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Staff Favorites - Keith Mabry
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Reviews
2025 Château Pradeaux Bandol Rosé
Review Date: 06-04-2026
Bandol Rosé is surely one of the elite expressions of pink wine. These are rosés with depth, intensity, and substance—wines that can age well beyond the lifespan of most easy-drinking Provençal bottlings. While Tempier remains the benchmark for many, Pradeaux has always belonged in the same conversation, often at nearly half the price.
The 2025 vintage is a bit more powerful than your average summer rosé. The deeper color hints at what's to come, but don't mistake that for heaviness. Bright and inviting from the start, it bursts with notes of white peach, passion fruit, and red currant. The palate carries Pradeaux's signature silky texture, followed by a long, satisfying finish that immediately encourages another sip.
It's already drinking beautifully, but Pradeaux's rosés continue to evolve with time. That's why it's always worth buying multiple bottles—or even a case or two—to follow its progression over the next year and beyond. Equally at home on the dinner table or enjoyed on its own, this is the kind of wine that always brings people back for more.
2021 Domaine Jaume "Altitude 420" Vinsobres
Review Date: 06-02-2026
One of the more recent Cru appellations in the Southern Rhone is Vinsobres. What distinguishes this region is its location further deep into the hills of the region. There is more altitude and a cooler influence here where grapes like Syrah show more of they Syrah-ness. But Grenache is still the main grape and it delivers a more elegant profile that matches well from Syrah grown here.
Domaine Jaume is one of the stars of the region. I first encountered them years ago on a trip through the region and visited them when I was scouting new producers. I can remember driving up the steep hill to the winery and worrying that my manual transmission driving skills might not be up to the task of getting me the rest of the way there.
I thought the wines were really well made, clean cooler climate Rhone wines that reminded me more of the classic perfumed and savory styles that were more prevalent in the 90s and 00s.
2022 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes
Review Date: 06-02-2026
For those who follow my writings on Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you know I'm all about the sandy soils. What originally made this region famous were the large rounded alluvial stones, known as galets roulés. These stones absorb heat during the day and radiate it back into the vineyard at night, allowing the vines to continue working later into the evening and helping create the rich, powerful wines that made Châteauneuf one of France's iconic appellations.
But Châteauneuf is really a mosaic of soils, with galets representing only one piece of the puzzle. There are limestone-rich sites, vineyards dominated by red clay, and increasingly sought-after parcels of safres, a decomposed sandstone that forms some of the appellation's finest sandy soils. Unlike galets, sand disperses heat quickly, creating a cooler environment that has proven especially well-suited to Grenache, preserving freshness and aromatic complexity while still delivering impressive depth.
The Grangeon family's vineyards at Domaine Cristia are centered around the lieu-dit of Cristia, one of the appellation's classic sandy-soil areas. Combined with old-vine Grenache from carefully selected parcels, these soils produce a wine that showcases both concentration and finesse.
Despite the cooling influence of the terroir, this is no shy wine. Deeply satisfying and plush, it offers layers of dark brambly fruit, plum compote, fig jam, anise, and toasted spice. Underlying notes of tapenade, grilled rosemary, and garrigue add savory complexity to one of the most polished and seductive reds in the Southern Rhône. As compelling as the wine itself is, the price may be even more attractive—we haven't seen it this sharp for many years.
2023 Domaine du Pegau "Cuvée Réservée" Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 05-28-2026
I’ve had a long love affair with the wines of Pegau. Dating back nearly 30 years to when I first started in the wine business, Pegau was one of the very first Châteauneufs I ever encountered. I was immediately struck by the wine’s sensuous fruit tones layered with all of those savory, sauvage characteristics that make the region so compelling. I still remember serving it alongside braised bresaola — one of the first truly memorable food-and-wine experiences I ever put together for myself and a couple of close friends.
A few decades later, the wines still speak volumes to me. The 2023 shows lovely nuance, highlighting the slightly fresher profile of the vintage compared to the more brooding intensity of the 2022s. Blackberry, potpourri, and smoked brisket are just a few of the aromas that leap from the glass. There’s real lift on the finish as the acidity keeps the wine focused and energetic.
Another beautiful example of classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape from one of the region’s truly iconic estates.
2023 Famille Isabel Ferrando "Colombis" Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 05-28-2026
Made from 100% Grenache, this wine beautifully reflects the diversity of the soils from which it is sourced: the cooler-climate home vineyard of Colombis on the western side of the appellation, the cooling sandy soils of Rayas, and, of course, La Crau, whose deep limestone sub-soil and heat-reflective galets contribute richness and depth. All of the fruit is composed from the oldest vines in these parcels as well.
"Colombis" is one of the most compelling Grenache-based wines in the region, it puts the purity of the grape fully on display, balancing richness with a seamless structure and a lifted, floral finish. In many ways, it recalls a great Bonnes-Mares from Burgundy — though thankfully at a fraction of the price.
Exceptionally ageworthy, this should begin hitting its stride in the 2030s and continue to drink beautifully for another decade or more beyond that.
2022 Famille Isabel Ferrando Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 05-28-2026
Isabel Ferrando is one of the true cult icons of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Long regarded as an outsider in the region—coming from a background far removed from the wine industry—she proved how transformative that perspective could be. After taking over the historic St-Préfert estate, situated on some of the sunniest and warmest soils of the appellation, she began crafting wines of remarkable finesse and lift, a striking contrast to the bold, powerful style traditionally associated with the region. Her boundary-pushing approach, including special cuvées like 100% Cinsault or 100% Clairette, challenged long-held norms and has since inspired many others to follow in her footsteps.
The new 2022 Ferrando is superb, brimming with blackberry fruit, herbs de Provence, and subtle peppery spice. Its seamless structure and silken texture are unmistakably Ferrando—elegant, composed, and deeply expressive. While it has the architecture to age beautifully in the cellar, it already offers impressive complexity and charm for those eager to enjoy it now.
2023 Domaine des Aubuisieres "Cuvee Gerald" Vouvray (Demi-Sec)
Review Date: 05-18-2026
We don’t see nearly enough demi-sec Chenin Blanc these days, which is part of what makes this new arrival from Domaine des Aubuisières such a pleasure. One of my favorite rising stars in Vouvray, the domaine has the ability to balance richness and freshness beautifully.
Here, a touch of sweetness adds weight and texture to Chenin Blanc’s naturally bright acidity, giving the wine a rounder, more supple feel on the palate. Notes of crisp apple, fresh honey, and jasmine tea unfold effortlessly, with enough lift and energy to keep everything vibrant and refreshing.
This little star shines brightly at the table and feels tailor-made for spicy, savory, and salty dishes. Sounds like I may be ordering Thai curry alongside this one.
2023 Domaine des Aubuisieres "Cuvee de Silex" Vouvray (Sec)
Review Date: 05-18-2026
Vouvray remains one of the great sources for value-driven Chenin Blanc, and Domaine des Aubuisières continues to be one of the appellation’s rising stars. The “Cuvée de Silex” comes from clay and flint-rich soils, giving the wine the tension and crackling acidity that I love in this style of Chenin.
Vibrant notes of lime zest, quince, and a touch of kiwi lend the wine a bright, energetic edge, while the palate stays dry—but not overly so—retaining just enough texture to make it incredibly food-friendly. This is the kind of white that feels equally at home on its own or at the dinner table.
2024 Domaine des Remizières "Origine" Crozes-Hermitage
Review Date: 05-18-2026
The soft-spoken yet deeply thoughtful vigneronne Emilie Desmeures crafts some of my favorite wines from Crozes-Hermitage. “Origine” is the new name for the estate’s traditional cuvée, and since we first began working with these wines nearly a decade ago, it has remained one of my go-to bottles for sheer value from the Northern Rhône.
There has always been a generosity to Emilie’s wines. She fully destems and isn’t afraid to let the fruit speak clearly and confidently. Sweet black cherry and raspberry notes lead the way, followed by classic Rhône accents of tobacco, olive, and bay leaf. Firmly Northern Rhône in character, it still carries the lushness and approachability that many New World Syrah drinkers will immediately connect with.
2024 Domaine Tabordet Pouilly-Fumé
Review Date: 05-18-2026
It’s a pleasure working with the wines of Tabordet. Since we began importing them nearly a decade ago, they’ve filled a great niche in our portfolio—top-tier vineyard holdings in Pouilly-Fumé producing wines that consistently overdeliver. Over the years, the estate has undergone both organic and biodynamic conversion, further elevating the quality and precision of the wines, while also earning increasing critical attention along the way.
This bottling remains the workhorse of the range, and thanks to our direct relationship with the domaine, we’re able to offer it at nearly 20% below the rest of the market. At a time when most bottlings from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé have climbed comfortably above the $30 mark—a reflection of both rising costs and worldwide demand—these direct partnerships allow us to keep prices sharp while continuing to offer benchmark producers from the regions you love.
The new 2024 release is a delight. A touch more elegant than the 2023, it shows a refined expression of Sauvignon Blanc and all the hallmark qualities of this great appellation. The profile is intensely mineral and citrus-driven, with that classic strike of flint on the finish. Compared to its predecessor, the finish feels smoother and slightly more rounded, giving the wine an added sense of polish without sacrificing tension or energy.
I love this new release, and to me it’s pure proof of concept for what we aim to do—finding outstanding producers abroad and bringing them to you at prices that still make everyday enjoyment possible.
Price:
$23.99
2023 Domaine des Remizières "Cuvée Christophe" Crozes-Hermitage
Review Date: 05-15-2026
Our story with Domaine des Remizières begins nearly a decade ago. They had parted company with their national importer, and I was on the hunt for a serious but not overly serious producer from the Northern Rhône. When I first tasted the wines, I knew they fit a great niche in our Direct Import portfolio — showing the generosity and density you might expect from Hermitage, but in their regular Crozes-Hermitage bottlings.
I eventually met Émilie Desmeures, the winemaker who, along with her brother Christophe, was beginning to take over the day-to-day responsibilities from their father, Philippe — though he is still very actively involved today. Émilie really believes in the purity and vibrancy of the fruit, choosing to destem all of their Syrah before fermentation. There’s a range of barrel sizes and oak usage depending on the cuvée, but the winemaking always feels thoughtful and balanced rather than overly worked.
The Christophe bottling is 100% Syrah, mostly from the hillside slopes around Larnage, just north of the hill of Hermitage. Some of the vines are planted over kaolin, a powdery white clay, while the rest comes from parcels with more classic clay-limestone soils. Fermentation takes place in large oak vats, and the wine is aged in a mix of new and used barrels.
This has always been a showstopper of a red for us, going all the way back to the first vintage we brought in — the 2014. The wine consistently delivers deep blackberry fruit along with notes of cassis, fig jam, smoked meats, and spice. Rich on the palate, it drinks great now with a quick decant, but it will also evolve beautifully over the next five to ten years.
I love it with smoky barbecue or grilled sausages over creamy garlicky beans — the kind of hearty food that just makes Syrah from the Northern Rhône shine.
2023 Disznoko Dry Furmint Tokaji Hungary
Review Date: 05-15-2026
Tokaj is one of the oldest classified wine regions in the world. In another era, its legendary sweet wines — known as Tokaji Aszú — were the drink of aristocracy and royal courts across Europe. These were profoundly age-worthy wines, balancing intense sweetness with piercing acidity, and at their best they remain among the world’s great dessert wines.
Of course, the Communist era created disastrous incentives for a region built on craftsmanship and terroir. Many of the great vineyards were absorbed by the state, quality was sacrificed for production, and some vineyard land was even converted into vegetable farms — not exactly a dignified chapter for one of the world’s historic wine regions.
After the fall of Communism, however, a remarkable renaissance began. Producers reclaimed historic sites, quality rapidly improved, and collectors — along with plenty of wine nerds — started revisiting Tokaj with fresh curiosity. Interest in the classic sweet wines returned, but there was also a growing realization that the global market for dessert wine had limits.
That’s where the story becomes even more interesting. Many producers shifted their focus toward dry wines — and even sparkling wines — made from the region’s signature grape, Furmint. Furmint is a fascinating variety: steely and nervy with electric acidity, yet capable of real texture and glycerol weight. It’s also highly susceptible to botrytis, which made those historic sweet wines possible in the first place, and it blends beautifully with indigenous grapes like Hárslevelű and Orange Muscat.
Think about Grüner Veltliner 15 or 20 years ago. Almost no one could pronounce it, few consumers were familiar with it, and yet once people discovered its versatility and personality, it became a staple in serious wine shops around the world. Furmint feels poised for a similar evolution.
Disznókő was one of the producers quick out of the gate in the early 1990s to help reestablish Tokaj’s reputation. They made some extraordinary Aszú wines — many of which are drinking beautifully right now — but they’ve also become one of the benchmark producers of dry Furmint.
This bottling is a perfect introduction to the grape, or, if you’re already familiar, a strong reminder that something genuinely exciting is happening in Tokaj today. Look for notes of green apple, peach preserves, and lemon curd. The palate is racy and energetic, but there’s enough mid-palate weight to carry the acidity beautifully.
Chicken paprikash would be a classic pairing, but this is an incredibly versatile wine. It works wonderfully with richer fish dishes, braised pork shoulder, or even a simple summer salad with citrus and nectarine slices. Just make sure there’s some creamy goat cheese nearby to balance that vibrant acidity.
2023 Domaine de l'Amandine Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Séguret
Review Date: 05-14-2026
I met Alex Suter of Domaine de l'Amandine, years ago at a wine expo in Paris. I had lost my luggage a few days earlier and was still waiting for it to turn up, yet somehow still had an entire trade fair to work through. I was feeling rumpled, tired, and more than a little out of sorts. Worse yet, I had tasted plenty of wines that day that were perfectly fine, but very few that felt memorable.
Then I stopped at Alex’s table. His warm demeanor and welcoming energy were an immediate antidote to my grumpy mood — and the wines were every bit as uplifting.
The estate’s vineyards straddle two of the most compelling villages in the Southern Rhône: Séguret and Vaison-la-Romaine. Séguret is famous for its hillside village, protected by ancient stone walls originally built to spot invaders from miles away. Vaison-la-Romaine, meanwhile, is best known for its Roman ruins and the picturesque village built along one of the Rhône’s tributaries. While history draws most visitors there, the area is also home to some wonderfully characterful wines — l’Amandine’s included.
Alex and I immediately hit it off, and later that year I visited the estate. I was greeted by his daughter, Mathilde and a rather sassy Jack Russell terrier mix who seemed deeply suspicious of me getting out of the car. At the time, Mathilde was home from school, where she was studying oenology. She walked me through the vineyards before taking me into the cellar, proudly showing off the large concrete tanks her grandfather, Jean-Pierre, had installed by hand.
I fell in love with the spirit of the place: three generations actively involved in the winery, crafting wines that are every bit as charming as the family behind them.
Fast forward to today, and I often run into Mathilde at wine fairs around the world. She now plays a major role in both the winemaking and day-to-day operation of the estate, supported by her father Alex and even her grandfather, who still spends plenty of time managing the vineyards.
Mathilde and I recently caught up at Wine Paris this past February, where I tasted the newest bottling of the 2023 Séguret. One of the things I always love about this cuvée is how prominently the Syrah shows itself. Made up of more than half Syrah, it brings savory spice and warm blackberry tones that beautifully complement Grenache’s lifted red fruit and subtle tobacco notes. The palate feels harmonious and complete, with ripe yet balanced fruit and supple tannins.
When we talk about terroir, the conversation usually centers around soils, drainage, or exposure. But one of the most important elements is the people themselves. This is one of those wines where you can genuinely taste the passion and care of the family behind it — and that spirit shines clearly through the glass. Santé!
2024 Anne de Joyeuse "VERY" Chardonnay Haute Valle de l'Aude
Review Date: 05-13-2026
Anne de Joyeuse is based in the region of Limoux, one of my favorite corners of the Languedoc. Nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Limoux benefits from limestone-rich soils and higher elevations that make it an ideal growing region for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and even Chenin Blanc. The area is perhaps best known for its outstanding sparkling wines, which consistently deliver remarkable quality for the price.
I’ve had the chance to visit the town and walk these hills on several occasions, and this is easily one of the most memorable still wines I’ve tasted from the region in quite some time. I usually focus my attention on Limoux’s sparkling wines because they can be incredibly special, but this little Chardonnay caught me off guard and I was immediately smitten.
Stylistically, this lands somewhere between a Mâcon-level Burgundy and a Central Coast California Chardonnay. It jumps from the glass with aromas of ripe peach, Golden Delicious apple, and a hint of passion fruit, while touches of toasted brioche and sweet spice round out the profile beautifully. The Joyeuse strikes a lovely balance between freshness and texture, showcasing vibrant orchard fruit, a touch of tropicality, and subtle mineral notes. There’s just enough richness here to give the wine depth, yet it never feels heavy.
More sips, please! It’s rare to find a Chardonnay with this much energy and character at such an inviting price. Another stellar find to add to your weeknight rotation.
2024 Domaine la Clef du Récit (Anthony Girard) Quincy
Review Date: 05-04-2026
Quincy often lives in the shadow of Sancerre, but it quietly holds its own place in history—recognized as an appellation in 1936, the same year as Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In fact, it even predates Sancerre’s official status, a fun bit of wine trivia for those paying closer attention.
Shaped by the nearby Cher River, a tributary of the Loire River, Quincy’s soils lean sandier and more gravelly. While limestone does lie beneath layers of alluvium, it’s these lighter, rockier soils that tend to produce wines with a more open, rounded feel.
Anthony Girard of Clef du Récit has been working with vineyards here in recent years, crafting a quintessential expression of Quincy. The style leans into a creamier texture while maintaining a fresh spine of acidity, showing notes of apple and softer Meyer lemon rather than the sharper, more linear grapefruit tones often associated with Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
One of Quincy’s enduring appeals is its value. Still flying a bit under the radar compared to its more famous neighbors, it consistently delivers character and charm at a more accessible price point. For anyone who loves classic Sauvignon Blanc but prefers a slightly more supple, generous style, Quincy is an easy yes.
2025 Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé
Review Date: 05-01-2026
The seaside village of Cassis is one of the most stunning places to visit in southern France, and the wines capture that beauty effortlessly. Limestone soils, set in a natural amphitheater, soak up the Mediterranean sun while cool समुद breezes shape the wine’s freshness and aromatic lift.
There may be no better expression of this than Domaine du Bagnol’s Cassis Rosé. The new vintage leans into a slightly brighter, more lifted profile, with notes of pink grapefruit, white peach, and delicate white strawberry. A subtle saline edge runs through the wine, adding energy and a refreshing, mouthwatering finish.
There’s a natural elegance here—refined yet completely unpretentious. Cassis is an idyllic place to visit, and this wine always transports me back to that special seaside village. Year after year, it stands among my favorite rosés, and this vintage is no exception.
Price:
$27.99
2024 Mas de Libian "Bout d'Zan" Côtes-du-Rhône
Review Date: 05-01-2026
One of my favorite Rhône discoveries in recent years has been Mas de Libian. This Demeter-certified biodynamic estate sits in a remote corner of the southern Rhône, with soils that feel more akin to Châteauneuf-du-Pape than many nearby Côtes du Rhône villages.
The family’s roots here stretch back to the 1600s, when the property functioned as a polycultural farm. It wasn’t until the 1970s that they built a cellar and began producing their own wines. Today, with three generations working together, the estate is crafting some truly compelling Côtes du Rhône.
Bout d’Zan—a blend driven by Grenache with a touch of Syrah—is aged in a mix of large oak casks and tank. It was the wine that first caught my attention and remains, for me, the clearest expression of the domaine’s style.
Raspberry and red cherry fruit are layered with classic spice notes of pepper and allspice, while hints of garrigue and tobacco bring that unmistakable southern Rhône character. The fruit is generous yet precise, with seamless tannins and a natural sense of balance.
This is a wine of pure charm—an honest reflection of place and a compelling example of what thoughtful, regenerative farming can achieve in the right hands.
Price:
$16.99
2023 Domaine Roche "La Bousquette" Cairanne
Review Date: 05-01-2026
The Bousquette is traditionally sourced from a single parcel, highlighting both the maturity of the vines and the dynamic interplay between Grenache and Carignan. Lush blackberry fruit leads the way, complemented by black cherry and a subtle hint of porcini that underscores the wine’s savory depth.
This is a benchmark for the region—a wine that captures the essence of Cairanne and clearly expresses its terroir.
2023 Domaine Roche "Marcel Roche" Cairanne
Review Date: 05-01-2026
All from 80+ year old Grenache vines, this wine always shows great purity of fruit. Blueberry, cassis with notes of dried tobacco, this has a sweet and silky texture that feels quite sumptuous on the palate. Every year this is one of my favorite pure Grenaches.
2023 Domaine Roche Cairanne
Review Date: 04-29-2026
Romaine Roche will always be one of my favorite people to visit in the Rhône. His generosity and warm, welcoming spirit make every encounter a pleasure. I recently caught up with him at a large trade tasting, where we had the chance to taste through his latest releases—and the 2023s are outstanding. Across the range, the wines capture the beauty of the vintage: expressive fruit, clear terroir definition, all with a sense of finesse.
Romaine’s style does not lean toward overstatement. Years ago, he moved away from oak in favor of concrete and stainless steel, a shift that emphasizes freshness and purity of fruit.
I’m especially drawn to his traditional Cairanne. A benchmark producer in this now-Cru appellation, the vines for this cuvée are rooted in sandy red clay with limestone bedrock beneath. The wine shows classic notes of blackberry and tobacco, underscored by a mineral edge that reflects the iron-rich soils.
Think of it as a Côtes-du-Rhône turned up a notch—or two. A compelling reminder of why Cairanne earned Cru status, and why Romaine Roche remains one of its prominent voices.
2025 Domaine les Pins "L'Instant" Bourgueil Rosé
Review Date: 04-29-2026
I’m always delighted when Domaine les Pins' outlier rosé hits the shelves. Made from 100% Cabernet Franc by one of our favorite Direct Import producers, it comes from sandy, gravelly soils that lend both lift and character.
Aromatically, it stands apart: fresh strawberry and watermelon lead the way, followed by a subtle thread of rosemary and a hint of rose petal. It’s a distinctive alternative to the sea of Provençal rosé—more savory but just as refreshing.
An easy addition to any weeknight lineup, and another standout value from our Direct Import portfolio.
Price:
$13.99
2025 Domaine du Vieil Orme Touraine Blanc Sauvignon Blanc
Review Date: 04-29-2026
We often refer to Touraine Sauvignon Blancs as “baby Sancerres.” There’s real overlap in the terroir, with soils rich in clay and limestone, and the moderating influence of the Loire and its tributaries keeping the wines fresh, lifted, and vibrant. The key distinction—beyond the far more accessible price point—is the fruit profile, which tends to show a bit more flesh and ripeness.
Vieil Orme has been a longtime staff and client favorite, and the new 2025 release is an absolute delight. There’s a subtle mineral backbone, but the wine leans into generous notes of candied lemon peel, pineapple, and a touch of passion fruit. Bright, expressive, and downright crushable, this easily qualifies as one of the best values for Sauvignon Blanc on the shelf—regardless of category.
Another triumph from one of our favorite Direct Import producers.
Price:
$14.99
2024 Domaine la Clef du Récit (Anthony Girard) Sancerre
Review Date: 04-29-2026
Anthony is one of my favorite visits in Sancerre. Time with him inevitably turns into side quests—adventures that drift well beyond vineyards and restaurant tables. On one visit, he introduced me to a game he’d invented, a kind of improvised pétanque played with work tools. We stood around tossing metal objects at each other, drinking through a vertical of his Sancerres and eating locally sourced chèvre. On another trip, before even stepping into the vines, we wandered the forest collecting flowers for his daughter’s school project, followed by a visit to his brother’s goat farm, where we watched the herd prepare for kidding season.
Eclectic and always unpredictable, these visits offer a glimpse into Anthony’s mindset—and, ultimately, his winemaking.
His latest release, the 2024 Sancerre, is astoundingly good. Arriving later than most (with some producers already showing 2025s), it captures a striking purity of Sauvignon Blanc. There’s a clear sense of terroir: pronounced minerality, citrus rind, and a delicate overlay of white flowers with a chalky, saline edge. Polished yet energetic, this is everything you hope for in top-flight Sancerre. Having followed his wines over many vintages—including with bottle age—this is built to evolve beautifully over the years.
2023 Domaine de Fondrèche Ventoux Rouge
Review Date: 04-27-2026
I’ve had the chance to visit Fondrèche several times over the years, and sitting in the shadow of Mont Ventoux, it remains one of the most impressive estates in this otherwise humble appellation. A diverse mix of alluvial soils, schist, and clay-limestone gives the domaine a broad palette of terroirs to work with, creating wines of real depth and character.
Ventoux still flies a bit under the radar, which keeps prices refreshingly accessible for the level of quality in the glass. Fondrèche’s Ventoux Rouge has been a touchstone for us since we began working directly with the estate nearly a decade ago. Built primarily on Grenache, with support from Syrah and Mourvèdre, it’s packed with lush raspberry fruit that unfolds into layers of bramble, spice, and a subtle mineral edge.
This is serious wine for under $20—easily one of the Rhône’s standout values. Another beautiful release from our friends at Fondrèche.
Pascal Doquet Mesnil Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne (1998 Base)
Review Date: 04-17-2026
Another sparkling producer in our portfolio once used the word “oublié”—“forgotten”—for a batch of wines that had quietly over-aged on the lees after being misplaced in the cellar. When rediscovered, they far exceeded expectations.
This Doquet takes that idea even further. With a base vintage of 1998 and an extended, unintended aging, this wine is a remarkable stroke of luck. I tasted it with Gary at the importer’s office, and it was a pleasure to watch his reaction unfold in real time—though I was equally absorbed with what was in my own glass.
The nose is explosive, unfolding with layers of toasted brioche and deeply caramelized fruit. On the palate, it strikes a beautiful balance between richness and freshness—baked apple, grilled bread, and a long finish marked by candied ginger.
An extraordinary find, and easily one of the most compelling Champagnes on the shelf right now.
Price:
$109.99
2025 La Bargemone Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence Rosé
Review Date: 04-17-2026
Rosé season doesn’t truly begin until the new vintage of Bargemone arrives. Year after year, this is the Provence wine that just delivers—one of our great success stories and a bottle that overperforms in every season.
This latest release opens with an inviting nose of wild strawberry, fresh nectarine, and pink grapefruit. A subtle mineral undertone keeps the fruit in check, lending balance and lift—but let’s be honest, it’s seriously crushable.
Another clear success, and one of the most inviting Provençal rosés on the shelf at any given moment. Santé to spring—and the summer just around the corner.
Price:
$18.99
2022 Chéreau Carré "Château l'Oiselinière de la Ramée" Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine Sur Lie
Review Date: 04-03-2026
From vines planted between 1940 and 1980 on orthogneiss soils, L’Oiselinière is a superb expression of classic sur lie Muscadet. Aged for six months on the lees in large concrete vats, the wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and sourced from entirely hand-harvested fruit—a rarity in the region.
This is a serious wine for under $20, offering layered citrus and orchard fruit with a subtle saline edge and a vibrant, persistent finish. One of the strongest values on the shelf right now—and a perfect match for shellfish.
Price:
$17.99
2023 Domaine de la Janasse "Chaupin" Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 03-26-2026
Janasse’s flagship cuvée, Vieilles Vignes, remains a benchmark expression of the appellation, drawing on old-vine Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, plus some of the other lesser known grapes, to deliver a classic, layered interpretation of the region. But for me, Chaupin stands apart. Also sourced from old vines, this cuvée is a pure expression of Grenache, drawn from three distinct lieux-dits planted on sandy soils. These soils lend the wine a lifted, cooling freshness, showcasing Grenache in its most pure and transparent form.
The aromatics are immediately expressive, with wild strawberry, black cherry, and currant notes unfolding alongside hints of tobacco and spice box that add nuance and complexity. Though still youthful, this Chaupin possesses the structure and pedigree to evolve gracefully over many years. It is a striking example of Grenache at its highest level—and yet another compelling achievement from Isabelle Sabon.
2019 Clos St. Antonin Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 03-19-2026
Though Châteauneuf-du-Pape is famed for its galets roulés (the giant rolled stones that cover the regions surface), Grenache sometimes shines even more brilliantly on sand. When Isabelle Sabon of Domaine de la Janasse acquired the Clos St-Antonin property, she deliberately transferred its sandy parcels to focus on crafting a pure Grenache from these cooler soils—and the results have been remarkable.
Freed from the heady ripeness often associated with galets, the wine shows a lifted, precise profile: red currant, strawberry, and black cherry layered with striking minerality and wild Provençal herbs. This is a refined, expressive take on Grenache, and given Isabelle Sabon’s track record at Janasse, it promises to evolve beautifully for many years in the cellar.
Jean-Jacques Lamoureux "Réserve" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 03-09-2026
What a revelation! I'm a huge fan our DIs but this new arrival may be one of the best yet. Layers of fruit erupt from the glass including notes of apple, pear, peach and blood orange. A hint of the exotic as well including some starfruit, kiwi and a bit of ginger. On the palate the mousse is creamy with flavors that are generous and keep unfolding. Bravo!
Price:
$34.99
2021 Château Sainte-Eulalie "La Cantilene" Minervois La Liviniere
Review Date: 02-25-2026
Minervois is a region on the rise. This humble yet dramatic corner of the Languedoc-Roussillon has several key elements working in its favor.
First, the Mediterranean climate provides ideal conditions for ripening Syrah and Grenache, delivering consistent phenolic maturity year after year. The growing seasons here strike that beautiful balance — ample sunshine tempered by cooling influences that preserve freshness.
The soils are another major asset, particularly in the hills of La Livinière, the cru appellation within Minervois. Limestone dominates the landscape, much of it fractured and rocky, ensuring excellent drainage and encouraging deep root systems that bring both structure and mineral tension to the wines.
Then there are the winds sweeping down from the Montagne Noire, providing vital airflow that keeps disease pressure low and makes organic and biodynamic farming not just possible, but prevalent. All of these terroir elements converge to produce some of the most compelling Syrah in the south of France.
Château Sainte-Eulalie crafts particularly striking examples, and their Syrah-dominant cuvée, La Cantilène, is a lush, full-bodied expression of the region. Saturated and generous, it layers deep blackberry fruit with roasted plum, toasted rosemary, and hints of smoked meat. While the fruit is expansive, savory undertones provide lift and complexity, keeping each glass compelling.
This is a terrific expression of Minervois — and a powerful reminder that some of France’s best values are still hiding in the hills somewhere off the beaten path.
2020 Domaine de Pallus "Les Pensees de Pallus" Chinon
Review Date: 02-23-2026
Everything I love about Chinon is captured in this glass. A vibrant mix of spiced cherries, violets, and black olive is lifted by notes of wild thyme. The interplay between fruit and savory elements keeps the wine beautifully balanced and makes it incredibly versatile at the table.
My favorite pairing? Herb-roasted chicken with potatoes tossed in the pan drippings. Absolute perfection.
2020 Domaine de Pallus "Le Clos de Pallus" Chinon
Review Date: 02-23-2026
I love the old-school vibe of this classic Chinon. Aromas of blackcurrant, olive tapenade, and roasted red pepper leap from the glass. As the wine opens, beautiful floral and herbal notes emerge — rosehip, freshly picked sage — adding lift and complexity. The palate shows lovely texture, with tannins that are just beginning to melt into the background.
This is my favorite OG Cabernet Franc on the shelf right now — savory, terroir driven, and perfectly suited to the table. It would shine alongside smoked duck, braised pork, or a classic tête de veau.
2023 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes
Review Date: 02-06-2026
Saint-Damien is one of my go-to Gigondas producers every vintage. The Vieilles Vignes delivers textbook regional character with tobacco, bay leaf, and spice layered over ripe red fruit. Delicious today, but those who can wait a few years will be rewarded with even greater complexity.
2024 Rendez-Vous Côtes-du-Rhône Villages by K&L Wine Merchants
Review Date: 02-06-2026
We began the Discovery Series as a way to introduce our clients to outstanding producers from well-defined regions, pairing great wines with the history and backstory that bring them to life. We were truly astounded by the success and reception of these wines, and deeply encouraged by the trust you placed in us to deliver what we consider best-in-class wines at best-in-class prices under a label we will continue to develop.
During the search for Discovery wines, however, I encountered a number of bottles that didn’t quite fit that specific mold, yet still offered incredible quality and value. That realization led to the creation of the Rendez-Vous label — a place to showcase wines we believe will become staples in your weeknight rotation.
This project was born during a visit with our friends at Dauvergne et Ranvier in the Southern Rhône. Together, we conducted a series of blind tasting trials, working through dozens of samples and experimenting with different lots to build what I hoped would become the perfect Rhône-style blend. I began by tasting individual parcels — some already blended, others single varietal expressions. Several Côtes du Rhône lots produced charming and approachable wines, but once we moved into the Côtes du Rhône Villages selections, the depth of fruit and overall expansiveness increased dramatically.
After settling on my preferred blend, we presented it to our winery partners. Watching everyone’s reactions as we arrived at the final composition was incredibly rewarding — we were unanimous in our enthusiasm. Just like that, our first Côtes du Rhône Villages blend was born.
The final wine leans toward Syrah (approximately 70%), supported by a generous 30% Grenache. It shows a beautiful core of raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, backed by impressive concentration and layered notes of tobacco, black pepper, and savory spice. Now that the wine has rested in bottle after its journey from France to our warehouse, it has fully settled into its character.
At recent staff trainings, I shared this wine with our teams and felt that same sense of satisfaction seeing their reactions. It has quickly become a staff favorite. There is tremendous personality here and, as I like to say, it truly overdelivers for the price.
Join us for a little Rendez-Vous with this exciting new release — I think you’ll find as much pleasure in drinking it as we did creating it.
Price:
$12.99
2022 Benjamin et David Duclaux "La Germine" Côte-Rôtie
Review Date: 02-01-2026
I am very excited to welcome the wines of Duclaux into our Direct Import program. On my most recent visit to the Northern Rhône, I had the opportunity to taste with the Duclaux brothers, and the wines were truly revelatory.
La Germine comes from one of the notable lieux-dits near Tupin, where gneiss-driven soils produce wines of finesse and elegance. The wine is brimming with dark berry fruit and roasted plum, layered with hints of bay leaf and graphite that speak clearly to the region’s character. The tannins are supple and inviting, yet there is a core of fruit that recalls the more traditional expressions of the Northern Rhône—never overt, always balanced and poised.
This is a tremendous new addition to our portfolio and fits beautifully alongside our other standout producers from the region, including Domaine Barge and Clos de la Bonnette.
2022 Domaine Benedetti Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge Vieilles Vignes
Review Date: 01-30-2026
This little Côtes du Rhône offers an impressive amount of wine for the price. Dark berry fruit leads the way, with notes of blackberry and currant jam, followed by a subtle spice element and that classic Grenache hint of tobacco. Old vines shine through here, bringing depth, warmth, and a satisfying sense of concentration.
Price:
$14.99
2023 Domaine de l'Abbé Dîne Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 01-30-2026
Our newest Direct Import from the Rhône has just hit our shores, and I’m pleased to introduce this exciting new arrival from L’Abbé Dîne.
Vigneron Nathalie Raynaud took over her family’s holdings only a few years ago and has quickly begun to make a name for herself. The domaine’s vines are planted primarily on sandy soils, giving this Grenache-driven Châteauneuf-du-Pape the lifted, bright red–fruit profile that sand brings so beautifully to the wines of the region.
There’s freshness and energy at the core, yet the finish remains fleshy and generous. Nathalie and L’Abbé Dîne are very much rising stars in Châteauneuf, and I believe her wines will continue to gain depth—and demand—as more people begin to take notice.
Coming in well under $50, this is a must-buy in the category.
2020 Le Vieux Donjon Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 01-30-2026
Vieux Donjon still ranks as one of my favorite QPR Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers. The winery has always focused on doing just two things well: crafting one great red and one great white. Year after year, this bottling lands firmly in my top 10 wines of the category.
The 2020 shows a seamless texture and is just beginning to find its classic CDP voice. Wild raspberries, red licorice, and plums are rounded out by notes of garrigue and lead pencil. Excellent terroir expression throughout, and this should continue to gain nuance over the coming decade.
An absolute star of the vintage.
2022 Domaine des Sénéchaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 12-31-2025
When the Cazes family of Château Lynch-Bages took over this historic property in 2006, little changed in terms of winemaking philosophy or vineyard selection. The estate has long been famous for producing just two wines—one white and one red—and that focused tradition continues to this day. Veteran winemaker Bernard Tranchecoste, who was already overseeing the cellar prior to the Cazes family’s arrival, remains at the helm.
The resources brought by the Cazes family have been directed primarily toward vineyard improvements, including thoughtful replanting and new parcels that are now coming beautifully into production. Surrounded by the Bois des Sénéchaux (the “Sheriff’s Woods”), the property itself dates back to the 14th century, grounding these refined, modern wines in deep historical roots.
Aging is carried out in larger-format wood, not to impart overt oak character, but to add elegance and refinement to the wines. The 2022—an excellent vintage—shows beautiful notes of wild strawberry, redcurrant, Asian spicebox, and pipe tobacco. It is a beautifully structured wine that drinks effortlessly in its youth while possessing the depth and balance to age gracefully for a decade or more.
2020 Château Gigognan "Clos du Roi" Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 12-31-2025
Gigognan continues to be one of the most satisfying Châteauneuf-du-Pape bottlings at one of the most accessible price points in the appellation. Drawn from classic galets roulés soils, the wine shows a natural depth and warmth of fruit, layering black currant, fig jam, and mulled strawberry. Subtle hints of graphite and a touch of garrigue herb bring that unmistakable terroir signature, balancing beautifully with the wine’s generous, forward-fruited character.
We first brought in the 2016 Gigognan, which remains one of our best-selling Châteauneufs of all time. Not much has changed stylistically since then—except for even greater precision and attention in the vineyards. The 2020 is a clear callback to that benchmark vintage, offering the same depth and structure with just a touch more lift and freshness.
This is a project I continue to believe in, and it’s been a pleasure watching the wines evolve and refine themselves over the past half-decade.
2022 Antech "M le Mauzac" Brut Nature Blanquette de Limoux
Review Date: 12-23-2025
Steely and racy, this Blanquette has long been one of the best aperitif sparklers on the shelf. Formerly known simply as Blanquette Brut Nature, the Antech family has recently chosen to highlight the indigenous grape Mauzac and to begin vintage-dating the wine.
The signature profile remains intact—green apple, green papaya, and a bracing saline edge still define the core. A touch more lees aging before release has added an extra layer of depth and extended the finish, giving the wine greater presence without sacrificing its precision.
Nothing to argue with here. This remains one of the most compelling—and hardest to beat—expressions of dry, crisp bubbles at an everyday price point.
Price:
$15.99
2023 Antech "Emotion" Extra Brut Rosé Crémant de Limoux
Review Date: 12-23-2025
Though Eugénie remains Antech’s top seller, Emotion is the cuvée that is especially near and dear to my heart. This character-driven rosé transcends its price point and delivers some of the best quality-to-price ratio of any sparkling wine—across all categories.
White cherry, Red Delicious apple, and a touch of raspberry unfold on a slightly fuller-bodied frame, carrying through with surprising length and presence on the palate. There is simply no other non-Champagne rosé that offers this level of character at this price point.
2023 Antech "Cuvée Eugenie" Extra Brut Crémant de Limoux
Review Date: 12-23-2025
Long one of my favorite daily drinkers, Antech has recently begun receiving the critical acclaim it has long deserved. The wines of Françoise and Baptiste Antech-Gazeau have been a staple at K&L for nearly two decades, and they have consistently over-delivered for their price point.
A perennial favorite is the Eugénie, which was recently reclassified as Extra Brut—a change that, for me, marked a major turning point. As ripeness levels in the region continue to climb with climate change, lowering the dosage has kept the wines balanced, focused, and—if anything—even more elevated in character.
Spiced apple and pear lead the profile, accented by a hint of ginger. It is an effortlessly charming wine, and still sub-$20—making it one of the most difficult bottles to beat in the category.
2023 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 12-23-2025
Any visit to Beaucastel is a highlight of my travels through the Rhône. After several years of major renovation, the estate now stands as one of the most efficiently run and fully carbon-neutral wineries in the region. I was fortunate to see the project at various stages of construction, though I have yet to walk through the finished cellar itself.
Why does that matter for the 2023 vintage? Because it offers one more clear demonstration of the care, foresight, and long-term stewardship the Perrin family brings to these vineyards year after year. A cold cellar with a deep library is a luxury; a cellar naturally cooled by a cistern, powered in large part by the mistral winds that sweep across the plateau, is emblematic of a philosophy that places sustainability and precision at the heart of this estate' ethos.
The 2023 growing season was dry and warm. I remember the heat clearly when I was there in June, with a splash of rain arriving only after I had returned home. In some years, such conditions can create excessive hydric stress, but Beaucastel’s old vines—rooted deeply into the galets roulés—proved their resilience once again, delivering fruit of remarkable balance and depth.
The resulting wine is stupendous. Ripe cherry and strawberry confiture lead the way, followed by crushed herbs, licorice root, and savory tobacco, all carried through on a long, resonant finish. This is another classic Beaucastel—one that may strike the intense tone of 2007 with the length and structure of 2010.
It is already a great Beaucastel today, and it should be a great one for decades to come.
2023 K&L Discovery Series Rhône, Gigondas "Tank 11 by Moulin de la Gardette"
Review Date: 12-02-2025
When I was in the Rhône this past March and April, I visited dozens of producers and spent several days at a traveling wine fair, tasting with dozens more. But it would have been criminal of me not to carve out time for Jean-Baptiste Meunier of Moulin de la Gardette, one of my favorite producers in one of my favorite crus—Gigondas.
We’ve worked with JB for decades now, and I consider his wines among the truest, most terroir-driven expressions in the region. Part of this buying trip was reconnecting with our longtime partners, scouting new talent, and hunting for opportunities for our Discovery Series label. Naturally, JB was my first stop in Gigondas.
His wines have always felt like pure Gigondas—capturing the essence of the marl and limestone soils and layered with the perfume of the surrounding garrigue. That coastal scrub, rich with natural oils from thyme, bay, and lavender, subtly inflects the wines with the unmistakable character of the place.
During our visit, I noticed a tank off to one side and asked about its contents. This was the wine JB uses to top off barrels, round out his cuvées, and eventually sell the remainder to a négociant for blending. The vessel was simply marked Tank 11.
Out of curiosity, I asked to taste it—and was immediately surprised. The wine was vibrant and fruit-filled, bursting with black raspberry, lavender, strawberries, and that classic hint of bay leaf. It was fleshy yet lifted, expressive yet effortlessly drinkable.
JB’s Tradition and Ventabren bottlings tend to be deeper, more savory, and more structured—beautiful wines that reward time in bottle. What struck me about Tank 11 was its accessibility: supple, open-knit, and welcoming, yet still unmistakably Gardette and unmistakably Gigondas. It captured the region’s personality with a truly user-friendly attitude—exactly what we look for in a Discovery wine.
As an aside, the wine has just landed in our warehouse, and I opened my first bottles upon arrival. There’s always a moment of suspense—tank samples can shift as they settle into bottle. But tasting it again, I was transported right back to the cellar several months ago. All of its generosity, brightness, and openness are intact.
This is one of the most delightful Gigondas I’ve tasted in years and exactly what the Discovery Series is meant to highlight: wines of place, character, and value. I think you’ll agree—this is one of the best-drinking Rhône wines on our shelves right now.
Price:
$19.99
2023 Domaine Delhome "Alt 330" Crozes-Hermitage Rouge
Review Date: 11-05-2025
From the winery's highest vineyards in the kaolin soils of Larnage, this is a lusty and compelling Syrah. Filled with rich blackberry and black cherry fruit, there is a crossover appeal that should delight fans of new world styles but the wine is firmly rooted in the old world. Those savory notes round out the edges and give this focus while that rich fruit brings the charm.
2024 Domaine Dominique & Janine Crochet "Le Grand Chemarin" Sancerre
Review Date: 11-05-2025
Grand Chemarin ranks among the top sites near the village of Bué. Composed entirely of the region’s pure limestone, known as Caillottes, it yields wines of vibrant acidity and striking minerality. The Crochets draw from select old-vine parcels for this cuvée, vinifying entirely in stainless steel to preserve the wine’s freshness and clarity. The nose shows grapefruit, apple blossom, and a touch of sea-spray salinity, while the palate’s lively acidity keeps each sip crisp and inviting. This is as pure an expression of Caillottes terroir as you could hope to find.
Price:
$39.99
2022 Domaine de Verquière Rasteau
Review Date: 11-05-2025
I often think of Rasteau as the “poor man’s Châteauneuf.” With its clay soils strewn with large galet stones and sun-drenched slopes, it produces reds that are rich, powerful, and full of southern Rhône warmth. Originally known for its sweet fortified wines, Rasteau was first recognized as a cru for those styles before earning acclaim for its dry reds.
Vigneron Thibaud Chamfort crafts one of the finest examples from his top Rasteau site. The wine brims with blue and black fruit—boysenberry, fig jam, and a hint of Asian spice. Full-bodied and deeply textured, it’s an ideal red for the cooler seasons and pairs beautifully with braised meats. My current favorite? Beef cheeks—their unctuous richness is a perfect match for the bold, savory depth of this wine.
2024 Domaine de Verquière Côtes-du-Rhône
Review Date: 11-05-2025
Verquière’s Côtes du Rhône remains one of the best values in the Rhône category. Bursting with juicy strawberry, cherry, and fig, it captures all the charm and flavor of southern France. Subtle notes of tobacco and pepper add complexity, while its medium-bodied frame makes it the perfect weeknight pour. Year after year, this wine is a customer favorite—and once it’s in your glass, it’s easy to see why.