May 2025 Tasting Trip to Champagne, Burgundy and the Rhône

La Belle France
Tasted Thursday, May 22, 2025 - Saturday, May 31, 2025 by Vinumming & Ahhing with 276 views

Introduction

Trip down the eastern half of France with tasting stops hither and thither

Flight 1 - Wines with dinner in Calais (2 Notes)

  • 2021 Domaine François Mikulski Chardonnay Bourgogne Côte d'Or 91 Points

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Côte d'Or

    (5/22/2025)

    Classy nose. Reductive a little smoky. Some lemon confit and something a little tart. Bitter orange, Aperol? Apricot posset creamy sour. With air more classical lime and steely minerals. Palate has great grip but is so attractive, mid palate weight very impressive lemon pith, and oil. Lasts 30 seconds

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  • 2023 Domaine des Bernardins Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 90 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise

    (5/22/2025)

    75% white Muscat à Petits Grains, 25% red Muscat à Petits Grains. Rose coloured. Smells of roses and nutty Turkish delight / pistachio. Some dark cherry Bakewell/ almond notes. Classy and Rich, mouth coating palate good acids rich and long. Pistachio sorbet, so well made. This glass was at a restaurant in Calais, will be at the domain in 3 days time.

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Flight 2 - Champagnes Salmon, Chaumuzy (Meunierland) (9 Notes)

  • NV Salmon Champagne Brut Sélection

    France, Champagne

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 50% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir. 9 g/l dosage. 6 years lees aging. Lemony with a little Cox apple and brioche. Palate has more green apple. Great entry level cuvée.

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  • NV Salmon Champagne Cuvée Selection Rosé

    France, Champagne

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 88% base Selection wine (50% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir) plus 12% Pinot Meunier rouge. 9 g/l dosage. 6 years lees aging. Strawberry shortcake with a hint of cassis in the background, Dark fruit on the palate too. In no way a typical entry level cheapo rosé

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  • NV Salmon Champagne Brut Prestige

    France, Champagne

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 50% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Meunier, 25% Pinot Noir, 9 g/l dosage. 6 years lees aging. Touches of vanilla / crème pat with some apple and lime. Palate rich, bready and classy interesting wine.

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  • NV Salmon Champagne Collection Meunier

    France, Champagne

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Pinot Meunier. 7 g/l dosage. 5 years lees aging. Buttered brown toast, grape nuts cereal. Apple crumble with some air. Hints of grapefruit pith in the margins. Palate is yeasty and long. Great poise. Fruit in the background

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  • NV Salmon Champagne 100% Meunier Brut Rosé

    France, Champagne

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 75% Pinot Meunier blanc, 20% Rosé de Saigné Pinot Meunier, 5% Pinot Meunier rouge. 7 g/l dosage. Fascinating champagne that is both a rosé d'assemblage AND a rosé de saignée. Raspberry sorbet and brown toast. Dry, malty and with some notes of cassis. Palate is savoury, rich and long. Pretty strawberry character

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  • 2017 Salmon Champagne Special Club

    France, Champagne

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Pinot Meunier. Zero dosage. 6 years lee aging. Very green nose with celery stick character, some sweated leeks to, sourdough breadcrumbs and an Aperol bitter orange edge. Palate is very dry and leesy. Great acids; so taut and lean.

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  • 2017 Salmon Champagne Les Dégelés

    France, Champagne

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Pinot Meunier, Zero dosage, 6 years lees aging. Yeasty, sour limes. With air brioche and tarragon. Palate is rich, long and limey. Fruity but dry and very more-ish.

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  • 2017 Salmon Champagne Les Bariolles

    France, Champagne

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Pinot Meunier, Zero dosage, 6 years lees aging. Tonka bean, pineapple stalk and some lovely lime flesh with malty Grape Nut cereals. Palate is sour but not overly so; lime and crab apple.

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  • NV Salmon Ratafia de Champagne

    France, Champagne, Ratafia de Champagne

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 67% Pinot Meunier juice, 33% Fine de Champagne. Lovely rich nose with chestnut honey, some wholemeal toast and a touch of dark fruit. Palate is complex, rich and long with some nougat and a touch of plum jam. Yum

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Flight 3 - Claudie Jobard, Démigny (10 Notes)

  • 2023 Claudie Jobard Rully Montagne La Folie

    France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Rully

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Lime oil and flint nose. Palate is rich with nice poise and mouth puckering acids. 45 year old vines.

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  • 2023 Claudie Jobard Rully en Villerange

    France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Rully

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Grapefruit pith with pumice minerality. A little lemon oil and hints of hazelnut. More power than the Montagne La Folie. Lovely texture and good acids. Will buy.

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  • 2023 Claudie Jobard Montagny 1er Cru Montagny Madeleine

    France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Montagny 1er Cru

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Peach flesh, lime oil and lemon posset on the nose. Palate has a lovely texture and is light on its feet. Fresh and lovely

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  • 2023 Claudie Jobard Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Roichottes Blanc

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Savigny-lès-Beaune

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Apple as well as lemon minerality. Hints of smoke and some white flowers. Palate has good poise and length. 25% new oak for this cuvée.

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  • 2023 Claudie Jobard Bourgogne Côte d'Or Milliane

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Côte d'Or

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Bright crunchy ref fruits, some plum fruit a hint of anise in the margins. Palate similar with a lovely cranberry and cherry character. Bright and long.

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  • 2023 Claudie Jobard Rully La Chaume

    France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Rully

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 45 year old vines. Multi clone with each pruned differently to allow them to show their best. Darker fruit on the nose than the Bourgogne rouge that preceded this. Some more intense spice, plum fruit and with air some ripe blueberry too. Great stuff.

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  • 2023 Claudie Jobard Pommard Les Vaumuriens

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pommard

    (5/23/2025)

    Dark plum fruit, rich and smoky with just a hint of Rooibos tea. Palate is youthful spicy and red fruited. Yum

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  • 2023 Claudie Jobard Beaune 1er Cru Epenottes

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Raspberry and cherry fruit. Velvety and plush. Excellent young Pinot. Lasts a full 20 seconds. Yum

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  • 2023 Claudie Jobard Pommard 1er Cru Les Charmots

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pommard 1er Cru

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Wild strawberry, Early Grey tea leaves, Morello cherry ice on the nose. Palate is fresh and disarmingly ready for a 1er cru Pommard. Gorgeous.

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  • 2022 Claudie Jobard Beaune 1er Cru Epenottes

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru

    (5/23/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Smoke, redcurrants and Rooibos tea on the nose. A little more closed than the 2023. Still has charming spicy red fruits. With air distinct plum and cherry notes emerge. Deep and excellent.

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Flight 4 - Dinner at Le Français in Bourg en Bresse (3 Notes)

  • 2018 Château Rieussec Carmes de Rieussec

    France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes

    (5/23/2025)

    A glass at le Français with a chicken liver parfait starter. Honied and slightly tropical fruited nose. Good acids and a touch of spearmint on the palate. Showing really well for a humble wine.

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  • 2021 Le Caveau Bugiste Chardonnay Cuvée Tradition

    France, Bugey

    (5/23/2025)

    Local Chardonnay en carafe at Le Français in Bourg-en-Bresse. Refreshing, orchard fruited little Chardonnay that accompanied the Poulet de Bresse very well. Not uber complex but pleasant enough.

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  • NV Le Caveau Bugiste Marc du Bugey 89 Points

    France, Bugey

    (5/23/2025)

    A complementary digestif at Le Français in Bourg-en-Bresse. At least 12 year oak aging in 400 litres barrels. Vanilla pod from the oak and some liquorice on the nose as well as something like fresh figs. Palate has some Mellow Birds coffee with hints of crème brûlée.

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Flight 5 - Lunch at l'Esquisse in Annecy (1 Note)

  • 2021 Dureuil-Janthial Rully 91 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Rully

    (5/24/2025)

    Lovely nose, cherry pit, Rooibos tea and some rich smoke. Palate has lovely acids and a similar flavour profile to the nose. More red fruited perhaps on the raspberry and strawberry fruit. Beautiful. With air the smoky richness of the wine really develops, some dark chocolate as well on the nose. Palate retains a Morello cherry richness with just gorgeous acids. No humble Côte Challonnaise interloper; this is classy Pinot Noir tout court.

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Flight 6 - Cave de Tain in Tain L'Hermitage (6 Notes)

  • 2023 Cave de Tain Saint-Péray Fleur De Roc

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Saint-Péray

    (5/25/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 96% Marsanne, 4% Roussanne. 8 months in oak of which 10% new barrel. White flowers and nougat on the nose. Palate shows honey and chamomile notes and is beautifully textured.

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  • 2018 Cave de Tain Hermitage Blanc Au Coeur Des Siècles

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

    (5/25/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Marsanne. Nose has peach kernel, pistaccio and honey. Palate rich and broad with honey, caramel and quince notes. Long and powerful

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  • NV Cave de Tain Saint-Péray Brut

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Saint-Péray

    (5/25/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Marsanne. Like this; lots going on. Confit papaya, some white flowers. Dill and hay as well. Palate is light, bright and well balanced. Some hay, sliced Cox apple, a touch of grapefruit pith.

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  • 2020 Cave de Tain Saint-Joseph Esprit de Granit

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Saint-Joseph

    (5/25/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Smoky meats, some damp earth and cherry depth. Palate is mineral driven with some peppery tannins, fruit just a little sour.

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  • 2018 Cave de Tain Hermitage Les Nobles Rives

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

    (5/25/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 14.5% ABV. Nose has dark, plummy fruits with a few drops of Worcestershire Sauce and come liquorice. Palate is rich and round with peppered cassis, some iron notes, more plum fruit and some Rooibos tea.

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  • 2015 Cave de Tain Hermitage Epsilon

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

    (5/25/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Tomato leaf, Morello cherry, venison tartare with baking spice. Deep ref fruit on the palate with fierce tannins, blood notes and a citrus twist on the peppery finish.

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Flight 7 - Dinner at Le Blueberry in Malaucène (1 Note)

  • 2024 Domaine Boisson Côtes du Rhône Rosé 92 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

    (5/25/2025)

    Strawberry ice,. just s dusting of icing sugar. No other sweetness. Some watermelon, a twist of grapefruit juice and a few torn mint leaves. So much going on for a humble Côte du Rhône rosé. Palate is dry, crisp and on the cherry fruit. Great food wine and terrific value for money. Will try and get to the domain on this showing.

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Flight 8 - Domaine des Bernadins, Beaumes de Venise (8 Notes)

Flight 9 - Domaine de Durban, Beaumes de Venise (9 Notes)

  • 2023 Domaine de Durban Viognier Vaucluse

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vaucluse

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Apricot, pineapple stalk. Some chamomile. Dry, one dimensional. Not great.

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  • 2023 Domaine de Durban Côtes du Rhône Blanc

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 50% Marsanne, 50% Roussanne. White flowers, hay. Palate has some stone fruit and a bit more interest the the Viognier from the same producer but not all that good.

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  • 2023 Domaine de Durban Fruité de Durban

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Muscat à Petits Grains. Fruit Salad chewy sweet on the nose. Mango peelings, green melon. Palate is clipped and dry with some under ripe melon.

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  • 2024 Domaine de Durban Vaucluse Rosé

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vaucluse

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Grenache. Understated, some watery strawberry, a touch of water melon pip bitterness. Palate has strawberry ice and some water melon. Some cherry stone. A little jagged.

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  • 2021 Domaine de Durban Beaumes-de-Venise Vieilles Vignes

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Beaumes-de-Venise

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre. Spicy red fruit. Some sliced mushroom. Palate is meaty and tannic with some tart acidity.

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  • 2021 Domaine de Durban Beaumes-de-Venise Cuvée Prestige

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Beaumes-de-Venise

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. A touch of vanilla from the oak. Some liquorice and meatiness. Palate is more brooding than the VV; deeper cherry character. Spicy and young.

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  • 2023 Domaine de Durban Gigondas

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Spicy cherry pit. Some plum and Rooibos tea. Palate is fresher and more red fruited. Big but not all that interesting.

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  • 2020 Domaine de Durban Beaumes-de-Venise Esprit de Famille

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Beaumes-de-Venise

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Earth, cherry, coffee grounds. Palate big tannic meaty and peppery. Still a little clunky.

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  • 2022 Domaine de Durban Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Pear, almonds, some white flowers. Palate has pear fruit, and some pear skin too. A little chamomile too. As always lovely stuff. Would have been a buy had there not been a long queue (and cellar door pricing well above local retail)

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Flight 10 - Caveau Beaumont du Ventoux, Le Barroux (7 Notes)

Flight 11 - Caveau du Gigondas, Gigondas (7 Notes)

  • 2020 Domaine du Pesquier Gigondas

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the Caveau du Gigondas. Violets, blueberries, meaty with earth tones. Tannic, round and spicy, red fruits. The 15% alcohol quite apparent.

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  • 2021 Domaine du Cayron Gigondas

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the Caveau du Gigondas. Redcurrants, some smoky meats, Rooibos tea notes. Palate lighter than the Pesquier; spicy but more harmonious. Prefer this.

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  • 2020 Domaine Bertrand Stehelin Gigondas

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the Caveau du Gigondas. Plum crumble with Christmas spice on the nose. Palate is round, red fruited with some spice and a touch of heat. Vanilla in the background from some not overdone oak. All in control.

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  • 2022 Château La Croix des Pins Gigondas Le Parpaillon

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the Caveau du Gigondas. Red fruited and approachable with some Earl Grey tea tannins and some sliced mushroom. Palate has Bakewell core with some pepper and garrigue. My favourite so far.

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  • 2016 Domaine Saint Gayan Gigondas Fontmaria

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the Caveau du Gigondas. Blueberry fruit, almond paste some smoke and cinnamon on the nose. The palate is red fruited with some plum compote, grated dark chocolate, a touch of spice and some grenadine.

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  • 2022 Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the Caveau du Gigondas. Red fruited, white pepper, bacon and a touch of caramel. Palate has spiced blackberry and apple. And a little acid kick. Classy.

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  • 2024 Domaine des Bosquets Gigondas Rosé Cuvée Parcellaire Jasio

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the Caveau du Gigondas. Light, chalky and dry. Hints of strawberry but not that much depth. Palate is light fruited and delicate. A touch of watermelon sorbet. Decent

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Flight 12 - Domaine Boisson, Cairanne (7 Notes)

  • 2024 Domaine Boisson Cairanne Blanc Silice

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Cairanne

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 40% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, 30% white Grenache. Palate is fresh and apply, some elderflower. Refreshing touch of greenness. Palate similarly refreshing with some real breadth and some tart fruits. Will buy

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  • 2024 Domaine Boisson Cairanne l'Exigence Blanc

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Cairanne

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 45% Roussanne, 30% Clairette, 25% white Grenache. The oak adds some roundness compared with the Silice. Classy stuff with some white flowers and a certain citrussy juiciness. Palate is young cool and creamy.

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  • 2024 Domaine Boisson Côtes du Rhône Rosé

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 45% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 15% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre. 5% Clairette. It was a bottle of this randomly selected at a restaurant in Malaucène the previous evening that led us to track down the domain and book this tasting. Once more it didn't disappoint. Some strawberry and watermelon on the nose with some suggestions of pine forest and garrigue in the margins. The palate is fresh and long with pleasant touches of pepper and baking spice in the margins. Lovely stuff will buy.

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  • 2023 Domaine Boisson Côtes du Rhône Villages Massif d'Uchaux Clos de la Brussiere

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Massif d'Uchaux

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 60% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre, 5% field blend-Cinsault, Muscardin, Clairette, and Carignan. Wow lots going on here. Fig roll, liquorice, Rooibos tea, plum fruit and spice. The palate is dark fruited and youthful with some chocolate, plum fruit and hints of star anise. Will buy

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  • 2023 Domaine Boisson Cairanne Les Trois Terroirs

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Cairanne

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Carignan. Meaty nose here with black olives, spice and some plum fruit. Rich and serious. Palate has some spicy plum fruit and Rooibos tea at its core with some grated milk chocolate in the margins. Lovely acidity too.

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  • 2023 Domaine Boisson Côtes du Rhône

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Cinsault, 5% Mourvèdre. Darker fruits on the nose light on its feet but very grown up. Red fruits and peppercorns. Palate is juicy, spicy and very well put together; some grenadine in the margins and a touch of plum fruit.

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  • 2015 Domaine Boisson Substantia Vin Doux Naturel

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône

    (5/26/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Grenache. Rich and complex, there are suggestions of Christmas mince meat, almond paste and Morello cherry. Palate is lovely and not as sweet as you are expecting. Would, I suspect me a great match for a chocolate Ganache desert.

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Flight 13 - Dinner at our Air BnB in Malaucène (1 Note)

  • 2022 Cave de Tain Collines Rhodaniennes Domaine des Gardes 89 Points

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Collines Rhodaniennes

    (5/26/2025)

    Sourced at the Domaine. Lovely crunchy young Syrah with layers of smoky red fruits with a twist of ground pepper and a lovely balancing acidity. A delightful 12.5 % ABV. A great match for some pan fried duck breast and salad leaves.

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Flight 14 - Le Clos des Cazaux, Vacqueyras (7 Notes)

  • 2024 Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux Vacqueyras Les Clefs d'Or

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 50% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, 20% white Grenache. No malo. White flowers, nougat and elderflower. Palate is light and textured with melon and a twist of ground pepper. 22,000 bottles made. Recommended with oysters.

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  • 2023 Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux Vacqueyras Blanc Vieilles Vignes

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 50% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, 20% Viognier. Oak barrels used for malo. Creamier, nougat, toasted fennel seeds on the nose. Palate has a honied quality, more creaminess and some cut grass. Suggest pairing Stilton!

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  • 2021 Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux Côtes du Rhône Clairettes Centenaires

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Clairette. Two year in oak barrel. Nose has creamy limes and Cantaloupe melon. Palate is complex and rich. Lovely texture and very good length. Oily and more-ish. Recommended with 36 month comte or scallops.

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  • 2023 Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas La Tour Sarrasine

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre. Liquorice, violets, raw steak and a couple of ppm of HP sauce on the nose. Palate is red fruit led with some lovely baking spice and more of that beef tartare. A touch of perfume too. Good stuff.

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  • 2022 Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux Vacqueyras Cuvée St Roch

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 70% Grenache, 30% Syrah. Pine forest floor, meaty with some blueberry fruit on the nose. Palate shows darker fruits, Rooibos tea, soil tones and some star anise. Yum. Will buy.

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  • 2022 Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas Cuvée Prestige

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 80% Syrah, 20% Grenache. Liquorice, hoisin, ripe plums Rooibos and Christmas spice on the nose. Palate is red fruited with quite a bit of spice. Feels a little more closed today than some of the other reds.

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  • 2020 Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas Le Souiras

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Gigondas

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Grenache. Grenadine cordial, rosehip, bllod orange zest and pepper on the nose here. Palace is rich, spicy and peppery with some sweet fruit and orange zest in the margins.

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Flight 15 - Domaine La Garrigue, Vacqueyras (7 Notes)

  • 2023 Domaine La Garrigue Vacqueyras Blanc

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 60% Clairette, 20% Grenache blanc, 10% Roussanne, 10% Marsanne. Marzipan, lemon pith and elderflower on the nose. Palate is rich oily and with a little cashew / nougat with some honied peach fruit. Good acids. Lovely; will buy.

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  • 2024 Domaine La Garrigue Vacqueyras Rosé

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault blend. Percentages not available. Strawberry ice, some watermelon and twist of white pepper on the nose. Refreshing but substantial. More (riper) strawberries here. Good stuff. Will buy.

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  • 2024 Domaine La Garrigue Vin de France Les Branchés

    France, Vin de France

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Grenache, Caladoc and Syrah. Lowest ABV at the domain; 13%. Red fruits, baking spice and Grenadine cordial on the nose. Palate is spicy, red fruited and more-ish. Some tart rosehips on the finish.

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  • 2024 Domaine La Garrigue Beaumes-de-Venise

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Beaumes-de-Venise

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre. Bottled 3 weeks prior to tasting. Hing venison, smoky durian fruit, chestnuts and soil tones on the nose. Palate has rich cherry and damson fruit and some cranberries. Tannic and in need of time although has potential.

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  • 2022 Domaine La Garrigue Vacqueyras Albert & Camille

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault. Meaty nose with marron glaces, plum and a hint of apple compote. Palate has red fruits, cinnamon and, with air, a touch of cassis. Rich, long and youthful.

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  • 2023 Domaine La Garrigue Vacqueyras La Cantarelle

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah. 15.5% ABV and shows it. Kirsch heat, chocolate, rose petal and Rooibos tea. Palate is sweeter and spicier that the wines we have sampled so for. Good length but too boozy for my tastes.

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  • 2023 Domaine La Garrigue Vacqueyras Ne Jamais Dire Jamais

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras

    (5/27/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. 15.5% ABV. Aged in oak for 15 months. Nose is spicy with dark chocolate and lavender. Carries it's booze better than the Cantarelle. Palate has vanilla, spicy red fruits and vigorous tannins. Another one that is not up my street.

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Flight 16 - Dinner at our Air BnB in Malaucène (1 Note)

  • 2024 Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux Côtes du Rhône 89 Points

    France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône

    (5/27/2025)

    Sourced this afternoon at the domain. 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah. Smoked meats and ripe plum fruit.at the core, some marron glacé and just a hint of chocolate in the margins. Serious wine for the money and great with a steak haché in the setting sun on a Provençal terrace.

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Flight 17 - Domaine Lionnet, Cornas (5 Notes)

  • 2023 Domaine Lionnet Vin de France Les Chenins de La Plaine

    France, Rhône, Vin de France

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Chamomile, lemons and a touch of honey on the nose. Palate is lean, fresh, acidic with some white flowers. Only half a hectare of this. Whole bunch fermentation.

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  • 2023 Domaine Lionnet Vin de France Rien que du Mourvèdre

    France, Vin de France

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Lovely nose here; meaty, liquorice, cinnamon and some red fruits. Hung pheasant? Maybe. Palate is juicy and not jagged in any way nor boozy. Some cranberry and a little orange oil too with a closing twist of pepper. Will buy. De stemmed.

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  • 2022 Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brûlée

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Vines between 45 and 95 years old. Nose has layers of bacon fat, plum (under ripe) with some florality and touches of blood in the margins. Palate is lean with redcurrants, lovely acids and some ground pepper in the margins. Glad to have this in the cellar.

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  • 2023 Domaine Lionnet Cornas Terre Brûlée

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Youthful, crunchy red fruits, meatiness and in the margins some cherry Tune cough lozenge. Palate has cranberries and blueberry ice. Peppery and refreshing. Just gorgeous. Will buy.

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  • 2023 Domaine Lionnet Cornas Pur Granit

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Smoky damsons, cassis and ginger on the nose. Palate is spicy and tight. Redcurrant and plums. Lovely

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Flight 18 - Eymin-Tichoux, Seyssuel (7 Notes)

  • 2023 Eymin-Tichoux Collines Rhodaniennes Avant-Première

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Collines Rhodaniennes

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 100% Viognier. Apricot kernel and (under ripe) flesh on the nose; honeysuckle too. Palate is more on the peach flesh, fresh and beautifully poised. Racy acidity. 12.5% ABV.

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  • 2023 Eymin-Tichoux Condrieu Le Boucher

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Condrieu

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Hill top plot with granite soils. Nose is multi layered with white flowers and nougat. Palate is taut and lean; almond oil and honeysuckle.

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  • 2023 Eymin-Tichoux Collines Rhodaniennes Cap Syrah

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Collines Rhodaniennes

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Fruit from St Claire du Rhône. Nose has smoky plum fruit with hints of cinnamon. Palate is spicy and bright. Lovely acids and mouthfeel. Will buy.

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  • 2023 Eymin-Tichoux Crozes-Hermitage Les Chassis

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Nose is restrained but when it comes to life, some lovely perfumed plum fruit and a touch of Rooibos tea. Palate is also a little subdued. Sure a good wine here just in a slightly dumb phase.

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  • 2023 Eymin-Tichoux Collines Rhodaniennes Avant-Première

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Collines Rhodaniennes

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Nose is bright with cassis and some violet florality. In the margins hints of Ka black grape soda sweetness. Palate is youthful and tannic but has real depth of fruit and concentration.

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  • 2023 Eymin-Tichoux Collines Rhodaniennes L'Arène

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Collines Rhodaniennes

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Nose is subdued with olive and damson fruit. Palate has peppered plums at its core with a savoury meatiness around this. Rich and long.

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  • 2023 Eymin-Tichoux Côte-Rôtie Le Truchet

    France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Redcurrants, smoky olives and creamy damsons on the nose. Palate is rich with crunchy red fruits and spice in the margins. From 57 year old vines.

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Flight 19 - Dominique Cornin, Chaintré (5 Notes)

  • 2023 Dominique Cornin Mâcon-Chaintré

    France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon-Chaintré

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. White flowers, stone fruit, and some hints of sea spray on the nose. Palate is rich and long with good acids. Peaches and a grapefruit pith zip.

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  • 2023 Dominique Cornin Mâcon-Chaintré Les Serreudières

    France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon-Chaintré

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Nose has lots going on. Peach fruit and lemons at the core. In the margins a couple of ppm of dill and bread sauce savouriness. Palate is bright with grapefruit juice acids. Some steely minerality too. Good length

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  • 2023 Dominique Cornin Mâcon-Fuissé Les Bruyères

    France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon-Fuissé

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Nose shows more minerality here. Chamomile and lemon pith too. Palate is really sophisticated with great cut. Lime oil and delicious acids. Will buy.

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  • 2023 Dominique Cornin Pouilly-Fuissé

    France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. 15% barrel aged for 12 months, 85% tank aged for the same period of time. Nose has lemon confit, banana leaf, white flowers and a chicken roasting juice savouriness. Palate is savoury, rich and long. Lime oil core and so more-ish. Can taste after 30 seconds. Will buy.

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  • 2023 Dominique Cornin Saint-Véran Les Serreuxdières

    France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Saint-Véran

    (5/28/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. From the same vineyard as the Macon Chaintre wine but up the slope and in a different commune A little riper fruited on the nose. Peach. Also some thyme / chicken roasting juices. Palate is herbal with great cut. Lime / grapefruit. Lovey texture.

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Flight 20 - Dinner at Relais de Saulx, Beaune (1 Note)

  • 2021 Domaine Chanterêves Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Mainbey 89 Points

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune

    (5/28/2025)

    Waxy lemons, some Grape Nut cereal maltiness. Some white flowers too. Palate is dry and has quite a dominant phenolic frame. Good acids. The flavour profile of the palate melds a lemon fool creaminess and a lick of quinine bitterness. The more I reflect as this is enjoyed over dinner, this really resembles a flat zero dosage blanc de blancs Champagne.

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Flight 21 - Ponsard Chevalier, Santenay (6 Notes)

  • 2022 Ponsard-Chevalier Bourgogne-Aligoté

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne-Aligoté

    (5/29/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Lovely lean, lemony nose. Taut and complex not in any way jagged as I find some Aligotés to be. Some swirling sees a lacy confit lemon character develop. So classy.

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  • 2022 Ponsard-Chevalier Santenay Les Daumelles

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Santenay

    (5/29/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. A parcel from near the tree line within the Les Bras vineyard which adjoins La Fussière in Maranges. Fresh, rich, complex nose. Lime pith and some white florals dominate with just a hint of cashew. Palate has lemon oil and some pepperiness in the margins. Great line. Aged on the lees for a year in 300 litre oak barrels (of which 20% new oak). Cracking. Will buy.

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  • 2022 Ponsard-Chevalier Bourgogne

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne

    (5/29/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Pretty cherry fruit on the nose here with touches of smoke and incense. Palate has spicy strawberry fruit, lovely balanced acids Nicely made Bourgogne. From vineyards in Chassey-le-Camp.

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  • 2022 Ponsard-Chevalier Santenay Le Haut Village

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Santenay

    (5/29/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Darker fruited than the Bourgogne, this is still really pretty. There is plum fruit and knedle, a couple of ppm of grenadine cordial too. Palate las lovely acids and layers of plum and strawberry fruit.

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  • 2022 Ponsard-Chevalier Maranges 1er Cru Le Clos des Rois

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Maranges 1er Cru

    (5/29/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Once again dark fruited with a little meatiness and a touch of cranberry. Palate has spicy fruit in the plum and cherry spectrum with real breadth too. Lovely acid profile.

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  • 2022 Ponsard-Chevalier Maranges 1er Cru La Fussière

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Maranges 1er Cru

    (5/29/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Smoky, powerful nose with red fruits and in the margins some blueberry fruit as well. Palate has Morello cherry, a few Biscoff biscuit crumbs and some cassis as well. Love this.

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Flight 22 - Dinner at Ma Cuisine, Beaune (1 Note)

  • 2022 Domaine Bachelet-Monnot Maranges 1er Cru La Fussière 92 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Maranges 1er Cru

    (5/29/2025)

    Morello cherry, grenadine cordial and some iris petals on the nose. With air the fruit darkens; some cassis, a touch of liquorice and a couple of ppm of Joss stick ash. Palate has bright acids and layers of dark fruits and dusty but fine tannins. This is really gorgeous. Air and food helps this get even more pleasurable. Brilliant wine.

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Flight 23 - Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure, Pommard (9 Notes)

  • 2022 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Beaune Les Prevolles Blanc

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Planted to Chardonnay in 2019. Nose has some green apple, some pleasant minerality anda real lemon pith quality. Palate has a lovely limey quality with pleasant acids and lovely length. Will gain weight you suspect at the vines mature but showing well early in the vineyard's life.

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  • 2022 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Pommard

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pommard

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Rich nose with lovely crunchy red fruits. Smoky plums. Big but not jagged palate with plum fruit and a touch of spice.

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  • 2022 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Beaune 1er Cru Vignes Franches

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Nose has rose petal and cherry blossom character. A touch of cherry ice too. Palate is fresh and balanced with lovely red fruits and fabulous acids. Will buy.

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  • 2022 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Pommard 1er Cru Clos Micault

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pommard 1er Cru

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Bigger and meatier than the Beaune Vignes Franches. Plum and raspberry fruit with a touch of baking spice. Palate has a charming rosehip quality and puckering acids. Lovely stuff.

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  • 2023 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Volnay

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Another big, deep and dark fruited nose. Some plums and Christmas spices. Palate is also dark fruited and complementing the fruit is some Rooibos tea. Good acids. Classy.

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  • 2023 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Volnay 1er Cru Santenots

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay 1er Cru

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Nose has plum fool quality, some anise and a touch of cassis in the margins. Powerful and spicy profile on the palate too. Blue fruited. Will buy.

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  • 2023 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay 1er Cru

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Smoky rosehips and grenadine cordial on the nose. Palate is gorgeous; red fruited and so balanced. Once again the oak is judiciously used. Lovely stuff.

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  • 2023 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Pommard 1er Cru Clos Micault

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pommard 1er Cru

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Dark fruited and long. Touch of gingerbread. Palante rather more blue fruited. Pretty.

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  • 2023 Domaine Rebourgeon-Mure Beaune 1er Cru Vignes Franches

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Beaune 1er Cru

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. More youthful that the 2022 we sampled earlier in the tasting. This has Black Forest Gateau (cherry and chocolate) on the nose. Palate also on the cherry fruit has lovely poise. Glad to have this in the cellar.

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Flight 24 - Remoriquet, Nuits St. George (9 Notes)

  • 2023 Henri et Gilles Remoriquet Pinot Blanc Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Blanc

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. First vintage of this bottling which will sit alongside the classic Chardonnay HCdN and very pleasant it is too. Nose has white flowers and some honey / nougat in the background. Palate has that lovely Pinot Blanc transparency I love in Alsace. Mountain stream and some delicate florals. Will buy. This is aged for 12 months in acacia barrels.

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  • 2023 Henri et Gilles Remoriquet Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Blanc

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Aged in oak for 12 months. Fresh lemon (pith and zest) with some minerality alongside. Palate has a touch of lemon alongside the creamy lemons. Really well made wine.

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  • 2023 Henri et Gilles Remoriquet Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. From vineyards in Chaux. Pretty strawberry fruit with a touch of Bakewell richness. Palate is very classy for the appellation with spicy plums and a touch of underbrush with lovely acids. Punching above its weight.

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  • 2023 Henri et Gilles Remoriquet Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Les Dames Huguettes

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. First bottling from this vineyard for Remoriquet. Nose opens out with some peppered strawberry fruit and a touch of rhubarb in the margins. On the palate there are redcurrants some some liquorice, lightly peppered. Good stuff.

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  • 2023 Henri et Gilles Remoriquet Nuits-Saint-Georges

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-Georges

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Damson compote, some Rooibos tea, a touch of smoke and some rosehip. Palate shows more tannin that wines so far but a lovely Morello cherry character once more lightly peppered. Lovely. Would love to have added to the cellar had space allowed.

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  • 2023 Henri et Gilles Remoriquet Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Damodes

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Perfumed nose, rich sensual Maraschino cherry. Palate has lovely poise with some underbrush and cherry sorbet nice acids playing a supporting role to perfection.

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  • 2023 Henri et Gilles Remoriquet Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Rue de Chaux

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru

    (5/30/2025)

    Gamey nose with tart rosehips, crunchy strawberry fruit and a hint of blueberry. Palate has rich peppered damson at the core with some raspberry fruit in the margins. This feels a little closed as might be expected and in need of time. All the elements are in place for something really good to emerge in time.

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  • 2023 Henri et Gilles Remoriquet Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Saint Georges

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. Bakewell nose with some cranberry tartness too. Palate has lacy redcurrants with some ground white pepper. This is long and more open for the business than the Rue de Chaux tasted before this one. Very classy. Glad to have in the cellar.

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  • 2022 Henri et Gilles Remoriquet Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits

    (5/30/2025)

    Tasted at the domain. From vineyards in Chaux. Nose has plums, gingerbread and white pepper. Palate is taut with some resolving but still noticeable tannins supporting some pretty red fruits and a hint of Rooibos tea.

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Flight 25 - Domaine Stephane Magnien, Morey St. Denis (6 Notes)

Flight 26 - Dinner at La Maison du Colombier, Beaune (4 Notes)

  • 2022 Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine Clos du Four 89 Points

    France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine

    (5/30/2025)

    A glass on the list at Maison du Colombier in Beaune. Lemon dominates the nose with some steely minerality, slightly sour lemons. Air sees some salted cashew notes appear. Palate taut and lime oil driven. Air sees a richer character develop; some stone fruits and a couple of flakes of planed nutmeg. Still a little sour for me.

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  • 2022 Domaine Anne Bavard-Brooks Bourgogne Blanc La Combe 89 Points

    France, Burgundy, Bourgogne Blanc

    (5/30/2025)

    Chamomile and hints of honey on the nose take the lead with some grapefruit pith in the background, a touch of charred fennel seeds too. The palate is lean and combines sour lemons and some pineapple stalk greenness. Interesting stuff.

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  • 2011 Vini Biondi Etna Rosso Cisterna Fuori Contrada Ronzini 90 Points

    Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC

    (5/30/2025)

    Rose petal, some bitumen and a touch of liquorice on the nose. Just a touch of buttered leek too. Palate is savoury on the spicy meaty side with a lick of ground pepper and some fiery clove. Tannins are almost resolved. Interesting wine by the glass.

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  • 2022 Francois Confuron-Gindre Vosne-Romanée 92 Points

    France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée

    (5/30/2025)

    Youthful, aristocratic wine with a deep blue fruited nose. There are hints of Rooibos tea and a couple of ppm of brandy snap. With air a touch of high ened coffee and walnut cake. Palate is so classy. Some pain d'épices and pretty red fruits. The depth of the fruit really increases with air. Just a joy and drinking absolutely beautifully

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Flight 27 - Tasting at Boutique du Club Trésors de Champagne, Reims (3 Notes)

Flight 28 - Dinner at Le Crypto, Reims (3 Notes)

  • NV Palmer & Co Champagne Brut Réserve 92 Points

    France, Champagne

    (5/31/2025)

    Glass from magnum at Le Crypto in Reims. Perfect poised Champagne. Lemon pith and lime cordial, just a hint of torn croissant. Palate has stone fruit and a touch of creamy lemon. Lovely stuff.

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  • 2023 J. de Villebois Menetou-Salon Blanc 90 Points

    France, Loire Valley, Upper Loire, Menetou-Salon

    (5/31/2025)

    Glass at Le Crypto in Reims. Grassy sweet peas, touch of gooseberry fool. Really smells like a blooming spring garden. Palate fresh and light on its feet. Beautifully balanced. Lovely stuff.

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  • 2022 Domaine des Sanzay Saumur-Champigny Les Tuffes 90 Points

    France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur-Champigny

    (5/31/2025)

    Half bottle at Le Crypto in Reims. Lovely raspberry fruit, smoke and ground black pepper nose. Palate has more of the same with some pencil lead and a touch of summer greenhouse / tomato leaf pungency. Lovely stuff.

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Closing

Too many highlights to call out but a belting trip.

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