Locations
Login
Reviewers
- All Staff Reviews
- - Operations Culver City (1)
- Aaron Hughes (10)
- Alex Leonardini (54)
- Andrew Nunes (1)
- Cary Herrman (3)
- David Othenin-Girard (339)
- Dejah Overby (147)
- Eric Goldstein (1)
- Gary Westby (541)
- Jacques Moreira (703)
- John Majeski (296)
- John Downing (80)
- John Flanigan (1)
- Jonathan Parnell (3)
- Kai Pedreno (3)
- Kate Soto (11)
- Keith Mabry (433)
- Kerry Kennell (1)
- Kirk Walker (276)
- Lilia McIntosh (44)
- Matthew Landau Hassan (5)
- Michael Benoit (7)
- Michael Pires (14)
- Michael Hulihan (1)
- Orazio Campoli (5)
- Rachael Ryan (2)
- Ralph Sands (222)
- Ryan Woodhouse (900)
- Ryan Moses (636)
- Scott Beckerley (307)
- Scott Turnbull (61)
- Simon Li (3)
- Stephanie Manning (2)
- Tom Martinez (1)
- Will Blakely (27)
K&L Email Alerts
Sign up to receive custom alerts, new arrivals and the latest happenings from K&L Wines
Staff Favorites - Keith Mabry
|
Reviews
2024 Rendez-Vous Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie by K&L Wine Merchants
Review Date: 10-01-2026
Our newest addition to our Rendez-Vous program is an absolute delight of a Muscadet. As with all Muscadet, this is made from 100% Melon, which, for those not that familiar with the grape, has a more apple-forward character and is often marked by notes of salinity and oyster shell minerality. There is an unmistakable maritime quality to the wines from this part of the Loire, where the river makes its final push toward the Atlantic.
Think of Muscadet falling somewhere towards Chardonnay—though more along the lines of Chablis in style, as no oak is used here—with a slightly nervier acid structure. There is also a wonderful texture to good Muscadet that keeps it from feeling lean or overly austere. The 2024 expands even further on that traditional profile, adding touches of pineapple and dried papaya that give the wine an exotic quality without sacrificing its freshness.
This is exactly the kind of white I love to have on hand at any given time. It makes for a great aperitif to kick off an evening. And of course, Muscadet and shellfish is one of the great classic pairings—oysters, mussels, clams or a big platter of simply prepared seafood would be mighty fine here. Highly drinkable, incredibly versatile and another terrific value for the Rendez-Vous program.
Price:
$12.99
2024 Domaine du Petit Clocher Anjou Blanc
Review Date: 09-30-2026
The Denis family, now in their fourth generation, has consistently wowed me with this stellar little Anjou. What is Anjou, you may ask? From a soil perspective, this is where things change dramatically from the limestone found in nearby Saumur and Bourgueil, shifting toward schist and basalt. For reds, Cabernet Franc dominates, with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Grolleau permitted, but for whites, Chenin Blanc is king. Those schist soils give the wines of Anjou a liveliness that makes them feel related to their neighbors, but just a little different.
This particular bottling has been one of our stellar values in the category for several years now. It has also recently received some great recognition, earning 95 points and a Gold Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards and ranking among the top Chenins in this year's competition. What was once my secret Chenin has seemingly broken through into the mainstream.
The new Anjou Blanc showcases rich apple fruit with notes of pear and a touch of baking spice. A crisp minerality keeps the wine refreshing, while that classic Chenin character stays lively on the palate. This has always been one of my favorite value Direct Imports from the Loire for its character, sheer drinkability and accessible price point. The timing couldn't be better, either. This is a wine perfectly suited to fall flavors and a terrific alternative to Chardonnay.
2024 TWR (Te Whare Ra) Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Review Date: 09-30-2026
When Rachael Ryan, our Southern Hemisphere Buyer, asked me to taste the new TWR, I cautioned her to temper her expectations. After all, I am the Loire Valley Buyer, and Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are two of my main Sauvignon Blanc categories. But after a little banter, I conceded that I have always been a fan of the TWR wines, going back to when Ryan Woodhouse (formerly our New Zealand buyer and now our Domestic Wine Buyer) first discovered this producer for us.
This Sauvignon Blanc has always delivered, and it has always done so at a very reasonable price. In the glass, my expectations were gleefully met, with vibrant citrus and gooseberry tones erupting across the palate. There is certainly no shortage of perfectly good New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in the world, but this one is special. Its consistency, quality and long history as one of our core Southern Hemisphere producers make it a wine that deserves your attention.
2024 Domaine Henri et Gilles Buisson Bourgogne Blanc
Review Date: 09-30-2026
It has been ages since I can remember a Bourgogne Blanc this compelling at this price. I almost think of it as a throwback—even if we're looking just a couple of years in the rearview mirror. It's comparable to some of our other favorites, like Paul Pernot and Pillot, but even those fantastic wines—which still overdeliver—have gone north of the $30 mark.
The Buisson shows notes of lemon curd, Golden Delicious apple, toasted vanilla and a light brioche quality that makes me think of village-level Burgundies at two to three times the price. The attack on the palate is immediately compelling, making you want to slow down and savor it a little longer. But it is just too enjoyable right now to linger over for too long. This is solidly one of the best Burgundy buys on the shelf right now.
2023 Moulin de la Gardette "Tradition" Gigondas
Review Date: 09-29-2026
The Gardette Tradition is everything you could hope for in a classic Gigondas. A confiture of strawberry and raspberry is accented by notes of pipe tobacco, tea leaf and peppery spice. The palate is juicy and lively, with just the right amount of structure, making each sip more compelling than the last.
2023 Moulin de la Gardette "Cuvée Ventabren" Gigondas
Review Date: 09-29-2026
Always one of my favorite Rhône wines, the 2023 Ventabren has a lush attack of wild raspberry, dried strawberry, red cherry and oolong tea. Savory notes of wild fennel, smoked tea and fresh bay leaf round out the profile. There is an underpinning of sweetness to the fruit, framed by the wine’s rounded tannins. This is an exceptional showing, capturing both the concentration of the vintage and a remarkable sense of freshness. Another stellar example from one of our core Rhône producers.
2023 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe "Piedlong" Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 09-27-2026
I recently tasted this with our sales team in Hollywood, and it was a smash. At 90% Grenache (with the rest Mourvedre), the wine had that classic translucent brightness that immediately made me think of Grenache from yesteryear. But don't mistake that brightness for a lack of flavor. There is plenty going on here.
The Piedlong has a sweet, captivating quality to the fruit that was fresh, inviting and constantly evolving in the glass. This was a showstopper, really. We all paused and marveled at the way the wine danced across the palate. It was lithe and energetic, but never shorted you on flavor. Each sip seemed to bring you right back for another.
There is something so appealing about Châteauneuf when it doesn't rely on its weight to make its point. This has brightness, movement and plenty of personality. Easily one of my favorite glasses of Châteauneuf-du-Pape I've had this year.
2022 Château de Montfaucon Lirac
Review Date: 09-27-2026
A newer addition to the Montfaucon portfolio, this Lirac fills the gap nicely between the La Côte Côtes-du-Rhône and the Baron Louis Lirac. Made entirely from estate fruit, it captures the brighter side of the region.
Rich, ripe red berry fruit leads the way, with strawberry jam, red cherries and even some red flowers for good measure. This is pure pleasure in a glass. It is a more explosive style, reflecting both the ripeness of the vintage and a more ebullient side of vigneron Rudi de Pins' winemaking. Where Baron Louis leans darker, savory and more contemplative, this is about freshness, generosity and immediate appeal.
Price:
$19.99
2021 Château de Montfaucon "La Côte" Côtes-du-Rhône
Review Date: 09-27-2026
My apologies to all of you who have been waiting for this wine to be replenished. But I am here to tell you, as always, it is worth the wait.
The 2021 "La Côte" is everything I want in an old-school Côtes-du-Rhône. Plenty of raspberry, toasted tobacco and a touch of peppery spice, with that savory quality that keeps you coming back to the glass. This wine is not about flashy fruit—it's a classic Rhône that delivers exactly what you want it to.
For those in the know, you know what you've been waiting for. For those who don't, La Côte is one of our all-time best sellers, and with good reason. Vigneron Rudi de Pins' wines have been staples here at K&L for years because they consistently deliver character, quality and tremendous value. The 2021 is another reminder of why we keep going back to them.
Price:
$15.99
2022 Château de Montfaucon "Vin de Mme la Comtesse" Clairette Lirac Blanc
Review Date: 09-27-2026
Montfaucon always holds this white back for a few years before release, and it is a wine built around nuance rather than sheer intensity. Made from nearly 100% Clairette, it comes from a parcel of centenarian vines that look almost like alien creatures trying to escape the confines of the earth. A handful of old heirloom varieties are co-planted among them, keeping the wine from being entirely Clairette.
But what you are really tasting here is a very old parcel, handled with little intrusion. Aged primarily in large neutral barrels, the wine continues to develop in the glass. It starts with dried nectarine before moving toward persimmon, with a touch of spice and a creamy texture that gives the wine remarkable presence.
This is not a wine you rush through. It commands your attention and would be right at home with a potato and leek soup or some creamy, funky cheeses. I've had bottles with even more age on them, and they only become more intriguing. I think of this wine as a poem. It may not make perfect sense upon first glance, but the more time you spend with it, the more compelling it becomes.
Price:
$39.99
2024 Château de Montfaucon "Comtesse Madeleine" Lirac Blanc
Review Date: 09-27-2026
Cool and crisp the Comtesse Madelaine shows off that lovely subtle stone fruit character I love from these wines. A touch of apple, white flowers and a hint of salinity round out the character. Just enough acid tension to keep the wine balanced and worthy of seeking another sip. Delightful!
Price:
$24.99
2020 Château de Montfaucon "Baron Louis" Lirac
Review Date: 09-27-2026
The Baron Louis has been one of the great wines year after year from Montfaucon. Always a late release, the 2020 has just hit our shores and is firing on all cylinders.
We often compare Lirac to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The two regions sit across the Rhône River from one another and share many of the same soil types, but I have always found something distinctly different in Lirac. There is a more briary quality to the wines, with darker fruit, a savory undertone and a little more of that woodsy garrigue character lurking in the background.
Working with Montfaucon for more than two decades has been a real treat, and the 2020 Baron Louis is everything I look for in Rudi's wines. Brambly blackberry, tobacco, garrigue and a hint of smoked meat lead into a finish of rich currant jam. It isn't quite as lipsmacking and opulent as Châteauneuf, but it is every bit as compelling. That's exactly what I like about Lirac and Rudi's take on the region.
Gone are the days when these wines felt like they were trying to emulate their more famous neighbor. This is pure Lirac, made by someone we consider a dear friend and one of the region's top producers. Baron Louis remains a shining star in our Direct Import portfolio, and the 2020 is delicious now but absolutely worth discovering again after another few years in the cellar.
2025 Château de Montfaucon Lirac Rosé
Review Date: 09-27-2026
The genesis of this wine has been great to watch. Originally, it was created as an homage to Tavel, the neighboring appellation famous for its rosé wines. It even came in the long, skinny bottle emblematic of the region. The wine was bright and crisp, with a lighter hue and a more traditional rosé profile.
Over the last few years, vigneron Rudi de Pins has taken it in a very different direction, making it denser, richer and more vinous. It is now an almost brooding rosé that feels closer to historical Tavel, when the wines were more akin to light reds. Rudi even changed the bottle to reflect what he believes is a more serious style of rosé. It is now opaque, concealing that deeper color from prying eyes.
Once poured, though, there is no hiding it. The color is more like freshly squeezed raspberries, with an almost purple rim. And the wine is exceptional. I have tasted every vintage since Rudi began making it and have even tried a few with several years of bottle age. They only get more compelling.
This is winter rosé—or light red, depending on how you want to look at it. Just don't serve it too cold. You don't want to mask all that depth of flavor hiding behind the smoky glass. It is terrific now with roasted fowl—think braised turkey legs or grilled duck—but this is also a rosé worth putting a few bottles away for a couple of years. I think it's only going to get better.
Price:
$19.99
Maison Laudacius "Laudacius" Brut Nature Montlouis Methode Traditionnelle
Review Date: 09-21-2026
It’s been a couple of years now, but I still remember when the Laudacius first crossed my desk. I personally love good sparkling Chenin Blanc, and the drier the better. Montlouis lies just across the Loire River from Vouvray, the more esteemed appellation, but there are some outstanding wines coming from this slightly more obscure region.
The “Laudacius” is dry but never austere. Aromas of roasted apple, pear nectar and freshly baked biscuits emerge from the glass, with plenty of freshness keeping everything lively. When I first tried it, I was so excited by what was in the glass that I pulled in half a dozen of my colleagues just to make sure I wasn’t hallucinating. They all agreed—this was a startlingly good bottle of bubbles! Once we factored in the price, it quickly became one of the biggest no-brainers in our Direct Import program.
We’ve now gone through a few batches, and the Laudacius hasn’t lost a step. Every time I come back to it, I’m still impressed by how much character it delivers for the money. It remains one of the best additions we’ve made to our sparkling wine Direct Import program—and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
2023 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Review Date: 09-21-2026
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.
2022 Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes-du-Rhône
Review Date: 09-21-2026
The Coudoulet has often been referred to as “Baby Beaucastel,” and for good reason. The vineyards sit just outside the boundaries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but if we were talking about this wine a century ago, before the appellation lines were officially drawn, these vines would have contributed to the classic Beaucastel Chateauneuf. That has always made what seems like a humble Côtes-du-Rhône all the more special.
Just recently, I poured the Coudoulet alongside Beaucastel for our sales teams when I was visiting each of the California store locations, and it was a great comparison. It has all that sumptuous fruit you would expect from such a great terroir—roasted raspberry, blackberry, potpourri, fig jam and a touch of dried tobacco. In its youth, it shows some of the character you might have to wait several years to unlock from its bigger brother.
That doesn’t make Coudoulet simply a lesser version of Beaucastel. This is a wine that stands firmly on its own and comes from one of the great producers of the Southern Rhône.
And there is one more consideration: we have this at the sharpest price I’ve seen in many years. For this level of pedigree and quality, Coudoulet doesn’t feel like such a “Baby” anymore, making this a particularly compelling offer right now.
2023 Château de Ségure Fitou
Review Date: 09-04-2026
Fitou is one of those regions that has always stuck with me. Many years ago, while visiting some of the cru appellations of the Languedoc, I was able to spend some time with a couple of producers there. It’s the only time I’ve had a chance to visit Fitou, but that landscape left a lasting impression. I was particularly taken with the soils—and those of you who know me know that I needed to add a few samples for my rock collection. Driving through the region, I actually pulled the car over a few times just to look at the incredible stratification of schist exposed along the roadside. And maybe grab a few rocks along the way...
That schist is an important part of the character of the inland vineyards of Fitou. Carignan is the signature grape here, and it does really well in schist. It is generally joined by Grenache and Syrah, and together they produce wines with plenty of dark fruit, spice and a distinctly Mediterranean savory personality. Fitou is a rugged, somewhat remote part of the Languedoc and it very much feels well off the beaten path.
Château de Ségure has an especially interesting history. Perched above the village of Tuchan, the château dates back to the 11th century and was once connected to the Cistercian Abbey of Fontfroide, with wine produced for the monastery. Today their vineyards encompass schist, limestone and clay soils, with the Fitou centered around Carignan, Grenache and Syrah. It’s exactly the kind of property that makes this region so compelling—distinctive terroir, plenty of history and wines that can still offer tremendous value.
This vintage is a blend of 40% Carignan, 40% Grenache and 20% Syrah. The wine opens with notes of blackberry, toasted herbs, roasted fig and grilled meat. That savory edge gives the wine plenty of personality and firmly plants you in the Mediterranean. The fruit is ripe but never sweet, with layers of spice and supple tannins carrying through the finish. This is another great addition to my weeknight rotation and should appeal to fans of Spanish reds, Côtes du Rhône and the rustic, savory reds of southern Italy.
2024 Domaine des Gravennes "Lou Pitchoun" Côtes-du-Rhône
Review Date: 08-31-2026
There is so much to love about a good Côtes du Rhône. They’re food-friendly, offer a wonderful mix of terroir and fruit, and seldom do much damage to your bank account. Outside of a few other southern French reds and a handful of delicious Spanish and Italian regional wines, Côtes du Rhône remains one of those categories that—dare I say it—consistently punches above its weight class.
Gravennes was a discovery through one of our local import partners, who I always enjoy working with. They have a knack for hunting down fun, eclectic wines with little or no representation in the market, and quite often we’re able to secure an exclusive. Gravennes is one of those sweetheart deals.
A top performer at the Decanter World Wine Awards, this was already a wine I had on my radar. Luckily, our partner was able to track it down and get a sample in front of me—and it was terrific right out of the glass. Brambly blackberry fruit leads the way, with notes of tobacco, wild thyme, candied strawberry and lightly smoked meat adding the savory complexity that can really drive this style of wine home.
Few things speak more loudly in the glass than a humble Côtes du Rhône that overdelivers, and this one projects its voice beautifully. Sadly, we weren’t able to secure nearly as much inventory as I think the wine could support, so we only get one pass at it. Grab a few bottles—or a case—before it disappears. This is exactly the kind of wine you’ll want in the weekly rotation as summer gives way to fall.
2023 Argyros Estate "Cuvée Palatia" Assyrtiko Santorini Greece
Review Date: 08-24-2026
Argyros is one of the most historic properties on the island of Santorini. The winery was established in 1903, though the family had been growers long before that. Today, Matthew Argyros helms the estate, following in the footsteps of his father, Yiannis Argyros, one of the classic vignerons of Santorini. The wines have always had tremendous appeal, and the estate itself is a captivating visit, showcasing the rugged terrain and difficult growing conditions that make the wines of Santorini so complex and intriguing.
Cuvée Palatia is a selection from top sites, showcasing the beautiful volcanic character and intensity that Santorini’s dry climate brings to the wines. It is brimming with succulent mineral aromas of wet stone and a wisp of sea breeze, balanced by ripe peach, brined apple, smoked lemon peel and white pepper. There is plenty of intensity here, but also freshness and precision.
Argyros goes beyond simply making great wine—they are one of the benchmark estates of Santorini, and their wines consistently deliver the distinctive character that makes this region so compelling.
2025 Domaine Yann Chave Crozes Hermitage Blanc
Review Date: 08-17-2026
Finding inspiration in Burgundy—where Daphné Chave spent time studying winemaking—this is a lovely expression of Marsanne and Roussanne. Oily and mineral-driven, it unfolds with layered notes of nectarine, wet stone and marzipan. There is a wonderful subtlety and nuance here that becomes even more expressive at the table, particularly alongside richer white meats and fish dishes.
Price:
$39.99
2023 Domaine Yann Chave Hermitage Rouge
Review Date: 08-17-2026
The 2022 was one of my WOW! wines of last year. It was packed with explosive Syrah fruit and a savory, floral edge, with tremendous length on the palate. It just kept delivering with every sip.
The 2023 follows a similar profile but with a little more elegance and lift. The fruit comes from two parcels, Beaume and Pelléat, on the eastern side of the hill, where the vines catch more of the morning sun. Like me, it’s an early riser, but one that will deliver even more as the day grows long—or with just a few more years in bottle. This is a beautifully balanced expression with plenty to offer now and even more to come with time.
2023 Domaine Yann Chave "Le Rouvre" Crozes-Hermitage Rouge
Review Date: 08-17-2026
I adore this wine. This is a much deeper and more profound expression of Crozes-Hermitage, with floral and herbal notes layered over deep, savory fruit. There is so much terroir on display here. It is never heavy or hedonistic, but it has tremendous presence and depth. I first tasted this from barrel in 2025 and again from bottle in 2026, and it has continued to impress me at every stage. This is a magnificent expression of Syrah that encapsulates just how good a great Crozes-Hermitage can be.
2023 Domaine Yann Chave St-Joseph
Review Date: 08-17-2026
The inaugural release of this wine. This is all fruit from Tournon, the heart and soul of deeper flavored St-Joseph wine where they are in good company with Jean-Louis Chave and Pierre Gonon. Sweet loamy fruit with savory spice. The classic bacon fat character looms in the background but should emerge more forward in a few years. Gorgeous potential!
2024 Domaine Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Rouge
Review Date: 08-17-2026
Perfumed and elegant. This is consummate Crozes. Great purity of Syrah fruit character showcasing the vibrant raspberry and and spice filled character of the region. Fine tannins and easily accessible in its youth.
2024 Domaine la Clef du Récit (Anthony Girard) Menetou-Salon
Review Date: 08-11-2026
Talking about Sancerre vigneron Anthony Girard of Clef du Récit is one of my favorite pastimes. We have been working directly with Anthony for nearly a decade now, and I have had the opportunity to visit him several times over the years. Every visit comes with a sense of adventure and usually a hint of mischief. We have taken off-the-beaten-path journeys through the forest to pick flowers for his daughter’s school project and visited his brother’s goat farm to watch the goats being prepared for chèvre season. I sometimes refer to Anthony as the king of the side quest.
That same curiosity has led him beyond Sancerre to explore some of the Loire’s neighboring appellations, including Quincy and nearby Menetou-Salon. His Menetou-Salon is 100% Sauvignon Blanc and is handled much like his regular Sancerre, fermented and raised entirely in tank to preserve freshness and purity.
The difference is in the terroir. The fruit comes primarily from Terres Blanches, the clay-limestone soils that tend to give Sauvignon Blanc more weight, texture and richness. You can see that character on full display here. Candied lemon peel and white peach are layered with wild thyme and a streak of salinity. It is inviting and fresh, but with a little more depth and richness than you might expect.
Every journey with Anthony seems to turn into a new adventure, and his Menetou-Salon is definitely a side quest worth taking.
2022 Château du Perry Malbec Cahors
Review Date: 08-10-2026
It has been a couple of years since we first offered the 2022 Château du Perry, and it proved every bit as popular as the 2020 that preceded it. We sold through our original allocation, but recently had the opportunity to secure another small parcel of the 2022 vintage—and we were more than happy to bring it back.
One look in the glass and you understand why Cahors was historically known for its “black wine.” Deep, dark and nearly opaque, it stains the glass and immediately hints at the concentration to come. The 2022 is a touch bigger than the 2020, with sumptuous flavors of black raspberry and currant layered with grilled meat and savory spices. It practically erupts from the glass.
What we loved about this wine the first time around remains true today. It captures the depth and character that make Cahors distinctive, but in a style that is accessible, generous and ready to drink. This is a LOT of wine for under $15 and an easy recommendation for fans of Cabernet, Bordeaux and, of course, Argentine Malbec.
We were thrilled to get another shot at the 2022, especially at this price. Quantities are limited, and this may well be our last opportunity to feature this vintage.
2025 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rosé
Review Date: 08-10-2026
There is rosé, and then there is Bandol Rosé. Among the great estates of the appellation—a group that includes Tempier and Pibarnon—Terrebrune keeps the very best company. Mourvèdre dominates here, setting Bandol apart from greater Provence, where Grenache and Cinsault tend to drive the blends. It is what makes these wines so distinctive. Mourvèdre can produce rich, full-bodied and deeply structured reds, but as a rosé, it takes on an almost ephemeral quality. It is elegant yet textured, intense yet nuanced and graceful.
The new vintage of Terrebrune is one of the best rosés of the season. That may sound like hyperbole, especially when you’ve heard me talk about favorites like Pradeaux and Domaine du Bagnol Cassis Rosé, but this ranks right alongside them.
It captures everything I look for in great Bandol Rosé. Expressive notes of ruby red grapefruit and wild strawberry are accented by more subtle tones of wet stone, anise and bay leaf. Fuller-bodied but never heavy, it carries remarkable freshness and a bright, vibrant finish.
Bandol Rosé as a category transcends what we typically think of as Provence rosé, and Terrebrune is proof in the glass. This is superb to drink now, but it has the structure and depth to continue developing beautifully for several years to come.
2025 Domaine Jacourette Côtes de Provence Cru Sainte-Victoire Rosé
Review Date: 07-27-2026
The Jacourette vineyards sit beneath the shadow of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the limestone massif that has watched over this corner of Provence since long before Cézanne made it famous on canvas. Over millennia, the mountain's limestone has eroded, forming the surrounding clay soils, laying down the calcareous foundation that gives these wines their signature minerality.
We've been working with vigneronne Hélène Dragon since her 2013 vintage, and in that time her style has only sharpened — each vintage leaning further into purity and precision. Her base cuvée has always been a great success for us, a bright and reliable expression of Provençal rosé. But this year, with Sainte-Victoire's elevation to Cru status, we've decided to shift our focus entirely to her top cuvée: select parcels within the Sainte-Victoire Cru, carved out from the lower-yielding vineyards directly beneath the mountain.
We couldn't be more thrilled with this decision. For just a few dollars more, this wine offers so much more — riper fruit and a richer, more layered palate: white strawberry, raspberry, grapefruit, and herbes de Provence, with a light fennel note that adds real dimension and sets it apart from lesser bottlings in the appellation. Depth, length, and gorgeous minerality make this a genuinely harmonious glass.
This is Provençal rosé built for the table — think roasted vegetables in olive oil, tuna niçoise, brandade on toasted bread, grilled sardines, even lamb chops. Jacourette remains one of our favorite producers working in the region today.
Price:
$19.99
2022 Alpha Estate "Ecosystem - Barba Yannis" Xinomavro Reserve Amyndeon Greece
Review Date: 07-24-2026
If Hedgehog Vineyard is Alpha Estate's most approachable expression of Xinomavro, "Barba Yannis" is the other end of the spectrum — the estate's most serious, structured, and age-worthy bottling of the grape. The difference starts in the vineyard: these vines were planted in 1919, making them over a century old, and that age shows in every aspect of the wine. Old vines like these naturally yield less fruit, but what they do produce carries a depth and concentration that younger plantings simply can't replicate.
Where Hedgehog shows Xinomavro's lifted, Valtellina-like grace, Barba Yannis leans into something denser and more brooding — dried cherry and dried rose give way to tobacco leaf, dried fig, and a savory, almost meaty undertone. The tannins here are firmer and more assertive than in Hedgehog, built for extended aging rather than immediate pleasure, though they never feel harsh or unresolved. There's a real sense of gravity to this wine that speaks to both the vine age and the reserve-level attention it receives in the cellar.
This is a wine to set aside for a few years, or to open now alongside something equally substantial — braised short rib, aged sheep's milk cheese, or a rich lamb stew. If Hedgehog is where I'd send someone new to Xinomavro, Barba Yannis is where I'd send them once they're ready to see how far the grape can go.
2025 Hatzidakis "Familia" Assyrtiko Santorini Greece
Review Date: 07-24-2026
"Familia" draws from a selection of the estate's own family-owned parcels, some of the oldest and most prized sites they farm, planted in the classic kouloura basket-trained vines that protect the fruit from Santorini's relentless wind and sun. The result is a wine of extraordinary precision showing white peach, preserved lemon, crushed oyster shell, a whisper of fennel. This is all wrapped around that signature volcanic minerality that just seems to keep going on the finish.
This is a serious, cellar-worthy Assyrtiko, and one of the most complete expressions of the grape I've tasted this year. Drink it now alongside grilled octopus or a rich seafood risotto, or tuck a bottle away — it has the structure to reward five, even ten years in the cellar.
Price:
$94.99
2016 Domaine Economou Assyrtiko Crete Greece
Review Date: 07-24-2026
The 2016 Assyrtiko, aged semi-oxidatively like the Odyssey, carries real tension — underlying acidity and minerality that unfurl as it opens. Lime peel, toasted almonds, and pineapple rind emerge with air. This is not a wine to rush.
Price:
$74.99
2024 Domaine Pauline Pabiot "Le Coteau" Pouilly-Fume
Review Date: 07-21-2026
I had the chance to visit Pauline Pabiot a few years ago at her property in Tracy-sur-Loire, one of the villages in the Pouilly-Fumé appellation. I'd already tasted the wines beforehand, so I pretty much knew we'd end up working together — but it was her charm and the direction she was taking the winery that really sealed the deal.
Young and determined, she took over the estate from her grandfather, Roger Pabiot. She's now the fifth generation running the place, and she's converted it to organic farming, even keeping the old Chasselas vines around to make a tiny, very limited batch of Pouilly-sur-Loire.
We wandered through her vines together, exploring the appellation. Back at the winery, she pulled out all these fossils that had turned up in the vineyards over the years — pretty cool stuff. The soils around Pouilly-Fumé are known for lots of silex (flint), but the "Coteau" is actually planted over sandy-clay and clay-limestone, which gives those wines a brighter, more lifted freshness.
One of my tasting notes for the 2024 just said, "YUM!" And honestly, that about sums it up. It's packed with lemon verbena, fresh nectarine, and honeydew melon, with a light chalky minerality that balances the fruit and that signature refreshing acidity. It's just a really pleasing wine — full of all the charm I've come to expect from Pauline.
Price:
$24.99
2024 Alpha Estate "Ecosystem - Aghia Kiriaki" Assyrtiko Florina Greece
Review Date: 07-16-2026
Another great example of mainland Assyrtiko comes from another great modern producer – Alpha Estate. Located in the highlands of Amyndeon, they are most famous for their Xinomavro and Malagouzia wines. But they are making great Assyrtiko as well. Here you have the grape planted in high altitude soils but over sandy-clay and limestone. There is a more unctuous character here that recalls the wines of Santorini with its body but the fruit profile leans more into the tropical. Pineapple, lemon curd and note of passion fruit and a lovely wet stone quality that makes this a comfortable pairing with cheeses, poultry and grilled pork.
2025 Skouras "Wild Ferment" Assyrtiko Péloponnèse Greece
Review Date: 07-16-2026
Skouras, one of the great producers in the Peloponnese, began experimenting with the grape nearly two decades ago. Planting it in the region of Nemea, known for its high altitude vineyards and iron-rich red clay soils, their version has really taken off.
The new 2025 Skouras Assyrtiko begins with that crunchy mineral character not dissimilar to the ones you find on Santorini, but there is a lifted brighter quality here. Where the ones from Santorini are more glycerol, this has a vibrancy that makes me lean into green apples, fresh squeezed lemons and light nectarine notes. The sensation of minerality finishes though and a plate of oysters is one of the first things that springs to mind. There is much to love with this aperitif style, great as a starter of course or with any grilled fish or shellfish plucked from the nearby Mediterranean.
2023 Oenos Mittas Xinomavro Naoussa Greece
Review Date: 07-16-2026
I've visited Oenos Mittas a couple of times over the years. Naoussa is famous above all for its limestone soils, but this particular parcel is actually planted on schist — a distinction that sets it apart from much of its neighboring vineyard land, and one that shows in the wine's precision and lift. It's also hard not to love the origin story here: Yianni (Johnny) Mittas converted his family's old bicycle shop into a makeshift winery to get this project off the ground, a scrappy, hands-on beginning for what's become one of the region's most exciting young labels.
The wine itself shows the grape in a youthful, vibrant state — bright red fruit, dried oregano, and that telltale savory, almost balsamic edge that makes Xinomavro so distinctive. The tannins are firm but not aggressive, and there's real energy running through the wine from start to finish, likely no small thanks to that schist soil underneath. A great entry point if you're new to Naoussa Xinomavro, and an excellent pairing for grilled sausages, moussaka, or anything with a good char on it.
Price:
$29.99
2021 Domaine Tatsis "Xiropotamos" Xinomavro Blanc de Noir Macedonia Greece (Natural Wine)
Review Date: 07-16-2026
This one is a bit of an oddity, and that's exactly why it's worth including. Tatsis, one of Macedonia's most respected natural winemakers, takes Xinomavro — the great red grape of the north — and vinifies it as a white, pressing the grapes off their skins immediately to avoid any color extraction.
The result is a fascinating, slightly savory white with red berry undertones, wild herbs, and a chalky, textured finish that hints at its red-grape origins without ever tasting like a red. Made with native yeasts and minimal sulfur, it's a wine for the curious drinker — try it with charcuterie, mushroom dishes, or anything with a bit of umami depth.
Price:
$19.99
2024 Moinoterra Moscato Spinas Archanes Crete Greece
Review Date: 07-16-2026
I visited Moinoterra and met Nikos Stathoglou, whose story is one of the more remarkable ones I've come across in Greek wine. Nikos founded the winery in 2022 at the age of 52, with no meaningful background in the industry — a second career built entirely from passion and conviction. It's the kind of leap that makes you root for a producer before you've even tasted the wine.
Fortunately, the wine backs it up. Moscato Spinas is a genuine rarity — this indigenous Cretan variant of Muscat is planted almost nowhere else. Don't mistake this for the sweet Moscatos you may be picturing: it's bone dry, aromatic, and intensely floral, with notes of orange blossom, ripe apricot, and a touch of candied ginger, finishing crisp and long. A fantastic conversation-starter bottle, and a beautiful match for spiced dishes or anything with a bit of citrus zest.
Price:
$22.99
2024 Douloufakis "Aspros Lagos" Vidiano Crete Greece
Review Date: 07-16-2026
Douloufakis is one of the standard-bearers for quality winemaking on Crete, and Vidiano is a grape I think more people should know. I visited the estate years ago and had the chance to do a vertical tasting of his regular Vidiano bottling — half a dozen vintages side by side — and the evolution of the grape in bottle was astounding. It's another one of my top picks for varieties to watch.
"Aspros Lagos" — White Hare — is the bigger, barrel-aged expression, and it shows. Sourced from vineyards in the Dafnes region at elevation, where cooler nights help preserve the grape's natural acidity, this version is succulent and full, with real weight and a lovely waxy texture that never loses its freshness — apricot, honeysuckle, and a faint nuttiness that gives it real complexity for the price. A wine built for the table: think roast pork, creamy risottos, or aged Cretan cheeses.
2024 Sclavos "Vino di Sasso" Robola of Cephalonia Greece
Review Date: 07-16-2026
I visited Sclavos this past year and it was one of the highlights of my trip to Greece. The island of Cephalonia is a monstrous limestone monolith emerging from the Ionian sea. The fractured limestone that makes up the slopes of the vineyards is dramatic, and you always wonder why anyone would go to the trouble to try to grow anything on these treacherous hills. Thankfully they do, and it is this limestone soil that informs all of the wines of the region — but particularly the Vino di Sasso, which translates to "wine from stone."
Made from Robola, it is a vibrant, mineral-driven white. Succulent, racy and dry, this is definitely one of the grapes that will challenge Assyrtiko for top dog once more wine drinkers become aware of it. Sclavos is one of the best producers on the island, so it's nice to drink something so special for such a reasonable price.
Price:
$25.99
2024 Iliana Malihin "Young Vines" Vidiano Rethymno Crete Greece
Review Date: 07-16-2026
Iliana Malihin is a name worth remembering — a young, meticulous producer working in Rethymno who's quickly building a reputation for precision and restraint.
Though these are young vines, there is nothing that is not great about this version of Vidiano. Succulent mineral notes with an oily but lifted texture. Vidiano is highest on my list of grapes to watch.
Sourced from parcels on Crete's rocky, mineral-rich soils, this bottling shows exactly why the grape is drawing so much attention right now — a wine that walks the line between richness and freshness with real precision. Pour it with grilled octopus, a simple plate of fried cheese, or anything off the grill with a squeeze of lemon.
Price:
$34.99
2024 Skouras "Salto" Moscofilero Péloponnèse Greece
Review Date: 07-16-2026
I have long been a fan of the wines of Skouras. One of my most iconic wine pairings was a bottle of Skouras Moscofilero and grilled fish plucked fresh from the Mediterranean. Of course it was on a sandy beach in Greece, with a warm breeze coming in off the harbor and gentle waves splashing at the sand. That was almost a decade ago, and I remember it like it was yesterday.
Since then, Skouras has pushed the Salto forward — also Moscofilero, but fermented entirely with native yeasts and sourced from a darker, more powerful clone called Mavrofilero. The beauty is definitely present, with notes of jasmine, makrut lime leaf, Meyer lemon and peach blossoms. The Salto is aromatically bold but also racy and dry on the palate. You may not need a beach setting to enjoy what this wine has to offer, but some grilled fish with a hearty squeeze of lemon and a glug of olive oil will at least split the difference. This is still one of my most transportive wines.
2025 Domaine Sigalas Assyrtiko Santorini Greece
Review Date: 07-15-2026
Like Helen of Troy, Sigalas is the wine that launched a thousand ships — mostly ships headed to Santorini. Sigalas remains one of the benchmark producers on the island, and the quality has always been superb. The 2025 vintage saw devastatingly low yields, but we were fortunate to secure a healthy allocation thanks to our long-standing relationship with the importer.
I recently featured Sigalas at a staff training, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. It's always been a favorite, but the 2025 showed impressively well. One note a colleague shared really resonated with me — the wine's texture was unlike anything he'd tasted before, with nothing quite to reference it against. I kept going back to it myself, and it caught my eye — or should I say palate — too. It has a glycerol texture that's somehow sharp and round all at once. Hard to put into words, but the sensation was incredible - like a distillation of the terroir.
This is a young Sigalas that will only benefit from time in bottle, but right now that gorgeous density is accompanied by flavors of roasted peach, watermelon rind, wet rock, watercress, apple jelly. So much happening already, and so much more still to come from this classic.
2024 Akra Chryssos Santorini Greece
Review Date: 07-15-2026
I had the great fortune to visit Santorini last year, and one of my favorite stops was with Spyros Chryssos. Spyros comes from one of the island's great grower families, supplying fruit for years to top producers including Hatzidakis. Only in the last few years has he begun vinifying his own grapes, and it's a revelation. I tasted a lineup that included one of his first vintages, 2018, and was blown away by how much the wine had gained in bottle — but all of his new releases showed real proof of concept. Spyros is someone to watch, and this is a producer worth seeking out.
His regular Santorini bottling comes only from his privately owned vineyards — many producers on the island rely on long-term contracts with other growers — and everything is farmed organically, with no chemical inputs. Handled entirely in stainless steel and aged on fine lees, this is a wine of real tension and nuance: citrus rind, roasted apple, crushed rock. It's everything I want from a Santorini white. Given its ageability, this is a keeper — stunning now, and it should be a true showstopper in just a few more years.
Price:
$85.00
2023 Akra Chryssos "Nykteri" Assyrtiko Santorini Greece
Review Date: 07-15-2026
Santorini produces a style of white called Nykteri, and its rules are looser than people assume — a minimum alcohol level and a later harvest, which nearly all Santorini wines meet anyway. The one rule with real teeth is a minimum three months in barrel. Traditionally that's led producers to over-age their Nykteris into nutty, oxidative territory.
Akra Chryssos goes the other way. This is as vibrant and lush as the category gets — sourced entirely from 100+ year old vines on one of the island's top sites, it delivers a real symphony: passion fruit, pineapple, dried pear, crème brûlée, lime leaf. Santorini's signature minerality carries the finish and melts seamlessly into toasty oak.
It may not show the typicity people expect from Assyrtiko, but this is next-level work — and worth holding a few more years before drinking with real pleasure.
Price:
$89.99
2023 Antech "Emotion" Extra Brut Rosé Crémant de Limoux
Review Date: 07-15-2026
Antech makes several exceptional cuvées, and while Eugénie remains one of our top sellers, Emotion is personally the one closest to my heart.
The Antech family has always been welcoming. We were working with them even before I took over buying their category, and they were one of the first producers to host me at their winery in Limoux. The region has actually been producing sparkling wine longer than Champagne—though Limoux didn't adopt secondary fermentation until much later. Before that, winemakers there used the Méthode Ancestrale, where fermentation finishes in the bottle, and the region became known for sweeter, brighter styles.
By the time we started working with Antech over twenty years ago, they had honed in on their bubbles and were huge champions of this rosé. For me, it went with everything—food-friendly, great on its own, and always appreciated at every party or event I brought it to for its expressive, classy profile.
This character-driven rosé still transcends its price point, delivering some of the best quality-to-price ratio of any sparkling wine—across all categories, not just rosé. White cherry, Red Delicious apple, and a touch of raspberry unfold on a slightly fuller-bodied frame, carrying through with delicious brioche notes and surprising length and presence on the palate. Since the winery lowered their dosage over the last couple of years, shifting toward Extra Brut styles, the wines have developed better tension while expressing more of the autolytic qualities I love in a great sparkling wine.
Simply put: there is no other non-Champagne rosé that offers this level of character at this price point.
2025 Château Les Valentines "Le Caprice de Clementine" Côtes de Provence Rosé
Review Date: 07-13-2026
I've been fortunate to know Gilles and Pascale Pons, the proprietors of Château les Valentines, for well over a decade. From the very beginning, I was drawn to the purity and restraint of their wines. Their estate lies in La Londe-les-Maures, on the Mediterranean side of the Côtes de Provence, where schist soils produce rosés with remarkable tension and minerality. Just a few miles from the sea, the vineyards benefit from cooling maritime breezes that impart a subtle saline edge, while the family's commitment to certified organic farming allows this exceptional terroir to speak with even greater clarity.
The first wine they ever poured for me was Caprice des Clémentines. Named after their then-young daughter—now in her mid-twenties—it was conceived as an introduction to the estate's style, blending fruit from their own vineyards with carefully selected partner growers' parcels. It was an instant favorite with both our staff and customers. Over the past few vintages, however, the wine has become entirely estate grown, and the added precision and character are unmistakable.
When Gilles and Pascale parted ways with their national importer, I asked if they would consider joining our Direct Import program. Fortunately, they said yes, and for the past several years Château les Valentines has become a new cornerstone of our Provence portfolio. They embody exactly what we look for: a family-owned estate farming responsibly, producing wines that clearly express their place, and delivering exceptional value vintage after vintage.
The new Caprice is an even blend of Grenache and Cinsault, bursting with notes of wild strawberry, papaya, nectarine, and wet stone. The balance is what keeps me coming back. Bright acidity, a gentle mineral streak, and an effortless freshness make it a wine that shines at the table. During my recent visit to the estate, I enjoyed it with several meals, but my favorite moment came before dinner at Gilles and Pascale's home. A simple platter of crudités, a few friends gathered on the patio, and a chilled bottle of Caprice were all it took to remind me why this wine has remained one of my perennial Provence favorites.
Price:
$18.99
2025 Domaine la Chapelle Saint Victor Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé
Review Date: 07-13-2026
Colombe and La Chapelle Saint Victor often arrive in tandem and Chapelle has always been the more terroir-driven sibling. Where La Colombe emphasizes fruit, Chapelle leans into precision and minerality. Crisp Red Delicious apple, citrus zest, and subtle wild herbs are framed by a streak of limestone-driven freshness that carries through the finish. There's an understated complexity here that makes it equally enjoyable on its own or alongside food. Pair it with grilled seafood, Niçoise salad, or simply a warm evening outdoors, and it's easy to understand why this has become one of the defining wines of our Provence program.
Price:
$14.99
2025 Domaine la Colombe Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé
Review Date: 07-13-2026
Rosé season never quite feels official until La Colombe hits our shelves. Bright, expressive, and endlessly drinkable, the 2025 delivers everything we've come to expect from one of our most popular Direct Imports. Juicy white peach, ripe strawberry, and fresh watermelon lead the way, while a burst of citrus keeps everything lively and refreshing. There's a beautiful balance between generous fruit and crisp acidity that makes often makes this the first bottle to disappear from the table a little too quickly. Whether you're headed to the beach, firing up the grill, or simply looking for the perfect porch wine, La Colombe continues to set the standard for everyday Provence rosé.
Price:
$13.99
2023 Domaine Fournier Pére et Fils "Les Belles Vignes" Sancerre
Review Date: 07-13-2026
Domaine Fournier has built its reputation on producing some of Sancerre's finest site-specific, soil-driven wines, with Les Belles Vignes serving as the flagship expression of the appellation. Like all white Sancerre, it is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, but what makes this bottling so compelling is that it blends fruit from Sancerre's three great soil types: Terres Blanches (Kimmeridgian marl), Caillottes (Oxfordian limestone), and Silex (flint). The domaine has earned consistent critical acclaim over the years, and the 2023 vintage was recognized as one of the top Sauvignon Blancs at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
The 2023 is a beautiful introduction to Fournier's style, capturing the character of each terroir in a seamless whole. The Terres Blanches contributes richness, texture, and structure, with flavors of ruby red grapefruit and kumquat. The Caillottes lifts the wine with freshness and vibrant acidity, adding hints of passion fruit and a subtle tropical edge. Finally, the Silex delivers the signature flinty minerality and a delicate smoky note reminiscent of struck flint. Individually, each soil brings something distinctive, but together they create a Sancerre that is wonderfully balanced, layered, and complete.
As the importer prepares to transition to the new vintage, they offered us an exceptional opportunity on the remaining 2023 vintage. Normally retailing around $40, we're able to offer this outstanding Sancerre at a throwback price of just $29.99. Finding this level of quality at under $30 has become increasingly rare, especially in today's Sancerre market. Whether you're already a fan of the appellation or simply looking for one of the best Sauvignon Blanc values of the summer, this is a bottle worth stocking up on before it disappears.
2025 Domaine Fournier Pére et Fils "Les Belles Vignes" Sancerre
Review Date: 07-08-2026
Domaine Fournier, known for its signature site-specific and soil-driven Sancerres, has afforded us the opportunity to feature its flagship cuvée, Les Belles Vignes, in this month's club. Like all white Sancerre, it is 100% Sauvignon Blanc, but what makes this wine special is that it represents an alliance of the appellation's three great soil types: Terres Blanches (Kimmeridgian marl), Caillottes (Oxfordian limestone), and Silex (flint).
Each terroir contributes something unique. Terres Blanches provides weight and structure, Caillottes brings freshness and vibrant fruit, while Silex adds minerality and a subtle savory character. When these three elements come together, the result is often greater than the sum of its parts—a wine that captures the complete expression of Sancerre rather than the personality of a single site.
The result is a wonderfully balanced Sauvignon Blanc with bright aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, white peach, and fresh herbs layered over a chalky, flinty backbone that keeps the wine focused and energetic. There is both precision and depth here, with each soil lending its own distinctive voice to the final blend.
This is the style that has made Sancerre one of the world's great white wines. Whether paired with freshly shucked oysters, grilled sea bass, roast chicken, or a classic Loire goat cheese, this wine will shine at the table.