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Staff Favorites - Keith Mabry
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Reviews
2025 Alpha Estate "Turtles Vineyard" Malagouzia Florina Greece
Review Date: 06-30-2026
For many people discovering the wines of Greece, Assyrtiko has been the gateway grape. But beyond its crisp, mineral-driven style lies a wealth of fascinating indigenous varieties waiting to be explored. One of my personal favorites has always been Malagouzia.
A little softer and more floral than Assyrtiko, Malagouzia is wonderfully inviting and generous without sacrificing freshness. Alpha Estate's latest bottling captures everything I love about the variety: fresh pear and lemon verbena layered with delicate notes of lily blossom and a hint of jasmine tea on the finish. It is expressive without being overtly aromatic, balancing richness with remarkable lift.
This is one of Greece's most versatile white wines at the table. It's a natural alongside a spread of mezze, but I also love it with grilled shrimp skewers or a bubbling plate of saganaki. If you're ready to venture beyond Assyrtiko, this is one of the most rewarding places to start.
2023 Alpha Estate "Hedgehog Vineyard" Xinomavro Amyndeon Greece
Review Date: 06-30-2026
I've been fortunate enough to visit Alpha Estate twice over the years, and it's one of those wineries that leaves a lasting impression. The estate sits high on the Amyndeon plateau, surrounded by mountain ranges that create dramatic day-to-night temperature swings. Those cool evenings slow ripening and preserve freshness, while the chalky clay soils lend remarkable precision and energy to the wines.
The region produces some of Greece's most compelling wines. The whites combine generous fruit with incredible tension and minerality, while the reds—especially Xinomavro—show a level of finesse and elegance that is distinctive from the more powerful wines of Naoussa. During both of my visits, I made a point of asking to see the Hedgehog Vineyard, hoping to catch a glimpse of one of its namesake residents. Unfortunately, the hedgehogs remained elusive, though I was assured they do make the occasional appearance.
Having purchased Greek wines for K&L for more than 15 years, Alpha Estate has always been a cornerstone of my selections. I've long admired how consistently the wines balance authenticity with approachability, making them some of the easiest recommendations for customers looking to explore Greece beyond the more familiar. Their Xinomavro has been a perennial favorite on our shelves, and I believe the 2023 release may be the finest version I've tasted.
Xinomavro is often called the "Nebbiolo of Greece" because of its naturally high acidity and firm tannic structure. Yet the wines of Amyndeon remind me less of Barolo's muscular intensity and more of the graceful, lifted character of Valtellina. The 2023 captures that balance beautifully, offering savory spice, hints of sanguine meatiness, vibrant cherry and blackcurrant fruit, a touch of black olive and an underlying mineral freshness that keeps everything focused.
What elevates this vintage is the texture. The tannins are certainly present, but they're polished and beautifully integrated, gently wrapping around the fruit rather than dominating it. They have an almost caressing quality that makes the wine remarkably inviting even in its youth.
For me, this sets a new benchmark for Alpha Estate's Hedgehog Vineyard Xinomavro and is destined to become another customer favorite. If you've never experienced Xinomavro before, this is exactly where I'd begin. It captures everything that makes the variety so compelling while remaining irresistibly drinkable from the very first glass.
Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne (375ml)
Review Date: 06-30-2026
A perennial favorite, the rosé does not disappoint on this go-round. Pretty raspberry and black cherry notes highlight the freshness and richness of the wine. Unbelievable quality at the price.
Price:
$24.99
Ariston Aspasie Brut Rosé Champagne
Review Date: 06-30-2026
A perennial favorite, the rose does not disappoint on this go-round. Pretty raspberry and black cherry notes highlight the freshness and richness of the wine. Unbelievable quality at the price.
Price:
$42.99
Ariston Aspasie "Cépages d'Antan" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 06-30-2026
It may seem like a geeks-only Champagne and it definitely fits that requirement with its blend of Arbanne, Meslier and Pinot Blanc but this is not made strictly for the sake of geeky. Full bodied with more stone fruit flavors, creamy notes. Long on finish, this a true Tête de Cuvée!
Price:
$119.99
2024 J. de Villebois Sauvignon Blanc Touraine
Review Date: 06-29-2026
Touraine has long been one of the Loire Valley's best sources of value for Sauvignon Blanc. Located about two hours west of Sancerre, the region shares many of the same clay and limestone soils that give its more famous neighbor such a distinctive mineral character. The difference is that land prices and production costs are significantly lower, allowing producers to deliver exceptional quality at far more approachable prices.
The region is also one of the Loire Valley's most picturesque destinations, famous for the magnificent châteaux that line the Loire River and its tributaries. In recent years, several communes within Touraine have earned recognition for producing particularly distinctive expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, further elevating the appellation's reputation.
In the glass, Touraine Sauvignon Blanc tends to be generous and immediately appealing. The Villebois is an excellent example, offering vibrant flavors of pineapple, kiwi, and lemon curd. It recalls the exuberant fruit profile of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc but without many of the sharper grassy or herbal notes. Instead, those bright tropical flavors are framed by a subtle chalky minerality that gives the wine balance and a distinctly Loire identity.
Touraine has long been one of the Loire Valley's greatest sources of value, and the Villebois is an outstanding introduction to everything the appellation has to offer.
2025 Domaine Petroni Corse Rosé
Review Date: 06-25-2026
For over a decade now, I have received more emails about the Petroni rosé than any other wine in the category. "When does the new vintage arrive?" Well, it's finally here, and once again, it does not disappoint.
The 2025 release is generous and expressive, showcasing notes of nectarine, passion fruit, and wild strawberry. A kiss of salinity and vibrant acidity provide balance and freshness. While unmistakably character-driven, it remains effortlessly approachable, always inviting another return to the glass.
The only time I've visited Corsica, a stop at Petroni's vineyards was high on my list. Perched above the nearby lagoon, the vineyards overlooked the water on a damp, cool day just after harvest. Everything was still green and lush, and the beauty of the site left a lasting impression.
That trip remains one of my favorite sourcing experiences, and Petroni continues to stand among my most rewarding discoveries. Year after year, this rosé reminds me exactly why.
Price:
$14.99
2025 Cherrier Frères Sancerre
Review Date: 06-22-2026
We've worked with brothers Jean-Marie and François Cherrier for more than 20 years, and their wines remain one of the benchmarks for value in Sancerre. For us, they've long served as a lodestar for what classic Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc should be.
It was great to reconnect with the family at Wine Paris earlier this year and taste through the new releases. As the next generation becomes increasingly involved in the domaine, the Cherriers are finding exciting new ways to build upon a tradition that has made them one of our most trusted partners.
The 2025 vintage was a challenging one, with reduced yields across much of the region. Fortunately, our long-standing relationship has helped preserve the majority of our allocation, even if quantities are a bit tighter than usual.
The new Sancerre captures everything we love about the estate's style. Aromas of Meyer lemon and ruby red grapefruit lead the way, followed by hints of nectarine, wild thyme, and white flowers. The palate shows impressive ripeness and polish, delivering generous texture and concentration without sacrificing freshness or balance.
Year after year, this remains one of the most re-ordered wines in the category. If you've yet to discover what makes Cherrier such a perennial favorite, the outstanding 2025 vintage is the perfect place to start.
Price:
$24.99
2022 Clotilde Legrand "L'Ecart" Saumur Blanc
Review Date: 06-19-2026
Some of the finest dry Chenins in France are coming out of Saumur. The region's limestone-rich soils produce wines with remarkable tension, minerality, and structure—wines that, when handled well, can develop and evolve in a fashion reminiscent of great white Burgundy.
Legrand's L'Écart is a perfect example. A lightly reductive style lends subtle nutty and smoky nuances that frame generous flavors of apple, quince, and citrus. Beneath the fruit lies a firm mineral backbone that keeps the wine focused and energetic from start to finish.
Saumur remains one of my favorite sources for Burgundy-adjacent flavors and complexity, delivering a similar sense of place and age-worthy character at a fraction of the price.
2017 Clotilde Legrand "Les Chaintrée" Saumur-Champigny
Review Date: 06-19-2026
We're definitely crossing a new threshold here with this magnificent Saumur. Layers of black cherry, currant jam, tapenade, and dried rose petals create an inviting and wonderfully complex aromatic profile.
The additional bottle age has worked its magic, transforming what was once a powerful, structured wine into something far more harmonious. Time has allowed the tannins to melt into the background, while the fruit, savory notes, and floral nuances have seamlessly integrated. The result is a wine of impressive depth and concentration that remains remarkably elegant and approachable today.
This is the kind of wine that calls for a grilled picanha steak and a generous side of chimichurri. The wine's savory complexity and polished structure are a perfect match for the richness of the beef and the bright herbal character of the sauce. This is my new weekend favorite.
2023 Clotilde Legrand "Les Lizieres" Saumur-Champigny
Review Date: 06-19-2026
This is an accessible and delightful young-drinking Cabernet Franc. It's everything I want in a youthful Saumur-Champigny. Generous red cherry fruit is complemented by notes of crushed rosemary and thyme. Aging entirely in stainless steel preserves the wine's freshness and juicy character.
It's perfect with one of my favorite pairings: a market rotisserie chicken. Add some herb-roasted potatoes and a glass of this Cabernet Franc, and your weeknight dinner just leveled up!
2023 Domaine Mardon "Cuvée Très Vieilles Vignes" Quincy Blanc
Review Date: 06-18-2026
I often find myself championing the satellite appellations of Sancerre. While they may lack the name recognition of their famous neighbor, they offer incredible expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, each shaped by distinct terroirs and often at far more approachable prices.
Just across the Loire River sits Pouilly-Fumé, home to the prized silex soils that lend the wines their signature smoky minerality. Nearby, Coteaux du Giennois is emerging as one of the Loire's great value regions, with its own abundance of flint-rich soils producing vibrant, mineral-driven wines. To the west lies Menetou-Salon, practically a suburb of Sancerre, where the famed terres blanches soils create Sauvignon Blancs with added depth, texture, and richness.
Further afield are Reuilly and Quincy, neighboring appellations situated along the Cher River, a tributary of the Loire. Here the soils shift toward sand and gravel, producing distinctly different expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. Reuilly often leans into tropical fruit notes, while Quincy tends toward a more restrained profile, emphasizing green apple, white flowers, and subtle citrus. The wines are elegant, refined, and endlessly inviting.
Domaine Mardon is one of Quincy's benchmark producers and a perfect example of why these lesser-known appellations deserve more attention. The wine bursts with juicy green apple, white flowers, and succulent lime notes, carried by bright acidity and a graceful texture. Fresh and invigorating, it drinks like a cool breeze on a summer afternoon while delivering the kind of character and value that have become increasingly difficult to find in Sancerre itself.
Price:
$23.99
2023 Domaine Cailbourdin "Les Cris" Pouilly-Fumé
Review Date: 06-18-2026
Though just across the river from its more famous neighbor Sancerre,
Pouilly-Fumé has never enjoyed quite the same market prestige. Yet the two appellations share remarkably similar foundations: calcareous limestone, clay, and the prized silex (flint) soils that give Pouilly-Fumé its smoky, “fume” character. Because Sancerre remains the more recognizable name, prices in Pouilly-Fumé have often stayed comparatively sharp, making it one of the Loire's best value propositions for Sauvignon Blanc.
Domaine Alain Cailbourdin was a recent discovery for me that stands comfortably alongside some of the finest Sancerre producers. This bottling comes primarily from limestone soils and delivers racy acidity layered with grapefruit, green apple, white flowers, and a subtle note of wet hay. What lingered most was the striking chalky finish, a vivid expression of the vineyard's limestone terroir. For fans of Sancerre and its Loire Valley neighbors, it is a compelling new option that overdelivers for the price.
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.
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 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.
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
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.