France
Mark Haisma La Croix des Champs 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin 750 mL
Ripe cherry and strawberry lead a generous, mature profile, with liquorice, beetroot and gentle vanilla adding depth. Savoury notes of meat, forest floor and cedar sit behind the fruit rather than dominating it. The palate is round and elegant, shaped by light tannins and a fine peppery edge. A touch of earthy root vegetable appears toward the close, followed by a composed, lightly astringent finish.
Château L’Église-Clinet 1999 Pomerol 750 mL
Mature and understated, with black cherry, smoke and forest floor leading the nose. Earth and leather add depth, while a thread of freshness keeps the profile from feeling tired. The palate is medium-bodied and supple, its fruit now fully integrated with soft tannins and restrained savoury detail. Subtle spice appears toward the close, and the finish is measured rather than forceful, leaving dark cherry, smoke and underbrush behind.
Leoville Poyferre 2003 Saint-Julien 750 mL
Ripe blackcurrant and dark plum lead a broad, mature profile, with tobacco ash, cedar and graphite bringing classic savoury detail. The palate is full and generous, shaped by powdery tannins and a measured mineral line. Warm-vintage richness is present, yet the wine remains clean and composed, with enough freshness to keep the fruit defined. The finish is long and complex, carrying cassis, plum skin and fine earthy spice.
Roses de Jeanne Cédric Bouchard VV/R23 Blanc de Noirs Champagne NV 750 mL
Fine bubbles carry citrus, red apple and pear, with plum skin and strawberry adding a subtle red-fruit accent. Blossom and chalk bring lift, while almond, nougat and fresh pastry build gentle richness. The palate is taut and energetic, its high acidity balanced by a creamy mousse and measured roundness. Mineral tension runs through a long, dry finish marked by lime, toast and a quiet saline edge.
Château Brane-Cantenac 2009 Margaux 750 mL
Warm black plum, Morello cherry and mulberry lead an expressive, mature profile. Blackberry and dark cherry remain clear through the palate, joined by earth, cedar and a restrained touch of vanilla. The texture is polished and balanced, with fresh acidity and resolved tannins carrying the fruit rather than masking it. Gentle spice builds toward a composed, savoury finish with lingering dark berries and fine mineral detail.
Château Haut-Bailly 2005 Pessac-Léognan 750 mL
Mature and composed, with blackcurrant, blackberry and dark plum framed by graphite, tobacco and worn leather. The palate is generous without becoming heavy, its ripe fruit held in place by fine, persistent tannins and a savoury mineral line. Cedar and earth emerge with air, while measured acidity keeps the texture fresh. The finish is long and quietly complex, carrying dark fruit, pencil lead and gentle spice.
Henriot Cuvée Hemera 2006 Brut Champagne 750 mL
Even gold in colour, with a fine mousse and aromas of brioche, lemon meringue and jasmine. Pear and ripe yellow apple add fruit depth, while vanilla cream, hazelnut and oyster shell bring savoury complexity. The palate is rich but well shaped, with clear acidity and a lightly saline edge maintaining freshness. Rounded and mature, it finishes with lingering citrus, toasted nuts and sea-spray lift.
Domaine Bachey-Legros Les Petits Clos Vieilles Vignes 2021 Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Morgeot Blanc 750 mL
White flowers lead a refined nose, with fine spice and a restrained vanilla note adding depth. The palate has breadth and substance, yet remains energetic and straight, with fresh acidity keeping the texture controlled. Orchard fruit sits at the centre, framed by gentle oak rather than covered by it. The finish is long and composed, moving through toasted hazelnut toward a clear mineral accent.
Domaine Ponsot Clos des Monts Luisants Vieilles Vignes 2020 Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Blanc 750 mL
Pale yellow-green in colour, opening with peach, crisp apple and lemon zest. Honeydew and a light floral note sit above wet stone and restrained savoury spice. The palate is fresh and precise, with high acidity shaping a medium-bodied, lightly creamy texture. Citrus and orchard fruit remain clear through the finish, joined by mineral tension and a subtle honeyed accent that adds breadth without reducing the wine's energy.
Domaine Ponsot Clos des Monts Luisants Vieilles Vignes 2016 Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Blanc 750 mL
Pale gold in colour, with lemon curd, ripe orchard fruit and a measured nutty edge. Preserved orange and almond add depth, while spice and wet stone keep the nose composed. The palate is broad and lightly creamy, balanced by firm acidity and a focused mineral line. A gentle oxidative note brings savoury complexity without overwhelming the fruit, and the finish is long, dry and quietly saline.
Domaine Ponsot Clos des Monts Luisants Vieilles Vignes 2015 Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Blanc 750 mL
Ripe yellow fruit, pear and green apple open with lemon rind, almond and a quiet honeyed note. The palate is broad and creamy, yet fresh acidity and salinity keep the texture composed. Toast, chestnut and warm spice add depth around a core of citrus and orchard fruit. Full-bodied but controlled, it finishes long and savoury, with mineral tension carrying the richness.
Domaine Ponsot Clos des Monts Luisants Très Vieilles Vignes 2014 Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru Blanc 750 mL
Yellow fruit and citrus lead a rich, stony nose, with flint and restrained oak adding savoury depth. The palate opens broad and rounded, then gains freshness and tension with air. Lemon, pineapple and a light oxidative edge sit over firm acidity and clear mineral structure. Concentrated but not heavy, it finishes long, spicy and saline, with the fruit held in precise balance.
Legras & Haas 2018 Blanc de Blancs Millésimé Brut Champagne 1.5 L
Brilliant straw in colour, opening with fine yeast, lemon confit, quince and green apple peel. The palate combines clear fruit with balanced acidity and a fine, creamy mousse. Salty mineral accents sharpen the middle without making it severe, while the orchard and citrus notes remain fresh and precise. Textured yet controlled, it finishes long with gentle creaminess and mineral lift.
Jérôme Prévost La Closerie Les Béguines NV Extra Brut Champagne 750 mL
Golden in colour, with a fine mousse and an expressive smoky edge. Brioche, nectarine and lemon zest lead into chalk, wet stone and a subtle flinty note. The palate is taut and concentrated, driven by lemon oil, brisk freshness and firm linearity. Hints of honey and iron add depth without softening the mineral focus, and the finish remains long, bright and precise.
Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot DD 2022 Arbois Rouge 3 L
Raspberry, cranberry and bright red berries lead with rose hip, hibiscus and a delicate floral perfume. The palate is medium-bodied and lively, balancing juicy fruit with earthy detail, fine tannins and a lightly dusty grip. Gentle herbs and warm spice add savoury definition without obscuring the freshness. Concentrated yet approachable, it closes cleanly with red fruit and an earthy, food-friendly finish.
Frédéric Savart La Moufle 2020 Les Mesneux Premier Cru Extra Brut Champagne 750 mL
Dried pear and bright citrus lead into ginger, sage and dried flowers, with a fine creamy touch beneath the fruit. The palate is tense and energetic, its Meunier-led core cut by saline minerality and chalky precision. Spice and menthol bring lift as the wine opens, while restrained dosage keeps the finish dry and focused. Balanced, pure and persistent, it closes with savoury mineral detail.
Château Beychevelle 1986 Saint-Julien 750 mL
Kirsch, cassis and damson rise from a mature bouquet edged with eucalyptus, sandalwood and light smoke. The palate is concentrated and broad, with earth-streaked black fruit held by a firm tannic frame and fresh acidity. Cedar, fennel and a subtle truffle note add complexity as the wine opens. Medium-bodied yet persistent, it closes with focus, savoury depth and composed balance.
Maison Louis Jadot 2010 Beaune Premier Cru Clos des Ursules Magnum 1.5 L
Wild cherry and raspberry rise from an airy, layered nose with earth, stone and integrated oak. The palate is concentrated yet finely detailed, its medium weight carried by fresh acidity and firm, dusty tannins. Bitter cherry, subtle spice and mineral tension give the wine a savoury edge without obscuring the fruit. Suave and balanced, it closes with a long, mouth-coating finish.
Château Figeac 1995 Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé 750 mL
A concentrated bouquet of roasted coffee, truffle and ripe blackberry opens into tobacco, black olive and tea. The palate is elegant and medium-bodied, with resolved tannins and fresh acidity giving shape to the mature fruit. Subtle leather, earth and savoury detail emerge with air. Velvety and harmonious, it carries its complexity through a long, composed finish without losing freshness.
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2014 Blanc de Blancs 750 mL
Toasted brioche, lemon meringue and pastry open with hazelnut, almond and bright citrus. The palate is creamy and layered, its fine mousse carrying apricot, tangerine peel and white flowers over a chalky mineral core. Well-cut acidity gives the wine focus and energy without diminishing its breadth. Fragrant spice and a gentle savoury note linger through a long, mouthwatering finish.