Category Archives: Special Features

Wine of the Day: Domaine de Montille Beaune Greves & Pommard Pezerolles 7-19-16

The Côte de Beaune hardly hosts a better-known name than de Montille. It’s as if the family of archetypical Burgundian vignerons arose from the earth of Volnay centuries ago. The late Hubert de Montille helped make the domaine famous for its classic style of age-worthy Burgundy, but now his son and daughter make the wines. Low yields and partial whole-cluster fermentation remain the norm, but the modern de Montille reds have softer tannins, are more aromatic, and they don’t require as much cellar time as before. Few other wines from Beaune, Pommard, and Volnay speak of their terroir and of Burgundian culture like de Montille wines do. The 2007 Greves will drink nicely now, while the 2009’s could be decanted today or kept in cellar another handful of years.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine Bruno Cormerais Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Chambaudiere, Loire 2014 7-18-16

Domaine Bruno Cormerais Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine Sur Lie Chambaudiere, Loire 2014 750ML ($17.95) Buy Now: $14 special

Fresh and light like a North Atlantic summer breeze, Muscadet wines seem to have evolved with the sea. The Sèvre et Maine region lies where the Loire meets the Atlantic, and the wines’ minerality carries a saline note. What better pairing, then, for shellfish? A sip of Bruno Cormerais 2014 Chambaudière rides smooth across the palate like a gaviotte. The fresh bouquet of lime, white fruit and flowers rises like a wave and keeps surging after the wine has rinsed down a mussel. Not excessively acidic, this Muscadet harbors food, but can also sail on its own, on a sultry summer evening. – DanielRead the rest

Wine of the Day: Vincent Paris Selection Syrah VdP Collines Rhodaniennes 2014 7-17-16

Vincent Paris Selection Syrah VdP Collines Rhodaniennes 2014 750ML ($19.95) Buy Now: $16 special

Cornas, Hermitage, Côte-Rotie… Syrah grows at home along the Rhône River. Succulent, dark in color and fruit, it makes some of France’s (and the world’s) best wines. But too often Syrah needs bottle time to soften and expand. Enter the 2014 Syrah from Vincent Paris. The grapes of young Crozes-Hermitage vines, made by the talented young Mr. Paris, sees no oak, only 9 months in stainless steel. Red fruit fills the palate, the tannins are fine, the body is medium, and acidity is light, making for a very drinkable Syrah to enjoy while the big village wines take their time in the cellar. – DanielRead the rest

Wine of the Day: Domaine Philippe Tessier Cheverny Rose 2015 750ML 7-16-16

Domaine Philippe Tessier Cheverny Rose 2015 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18 special

Precisely the type of rose one ought to reach for this time of year – energetic, dry but fruit-forward, and affordable to boot! Philippe Tessier’s wines are an ideal expression of the Loire – higher acids, lower alcohols, and supreme drinkability. This rose of Pinot and Gamay from young vines is reared in stainless steel from native yeasts and goes through spontaneous primary and malolactic fermentations. Notes of tangy citrus and summer flowers abound on this delicious, electric-orange rose! – TylerRead the rest

Wine of the Day: Chateau Margui Coteaux Varois Rose, Provence 2015 7-15-16

Chateau Margui Coteaux Varois Rose, Provence 2015 750ML ($21.95) Buy Now: $18

Chateau Margui Coteaux Varois Rose, Provence 2015 1.5L ($59.95) Buy Now: $49

For some reason this Chateau Margui wine reminded me of John Singer Sargent’s painting of Lady Agnew. Delicately colorful and expressive, subdued and restrained to the benefit of good taste, penetrating. Its pearly gray rosé color suggests the wine’s bright and refreshing nature. Grapefruit, peach, spice, and minerality… Not a juicy, fruit-jammed rosé, the Château Margüi satisfies those looking for a light summer sipper, with or without food. I can almost sense Lady Agnew reaching for a bottle of Château Margüi rosé hidden behind her fauteuil. – Daniel

Wine Enthusiast 90 points “Organically grown grapes have produced a clear, crisp wine with freshness and lively acidity.… Read the rest