France
Maison Dampt 2015 Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaillons 750 mL
Citrus peel and orchard fruit sit against a firm line of stone minerality, with almond and a gently pithy edge showing the wine's maturity. The palate remains composed and balanced, carrying fresh acidity through a savoury, mineral middle. A restrained nutty note returns on the finish without obscuring the fruit. Serve lightly chilled with roast fish, scallops, poultry or a mushroom dish in a light cream sauce.
L’Exquis Bonbon Sauvage Vermouth Blanc Dry
Lemon peel, chamomile and fresh herbs give the aroma a bright, sunlit character, with white flowers and gentle spice adding lift. The palate is dry and finely textured, balancing citrus freshness with a measured pithy bitterness. Subtle orchard fruit softens the herbal core without obscuring its precision. The finish is clean, brisk and quietly spicy. Serve lightly chilled, over ice or topped with soda and a citrus twist alongside olives or fresh cheese.
L’Exquis Bonbon Sauvage Vermouth Ambré
Sage, wormwood and verbena open the aroma, followed by citrus, grape and ripe apricot. The palate is rounded and caressing, with generous fruit moving into dried-fruit richness and warm, measured spice. Fresh acidity keeps the texture lively, while a fine herbal bitterness adds definition without becoming austere. The finish is refreshing, gently bitter and persistent. Serve lightly chilled over ice with an orange twist, alongside almonds, olives, aged sheep’s cheese or savoury pastries.
Château de Fonbel 2015 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Dark berries and sour cherry lead the aroma, joined by herbal spice, tobacco and a floral note. Red currant follows across the palate, while chocolate adds a darker register and mineral detail runs alongside the fruit. Berries, herbs, tobacco and cocoa continue through the middle. The persistent finish brings red currant and mineral character back into clear focus.
Fleury Blanc de Noirs Brut NV Champagne 375 mL
Black cherry, green apple and peach sit over chalk and a subtle lift of mint. Smooth and delicate on the palate, it balances rich fruit with a brisk, mouthwateringly dry line and a creamy bead. The finish is clean and savoury. The smaller format is ideal for two glasses before dinner, or alongside tempura and simple seafood dishes.
Domaines Bunan 2018 Mas De La Rouviere Bandol
A deep, structured Bandol with blackberry, plum and hedgerow fruit layered over garrigue, pepper and a faint gamey note. Mourvèdre brings firm tannins and savoury depth, while the supporting varieties round the palate and keep the fruit generous. Give it some air, then serve with roast lamb, grilled meat or earthy dishes that match its Mediterranean character.
Jean Foillard 2023 Morgon
Domaine des Escaravailles 2019 Scarabée Libéré Cairanne
Crushed raspberry, ripe cherry and peppermint give the nose an immediate lift. The palate is smooth, juicy and fresh, with generous red fruit meeting darker spice and gentle structure. Fine tannins, bright acidity and a savoury herbal note keep the fruit precise, finishing clean and energetic rather than heavy.
Grosbois Gabare 2020 Chinon
A generous Chinon with ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit, a dusting of cocoa and a subtle leafy note. The palate is soft and succulent, with fine tannins and fresh acidity giving the wine an easy, harmonious shape. Serve it lightly cool with pâté, charcuterie, grilled pork or lentil dishes, where its bright fruit and savoury edge can work together.
Clos de la Roilette 2023 Fleurie Cuvée Tardive
Dark cherry and black berry fruit are joined by fresh thyme, woodsmoke, dark earth and a floral note. The palate is full-bodied and focused, with concentrated fruit held by ripe tannins and a clear savoury line. Long and composed through the finish, it has the depth for roast duck, pork or mushroom dishes while retaining the freshness to drink on its own.
Domaine Tinel-Blondelet 2023 Sancerre Fretoy
White flowers, orange and clementine form a bright, aromatic bouquet, with a light hint of anise adding definition. The palate is ample and rounded, its ripe fruit balanced by freshness and a gently bitter close. Clean and versatile, it works well as an aperitif or with asparagus, shellfish and fresh goat cheese.
Aydie Chateau 2017 Madiran
A dark-fruited Madiran with blackberry, plum and black cherry joined by coffee, cocoa and a measured woody note. Richness on the palate is held in check by firm but polished tannins, giving the wine both weight and definition. The finish is savoury and persistent, with enough structure for slow-cooked beef, duck confit or other deeply flavoured dishes.
Tinel Blondelet 2021 Sancerre Rose
A pale, finely textured Sancerre rosé with red currant, wild strawberry and citrus over a clean flinty note. The palate is fresh and mineral, with soft red fruit and a dry, quietly persistent finish. Its restrained style works well with goat’s cheese, grilled fish, summer vegetables or a simple plate of prawns and herbs.
Frédéric Brouca Vermouth Occitanie
Cherry and fresh red fruit open the aroma, followed by summer flowers, thyme, rosemary and lavender. The palate is round and gently ample, with smooth tannins carrying warm spice, orange peel and lemon. Wormwood and wild Mediterranean herbs bring a measured bitter edge, while the citrus keeps the rich fruit lifted. The finish is long, floral and fresh. Serve lightly chilled over ice, lengthen with tonic and citrus, or enjoy on its own as a contemplative aperitif.
Château des Jacques 2022 Moulin-à-Vent
Domaine Pelle 2020 Menetou-Salon Morogues Blanc
Yellow plum, ripe citrus and a touch of tropical fruit give the nose generous lift. Concentrated on the palate without becoming heavy, it balances rounded fruit with clean acidity and a light mineral edge. The finish is fresh, aromatic and quietly persistent. Serve chilled with grilled prawns, fresh goat cheese, green vegetables or a simply dressed roast chicken.
Sohler Philippe 2018 Riesling Muenchberg
Dry and composed, this Riesling brings gentle smokiness and toast to a palate shaped by restrained fruit and defined minerality. The texture is focused rather than austere, with savoury detail carrying through a long, complex finish. Serve with smoked trout, roast poultry or mushrooms in a light cream sauce.
Domaine de la Grosse Pierre 2019 Fleurie Bel Air 750 mL
Peony and wild raspberry rise over pomegranate and redcurrant in a light, perfumed profile. The palate is graceful and lifted, with whisper-fine tannins giving gentle shape rather than weight. A mineral grip gathers toward the finish, joined by pink peppercorn and a final return of fresh red fruit. Serve slightly cool with roast chicken, charcuterie, grilled salmon or mushroom dishes.