance. There is both light and dark, yin and yang, citrus and earth, freshness and umami. It keeps going anad going and going. I’d never tried Paillard before trying this one and let’s say my interest is certainly piqued.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – This wine reads has gastronomic written all over it. Thanks to its structure and complexity, I’d be hard pressed to find anything it doesn’t pair with. The fact it’s majority Pinot Noir gives it a darker texture that could work with meats as well as vegetables. There’s an umami that would even go well with soy-marinated mushrooms or miso rice. I’m just sad I didn’t get to try it with food for myself!
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – I can’t get over this price. It’s so nice when Champagne surprises you and this was one of those moments. It drinks like a Champagne worth twice the price, so at $65, there is incredible value to be found. Scoop up a bottle or two. I certainly will.
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Organic, family-owned and operated for many, many years. It’s hard to give a bad score to a grower Champagne house that’s doing the most it can for people and vineyard alike.
WINE #6: “Les Longecourts”, Nuits Saint-Georges, Domaine Pierre-Henri Rougeot, 2023 (17/20)
Where I had it: At this year’s Decanter Fine Wine Encounter. Paillard was a featured producer at the iDealWine stand.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: You cannot get this wine anywhere (sadly). The 2023s are apparently sold out everywhere, with the exception of a few French merchants.
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – What an absolutely stunning wine. It’s just pretty. You could absolutely set it down and age it for a good long while and it would grow and grow and grow. It’s all blackberry with silky tannins and wet stone. Stunning.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – This is a wine that deserves a special occasion and a specially prepared meal to properly celebrate with. I’m thinking salmon over a vegetable risotto or earthy truffle papardelle. The sky is kind of the limit–but it’s a wine that deserves a really good meal.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – As noted above, this wine is sold out everywhere–but that’s cult Burgundy for you. Rougeot’s been on my watch list for a while. If he’s not on yours, consider this your time to add him. Incredible wines that are growing more and more popular by the year. If you can find the next year’s vintage, snap it up!
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Small, organic-certified, family-owned and minimal interventionist. Rougeot has a reputation in Bourgogne for influencing sustainable practices, and we love that.
WINE #7: “Special Cuvée”, Champagne Bollinger, NV (16.5/20), Wine.com
Where I had it: At this year’s Decanter Fine Wine Encounter.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $79. Honestly, it’s not bad for a big house, even if it is still a little overpriced in my book.
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16.5/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Soft mouth feel, with classic Champagne notes of pear, chalk, and brioche. An excellent sip that’ll work with almost anything anywhere anytime.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – One of these days, I’m going to go through and put all my high pair-ability ratings (especially for Champagne) to the test. Until then, it gets a 4/5 score for the versatility the tasting notes alone showed me.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – It’s a great Champagne for a decent prices. It’s still not as economical as that gorgeous grower grand cru I wrote about earlier in this post, but it is workable nonetheless. I’ll be keeping Bollinger on my radar from now on.
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – Bollinger is one of the few grandes marques to have an entire page on its website devoted to explaining its sustainability commitments. I was impressed. Not only is Bollinger a certified B-corp, HVE and sustainability certified and herbicide free, but the site also notes a wide variety of biodiversity commitments and its future goals for putting people and earth above (or at the very least) at the same level as profit. It’s more than the lip service I’ve been seeing from some other big brands in the region, so the score is high.
WINE #8: Sauternes, Château Suduiraut, 2017 (16/20), Solano Cellars
Where I had it: At this year’s Decanter Fine Wine Encounter.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $45. Since nobody seems to be drinking sweet wines these days, you can grab them for a deal now and again.
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I love Sauternes. I rediscovered how much I loved them on my trip to Bordeaux last year. Not every bottle is great, mind you, and some of them are better suited to a small sip or half a glass, but I find these wines fascinating and delicious when they’re done right. This one was all of that and them some. Even though it’s already eight years old, it still tasted fresh, with delicious notes of yellow pear and ripe peach.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 3.5/5 – I think Sauternes is challenging for food pairing in general, but this one does its best. I could see this working with apple or pear tartes, extra stinky or blue cheeses, or even cheesecake. Beyond that though, I struggle.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Great price for a Sauternes that has an 1855 classification attached to it. And it’s also great that you can find those half bottles stateside pretty easily.
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 3.5/5 – It’s tough to be organic in Sauternes, and even tougher to go biodynamic, but this producers only has an HVE certification and very little information about other commitments on their website. It would be nice to see a bit more interest in putting planet and people over profit. Here’s hoping.
WINE #9: Lirac, Château de Manissy, 2025 (17.5/20)
Where I had it: At a trade tasting event showcasing the white wines of the Rhône Valley, at Midtown Loft & Terraces.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $23.
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18.5/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – My mom has a gown she wore as a bridesmaid for my aunt’s wedding in 1975. It’s a creamy, soft, floor-length peach dress made of draped crêpe de chine, reminiscent of Grecian eloquence. If that dress were a wine, it’d be this one. It’s like you can smell the white floral bouquet and the crispy peach fruit and see her walking down the aisle with some cousin I’ve never met. Somehow this wine took me to a place I’ve never been but always imagined. I loved every second of it.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Is it too on-the-nose to say grilled peaches with whipped ricotta would be an amazing pairing? Probably. Do I care? Not really. There’s any number of things you could pair this with but that one keeps sticking out to me. Someone try it out and tell me if I’m right.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Retailers I found have this wine listed for $23…but it’s sold out everywhere, with few notes of it ever being restocked. I’d give it a 5/5, but the fact you can’t find it is extremely annoying. (This is why I won’t be reviewing most wines after this month. Too heartbreaking and frustrating.)
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – Organic and biodynamic. There’s a whole bit on their website about why they’re passionate about this philosophy.
WINE #10: “Séléné”, Ventoux, Domaine Vintur, 2017 (16/20)
Where I had it: At that same White Wines of the Rhône tasting at Midtown Loft & Terraces.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $27.
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 16/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Much more fruit, has a side of sweet spices to it. Very nice yellow peach jam or lemon compote. Long, fun complexity that lingers on the palate. Very pretty perfume on the backend. An unexpected find!
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I actually really love these more complex Rhône white wines with food. I eat a lot of pasta, so the thing that comes up the most for me here is a summer pasta salad with bright, grilled vegetables, but I think this wine could stand up to something more serious, too. The snack I’m craving to try it with? White cheddar popcorn.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – It’s a great price… but like the white Rhône I wrote about before it, it’s not available stateside anymore. (Why would you have a tasting in the U.S. when you have no importer or distributor here yet?! I am so annoyed?!) It’s a great price if you can miraculously find it but my God how annoying that you probably can’t.
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4/5 – Organic. Family-owned. I couldn’t find out much information about this domaine but I like where it’s heading.
WINE #11: “La Dilettante”, Vouvray Brut, Catherine et Pierre Breton, NV (19/20), SocialSomm
Where I had it: At home on a weeknight. We paired this one with a little goat cheese spread and crackers. Delicious!
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $39.99
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18.5/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I’m tough on bubbles, so you might be surprised to find one in the first ever installment of my quarterly wine club. The reality is the Loire has some of the most exciting and well-executed bubbles in all of France, and this one is the perfect example. Soft bubbles, a fine mousse, light mineral notes interspersed with lemon and pear… ugh this one is just gorgeous!
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – This is absolutely a wine for food. Pairs well with everything from an apéro, a celebration, fresh oysters, shrimp scampi – the list goes on and on. Don’t sleep on it. A favorite of mine for food pairing. I don’t know if it would work with something heavy or meaty, but it’ll go with just about everything else. I wouldn’t even put dessert past it! This and a tarte tatin?! Say less.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – Let’s just say you can’t get Champagne you’ll actually like and enjoy these days for less than $40. The fact that the price here is exactly that makes it perfect to purchase and enjoy at any time. Great for summer, great for celebrating. Get a bottle already!
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 5/5 – Domaine Breton is one of the most renowned wineries in the Loire Valley. Organic and biodynamic since 1990 (and family-owned and operated for a long time before then), they’ve been beloved for decades. There is real heart and care for people and planet at this domaine and while I (tragically!) have not yet had a chance to visit, I hope to one day witness it for myself.
WINE #12: “Les Blanchais”, Menetou-Salon, Domaine Pellé, 2022 (18/20), SocialSomm
Where I had it: Celebrating the end of a long work week, out on the patio, paired with some seafood kebabs.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $44.99. So much value in Menetou-Salon!
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Domaine Pellé is one of the Centre Loire’s most iconic producers, but while its neighbors in Sancerre often get all the glory, their specialty really is Menetou-Salon, just next door. This one is one of their best, with an incredible structure, zippy acidity, and delicious citrus notes.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4.5/5 – Pair this wine with EVERYTHING! If you are vegetarian or pescatarian like me, there is really no limit here. While it might struggle a little with heavier meats, there is still an unctuousness in it that means it can go with anything that’s light to medium to slightly heavy. The citrus and the mineral notes work together to make it a great sip that enhances the food it’s around.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – Some of these Centre Loire prices are getting a little out of hand but I think there’s still some great value here from one of the region’s most solid producers. Get it while you can before the demand shoots up!
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – Pellé is another great domaine in the Loire that is committed to organic and biodynamic production. They’re scaling while maintaining family-owned and making fantastic wines while doing it.
WINE #13: Rosé de Loire, Thibaud Boudignon, 2024 (17.5/20), SocialSomm
Where I had it: Outside on the patio with a fresh summer caprese salad.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $27.99. What a deal for a great rosé!
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 17.5/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – ISO: a crushable rosé for summer? Look no further. The Loire Valley’s been making amazing rosé for centuries, but its French neighbor to the south (*cough* PROVENCE *cough*) gets all the glory. Boudignon’s out to change that. This organic and biodynamic rosé is crunchy, crushable, and oh-so-delicious. It’s begging for a rooftop party. Don’t disappoint it!
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 –One of the things I love most about rosé is its ability to pair well with those awkward vegetables that you want to be eating in summer but haven’t found a wine to go with. Think grilled asparagus, a fresh wedge salad, or anything that’s got fresh mozzarella.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – Less than $30 for a crushable summer rosé?! Sign. Me. Up. And you should sign up for one too! If you love Provence’s rosé style, you will love the rosés from the Loire. Gentle on the wallet and gentle in the glass. Just a great summer sipper.
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – Organic. Biodynamic. Family-owned. Small shop. This is a winemaker on the way to greatness. I can’t wait to see where Boudignon goes from here.
WINE #14: Mazurique, Saumur, Arnaud Lambert, 2023 (18.5/20), SocialSomm
Where I had it: Paired with Ina Garten’s Italian Summer Garden Pasta recipe on a rainy Tuesday night. There is just something about this wine that pairs well with a cozy summer night in and a recipe you’ve been meaning to try.
How much a glass cost me: $0.
How much a bottle would cost you: $23.99. This price is astounding! Talk about a STEAL!
OVERALL COMPOSITE SCORE: 18.5/20
- DRINKABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I love this wine so much. It doesn’t take itself too seriously–it is majorly crushable. That being said, there is an element of complexity here as well and a long, pretty finish that feels like trademark Saumur. Think ripe red raspberries fresh from the vine and crushed stone. It’s delicious and I’ll be buying this wine all summer long.
- PAIRABILITY SCORE: 4/5 – I’ve been saying it for years, but Saumur pairs well with the rain. It just does. There’s something about that energy, humidity, and heaviness in the air that works with Saumur. This isn’t a heavy wine by any means – it’s definitely on the lighter side of the appellation – but it just works. There’s a wet stone vibe that mirrors the wet paving stones on my patio and the combination is bliss. Plus, it also paired pretty spectacularly with that pasta recipe. Tomatoes + Saumur = a new favorite I’ll be returning to.
- WALLET-ABILITY SCORE: 5/5 – I thought I was hallucinating when I saw this price. The Loire Valley is still producing some of the best value finds in all of France. This Saumur Rouge is seriously perfect for summer. Snap it up before it disappears!
- THE X FACTOR SCORE: 4.5/5 – As with every producer I’ve featured in my inaugural wine club quarterly box, Arnaud Lambert is organic, biodynamic, and one of the leading voices of sustainability in the Loire Valley. Certainly a producer to watch and one I’ve loved for many years!
Looking for more wine reviews? Check out the May Edition or my methodology post on Unfined + Unfiltered. Enjoy, santé !
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a bottle of wine through some of the links provided on this page, you’ll be supporting two small, women-owned businesses: SocialSomm and French Wine Tutor. Merci beaucoup !
